Bitsy's 1st Christmas: Part 2

So this Christmas was also special because my brother-in-law & his wife hosted in Indiana.

Here is a recap of how the visit went down.

Most of us arrived the Saturday afternoon.

(basically all of us arrived except for Bud's Dad who was coming the next day)

Christmas Eve:

We opened presents and followed in Bud's family tradition of fondue on Christmas eve:

We went to a Christmas Eve Service at a neighboring church and took communion.

Bitsy fell asleep.

My favorite part was all the locals coming up to us and telling us that they didn't realize all of Uncle B's family was coming...they just knew that the baby was coming for sure!

Uncle B is obviously a very proud Uncle and that makes my heart melt!!!

Christmas Day:

My brother-in-law (Uncle B) is a pastor so for the first time I got to hear him preach in person as opposed to via podcast!

Bitsy, in usual Bitsy style, slept the entire sermon.

Like clockwork, though, she woke just in time to greet the congregation...

 and bring them a little Christmas joy!

After Church it was time for a quick lunch and then a drive to Indianapolis where we all had hotel rooms for the night.

We all went to dinner

Oma Dear & Opa L

 Uncle B & Aunt B

Uncle T & Uncle M

 and of course us!

After dinner the boys all went to pick up Grandpa M from the airport.

Once everyone was back at the hotel we made a trip down to the indoor pool.

It was Bitsy's first pool experience!

She really enjoyed the pool and I now know I have a water baby on my hands!

Yipee!

As much as she enjoyed it though it completely wore her out.

We headed up after about 20 minutes and she was out for the night!

Too much excitement I suppose.

The Day After Christmas:

We toured the city of Indianapolis.

Left to Right: Uncle M, Grandpa M, Uncle B, Aunt B
Oma Dear, Uncle T, Bitsy, Bud, & Biz

We toured this church...

 and the inside was stunning:

 look at this organ...it's massively impressive.

 And tell me who doesn't appreciate good stain glass like this:

...

We headed back to Uncle B & Aunt B's that evening.

The rest of the week was very laid back.

Lazy days staying indoors, especially after getting 2" of snow.

We just relished each others company and when the time came to head back home we felt rested and ready.

What makes a vacation perfect for you?

Is it where you go?

Who you are going to see?

What you are doing/eating while you are there?

Each vacation is different for us and what made this vacation perfect was that it was a real memory maker.

Bitsy's 1st Christmas.

I hope you all had a Blessed Saturday AND that you enjoy your New Years Eve celebrations!

Bitsy's 1st Christmas Part 1:

The best part about Christmas this year was getting together with Bud's family and introducing Bitsy to all of them!

Her Oma (Bud's Mom) who has been out to see her twice can't get enough!

Baby Girl was a little cranky...but in her defense it was almost bedtime when we shot this.

She got to see her Uncle B (Bud's brother) for the 2nd time.

And then there was the rest of the family that she was meeting for the FIRST time ever!

Her Uncle M (Bud's other brother)...she was so comfortable she fell asleep on him!

 There is something so sweet about how Bud's brothers handled her.

 Opa L (Bud's Step-Dad) calmed her by allowing her to watch tv while he held her.

**seriously the girl is addicted already!

 Aunt B (Bud's Sister-in-law..married to Uncle B)

Again...Bitsy was so relaxed she fell fast asleep in her arms.

 Uncle T (Bud's other brother...there are 3 total)

He had her grinning while making fun of her Buda belly!

 And Grandpa M (Bud's Dad)! 

She just sat and enjoyed all the attention.

The other great part about so many family members wanting to fawn over Baby Girl is that Mama gets a little break.  Daddy even changed the majority of the diapers while we were on our little vacation!

We tried to talk the Uncles into changing diapers, but they all declined.

Honestly, we thought they'd want to be able to tell her someday that they HAD changed her diaper...instead Uncle T said he'd rather be the cool Uncle who could tell her he NEVER changed her diaper.

Funny note about diapers and the Uncles though.  

One night we are all gathered around the table, post eating, just chatting...when Bitsy decided to fill her diaper.  If you've ever been around an infant than you'll know it has a tendency to sound like a manly fart when they fill their diapers.

Uncle T & Uncle M heard her and flipped out!

Uncle T thought it was Uncle M!

Once they realized it was her they couldn't get over it!

One another occasion where Uncle M was holding Bitsy she filled her diaper and he felt the shock wave that accompanies the large sound.  Let's just say he was thoroughly grossed out!

Bud & I laughed because when it's your kid...poo, boogers, and spit up are no longer as disgusting as they once were.

I'll be back soon to fill you in on more of our Christmas vacation!

I hope you all had a Blessed Thursday!

Baby Diaries #39

Has it seriously been 3 months already since my baby girl was born?

I look at this little bundle of joy and I think....how did you ever fit inside of me?

Her new stats are as follows:

Height: 25 inches (that's +1" from last month)

Weight: 16 lbs and 6 oz (that's up 2 lbs and 6 oz from last month)

In this last month Bitsy has changed even more than I imagined possible.

