Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Here is a link to the cranberry sauce I made for Thanksgiving this year. It was so so so yummy and easy to make, less than 20 minutes start to finish. Thought you might like to try it out for Christmas. Scrumptious on top of turkey!

Simple and Amazing Cranberry Sauce

Annie: Twenty-One Months

Her second birthday is going to be here before I know it! Annie has learned so many things this month. She is getting pretty good at using a spoon and fork. She loves to help me around the house--moving clothes from the washer to the dryer, "cooking," cleaning up her toys, picking out her clothes, and throwing away diapers. She is adding new words every day and I love watching her little mind soaking up new experiences. Annie loves her baby dolls, play kitchen, and books. She has learned to make some animal sounds. "Baaa" like a sheep is her favorite. She is in awe of the Christmas decorations. We are going to decorate the tree tonight and I can't wait to see what she thinks of that! Annie is still taking two naps a day, only because JJ still needs two and I need them to stay on the same schedule. If she doesn't want to sleep she plays in her crib and that is just fine with me. After the holidays I plan to move to one nap if JJ will cooperate. Annie is down to nursing just once a day, first thing in the morning. I think she will be ready to give that up soon and be weaned completely. I am glad we didn't set a strict timetable for weaning, it has been much easier to give up nursing a little at a time and wait until she is ready.

Thanksgiving Recap

We spent Thanksgiving at Bebe and Papa Rick's house. I did a horrible job taking pictures. Yes, Bebe was there, and auntie and uncles, too! I did get some adorable pictures of JJ and a cute family photo but I can't post those here 'cause I need to protect JJ's privacy.

Here are a few I can share with you. Hope your Thanksgiving was blessed!

Annie and Granny


She really liked the sparkles on Granny's shirt


She was in a cheesy mood when I tried to snap pictures of her with Papa Rick


Funny girl


Sweet baby girl


Love her dress--thanks, Honey!


Backyard treasures

JJ: Eighteen Months

JJ is eighteen months old and looks less like a baby every day. In fact, it is time for his second haircut. JJ loves to play, play, play and eat, eat, eat. He is learning more words and (maybe this is just my wishful thinking) his tantrums are starting to improve a teeny tiny bit. JJ doesn't know it yet but he's in for an exciting six weeks of celebrating the holidays. We have lots of fun planned!

We've mentally changed JJ's stay with our family from January to indefinite. Although I'll admit JJ sometimes wears me out, we're enjoying having him here. We'll see what the Lord has in store for this little guy.

Precious

Baby C: One Month

Baby C is a growing boy! He has great head control and can already roll over from tummy to back. He is an easy baby except he is not sleeping more than 2 1/2 hours at a time. He has to eat every three hours or he thinks he is starving. The Gent takes care of Baby C at night so I can sleep, and I think he is getting pretty tired. Baby C has been a joy to have around and we've loved caring for him during his newborn days.

He should be moving on to his next foster home the end of this week or early next week. He has a big sister already in care and he will be going to the same home where she is--we are excited for him to be placed with a sibling and know he will be well cared for. His mama is doing well. I was able to meet her last week and we had a nice visit with Baby C. We are praying that she will continue on the good path she is on and that her family will be able to be reunited in the coming months.

Peanut: Three Months

Twelve weeks yesterday, we made it. We went to the doctor today and got to hear a nice, strong heartbeat. All breathing a little easier over here now.

I am finally over the nausea for the most part, but it has been replaced by a horrible cough. Now that I'm past the twelve week mark I can take cough medicine, and my doctor gave me a script for a zpak. I didn't take any medication at all when I was pregnant with Annie and I was hoping to avoid it this time, too. I think I'll give it another couple of days before I give in.

I know it looks like my baby belly is huge already, but I can still fit in most of my clothes. I guess when you lose ten pounds there is added room for a belly. :) I am breaking out the belly band this week, though. It is more comfortable than buttoning my jeans. I'm guessing my maternity clothes are still a month or so away.

Bye, bye, first trimester!

Bebe and Papa Rick

Bebe and Papa Rick came for a visit this weekend. I didn't get hardly any pictures, oops! We were too busy having fun.

Snaggletooth

Since we waited till Halloween to carve our pumpkin, we weren't too ambitious this year. Meet Snaggletooth.