The Big 10

No, this is not about football. Lila, you are 10 months old! And sweeter than ever. Your Dad and I both say that we truly do have the sweetest, cutest babies in the whole wide world.  How did we get so lucky?? 

A few of your notables from this month:

• You are such a good eater.  I can't think of anything you just won't eat. And you love to feed yourself with your hands and are quite good at it.
• You had another ear infection this month. And the first round of antibiotics didn't get it.  Hopefully the second round will.
• You are saying ma-ma all the time and da-da and ba-ba sometimes.  We think ba-ba means Nate for now. You are also talking plenty of gibberish.
• When we ask you where is the kitty, or where are your babies, you look around where they should be.
• You are drinking about 3 bottles per day but we still offer 4 times. Mom worries about your fluid intake with all your sicknesses.  We will cut down on the formula soon as we are nearing the year end mark. 
• You moved from the baby room to the baby+ room at school. We love your new teachers! They aren't really new to you since the system they have shares teachers at this age.  But we have new go-to people and we are excited about that!
• You are still taking 2 naps per day, especially at home. Sometimes at school they let you get away with one nap, but that doesn't really cut it, and you want to go to bed at 6:00.  You still need 2 naps.
• You are wearing 9-12 month and 12 month clothes.  You fill out every bit of the length in 12 month clothes which makes me happy. I like to think that you will be taller than me.
• You have started hugging Nate, which makes him so happy.  And if we let you and him play on our bed, you crawl all over him and just squeal with delight.
• You are not walking yet, but are getting very good at cruising around on the furniture.  Sometimes you act like you are going to take a step. So it could be next week or 3 months from now (or longer). But we know that you are ready to get moving. 

We love you so much and are so proud of your 10 months! 

Nate the Inquisitor

[Update] I have to add that our internet search the other night included videos of white blood cells, bacteria, etc...Nate was enamored.  As soon as he got home from school yesterday, he begged to watch the "bacteria videos."  I didn't have time to sit at the computer with him so I told him some other time (how dare I keep him from learning?? Yes, I felt bad). We didn't have a chance last night so he begged and pleaded this morning to watch bacteria videos.  We didn't have time again, so I promised tonight.  Who else has a child that begs to watch bacteria videos??

Nate has always been an inquisitive child. I've posted many a story on here about things he asks us to explain to him.  I had a chuckle with the latest inquisition, so I thought I'd share.  Since Nate started Kindergarten, we have a new pickup schedule (since both kids were in the same place before). When I get off work, I go to get Nate since it is just right around the corner. And then we trek up to WashU to get Lila.  We have this new found time to chat. Some days he talks alot and some days he's sort of reflective and doesn't have much to say. But I still like the time to debrief with him before the little squealer gets in the car.

They must have a Health section of PE class because this week on the way to get Lila, Nate asks, "Mom, what does bacteria look like?" I gave my best explanation about how bacteria was too small to see but it probably looked like small worms (Scott is somewhere cringing and he doesn't know why:) Are they green? Um, not sure, but I guess they could be.  "What does good bacteria look like?" It is at this point I know that we are going to get into a philosophical discussion about bacteria and I am not going to know all the answers.

"Well, good bacteria and bad bacteria probably look about the same, but it is what is inside of them that makes them good or bad." Oh I see, he says.

"Well, how does good bacteria actually KILL bad bacteria?"

I guess the good bacteria eats the bad bacteria, I say hesitantly.  Right, he says. "But how does that ACTUALLY happen."

"You know, Nate, I'm not exactly sure. Let's ask Dad tonight." Um, ok, he says.  "Well then, what do white blood cells do with all this?" Oh golly.

"White blood cells help your body fight infection." I know that, Mom, he says. "But what do the white blood cells ACTUALLY shoot out that kills the infection."

"Um. Um. I really don't know what that's called. Let's ask Dad tonight or look it up on the computer when we get home."  Okay, Mom, he says, let's do that right when we get home.

We got immersed in other things when we got home, so it wasn't until after bath when Nate reminded me, "Mom, don't forget. We have to look up that white blood cell stuff."

And so we did.  At one point, Scott came in and gave us a college level lesson about cells. To which Nate replied, "Dad. Mom and I are looking at this. We don't need you right now." Guess my limited memory of cell knowledge was sufficient for him. Score 1 for me. 

And in case you are wondering, the "stuff" that shoots out of white blood cells is called Oxidative Bursts :)

Nate Lately

If Lila will be half as photogenic as Nate, I'll be more inclined to keep skipping the professional photography fees. Nate almost always take a good picture on the first try. A few recents of the Kindergarten student.

