berry strata

When Eric and I met one of the first things he talked about was his mom. He told me so much about her, but one thing he stressed before meeting her was that she appreciated a woman that can take care of her man. At that point in time I had no idea what that really meant, I was still trying to figure out my own little world let alone take care of a man (???). I didn't cook (besides mac n' cheese), I hated cleaning (still do), hated kids (whoops he's got 'em), and all I really knew was that the world was a big place that I was still taking step by step.

Fast forward a couple months. Eric's mom is helping me bake my first real desert in the kitchen, a green apple bread pudding. I was scared outta my mind! She was making me peel apples with a knife...huh? And can you say intimidating? It went great though....we had fun and I learned a little about baking, and most importantly my bread pudding turned out wonderful. But Jesus, I will remember that for the rest of my life. I am certain that I probably had to throw back a cocktail to calm the nerves after that 'lesson'. :)

Well, anyways, here I am today cooking now for about 9 months. Still not an avid baker (it is a science that I'm yet to understand), but I do throw together a desert once in awhile. This weekend I made a raspberry strata, similar to a bread pudding hence the trip down memory lane. But she turned out beautiful and I definitely will be making this again...it would be perfect to make the night before and pop into the oven for breakfast with a cup of coffee. Enjoy!

we have lift off

Despite all my best efforts to keep my baby from growing up, it has happened...the dreaded first steps! And not only is she taking steps on her own, but she has had one busy week of firsts: calling her fav dolly Baby!, waving hi and bye, blowing kisses, even flushing the toilet!

No wonder she hasn't been going 'numero dos'...she's been too busy learning.

I am blaming these new moves on Grandma Glenna, who thought it would be cute to hold her hand and have her 'walk' down the driveway. Now we all know I haven't been practicing this walking thing with her on purpose...not for another 7 months! :) Well she had a small taste of sweet freedom (from crawling at least) and that was it.

But darn it she's cute balancing and wobbling, then congratulating herself with a clap clap clap. Oh stupid growing up.

This might taste better if I was standing...

Yep! Now let's take a step.

talkin poo

There is nothing that stresses me out more than when my kid doesn't poop regularly. I remember calling her pediatrician's office like 4 or 5 times in one day just to talk "poo". I hope it's just because of all the protein she's been eating, but dang, when she holds it in for almost a week I get really worried.

Then there's Bridget, Soph's grandma, now she LOVES a poopin' baby. I don't think there is anything she loves more than a good suppository either. And let me tell you, those things are nasty. Supposedly they should be inserted and held there until something happens...but between a squirming baby and the slickness of that little plug it just gets eaten up by their butthole. Then you have that to worry about, because it's not supposed to just go in! Oh don't fret though, you'll see it later.

But I will have to agree with Bridget, no mom should go without suppositories in their arsenal of baby supplies. While absolutely awful to use they do get the job done when boat loads of prunes don't seem to cut it.

Before....

AFTER!!

on the move

I am not ready for my little Sophie Mae to walk. To be entirely honest, I don't see what all the hub bub is about. It's the first of about one million steps of them growing out of being your little baby.** I don't like it one bit, and if I have anything to do with it she won't be be walking until she's at least a year and a half old.

She is, however, walking along the couches, crawling around the house like a little beetle and standing...just standing for several 10s of seconds. And that's where we shall keep it for another 8 months or so... :) I'm going to miss that crawl too! The way she wiggles her little butt in the air, oh it's pure love!

She was still mastering the art of the stair...

** In my mind she's going to start walking today then poof! before I know it she will be in high school and having sex. Ugh. Therefore walking = sex. Miss Murphy there shall be NO walking in this house for quite some time!

boobies boobies boobies

I have a confession. I am literally planning on breastfeeding/pumping until Soph is in college. I count my lucky stars everyday (as I am shoveling in a pan of brownies) that I have been able to eat everything in sight and still lose weight. Its no less than a freaking miracle! I swear that my metabolism- thru the aid of nursing- has been blessed by Jesus above.

But I am fully aware of how creepy it is. And it seems to be heading more and more in that direction with each passing day. I saw a clip from a day time talk show where a mother was nursing her 6 year old and it was no less than f'in disturbing. To quote the daughter: "it's the best thing in the world, better than mangoes even."

.better than mangoes.wow.

Well, either way, Hi Maury Povich my name is Lexee...how are you doing and where do I sit for this interview?

But I think it might be better because I know it's weird. Is it weird that Soph crawls up to me and yanks down my shirt and latches on? Yes. It's also just as strange that she is trying desperately to do it now while I'm on the computer. Hmmmm... I might be forming a junkie. She's not hungry right now, she merely wants a booby.

