Eight

Eight months have gone by fast! Caleb is a loud, happy little man. He LOVES to eat, and strips of toast are his favorite snack. So far he has eaten every food I've given him, except bananas. Go figure. 

No crawling yet, which I am thankful for. Hannah was 7 1/2 months when she started crawling, and we're in no rush to push Caleb into it, although he's close. He will go from sitting to all fours, and then down to his tummy and scoot backwards. After a few minutes he gets frustrated and I sit him back up and the whole process starts again. 

No teeth yet either, the drool factory is in full operation. He practically bathes himself.

More Family Time

We had more family visit over the new year, Hannah and Caleb's Mimi, Papa and Aunt Megan. It's always fun to have so much family in town, and sad when they leave.

Caleb having fun with Aunt Megan

Papa having a tea party with Hannah and her new tea set

Hannah playing on Mimi's iPad

Reading with Mimi

New Year's Eve pizza dinner

Sisters

New Year, new thoughts

I have been inspired by my friend Amy to create a list of goals this year. The hardest part so far is figuring out how to make them attainable, instead of just abstract. I've been thinking it over, and here they are:
1. Take and pass the California Supplemental Exam for my architecture license. This is the VERY LAST test I have to take to obtain my license, and I'd like to have it done by Caleb's first birthday.
2. Eat more fruits and vegetables daily. This is one of those very general statements that needs some specifics. I'm going to make it a point to keep more fruits and veggies in the house that I like to eat (and that the rest of the family will eat), so when I get that snack urge I have something that I like on hand that is also healthy. This is not a problem during strawberry season, but is more of a challenge the rest of the year.

3. Waste less. In particular, waste less food. In America, we waste up to 40% of our food in a year. That's just ridiculous. We could make a big dent in world hunger with all that waste. I want to make a point of being a good steward of everything I purchase, which in turn is being a good steward with our finances.
3.5 This goes along with the food waste item above, but on a much larger scale. I saw a news segment a while back about different food bank type programs that collect food that grocery stores are going to toss out and redistribute it to those who can't afford it. I want to look into whether or not there is something like that in our area, and if not see if one can be started.
4. Run a 5k. As I mentioned last time I ran a 5k, I am not a runner. But, having a goal of finishing a race and getting a better time gets me motivated to exercise. Not to mention it's one of the more less expensive forms of exercise.
5. Pray for my kids more. Again, another vague statement. But if I set a time of day or activity to it, then I think it will be more attainable. Something like praying for them when I brush my teeth in the morning or am washing the dishes.

Now, there are no guarantees these are going to happen, but I sure want to try. And #1 is a must, this license thing has been hanging over my head for way too long.

Christmas

We spent the entire month of December getting ready for Christmas. We got our tree the first weekend of the month and started baking and decorating.

We did LOTS of baking: 1 batch each of pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, cut out sugar cookies, spritz, and Anne's sugar cookies; 2 batches each of shortbread jam cookies, peppermint mocha cookies and pumpkin bread.

The gingerbread house we decorated

Hannah had a hard time understanding how long it was until Christmas, so we made a paper chain to count down. So helpful!

A new tradition we started last year was doing a Jesse tree. There is a book we read each day of December until Christmas and an ornament to hang on the "tree" each day too. Each story is a from the Bible, tracing the lineage of Jesus back to Adam. This is the book we use: The Jesse Tree by Geraldine McCaughrean

Hannah's preschool Christmas Program. She is on the top row, third from the right in the red sweater

Our beautiful stockings, all made by my mom. She rushed and got Caleb's done just in time!

Hannah got her very own doll house made by her Big Mimi (great grandmother). It truly is a work of art

Christmas Morning!

Chris got Caleb his first football

Nono and Nona spent Christmas day with us. Nona's present was snuggling with this little guy

We finished off the evening with a delicious dinner with my Mimi, Papa, and in-laws. The living room didn't look too bad by the end of the night (notice Caleb is sleeping on Nona again). Still trying to figure out where to put that doll house.

All Things Pumpkin

For those who know me, you know how much I love cooking and baking. And in the fall I particularly enjoy cooking and baking with pumpkin. I love the flavor, and have accumulated several very good pumpkin-infused recipes. So, I thought I'd share them here in case there are any other pumpkin enthusiasts.

First up: How to Cook Pumpkin
Use a sugar pumpkin, they are best for cooking/baking

Break off the pumpkin stem. Cut the pumpkin in half crosswise and scoop out the seeds and stringy material.
Place the halves, cut sides up, on a foil lined baking sheet. Cover and seal each half with foil. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven until the flesh is very tender, about 1 1/2 hours.
Cool until able to handle. Scoop out the flesh and puree in a blender or processor.
If the puree is too watery, drain in a colander lined with cheesecloth, folding the cheesecloth over the puree and weighing down with a plate.
Puree will keep up to 5 days in the refrigerator and up to 6 months in the freezer.