On his way out the door one day last week...it wasn't really that cold, or maybe it was in comparison, but he loves this jacket. And he loves a hood. He'd wear it up all day if his teachers would let him.

I love his expression here...his face looks older than his years. We were at the library and he really likes this castle.

And his new obsession (why do I let Scott get him hooked on more obsessions?) - Geocaching. They have been out the last 2 weekends, even took Lila this weekend. Nate loves it and has even been able to find some all by himself. His first geocache below...

It's hard to believe it is fall and we will start thinking about the kids birthdays soon (heck, who am I kidding, I'm already half way through planning them!) I think I'm going to have to concede this year though on Nate's cake...Darth Vader black icing and my kitchen do not mix.

Lunch Date

On Friday, Lila and had the pleasure of meeting my Mom and Aunt Mil at Crown Valley Winery in Ste. Genevieve, MO.  It was not supposed to be very pretty, but the sun came out and it was a beautiful day to sit outside! They have a great place to eat lunch and look out over farmland.  Feels like home:)

Lila has stronger separation anxiety that I think Nate did.  But maybe I just blocked it out.  She's pretty attached to me and Scott, but is getting better with the grandparents.  Outside of that, only if you're lucky.



Aunt Mil thought she was so cute, although she did tell me several times that she was a big girl.  Yes, the child hasn't met a food she didn't like. But I'd rather have it that way than what we have with Nate.  He's getting better as his growth demands get higher, but he's good on a big meal every 2-3 days. Other than that, he picks at the food. It's always been this way with him!

 She thought this ledge was made just for her and squealed with delight.

Sweet Aunt Mil...so special that Lila & I got to spend this time with her.  I long for my children to know Aunt Mil like we all do. 

And one to leave you with...Sweet Lila Lou!



Recipe Monday

You've probably noticed a theme. I'm big into the crockpot these days. If it isn't in the crockpot, it's prolly not gettin' cooked around here. Unless its the weekend. Here's one that we tried this past week.

Creamy Italian Crockpot Chicken (Big Oven)

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
1 pkg Italian salad dressing mix
1/2 cup water
1 pkg cream cheese, softened
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 4 oz mushroom stems & pieces drained (I omitted)

Place chicken in the bottom of crockpot. Combine salad dressing mix and water. Pour over chicken. Cover & cook on low for 3 hours. In small mixing bowl, mix cream cheese & soup until blended. Stir in mushrooms. Pour over chicken. Cook for 1 hour or longer, until chicken juices run clear. Serve over noodles or rice.

Note: I put everything in the crockpot at once since I made it on a work day. It didn't seem like it made a big difference. Still yummy!

Enjoy!

Super Star Student

Nate was named Super Star Student this week! His teacher called Scott to tell her that Nate was a great listener and a wonderful friend. And that he was super enthusiastic on their field trip to the Maplewood Post Office this week (he was so very very excited).

We are very proud of him! The poised, studious, future leader of America.

And now the real live Nate...

Lila's New Trick

I think it took Nate months to learn how to drink out of a cup. Or maybe I started too early. Or maybe I watched him too close. Or maybe I wanted him to move to that next stage a little too much. Whatever the case, it seems like Lila just picked it up one day. Yes, there was a time when she couldn't do it, but then I turned around and she was swiggin like a champ.

She gets sweeter every day! And louder too. Louder and sweeter, yep that's it.

When Your Kid is Smarter Than You (or thinks he is...)

Those of you that have been down the "help your kids with their homework" road before will most likely relate to what I'm about to say. Heck, I knew I would relate at some point to all the parents, grandparents, friends, and tutors that had been down this road before. I just didn't know it would be in KINDERGARTEN.

I've been helping Nate with his homework for the last few days - not because he necessarily needs lots of help yet, but I feel like it's the right parental thing to do. Sometimes I think he just does something incorrectly so that we can argue about it. I'm totally unsure where he got that from:)

Nate: Mom, see my lowercase Q?
Me: Yes, that looks great - except the kickout (that's what I call it) should be on the right side, not the left.
Nate: Well. That's how I make my lowercase Q's.
Me: Well. That's not how they are supposed to look. Want me to show you?
Nate: I can do it however I want to do it.
Me: I guess you can, but it won't be right.
Nate: Well.
Me: Well.
Nate: That's how I'm going to make my Q's and that's that.
Me: Well, I'm a 34 year old person and I think I know how to make Q's.
Nate: Well.