Not only is she chubbier and thus even cuter she's more animated!

She responds to us and interacts more than ever before.

Her ability to 'communicate' with us is growing rapidly.

I love that she smiles when we talk to her or make silly sounds, she coos and yells back.

Sometimes I think she talks just to hear herself and other times I think she even scares herself with her own voice!

She's a ham...meaning she takes after her Daddy!

We continued to co-sleep throughout this past month and the results were good.

Surprisingly, Bitsy knows that when we are all in bed and the lights are out...it's time to go to sleep.

She still stirs a little a few times throughout the night, but a short feeding and she's back to never never land.

Most mornings I wake before her.  Occasionally she will allow me to bring her downstairs and place her in her swing to continue sleeping while I get a few things done.  Other mornings she'll wake with BIG grin and we will tackle the world together!

Bitsy experienced her 1st road trip & Christmas (which I will post about separately).

"Not sure what I think about riding in the car this long". 

"Are we there yet"?

She decided sleeping most of the 6 hours we drove both
days would be the best way to pass the time.

She's also started the teething process.  I know some think it's too early, but I've been told that teething can start very early even if she doesn't break teeth for a few more months.

Speaking of breaking teeth makes me think about when she'll start solids.

At first I was dead set on waiting until she reached 6 months old, but after conversing with a few other Moms my theory has changed.  A friend of ours said her little one started at 5 months!  And with the way that Baby Girl is progressing I'm thinking that'll be the same story for us.  

For Christmas my Aunt bought us the Baby Bullet and I'm super excited about making all of Bitsy's food when her solid food endeavor begins.

Inside the recipe book is a page that lists indications that a child is ready to start on solids:

- Baby is at least 4 months old, but somewhere between 4 and 6 months

-Baby weighs at least 12-15 pounds and has doubled birth weight (check...well 2 oz away from check!)

-Baby can sit upright with support and has the ability to ''lean in'' for more food

-Baby can turn away to show that mealtime is over.

-Baby seems very interested in what you are eating (check)

-Baby seems consistently hungry after nursing or drinking a bottle (not necessarily, but she's is ALWAYS hungry!)

-Baby can swallow food vs. instinctively pushing it out with tongue.

-Baby can bring an object to his/her mouth (very close to accomplishing this feat)

It's obvious to me that we are well on our way!

As it would seem each month is bigger and better than the last and I hear myself saying how 'this stage' is my favorite.

I don't think there really is a favorite per se, but rather a compilation of amazing moments that make motherhood amazing!

I'll be back soon with updates from our trip and a new look for 2012!

I hope you all had a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Blessed & Merry Christmas

From our Family to Yours...

 Wishing you a Very Blessed & Merry Christmas!

And in case you need another reason to smile...

"Pssst.... Hey Mom, you'll never guess what I just did and Dad's gonna find out the hard way"
(photo caption courtesy of my father)

I hope you had a Blessed Sunday!

Bible Verse Friday #21

"[The Shepherds and Angels] That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep.  Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them.  They were terrified, but the angel reassured them.  "Don't be afraid!" he said.  "I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.  The Savior-yes, the Messiah, the Lord-has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!" ~Luke 2:8-11

Christmas [kris-muh's]
noun
1. the annual commemoration by Christians of the birth of Jesus Christ on Dec 25.

How do you define Christmas?
What does it mean to you and your family?
This weekend we will celebrate the birth of our Savior.
We will gather with family.
Enjoy wonderful foods.
Play games and share laughter.
Bitsy will meet more of her Uncles and Grandpas.
We will go to church and sing praises.
Reflecting on the fact that this holiday was made possible by our Savior.
Jesus Christ.
Son of God, born unto man to redeem us of our sins.
Know that Christ is the core of Christmas and that no matter how much the world is trying to remove the religious tones of this holiday it is ultimately up to us to reflect on the true meaning.
As you step into this weekend and reflect on what Christmas means for your family...I encourage you to take a moment and sing praise or pray a prayer of gratitude for the ultimate sacrifice and the best gift you won't find wrapped under the treat, but rather right inside your heart.

I pray that you all have a Blessed Friday!

Baby Smiles

It's been a little while since I did a Bitsy only post.

Yes, there will be one on the 27th about her 3 month mark, but I thought we could use a dose of baby smiles today.

Baby smiles make EVERYTHING okay.

Bitsy loves bath time.

I mean seriously loves it...she discovered splashing this particular night and surprised us and herself!

I love her chubby little legs.

Her chubby little arms.

Her chubby little legs.

She's so chubby and cute!!!

Look at those eyes...

She has so much to learn.

I see a personality developing.

I can picture the multitude of funny faces she'll make over her life.

If she is our child, which she is, facial expressions will be a form of communication!

She is awesome if I do say so myself!

Do you see that panda toy in my hand?

Bitsy has discovered that she LOVES it.

A week ago she didn't want anything to do with toys.

Then all of a sudden it all changed.

She woke up one morning and I used the panda to give her kisses and that was all she wrote.

She giggled and smiled and the rest is history!

