Cookie Extravaganza

My mom, sister and I spent about 11 hours today baking 9 different kinds of Christmas cookies! It was lots of fun and it is really nice to finish our Christmas baking in one day. After awhile we had trouble remembering our measurements and we did get a few recipes slightly wrong. Oops! Luckily we only had to throw away one batch of cookies. Here are some pictures from the day.

Three cookies done...six more to go.

Almost done, icing the sugar cookies.

Alex, Aly and Buster entertaining Sam.

My share of the cookies!

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree

Saturday we took a trip to Reilly's farm to pick out our Christmas tree. It was super cold but Sam loved being outside in the snow and didn't seem to mind at all.

Sam is fascinated with the tree...he wanted to help decorate it.

This is Sam's first ornament. I am planning on changing out the picture every year. Although, this picture is so cute I might just keep it in there as long as he will let me!

The finished tree and Sam. I am sure that this sparkly tree with all of it's dangling ornaments is a real temptation to my curious boy. Let's hope it stays standing through Christmas!

10 Months

It is hard to believe that Sam is almost a year old. It wasn't until I looked at these pictures that I realized how he looks more like a toddler every day. Sam is a still good eater (he really likes turkey and black beans) and loves to play ball. He is getting around a lot more these days in the form rolling, army crawling or scooting on his bum. Sam also likes to stand up holding onto something but can only pull up to his knees on his own. If I hold his hands and walk with him, he takes some shaky steps...mostly on his tip-toes! He is continuing to sign (when he feels like it) and will do the sign for eat and milk now too. His latest thing is giving mama a kiss when she asks for one and clapping when mama tells him to. It is amazing to me that he understands what I say and, at least for now, does what I ask of him :) We are so excited to celebrate Christmas with our little man...our most precious blessing.

Keeping Warm

It is really cold tonight in Pittsburgh so Sam and I are keeping warm in our cozy slippers. Thanks to the Bonchaks for Sam's cute ducky slippers. They stayed on his feet even though he spent lots of time trying to rip them off!

Celebrating the holidays...elf style

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Mommy Recommendations

We are interested in purchasing a backpack carrier for Sam and I am asking for recommendations from all of my mommy friends out there. I am sure that Luke will wear it most of the time when we are out together but I would like something that is good for me too and will take some weight off of my lower back. We would use it for light hiking and other family outings (Christmas tree hunting, fairs, craft shows, zoo, etc.). I would appreciate some tips on maybe finding it second-hand too because I know that they can be pretty expensive. Thanks for your help!

Thankful

At this time of year I like to reflect on all of the many blessings God has bestowed upon me. I do not deserve these blessings and yet I have many. What a loving God we serve! This is my first Thanksgiving with Sam and I am especially thankful for him. I am so grateful to Luke who works hard so that I can stay home with Sam full-time. This little boy fills my heart with more love that I could have ever imagined.

Happy Thanksgiving my dear friends...I hope that you are counting your blessings too!