We use alot of "Wells" at our house. And at the tender age of 5, I already know nothing. Amazing how all that knowledge suddenly leaves you when you have smarter than you kids. At some point, I remembered that I'm arguing with a 5 year on how to make Q's and wondered what Algebra will be like? And then I pulled the Mrs. S. card (Nate's teacher) and told him that she would say they were not correct. Oh, he says, and diligently makes the kickout on the right. Did I mention he adores Mrs. S.?

Star Wars Games

Nate loves to play Star Wars and have light saber matches in the backyard. Scott is a good opponent as he ensures no one gets hurt from over excited Star Wars fans. i.e. Nate.

Nate has so much fun with the matches. And I think he always wins:)

Recipe Monday

I haven't been cooking much lately, sadly. It's been crazier than crazy round these parts. But I did see this fabulous fall dessert on a blog I read last week and I am definitely trying it!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake (Bon Appetit)

2 sticks unsalted butter
2 1/4 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp allspice
1/4 tsp fresh nutmeg
1 tsp salt
1 15oz can pumpkin puree
3/4 cup well-shaken buttermilk
2 tsp vanilla
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
2 cups chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350. Spray a 10 inch bundt pan, then dust with flour. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, fresh nutmeg and salt in a bowl.

Separately, whisk together pumpkin, buttermilk and vanilla in a bowl.

Cream butter and sugar in mixer. Mix in eggs one at a time. On low, add flour and pumpkin mixtures in batches. Mix just until combined, do not over mix. By hand, fold in chocolate chips.

Bake for 1 hour or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool the cake in plan and then invert on to plate. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Yummo! Enjoy!

The Braves + Mini Photoshoot

The Braves are in town this weekend and Scott was lucky enough to get to go twice...once on Friday night with Nate (Father's Day present) and once with my Dad on Saturday night. I'm sure he was glad to see the Braves but obviously hoped for a better outcome. Me on the other hand, I'm happy.

Nate & Scott before they left on Friday.

And then Lila had to get in on the action.

Lila loves Scott. Like wiggles like a puppy dog whenever he comes in the room loves him.

And since there are hardly any pictures of me with Lila, I have to take what I can get!

Can a Cardinals fan who lives with Braves fans hope for a sweep today??

Love Love Love

Why does blogger have spacing issues sometimes? If anyone knows the answer to that question, please pass it along!

Besides my wonderful husband and darling children, I thought I'd pass along a few things that I love lately.

My new lip gloss love! I have Plum Splash.

I loved this book! I read it in 2 days last weekend while Scott & Lila were out of town. Such a good, quick read!

Smockadot Kids...oh Smockadot Kids...for those of you that have girls, you seriously have to check this out. They have boy stuff too, but Scott probably wouldn't have let me dress Nate in most of the boy stuff they have:) They do a sale every night on FaceBook and you have to be there on time and grab things as they put them up. I don't watch it every night, but sometimes you can get some great deals on smocked clothes.

I love this fall-like weather! Sometimes it just feels like fall in the morning, but that's OK. The cool air in the morning is so invigorating!

I love me some Missouri Football!! Go Tigers! I hope it's a great season and that I continue to love them:)And because we follow more than one team in our household, I'll give a shout-out to the Dawgs. They are hard to love at times...oh so hard to love. But we still do!

What are you loving these days?? I have not been compensated in any way for my product loves. Just some love from my computer screen to your baby blues...or browns...or greens...or anything in between...I think I've read too many rhyming books this week.

Nate's Homework

Kindergarten and homework. Two things that might not need to go together. But at MRH ECC, they do. Nate has a book to read Monday thru Thursday and one homework packet to complete per week. The packet consists of math games plus handwriting and number practice. At MRH ECC, they mean business. And I'm sure it will get old to Nate (or in true Nate fashion, maybe it won't:) but right now, he loves having homework. Has it taken it's toll on our regular nightly schedule? Yes.it.has. But we are finding our new schedule that will surely change when the next "new" thing is added. Nate & Scott reading his homework.

And just because Lila hasn't seen a lot of air time this last week, here's one of my lovely one. I know that she is not directly looking at the camera, but I just love her sweet look of concentration.

And do I wish I had more time to blog? Yes.I.Do.

