Welcome to the World of Food

For her birthday, Callie got to eat bananas, which were her very first food! We decided that it was time and for a number of reasons she seemed ready for "solid" food (although mashed bananas are really not that solid).

I think she liked bananas, what do you think? What a pro! Although, I think in total she ate about 1/2 teaspoon the first time.

What's next? Avocado, mashed sweet potatoes, and Nature's Best organic brown rice cereal (so far, I am following the guidelines in the book called Super Baby Foods).

Yum!

Happy 5 Months Today!

Good-bye Allrecipes

Thank you, Abby, for posting about this last week.

www.Tastespotting.com. Forget allrecipes, this one is way cooler.

I'm having fun searching random words like "cupcake" and "avocado." Try searching "nutella" and see what comes up as number one... now that looks like an awesome dessert breakfast!

Look, Mommy!

I'm starting to get some hair on my head...



I'm learning to sit up...



Before you know it, I'm going to be a big girl!

Happy (first) Father's Day!

Happy (first) Father's Day, daddy! When I can talk, I will tell you that I love you so much, and that you are the best daddy in the whole wide world!


Love, Callie

In Case You Missed It

Did you see the cool thunderstorm the other night? Just in case you missed it, here's a picture and video of the storm. It was pretty awesome!

Headband Giveaway Results!

The giveaway results are here! Congratulations to Steph for winning the crazy giant flowered headband. I was very excited about this winner because she will be having her own baby girl in about a month!

Steph, let me know if you would like your headband in hot pink, light pink, purple, or white. And don't forget to send us a picture so we can see the headband, modeled by baby Flies!

Thanks so much for all of your entries, too! I loved hearing about everyone's "favorite blog."

And I promise...the next giveaway will be non-baby-related.

The Longest Thirty Seconds

I'm currently bidding on this shirt on eBay.

Cute, huh? Tried it on at the store and they didn't have my size. I love tops with buttons, lace, or ruffles.

Thirty minutes left. I set the timer in my kitchen so I don't forget about it. If you really want to win an item, you have to be there in the last few minutes. If you miss the ending, you usually miss out. Someone else will outbid you at the last second.

Five minutes left. Still the highest bidder. I'm starting to feel a little anxious at the thought of having to try to outbid someone. Hopefully no one else will also be trying to win the item at the last minute.

Two minutes left. Currently the highest bidder. My heart is beating fast and my palms are getting sweaty. I'm continuously refreshing my screen every two seconds, not wanting to see the words, "you have been outbid." Still the highest bidder. Yeah! And paying less than I would have at the store!

Thirty seconds left. Refresh. Refresh. Refresh. Still the highest bidder. Same price. Phew. This is the longest thirty seconds I can remember. It's only been ten seconds? That just felt like an hour. Still the highest bidder. Refresh. Wipe my palms.

Refresh. Refresh. Refresh. Five seconds left. Refresh. Refresh. Wait. I think it ended. Did I win?

"Congratulations, the item is yours!" Phew.

My New Toy

Kiley and Matt got me a new toy from Crate and Barrel. It's for the kitchen. It's a... garlic press! I've always wanted one! I'm actually really excited about it, if you can't tell. It's one of those items that I'm sure I registered for when we got married, but when faced with whether I really needed a garlic press or a can opener, I probably chose can opener (because what would you do without one?).

My friend Ranya, who is one of the best, best cooks ever, always uses one when she cooks. She even presses fresh garlic and puts it on her salad with oil and vinegar (it's actually really good)! Ever since I've cooked with her (and use like all of her recipes...she really needs to make a recipe blog), I've thought a garlic press would be nice to use. And now I have one!

So I tried it out this Saturday night with some baked ziti I made for some friends. I hate chopping garlic anyway, so it was perfect. I made it with turkey and some lower-fat ingredients (and put the garlic in the tomato sauce), and was a little afraid the lower-fat ingredients would make the dish kind of bland. But it wasn't, it was actually pretty tasty...thanks to my new toy! Maybe I'll post the recipe for the ziti, just so I don't forget it.

Just thought you'd want to know!

Giveaway: That Crazy Giant Flowered Headband

Callie her mom just loves her crazy giant flower headbands! I guess you could say they make up for her lack of hair. Although I think a bald baby is beautiful. =) Anyway, we wanted to give you a chance to have your own! They are super cute on babies, and even look great as a headband in older girls’ hair as well.

Warning: wearing this giant flowered headband may invoke additional attention from random strangers.

How to enter: Just leave a comment and tell me what your favorite blog to read is and why. No, I am not fishing for comments…I am really interested in hearing what blog/blogs you like reading the best (since we all have limited time and can‘t read every blog)! Don't be shy...you can enter even if you don't have a baby....or a kid...or if you just have boys...or if I don't know you...or if you have a granddaughter...or if it's just for yourself...or for a gift for someone...or if you're a guy and you read this blog...

One random winner will be selected and will be mailed their own flower headband! I would love to post a picture of the winner again as well, so make sure to send me one when you receive it!