Let's just say that if we need a cheese ball picture the panda will bring out the cheese!

You would have thought our awesome viking helmets could have done that...but alas it still took the love of a pink panda to get this smile caught on camera!

I'm blessed to get to experience this smile each and every day, making my work day so enjoyable!

On a separate note my Dad is back in town for a couple days.

Bud & Dad are at the wood shop now working on finishing THE table!

It'll be assembled tonight, but Bud & I will still have to stain it.

Tonight we are off to the Botanical Gardens tonight to see the Christmas lights and enjoy a dinner out!

I'll be back tomorrow with Bible Verse Friday, in the meantime, I hope you had a Blessed Thursday!

Bob Your Head #9

Can you believe that Christmas is Sunday?
This month has flown by.
What am I talking about, this year has flown by!

Well no matter how fast everything seems to be going this is a time when we need to slow down and remember the reason for the season.
There are some artists whose renditions of songs make them sound brand new.
In my opinion Josh Groban is one of those artists.
In this rendition of O Holy Night I am reminded that this is the time of year when we celebrate our Savior's birth.
I am reminded of the Son of God who was born in a manger to come and save all mankind.
Please sit back, press play, and take a moment to remember our savior, the reason for the season, and say a prayer of gratitude!


I hope you all have a Blessed Wendesday!

Boil & Shred...

...to get a step ahead.
This handy little tip will help you be one step ahead of the cooking curve this New Year.
It's a step that'll help you make wiser choices and help you save money.

Anytime I see the recipe that calls for shredded chicken..I cringe (or I used to until I discovered this tip).
I literally used to just put diced chicken or chicken tenders in lieu of shredded chicken OR I just wouldn't try the recipe.
Of course I can also admit I would just buy canned chicken...that's right...canned *cringing at embarrassment* (it's so much more expensive)!
But NO MORE!
From now on I will plan ahead and keep shredded chicken in my freezer!
So how do you get shredded chicken without a headache?

1st buy boneless, skinless chicken breast.

If you can buy in bulk or get a good deal on chicken that MUST be sold soon, even better!

Using the method will ensure that you save money by cooking and storing your chicken so it doesn't go bad in the fridge.

Next get your pot of water boiling.

 Submerge your chicken in the boiling water for 15 minutes, or until chicken is cooked thoroughly.

 *Hint* Did you know that placing a wooden spoon on top of the boiling pot like pictured below, will ensure that it doesn't boil over?  Nifty huh!

 Now for the shredding...no double fork method here...instead use that KitchenAid that up until now you've only used for baking (okay so maybe I'm the only one who only used it for baking up until now)

 If you have the nifty cover pictured below, I advise using it at this point.

 Place all your chicken in with the cookie dough paddle and set on level 4 for about 5 minutes.

Don't go far....at least not at first.  

That cookie paddle will be battling some big pieces of chicken and they will be tempted to jump out if given the chance!

 When it's done this is what you should see in your bowl...

PERFECTLY shredded chicken!

 If you aren't planning on using it in the next day or so you'll want to freeze it.

I recently learned, however, that you shouldn't put hot items into the freezer because the condensation will form ice crystals which in turn can lead to freezer burn.

SO...spoon your shredded chicken into a freezer safe container.

 and allow it to cool in the fridge.

 if you want to freeze it for later use...I recommend laying it flat and pushing all the air out.

The flat shape will also help save you room in your freezer!

I hope this handy trip helps save you time and money and if you have any great recipes that call for shredded chicken I'd love for you to leave a comment sharing them!

I hope you had a Blessed Tuesday!

Baking up a treat

How can the phrase baked goods be a lie.
Well because baked goods hardly ever happen to be good for you.
In fact that are so bad for you that it's sinful to consume so many of them.
Yet we all do, especially this time of year.
And in order to add to the counter of goodies you already have...I'm showing you a step by step recipe for something you should make this season!

Peanut Butter S'mores Turnovers
Ingredients:

 Puff Pastry Sheets

3 Graham Crackers (carefully broken into 4ths)
Hershey chocolate bar or equivalent (that you can break into pieces)
small bowl of water
1 egg whisked with 1 Tablespoon water.
Marshmallow Fluff
Creamy Peanut Butter

Preheat oven to 400 degrees and spray your baking sheet with non-stick spray

1. Cut your sheets of Puff Pastry into 6 

2. Assemble turnovers...lay a graham cracker

 followed by a piece of chocolate...

 followed by a small dollop of peanut butter.

3. Wet the edges of your Puff Pastry and fold in half.
**wetting the edges helps them stick better

 4. Use a fork to help seal edges.

 5. Brush lightly with egg wash

 6. Carefully cut 2 slits in each turnover

 6. Bake for 15 minutes or until they turnovers are puffed and golden

 7. Scoop marshmallow creme into a ziplock bag (don't zip yet).
Microwave for 8 seconds to soften.
Zip bag closed, snip off edge and drizzle onto each turnover.

Peanut Butter S'More Turnovers....
Aren't your mouths watering yet?

I hope you all have a Blessed Monday!