Well then, I guess you better just watch out for the milk marked "special" in the fridge when you come to visit. And I hope that Soph doesn't try to trade cold lunch at school with a friend, cuz momma likes not having to diet or work out daily!

my future wish

I am so excited for when Soph is old enough to sit at the table and create paintings and drawings of her own. I really don't think there's anything more "homey" than a fridge covered with your child's most recent artwork.

Awhile back Eric and I heard about an artist who took your child's art and actually turned it into jewelry. We thought it was such a brilliant idea I had my sweet little cousin draw a picture for her mom and I had it turned into a sterling silver pendant; it turned out absolutely perfect. Lee Skalkos with Totally Out Of Hand also uses copper to create key chains, pins, earrings, and cuff links. This a perfect gift to give to anyone with little ones!

let's paint

Growing up I always remember having so many rules. Rules about being clean and organized and quiet.... Yesterday Soph and I said forget that! We blasted some tunes and got dirty with beautiful artwork!

Now who doesn't love to get a little messy now and then? We pulled out all the stops: glitter paint, a giant ink pad, and of course the washable finger paints. I only hope that she's more artistic than I've ever been. You could say that I was more of a "book smart" type of kid- anything dealing with artistic ability (or musical ability or even common sense for that matter) sorta passed me by the wayside. But I would like to consider myself a work in progress. :)

Our gorgeous artist at work.

Oops! Messy hands on the carpet!

And our masterpieces...the bottom one was painted entirely by the skilled hand of the Sopha Mae.

marvelous change

You always hear about how becoming a parent changes your life (obviously) but no one ever really tells you how much and in what aspects. There is absolutely no doubt that it changes for the better and while Saturday night dates or going out with friends are replaced with Saturday nights in trying out new recipes in the kitchen, the adjustments are done with surprising ease. But I'd be lying if I didn't admit that, yeah I do get jealous at times of my friends or even Eric being able to grab a drink whenever they please (or to even leave the house for that matter).

But the miraculous part about your quick transition is the fact that it's studded with so many new and beautiful firsts. How can you be envious of your past life when you have actually formed all new favorite things? Favorite sound- her giggle, Favorite spot in the house- still bed, but with a sleeping baby by my side, Favorite smell- her stinky feet, Favorite moment- watching her explore, discover and learn before my own eyes.

In your "previous life" you have the freedom of spontaneity, now leaving the house entails a list of: have you bathed, eaten, napped, where's your diaper bag, stroller, snacks... But I promise all the hassle, all the change, all the sacrifices are worth it.

I'm also aware that it's not always going to be as wonderful as it is now; as she gets older and begins making her own choices it will be a little harder to see the beauty in every moment. But I think its then when you have to hold onto that love and know that they are your child. That through better or worse that bond can never be broken.

Until then, I will continue to enjoy the simple beauty of agonizing over nap times and poopy diapers.

mmmm....meat.....

While you're pregnant or planning on having children you always set about one million parenting goals; one of my biggies was that my kid would be a good eater. I had read countless articles about how to introduce new foods into your child's diet or how to avoid the mishaps of picky eaters. I really didn't want one of those fussy kids who only ate 3 types of food or who only ate their mexican if it was wrapped specifically in a Taco Time wrapper.***

As luck would have it, we have not had to deal with any of these eating issues. Sophie loves to eat....everything! (including dog food, qtips, poo, markers, cell phones....) She does enjoy a good booby, but to our pleasant surprise her new favorite is MEAT. That kid will choose to eat her chicken or pork before she dives into anything else. Plus her list of "yummy yum-yums" goes on and on. She eats a wider variety of food than I even do at times- she's incredible!

The only thing she has ever had reservations about has been applesauce (I know weird huh). She would reluctantly open her mouth with each bite, shoulders heaving as though she could barf at any moment. God she's a great kid!


***Oh...we love our numero uno picky eater Joey!!! Eric's beautiful sis Temple would actually go to Taco Time specifically for the burrito wrappers to wrap Joey's food in so he would eat.

This picture cracks me up and sums up brilliant little Joe to a tee. Bridget had the cooks at Epi's serve Joey actual Taco Time instead of their 5 star traditional Basque cuisine. Pshhh...like he would ever dream of eating Basque food.... we love you Joe!

chunk monster

So, according to the pediatrician's weight charts Sophie is hitting the 95th percentile. Nice work eh? I apparently like to grow 'em big!

Oh and let me tell you, her chunk thighs tell the tale (thank you kind genetics and the Anderson thunder thighs-sorry Soph). Yeah she's not even a year old and she already wears 18 month clothes....so what, she's a fantastic eater! And nothing feels more sturdy than hugging a stout baby! It's almost like wrapping your arms around a killer pot roast. Or so I would imagine.