Good luck…the winner will randomly be selected and announced on Thursday, June 18th.

Happy weekend!

Fake-Out

Wow, Callie is sure getting loud!

Kiley and I were trying to watch The Next Food Network Star today while Callie was playing in her jumper. She was being soooo loud and we could hardly hear the show!

So I decided to make use of the opportunity and grabbed the camera to tape some of her noises. However, as soon as she saw the camera on her, she stopped what she was doing and just stared at it, as usual.

So we "faked her out" and played the TV show again, taking our eyes off her, while hiding the camera. As soon as we seemed interested in our show again and uninterested in her, she started her cute little noises all over, hence the video clip at the bottom of this post.

What a smart little girl she is!

Daddy's Little Girl

Isn't she?

Remember This?

Remember this?

Well here is a picture of the precious winner, little Harper (Abby...I hope you don't mind my posting a picture of your babe)!

It was so much fun, we just might have to host another giveaway...

Smile

Whenever I get out the camera, Callie always just stares at it with a serious expression on her face and seems to refuse to smile. Or she puts her fists in her mouth as the other option. Sometimes she will flash a quick one, but I always miss it! Today, however, she actually gave a few smiles!

I wonder if some day she will not want me to take pictures of her. For the time being, she has no choice...smile or no smile. =)

Say Cheese!

Cumin Turkey Burgers

I just loved this recipe for turkey burgers, and am posting about them primarily so I don't forget the recipe (I made some changes to the original of course)! They turned out really good...better than regular burgers even. I put them on mini-ciabatta buns with guacamole, lettuce, tomato and red onion.

I also served baked sweet-potato fries and roasted broccoli. A simple, healthy summer dinner menu! Makes six burgers. You can find individual ciabatta buns at Cub Foods (in our area at least). If you end up making this recipe, let me know how it turns out!

1 egg
2 pounds ground turkey
2 t garlic, minced
2 T soy sauce
1 T Worcestershire sauce
2 t cumin
1 t paprika
1-2 t Lawry's seasoning
dash dry mustard powder

Mix all ingredients in bowl and shape into six patties (will be sticky). Grill patties (or cook in skillet with a small amount of oil) until middle is no longer pink.

A Close Friend Far Away

I got to spend some time with my (beautiful, pregnant!) friend Steph who was visiting from Phoenix last week! We had a fun time hanging out, taking pictures, and going out to lunch. Steph and I have a lot in common and always can talk up a storm when we're together. She's super thoughtful, creative, and such great friend. I look forward to her weekly phone calls when she's on her way to work!

Steph, it was great to see you and I am so excited to meet your little girl! Hopefully some day we can live a little bit closer. =)

How I Made the Collage

A few people have asked how I made the heart photo collage from pictures of Callie. Click here if you're interested. It's free and easy - just download the program and upload your photos! You can do all kinds of shapes and sizes.

Enjoy, and have a great day!

LOVE

Resemblance?

My mom saved this cute sweater outfit that I wore for my 4 month pictures, and I took a similar picture of Callie at 4 months. Do you see any resemblance? Besides the outfit, I mean?

Peonies

Steph took some beautiful pictures of Callie and I last week. I am in love with them! Steph is such a great photographer, don't you agree? She's due in about a month with her own baby girl!

I have to make an official apology, though, to the city of Wayzata for picking one of their peonies...

When I was pregnant, I saw a photo in people magazine of a mom and baby that I loved (it was Nichole Richie and Harlow). So I ripped it out and saved it so I could remember to get one taken when my baby was here, hence the "superman" pose pictures.

Thanks again, Steph! You're the best!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Happy 55th Birthday, Mom!

You're such a great mother and I am so thankful for you.

Isn't she beautiful? I sure hope I age as well as she has!

Speaking of aging well, I have a cute story to share. My mom and I went out to eat at the Cheesecake Factory a few weeks ago. We each ordered a glass of wine with dinner, and we each got carded. We commented to the waitress that it was funny that my mom was getting carded, since she was a grandmother, with her grand-daughter and all. We did the math and figured it wouldn't be possible for her to be under 21 and a grandmother at the same time (duh).

The waitress then explained that they have to card everyone who looks like they could be in their thirties.

The same night while I was in the bathroom, my mom was holding Callie near our table just before we were going to leave. Someone walked by and asked...if it was...her baby.

True story.

I just had to share that comment because it was too funny. I think she rushed home to tell my dad what a great time she had. =)

What in the World?

Can someone please tell me what in the world she was doing??? Attacking her grandma???

Happy Four Months!

Happy Four Months, Callie!

You are such a precious and sweet baby, and I can't imagine loving you any more than I do. Your daddy and I think you are the greatest thing that's ever happened to us, and we feel so lucky that God has entrusted us to take care of you and raise you!

