Wordless Wednesday

 

The Little Pack Rat

What Does...

A Wet Wipe

Some sticky labels

A Plastic Peg

This clear ball 

And this wooden block have in common??

According to Samuel,  they all go well stuffed into the top of the above gumball toy.  We were  cooking dinner last night not paying complete attention to "Mr. Busy" who had lots going on too (apparently).  Later, we looked down and found a nice variety of items stuffed into the top of this toy.  We cracked up as we pulled each thing out one by one.  I joked with Tyson that he had inherited his pack rat tendencies.  As a one year old I guess you never know when you may need an extra wet wipe or sticky label.   

I Heart Fall...Food!

Here's my disclaimer up front - When I say I make "pumpkin" this or "pumpkin" that just know that the pumpkin came from a can of pumpkin puree.  I just can't bring myself to buy, clean, scoop out the guts, and cook the inside of a pumpkin just to add it to something else.  Okay there, now that I got that out on the table let's talk about these pumpkin chocolate chip muffins I baked the other night.  I found the recipe here at Allrecipes.  It made enough batter for me to pour into one loaf pan for bread and a six cup muffin pan.  They were super easy to make and turned out very moist and tasty.  The pumpkin and chocolate are a great combo.  They're not exactly low-fat or low-carb but if you're a fan of pumpkin foods in the Fall you should give this recipe a try.  I would love to hear about it if you do!  

Last night I had a butternut squash in the fridge that I knew I needed to cook soon.  I don't have many variations of cooking butternut squash in my head, so I went back to my trusty Allrecipes site again and typed in "butternut squash" under ingredients and scrolled through until I found this recipe for Turkey Chili with, you guessed it, butternut squash.  We loved it! It didn't require any packets of seasoning.  Just some chili powder, cumin, salt, and garlic.  It had a great flavor.  I was afraid it was going to be a little bland or boring but that wasn't the case at all.  It called for a can of green chilis.  I didn't have that on hand but did have a can of Rotel original which worked just fine.   Guess who else ate it up?  For someone who's proving to be a bit picky, he loved this.  I've made a mental note to pick up another b-squash.  I've found another veggie he'll eat.  Yes! 

Have a great day!  We've got sunshine here.  I think we'll go for a walk this morning.

It Just Keeps Getting Better

 This little guy is 13 months old already.   We are having the time of our lives with him.  It's something new everyday with this kid.  I took these pics last weekend.  I sat him on this sofa outside and he thought he was big stuff.  Of course I had to snap the pictures while making sure he didn't dive head first onto the ground at any given moment.  All boy!!  He was back and forth, up and down, and all around on this thing.

 Samuel is really getting more and more into "Dada" these days.  Today, when he heard the back door opening his face lit up, he jumped out of my arms, ran to the door, and said "Dada!"   During the day, I hear, "Dada" this and "Dada" that.  He's loving his Daddy!    We've also counted about 15 words he can say or use on a regular basis.  Let me see if I can recount here - (mama, dada, ball, shoes, up, bath, Jezzi (the neighbor's dog), Nana, Papa, CiCi, No!, bye-bye, hi, nose, eye, uh-oh, yucky!).  He's also figured out how to throw things in the trash can.  We know where to look if cell phones or keys come up missing!  It's so sweet, he says "baby!" when he sees himself in the mirror or in a photo.

 He still loves to play with any and all types of containers.  He will amuse himself for 15 minutes   taking lids on and off of plastic bowls.  We love to watch his face because it's obviously a very serious job he has.  He can stack blocks these days too.  We have a few wooden blocks and some  peek a blocks that are clear with little objects inside.  At certain times he can stack several of them.  He's very careful and gets the block situated just right in his hand before he puts it on top.  When he's successful he squeals with delight then knocks them over of course.

 The little feet you see in this photo never stop moving I might add (unless of course he's sleeping).  He's on-the-go.  A man on a mission.  I looked down at him last night playing on the kitchen floor and thought how great if was that he really never gets bored at this age.  There's constantly something to explore and discover.  I didn't say his explorations are always convenient for Mommy.  I'm not a fan of his recent toilet bowl explorations or using the plunger as a pull toy.  Nevertheless, he's amused.

We've reached a major milestone with nap and bedtime.  His sleeping through the night (or lack of) is nothing to brag about, but what we're thrilled about is that we can lay him down awake in his crib and he will go to sleep on his own.  He has to be somewhat sleepy already, but he will do it.  I am so relieved about this one.  At one point I was picturing us having to rock him until he was 12!  It's the little things. 

This smile so melts my heart.  I am so very thankful for the little person Samuel is.  We do have a great connection and bond.  He is a joyful fun loving baby.  He still loves for us to say "Where is Samuel?"  Then he comes around the corner and says "Hereheis."  That's here-he-is but he thinks and says it like it's all one word.   

I didn't pose him with his legs crossed.  This is a common way that he sits, especially when he's watching a video or looking at a book.  He crosses those little ankles.  I know you want to squeeze the chubby little hands don't you? 

Oh, the wonder in your eyes.  I look at you in awe that you're here on this earth with us.  God breathed a wonderful spirit, soul, and personality into your little body.  I'm utterly amazed!

We love you so very much!

New Name, New Look

I'm back! I finally put my thoughts and ideas to the blog. The new title has been in my head for two years now. Nothing like a little procrastination. You can click on the "Gina" link to find out what in the world mini blinds has to do with anything. Of course I will still be posting pics of our favorite little boy in the whole world, but I've been wanting to add a little more of our life on here for a while. Even though I do most all of the posting and this is sort of "my" blog, I hope it can more widely reflect the journey God has our family on as a whole. Who knows, maybe Tyson will surprise you guys with a guest appearance sometime.  This is a work in progress, so keep checking back!

In the mean time, let this little guy put a smile on your face.  

Wordless Wednesday