But dang it she's a beaut! It's just a little more difficult to toss her in the air than it used to. :)

fashion forward

One of the best parts about having a girl is dressing them up in the sweetest little outfits. Sophie is so much fun to shop for and she has been so blessed to have such a wonderful family that keeps her "baby fashion friendly" at all times. Her closet is full with the most adorable dresses, onesies, capris, skirts.... But it's some of her more unique items that I wanted to share.

Baby Gap fur boots! Please is there anything cuter than these?

Christmas Rocks! How could you go wrong pairing a Santa hat with a black skull onesie?

Mom makes me wear stupid hats...heres my Boo hat.

...and my bunny ears

...and my full blown bunny costume.

One of our personal favorites "I'm this many years old". My sis has found the most appalling (and fabulous!) onesies for Soph- please note that this is made by Hustler. This beauty hangs next to her Led Zeppelin and "I only cry when ugly people hold me" onesies. But just to point out my sis also bought the fur boots so no need to question her baby style sense...she's incredible! :)

sophie's first beat down

We have been so pleased with how well our animals have taken to Soph. They are extremely needy little creatures so we were concerned about their abilities to share us with a baby. Surprisingly they have been excellent! Lucy no longer tries to eat Soph's toys, and Katt has finally given up all hope that the little person will be taken back to wherever she came from.

We have had to work with Soph too, teaching her to "pat pat" instead of ripping handfuls of fur from our other children. For the most part she does a decent job at it....as long as she is being supervised.

But yesterday while doing the dishes a 'sopha pain scream' erupted from the living room. There she was with little drops of blood dripping down her face and Katt looking extremely satisfied. Oh don't worry Katt threw a beat down on our Sophie Mae. It was everything in me to not stick a "good-bye forever night night needle" into her pulsing vein. And that's coming from me.... Lets remember back when I was pregnant and thought there was no way I could love anything more than my Katt. I even took the issue up with a therapist!

Well...I guess it's good for Sophie to learn her boundaries. Nothing helps a kid learn better than pain right? Stupid putty.

Stunningly beautiful Miss Lucy

The evildoer Miss Putty (Katt)

we love talkin' food

So a huge part of my stay-at-home career has been learning my way around the kitchen. Now with the assistance from my friends Paula Deen, Ina Garten, Giada, Tyler Lawrence, Rachel Ray, etc... from the Food Network I actually cook for my family!

Honestly, I sort of promised myself that I wouldn't fry anything in the kitchen, not only because of the health issue, but because hot oil doesn't seem like something I should play with. But I was having a craving for fried chicken and I thought I'd take a run at it. Oh yes...victory was mine! I basically made up my own recipe for "Chicken fried chicken steak" and here she is:

2 chicken breasts (pounded flat)
batter:
1 cup flour
1/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs
3/4 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp oregano
1 1/2 tbsp rosemary
salt and pepper to liking
1 egg (beaten) and a touch of milk

- In a medium saucepan preheat 1/4 inch of oil over medium temp.
- Dip chicken into egg mixture then into flour mixture.
- Place in oil for 3 minutes per side, until browned.
Serve with country gravy

I will admit that I took a picture of my creation....but it didn't turn out too pretty. I still need to practice to get into the same realm as you guys- Bridget and Naphtali. :)

So instead I took a picture of Sophie "unloading" the dishwasher while I cooked.

a new 'do'

This weekend our pretty little lady got her first haircut and it turned out....well... a bit funky. But I realized that its not the haircut thats to blame...its her head. Her hair naturally wants to form an old man comb over, so trying to create bangs only made her look ridiculous. I have to give credit to my auntio (who cut her hair- and does mine too), she tried real hard to subdue our screaming Sophie-master and give her a nice little trim.

Well regardless of what happened the outcome was less than picture perfect (due to faulty genetics). But I still think its great- and I'm workin' with it! Eric is freaking out that she looks like a lesbian (not that there's anything wrong with that....) Hey if she grows up to enjoy a nice pair of cargo pants instead of a Coach bag that's cool with me. I will just readjust my future shopping plans. But now we can pinpoint when the "change" could have occurred! ;)

Eric thinks the back is too short (lesbian)- I say she's just a baby with short hair.

Here she is loving her hair cut experience.

mow day!

Garbage day is tomorrow which means Eric has his usual 5-10 Bud Light Limes and enjoys a couple hours mowing our lawn. I know its weird that he loves to mow, but he thinks it gives him a great reason to drink at home (like you need a reason...) This event is usually looked forward to, however, this year we have done a less than great job with the upkeep of our grass....so mow day is less than amazing. But today was a beautiful exception; Lucy wasn't the only one loving the smell of fresh cut grass and the sound of the mower...Sophie had a blast! Holy moly...she may may as well have died and gone to heaven. Forget the swimming pool...I gotta learn to mow!