Countdown To The Big 4

Only a few more days of being three and Miss E can't wait. She knows that her birthday is coming up, but she doesn't know exactly when it is and we ain't talkin'. We have learned the hard way that it's best to leave Miss E in the dark when it comes to events, trips or visits - she just gets to excited and then all hell breaks loose! Easier on us, and her, to just keep things under our hats until the day of the event, etc. It is hard to believe that our baby is going to be 4!

Baby Q 12 weeks

Mama's At It Again

Hey, what can I say... If Miss E is willing I'm gonna take advantage. Today was a nice day with a happy girl, gotta get that on film! Baby Q wasn't too excited about having his picture done, hence the blank stares. Can't win 'em all! The one posted above just cracked me up, so I had to share it with ya!

Miss E wanted to take some pictures after I had photographed them and she got this one of me and Baby Q... she's actually taking her time and making sure that we are in the frame. I didn't do a thing to this one, it's all E.

Sportin' The Retro Look

Baby Q was able to wear one of his Uncle Scott's baby outfits... circa 1978-79. Do the yellow duckies give away the era, or could it be the blue polyester? Either way, Q wore it well - I think he's pretty dang cute!

Would You Hire This Painter?

We surely would! Ain't she cute with her painting outfit and her backwards train conductors hat? She was having fun painting (for about 15 minutes) and got mad at me for taking her picture... she was busy! Or so she said!!

Miss E Dubs Thee...

LUKEY! Whether you like it or not!

E has been calling her cousin Lukey the last few times she's seen him and it seems she's sticking with that nickname. I have to admit it's pretty cute and will probably stick with us too!

Don't Call The Cops!

We put him to sleep on his tummy! It's a crime, we know... but he really, really likes to sleep this way. We found out that he had this preference out of pure desperation. He needed sleep and wouldn't quit crying so we put him on his belly just to see what would happen. Well, what happened is he slept for about 5 hours! Breaking the law has its advantages sometimes, doesn't it?

Q At 2 Months

Look at these smiles... Can you believe that just a few hours before he had 5 injections and 1 oral dose for his first round of immunizations? This kid cried for about 30 seconds then he was back to cooing and grinning at me. I was sure that he would cry and cry and then be a feverish grump all day - the total opposite of his sister (I'm sure that won't be the last time that phrase is uttered)! He weighed in at 13 pounds, 8 ounces and is 23 inches long; growing like a weed!

The Inginuity Of Miss E

Don't ask me how she came up with this, but she did. Her horses needed saddles, now they have 'em. Don't they look comfy?

There's A Dim Light...

at the end of this tunnel! I took these photos a couple of days ago, thankfully we are past this point now!The first layer of stucco has been applied to the exterior walls and the drywall has been hung and mudded (crazy side note: Did you know that the city had to come and inspect the drywall to check that enough nails were used to hang it?). By Monday the stucco will be finished and the drywall will be textured! Then the fun of cleaning drywall dust off of pretty much everything in our house begins. I joke, but it will be so nice to have this room finished, We can't wait!

Floater

No, it's not that kind of floater! Baby Q had his first bath in the bath tub with his big sister. The kitchen sink has been a hit, but on this day it was easier to give 'em both a bath at the same time. While rinsing Q off we discovered that he rather liked floating in the warm water. This photo isn't the best, he really was enjoying himself though!

Look At These Two

Last week we had a couple of pretty hot days. On this particular day Pest and Ellie had some fun shootin' chickens on their new Wii game after taking a dip in the pool!

Baby Q 6 weeks

A Tasty Chocolate Chip Cookie

For you to try...

Why you ask? Because they are awesome! Very tasty and nice and chewy - they're perfect! Miss E and I whipped up a batch of these this afternoon. E has become quite adept at using the mixer and at scrapping down the sides of the bowl. She is also a true professional when it comes to taste testing the finished product as well as each ingredient along the way - shortening anyone? She says it's yummy... strange girl!

House Chocolate Chip Cookie (click the link if you want the original, this is what we did):

1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup unsalted butter, cool room temperature
1/3 cup butter flavored Crisco
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 teaspoon Mexican-style or regular vanilla extract
1 1/3 cups semi-sweet chocolate
1/3 cup chopped toasted walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line two cookie sheets with parchment.
Stir flour, baking soda and salt together in a medium bowl; set aside.
Cream butter, shortening and both sugars in a large mixing bowl using high speed of an electric mixer; scrape sides of bowl, reduce speed to low and mix in egg and vanilla – mixing only until egg is blended in. Add flour mixture and stir until incorporated. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts.
Drop cookies by rounded teaspoonfuls onto prepared baking sheets. Bake one sheet at a time on center rack for 12 minutes or until golden around edges and set. Transfer to a rack to cool. 24 cookies

Lots Of Pretend Fun!

Thought I'd share some of Miss E's creativity. She set up this picnic/tea party in the backyard yesterday. When I came outside to check on her she invited me to her party. As I took my seat she told me about her other 'guests' - Sparkle-ia and Flower-ia were seated to either side of me and were enjoying their turkey and french fries. Miss E also let me know that she had invited the two dove that were eating at the nearby bird feeder. She is the hostess with the most-est... even had some dirt ice cream ready and waiting for dessert.

Miss E & The Babies

Here are a couple pics of the Graham cousins/grandbabies... Miss E had her hands full!

Mother's Day 2009

Just a photo from Sunday... me and my two babes!

This Is What Happens When You Have A Big Sister

Big sisters love to dress up their baby brothers... I'd say ask mine, but he wouldn't remember. Mom has photo proof though; I'll have to find and post a photo!

Baby Q 5 Weeks

Five weeks old today... It has flown by, but at the same time it feels like it's been five months!