sick

Now I understand what they meant in our parenting classes by "projectile vomit."

Poor Baby Sam. It's been a rough week or so, as we've fought a nasty stomach flu that seems to be circulating around. He started throwing up his meals three feet or so across the room Saturday night, then, amazingly for a 15 lb. body, proceeded to create the most rancid smelling blow outs the consistency of wet cement....up to his neck. I should have just taken the diaper off, for all the good IT did. Let's just say I've learned to take apart the carseat down to the styrofoam, wash it all, AND put it back together again. Not bad for a college degree.

It's been bleak survival mode in our house, I cannot even tell you how many loads of laundry I've done, or about my passionate love affair with OxyClean. Sam would need an entirely new wardrobe if it weren't for it's stain fighting powers. Sigh.

Then on Monday night, I got it. And wanted to die. Couldn't even carry the baby up the stairs and didn't know how I'd make it through that day.

But we survived and are picking up the pieces at our house.

Scott is renting a carpet steamer tonight to clean all the upstairs carpeting. Yup, it was THAT bad.

An Oreo Sandwich

This is the last video of the baby for a while, I promise. My grandparents get a kick out of watching them, plus the file is too big to email. So the rest of you just have to suffer through them. Happy Thursday.

Sam's First Meal

And so it's begun, the adventure into the world of rice cereal, sweet potatoes, bite sized finger foods and stinky diapers. Sam took to it like a pro, but seemed more interested in eating his bib at moments then what was on the spoon. I apologize again for the high pitched baby-talk babbling, I forget how little I like hearing my voice on recordings. Oh well.

The End Result

What you see here is the end result of my friend's long labors. In order, starting at the top center and going clockwise: a shortbread scone with cranberry orange marmalade; a homemade breakfast bar with cherries; dark chocolate cupcake with bittersweet frosting; pumpkin cupcake with cinnamon cream cheese frosting; a pineapple carrot cake cupcake with maple cream cheese frosting and in the middle, a decadent coconut cupcake with almond cream cheese frosting.

Each and every bite was amazing, even 2 days after they had been made. Way to go A!

A Cupcake Tasting

It's happening. One of my very best friends is pursuing her dream to become a professional in the restaurant world.

I got an exclusive invitation the other night...to a cupcake tasting party, a CHOCOLATE cupcake tasting party, to be exact. Oh the joys of that evening, the succulent, moist cakes and creamy frostings we tried and tested! I don't know how this amazing mother of three has the energy to pull together 9 different types of cupcakes and frostings at 8:30pm on a weeknight, but she bakes like a woman inspired.

Keep reading for more details, my buddy A is on the brink of something wonderful and it was fun to be present as history was being made.

I would have paid good money for this dessert here... like at least $10. So delicious.

One of my first attempts at a home movie

Sam decides to finally laugh on camera.

Why Dogs Bite People

Who wouldn't want to kiss this face?

I just can't resist him.

Fall Menu Ideas for our House

1) White Cheddar Potato Corn Chowder
Crunchy French Baguette with butter

2) Mexican Chicken Soup
Jalapeno Cornbread
Pineapple Margaritas
Chocolate Orange Fondue
(Who wants to come over to dinner for this menu?
We need company for this meal. :)

3) Beef Bourguignon
Lemon Arugula Salad with Shaved Parmesan
Fox and Obel Bread with butter
Peanut Butter Pie with Oreo Cookie Crust or
Lemon Cheesecake...I haven't decided yet.

4) Grilled Hanger Steak with Peanut Dipping Sauce
Steamed Broccoli with Lemon

5) Apricot and Cheddar Chicken Melt
Apple Celery Salad

6) Smooth Butternut Squash Soup
Buttered Cinnamon Sugar Croutons

7) Grilled Filet Mignon
Smashed Potatoes
Sweet and Sticky Roasted Green Beans

We're all ready for winter...

...here at our house....

...even if the snowsuit is a little big.

Done

I am done.

Done watering plants and the lawn.
Done weeding the yard.
Done dead-heading the geraniums.
Done with tank tops and shorts.
Done with flip flops. (I know!)
Done with spider webs EVERYWHERE.
Done with mosquito and spider bites.
Done sweating and feeling overheated.

Bring it ON-- jeans and fleeces, down comforters, beef bourguignon, fires in the fireplace, frosted window panes, pumpkins everywhere, feeling chilly while out for an evening walk, apple crisp, corn stalks, homemade hot chocolate and spiced cider, cozy socks, slippers and flannel jammies.

I'm ready.