Here's lookin at you!

We can't get enough of her wide eyes!

What a cutie!

It's good to be related.

Avery & Lyla: the good pic.

Avery & Lyla: outtake #231.

{ps. A little silver & gold for the upcoming new year! wink wink}

Jen's Baby Shower

Avery had a great time!

My grandmother was looking & feeling better! Go Nana!

The theme of the day (& nursery) was lady bugs.

Jen + a gift!


Jen and all her fabulous college friends who came to celebrate the day with her!

(Ps click on a pic to see it larger; click & copy to download pics. All pics are resized to 4x6 or 5x7.)

Cute at 2 weeks!!!

These are pictures of a friend's beautiful new baby: Baby Owen. I can't believe Avery was that little ~ 2 weeks!! I was so excited to take pics of a newborn. I was so sleep deprived when Avery was that little, turning on the camera was an accomplishment! I have to think Elise would agree w/ me, the "photo session" will be memorable. Imagine, myself, Elise, Owen, Charlotte & Avery all hanging out for a photo session . . . Elise and I just needed to grow a few more arms and it would have been easy-peasy . . . PS I have pics at the end of the day, Avery looking oh so tired on the grass and Charlotte trying to escape via the wooden gate!

My baby girl

Friends, I can't believe my baby is turning one!!! In less than 24 hrs, one year ago I got to meet the most beautiful person to ever cross my path! She is the love of my life and the person I would do just about anything for! I miss her when she goes to bed at night. Enough of me sniffling at the computer. Gotta go check on the little one! Here are some pics from that first moment, first day and first week!

Olivia

I am just smitten with black & white photography lately. Especially with babies. Here are some pics of Olivia @ 1 month. So precious . . . I forgot how little Avery was!!! Thanks so much, Alicia, for letting me hold her!!! Can't wait til she and Avery have playdates!

We meet Giada!

I finally got to meet Rebecca's sweet baby, Giada!!! {We were Beck & Beck in high school; formerly known as B&B clean up etc . . .} Giada was so awake & playful. For 8 weeks old she sure knew how to capture the camera lens! Avery was fascinated by the baby and the cat. She explored the place w/ snack trap in hand, leaving a trail of cheerios as she went. She managed to sneak her hand in a few of the photographs as she was intrigued by the buttons on Giada's sweater. Can't wait til they are older and can have playdates!! Thanks Beck for entertaining us!

Wholesome Pancakes

Wholesome, healthy pancakes for the whole family; including the little one! This recipe came from my culinary friend Sarah. I'm sure she'll send more recipes my way :)

Sarah's Pancakes:
Sift together:
1 1/2 cups unbleached flour 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 3/4 teaspoon baking soda 3/4 teaspoon salt
Mix together:
1 1/4 cups milk or buttermilk
1/4 cup butter, melted and cooled 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
~Combine wet and dry mixtures (if it seems too thick, add milk) and drop by 1/4 or 1/2 cups onto a hot griddle.


Sarah's Tip: Make sure to have your oven at 250 degrees with a cookie sheet inside so that you can lift pancakes off the griddle and keep them warm inside while you finish making them.

Thanks SBP!!!
PS I added tiny diced apples and some cinnamon to mine for Avery. The apples got very soft but if you were concerned you could easily grate the apple into the batter. I love the oven tip! We all had a nice family meal!

PPS Another pancake tip: I heat the griddle up ahead of time on medium. I spritz some water on to check if it's hot enough. Before I flip I make sure there are lots of little bubbles on the top!

Happy Flipping!

Homemade Baby Applesauce

Homemade baby applesauce. Directions: steam 3 macintosh apples for 25-30min at medium heat. Pot has water filled 1/2 the height of the apples. Lid stays on. Put apples in colander in sink. Skin should peel right off ~ apples will be hot. Slice apples in half and put half in food mill at a time. 3 apples fills 8 cubes. For fuller cubes use 4 apples. I sprinkle cinnamon and mix when apples are still warm. When babies are older and for an adult treat when apples are still hot mix in red cinnamon heart candies. Enjoy!!