Pumpkin Pie

1 1/3 C. pumpkin; cooked & pureed
1 1/3 C. sweetened condensed milk (1 can)
1 egg
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp.  nutmeg
1/2 tsp. ginger
1/4 tsp. cloves
1 C. hot water

Beat all ingredients together. Pour into a 9-inch pastry shell. Bake at 375 degrees for 55-65 minutes.

Pumpkin Bread (From Betty Crocker's All-Time Favorites)
2/3 C. shortening
2 2/3 C. sugar (I use 2 C.)
4 eggs
1 can pumpkin
2/3 C. water (if using fresh pumpkin, you may not need as much water)
3 1/3 C. flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. cloves (I use a little less, 1/2 - 3/4 tsp.)
(It also calls for 2/3 C. each chopped nuts & raisins, but I leave these out)

Heat oven to 350. Grease 2 loaf pans, 9x5x3. Cream shortening and sugar thoroughly. Mix in eggs, pumpkin and water. Blend in flour, soda, salt, baking powder, cinnamon and cloves. Stir in nuts and raisins (if using). Spread in the pans. Bake 65 to 70 mintues or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.
*I usually only have to bake the bread for 55-60 minutes, so watch it carefully at the end!

Pumpkin Cookies (from my friend and former neighbor, Erin)
2 1/2 C. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 C. butter, softened
1 1/2 C. sugar
1 C. pumpkin
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 bag chocolate chips

Glaze:
2 C. sifted powdered sugar
2 Tbsp. milk
1 Tbsp. butter, softened

Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg & salt in one bowl, set aside. In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar; add pumpkin, egg and vanilla. Beat until light and creamy. Mix in dry ingredients. Stir in chocolate chips

Drop by spoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for approx. 15-20 minutes. Cookies will get slightly golden. Cool completely, then top with glaze.

Pumpkin Spice Cake
1 Package spice cake mix
1 small package instant vanilla pudding
3 eggs
1/2 C. vegetable oil
1/4 C. water
1 can pumpkin
1/2 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease and flour one 8" deep pan or 2- 9" pans. Whisk together the pumpkin, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. Set aside. In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix and oil. Beat in the eggs, then fold in the pumpkin mixture. Stir in the vanilla pudding.
Pour batter into prepared pan(s). Bake for 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes in pans, then on wire racks.

Pumpkin Spice Latte (from Sandy Fuller)
2 Tbsp. canned pumpkin puree
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 Tbsp. white sugar (I usually use 1 tbsp.)
1 C. milk
1/4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1 (1.5 fluid ounce) jigger brewed espresso

Brew your espresso. Meanwhile in a small saucepan whisk together the pumpkin, sugar, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice and milk. Warm over medium heat, whisking constantly, until hot and frothy, Do not bring to a boil. Pour the espresso into a mug and pour the pumpkin pie spiced milk over it.

This last recipe is our new Christmas Eve tradition. Chris was a little skeptical the first time I wanted to make this, but he quickly became a fan. I won't write the whole thing out, because it's a little long, but you can click on the title below to get the recipe from Rachel Ray's website. The recipe calls for cooking a 2 pound pumpkin, which equates to 1 1/3 Cup of puree.

Sausage and Pumpkin Lasagna

6 Months

Well, I can't even keep up for 6 months on the baby updates. We're now closer to Caleb's 7 month birthday, sigh. Here's the boy in all his drooling boy-ness. I have a feeling the first teeth are coming soon. He is still a leaky faucet and chewing on anything in reach. The latest victim was the corner of a drawing for work, luckily I got it out of his hand before he could eat it. The last few days he's been extra cranky too. Thank goodness for teething tablets and Tylenol (it's a last resort, but we have to sleep people). So here's the 6 month stats: Weight: 17 lbs (50th percentile), length: 27" (95th percentile).

We've also ventured into solid foods. So far Caleb has liked everything I've given him. The favorite seems to be sweet potatoes and carrots. My friend Amy also introduced me to a wonderful baby snack: Baby Mum Mum. Caleb loves these and they are great to keep him occupied while I make dinner, eat dinner, or when we're on a trip. But don't be fooled, even though the box says "No Mess," it is rather messy. But totally worth it!

Thanksgiving

Hannah enjoyed the rope swing

We spent Thanksgiving in Soledad this year, with a stop in Cayucos on the way home. It was so fun to have all the Vanoli cousins together. We are blessed.

Caleb and Nona

Hannah, Jenna and Caleb

Handsome Clayton with his Mama

Going for a ride in Nono's Jeep

Caleb met his Auntie Rita for the first time

The girls found Nona's iPad

Sweet Kinley and Caleb

Nono and Nona with all their grandkids

We got to spend a night in Cayucos on the way home with my mom and Mike. He got some good smiles and giggles out of Caleb.