You love to sit in your jumper and play with toys. It's been so fun to watch you learn to use your hands! You like to read books and are pretty happy entertaining yourself, but also love to be held. You are starting to put everything in your mouth and have just started to roll over from your tummy to your back! You love to keep your eyes on your mom, all day long. Everywhere we go, people comment on how cute you are. Your favorite way to fall asleep is in mommy's sling. Your grandparents are crazy over you. People say you look like your mom. Other people say you look like your dad (and have the same expressions and smile). You have a record number of Aunts and Uncles that love you (4 and 3...and counting)! You sleep with your mouth open when you are totally out (just like dad)! Mommy loves to dress you in little cute dresses and says you are her little doll. Daddy loves to play with you, and you've started to whimper when he puts you down (already daddy's little girl). You make the cutest little singing noises and your giggle is the best sound we've ever heard. Whenever we bring you close to our faces, you open your mouth all the way like you're trying to eat us (dad says this is her "only defense"). You're starting to whine and not just cry to communicate; it's cute.

Size 2 Huggies

Quickly outgrowing size 3-6 month onesies

Wears 3-6 month clothing, and 6-12 month size

Loves to nurse and is on a loose schedule of eating at 8:30, 11:30, 2:30, 5:30, 7:30 and at night

Is now going to bed around 8:30 and sleeps best in a swaddle or Miracle Blanket

Takes a bottle (thank goodness)

Loves the bath and has one every other morning

Usually wakes at 1:30am, 4:30am, and 6:30am to nurse (we're working on it)

Length ~ 14 pounds, 8 ounces (50-75th percentile)

Height ~ 25 inches (50-75th percentile)

Head Circumference ~ 16 (25-50 percentile)

(Special thanks to Steph for the cute picture...more to come from our recent little photo shoot in Wayzata!)

A New Career...?

Who, me? Matchmaker?

It just might be looking that way!

This past weekend was the wedding of our good friends Abby and Andy (Abby is my friend from college and Andy is Kyle's friend from high school). Here are a few pictures from the wedding.

And I just couldn't resist sharing with you the story of how they met, which was printed in their wedding program. Too cute.

Andy and Abby first met thanks to Kyle and Nealy; long time friends of the bride and groom. The L's saw potential romance on account of Andy and Abby's love for Jesus, snow skiing, and all things outdoors. After a year of persuasion, they met on a blind double date on March 8th, 2008. After a night of lamb tacos, Cuban sandwiches, long, shaggy hair (Andy's), red high-heels (Abby's), probing questions (Nealy's) and much laughter (Kyle's), interest began to grow.

After a week without a telephone call, Abby began to wonder. In due time Andy made the call; a second date was scheduled. Dates often included good food, hikes in the snow, deep conversations, first impressions among friends, mountain bike rides through the woods, and always a two0hour drive each way. The couple soon decided that they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together and were engaged while skiing at Loveland Ski Area in teh Rocky Mountains. Andy and Abby are excited to continue their adventures together wherever life may take them.

Congratulations, guys! We love you both!

She Did It!

Informercials

Kiley just asked me if I have ever bought anything from an infomercial. My first thought about her question was, people who buy things off of infomercials are impulsive shoppers.

Then I realized.

I tried Proactive face wash...

And Windsor Pilates to try to get in shape before my wedding...

I use the Bare Minerals face make-up (which the foundation I do really like)...

And then there's the Slim in Six work-out I did for while...

The Wen hair care system, which I didn't like so I returned it for a refund...

And I tried those Debbie Meyer green bags that keep your vegetables fresh, but they were a gift so that doesn't count...

Okay, so what does this say about me???

Disclaimer: I'm really not an impulsive shopper at all. Seriously. I am quite selective about what I spend money on.

A New Hobby

I realize it's been awhile since I've posted on this blog! I apologize for those of you that check regularly. It's no fun to check a blog every day and see the same old stuff!

I have lots to update, so hopefully I will get around to it soon. First being, I got...a new camera! I am so excited about it! It's a Canon G10 Powershot. Since the day Callie was born, I've been wanting to learn to take better pictures of her, more "professional" looking. Babies change so fast, and I want to capture it all, as you can probably tell by all of the pictures of her I've taken. Callie (and Kyle) got me the camera (along with some money I have been saving from other holiday gifts) for Mother's Day!

I did a ton of research. I wanted the best quality photos combined with a compact camera, and ended up with a digital hybrid. I'm intimidated by DSLR's, they seem pretty confusing so I thought this would be a nice starting point.

I was a personal attendant this weekend at a friend's wedding (which I will tell you all about soon) and was following the bride and groom around during their pictures, snapping a few myself. The photographer eyed my camera and...asked me...if I....was a...photographer. He said he's been wanting the G10 since it came out and has been asking his wife for it every day. So I must have made the right decision. For some reason, that comment just made my day!

So now you will probably be expecting me to have stellar pictures on my blog. Not yet. I am still learning to use it. However, I did manage to get a nice shot of the pine tree in our backyard. I've been researching all of these terms I've never used before, like aperture and f-stop, depth of field, shutter speed, etc. Kyle said he's never seen me actually read a manual before! So I may have to warn you that my blog may turn into a photography experiment for awhile. We'll see how it goes!