Labor Day with Nate

Scott & Lila went to New York this weekend to visit Scott's grandmother, aunts, uncles and cousins. Nate and I were very sad to miss it, but since he started school, we thought it was important not to take him out so early in the year. Although I was not extremely thrilled with spending more time away from Scott & Lila after being gone last week, I was looking forward to spending time just with Nate. He got to pick just about everything we did and I think we accomplished everything on his list.

On Sunday night, we went to Fitz's. If you've never been, it's worth the trip to St. Louis's own root beer bottling plant / restaurant. Who knew STL was such a popular Labor Day destination?! It seemed like everywhere we went was crawling with people.

Nate in front of Fitz's while we were waiting for our table.

He colored happily while we waited for our food. It's such a different experience being in a restaurant with just one child.

On Monday, we went to the Zoo first thing in the morning (after we tried to go on Sunday afternoon - we decided not to go in, the people were there in droves).

Even though the zoo quickly filled up, we made our way to several of the favorites and then in pure "live close to the zoo" fashion, we departed after 2 hours and ate lunch in the comfort of our own home.

This weekend, we played, we vegged out, we watched movies and of course argued about things that Nate and I argue about. He is growing up so fast and each moment that we can share together where I'm still his hero are so very special (maybe I can always be his hero?:). I hope you had a relaxing and happy Labor Day - we did!

Recipe Monday

Happy Labor Day! In honor of all things barbeque, if you haven't tried the Zesty Slow Cooker BBQ recipe I posted HERE, you are truly missing out! It is the bomb.com as my friend Nicole would say:)

Here's another crockpot one for you...

Amazing Pork Tenderloin in the Slow Cooker (www.bigoven.com)

1 2lb pork tenderloin
1 1oz package dry onion soup mix
1 cup water
3/4 cup red wine (or you can sub cider vinegar)
3 tblsp garlic
3 tblsp soy sauce
Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Place pork tenderloin in slow cooker with soup packet. Pour wine, water, and soy sauce over the top, turning the pork to coat. Carefully spread the garlic over the pork, leaving as much on top of the roast as possible. Sprinkle with pepper, cover and cook on low for 4 hours. Serve with cooking liquid on the side as au jus.

The Golfing Scientist

I spent Saturday with my oldest child, but my littlest scientist...First up, making potions. Since we introduced Smurfs to Nate, he is obsessed with making potions. Gargamel is always cooking up potions and Nate has always preferred the bad guys to the good guys. On Friday he asked if he could make a potion and I put the activity off until Saturday. I love the look on his face as he's educating me about potion making.

The ingredients...water, food coloring and spices. He played, stirred, and made up stories for a really long time. His imagination cracks me up.

We have an indoor mini golf place not too far from our house. We've played there one other time this summer and Nate really wanted to go back. So next up, we headed out there for a round of golf. Thankfully it's indoors because summer was giving us it's last surge on Saturday. But I'm not complaining:)

We concluded the evening with dinner at Chick-fil-A and then came home to watch the Georgia Bulldogs lose to Boise State. Good thing we had other things to make us happy on this day!

The Come From Behind Update

Am I behind? Why yes, thanks for asking. But I'm desperately trying to get caught up this weekend. But in between trying to watch lots and lots of football of course. I've been in Nashville this week visiting my peeps there. It was a good week - it's hard to believe that I've been with the company 10 years this month. I started on September 12th, 2001. Needless to say, it was an interesting day to begin a new job. I've made such good friends there, lifelong friends, and I appreciate them more every day. You know who you are...thanks for all you do for me and my family. You are truly the best co-workers a girl could ask for...

My fam survived me being gone, as they always do. This little girl got a 2nd tooth and an ear infection to go with it. Honestly. To say she is always sick doesn't even describe it. Although sometimes it's hard to tell she is sick. She has been sleeping great this week and has been happy, but when stuff starts coming out of her tear ducts, you know there's probably a problem. We wouldn't have known what kind of problem it was when Nate was little, but ya know, we're experienced now. Ha. Ha. Riiiiiight. Anyway, Lila seems to have a high pain tolerance so we don't always know when she's feeling bad. Most certainly did not get that from me. These two just love each other so much. It makes me so happy. Lila just says "Ba" over and over again if Nate is not in the room with her. And he still has to see her first thing when he wakes up in the morning. So sweet. He just completed his 2nd full week at kindergarten and still loves it. I can't believe he has adjusted so seamlessly, but yet I can. He's easy going like that. He has made some new friends and gets the program of school more and more everyday. He was happy that they got to learn about reading and math this week. He is flourishing in his new environment and I could not be more relieved and thrilled. Have a happy and safe Labor Day weekend!!