this really happened

Yes, that is my husband.

On the roof of our shed.

In our backyard.

In a neighborhood.

Across the street from a school.

Shooting the bow and arrow.

Apparently the cooler weather inspires us all in different ways.

See? He even had a target.

At least something was cute and precious in the backyard today:

peanut butter pie and homemade baby food

Appetizing title, I know.

But I must share this yummy recipe before I get into the baby food portion of this post.

We had a friend over for Sunday lunch and I tried this pie recipe out. I wanted something I could make on Saturday and it would still taste wonderful Sunday after church. Frozen no-bake pie? Perfect. This would really be fabulous in the summer, but let's face it: I live on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. It is always summer.

This recipe came from my Cooking Light Cookbook, the same book that I got the banana bread recipe from a few posts back. I love how they call this light. I guess in comparison to regular peanut butter pie, it is light. But, please, Weight Watcher followers, turn away. I cannot guarantee a low point pie. Just a delicious one.

Frozen Peanut Butter-Banana Cream Pie

Crust: This recipe called for a homemade graham cracker crust. Pa-leez. The pre-made ones are just fine for me. No homemade pie crust for this girl, but if you are wanting to do it, knock yourself out.

Filling:
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup low fat cream cheese
1/2 cup reduced-fat peanut butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (8 oz) fat free Cool Whip, thawed
1 cup sliced banana (about 2 small bananas)
3/4 fat-free chocolate sundae syrup (I just used chocolate syrup. Like the kind you put in milk)

Place 3/4 cup brown sugar, cream cheese, PB, and vanilla in bowl, beat with mixer at medium speed until smooth. Refrain from licking the bowl. Oh wait, that's not part of the recipe...
Fold in whipped topping. Arrange banana slices in bottom of crust. Spread peanut butter mixture over bananas, drizzle with syrup. Cover and freeze 8 hours; let stand at room temp for 15 minutes before serving. Serves 10

Enjoy!

Now onto the baby food:

Jones will be 6 months in a couple of weeks (gasp). We are planning on introducing foods at that time. He has been 100% on mommy's milk up to this point and, to be perfectly honest, I like it like that. But, man can not live on breast milk alone...

So, I am considering making his baby food. For three main reasons, really: 1) I like knowing what is in his food. 2) I like the idea of little waste (no need for countless of jars, etc) 3) I imagine I could make several weeks of food for cheaper than buying. And coming from a woman who doesn't make a dime, I value saving a dime.

Anyone out there tried this before? Ideas? Cookbook/website recommendations? Tips and advice?

Leave me a comment about your baby food making experience; I would love to know!

a'jumpin' & a'swingin'

Jones is such a busy body - always wants to be moving! Thankfully we have two new toys to keep him entertained. And let me tell you, he is a happy little boy about them both.

My sweet friend gave us this jump&go now that her boys have outgrown it. Jones thinks this is just about the greatest thing. He laughs at himself jumping up and down. He's working out those thighs, after all. Work-out while having fun? Win-win.

"Seriously, mom? No pictures. I am busy jumping here."

Mid-squeal

Any my in-laws just got him this outdoor swing. We put it up tonight and it was a hit. The weather is actually getting pretty nice in the late afternoon, so I imagine we will be swinging until bath time for many, many nights to come. Thanks, Ronnie and Peggy!

Trey, doing a weight-check. I think it will hold him!

"Wait, what? What is this?"

"Don't touch me, mommy. Push me!"

He is so much fun and is growing every single day. We are having the best time with him. He wants to crawl so badly it is just about to drive him nuts. I am not ashamed to admit that I am hoping we have a while before that happens. That would mean my baby is really growing up. And he thinks Sophie is very curious. I find him staring at her and then breaking out a smile and laugh while reaching for her with both hands. Sophie is not so sure. She usually gets up and moves.

on the move

Jones is 5 months today!

And on the move.
He rolls all over the place, all the time. This makes getting his monthly pictures nearly impossible. He is hilarious and is very interested in putting anything he sees in his mouth.

SEE? All over the place. I love it!

5 things about 5 month old Jones:

* He has two precious, tiny and very sharp teeth.

* He has bitten me (umm, while he was eating) no less than 5 times. Each time I scream. Each time he laughs. Boys.

* Loves to be outside. At all times.

* Sleeps beautifully most nights. Going to bed earlier now, around 7:30, and sleeping until 7:30 or 8. Still eats once (sometimes twice) during these times.

* Absolutely loves bath time. He laughs out loud. Kicks and flares his arms like crazy. Hates to get out.

We love you, sweet Jones!!

Now, someone, please let me know how to slow down time. There is NO way I have a 5 month old already.

another reason my mom is a rock star...

she never complained about being sick when we were little. I am sure there were days where she just didn't feel good when we were growing up, but I don't remember her saying so.

Well, I am here to say IT IS HARD being a sick mom. A few weeks ago I had the 24 hour stomach bug. I was sick all day, but it was a Saturday. Trey was home and played the roll nicely of mommy and daddy. I stayed in bed (ummm...when I was not throwing up in the bathroom, I mean) all day. Trey brought me Jones when it was time for him to eat. That was easy compared to this.

Last night I started to feel groggy. Nothing major. My throat hurt a little. Well, by Jones' 3 am feeding, I was sore, ears were popping, throat was in major pain and my head hurt. Uh-oh.

Today has been the longest day I have had in a while. How do mom's do it with more than one child? I am clearly weak. I keep telling myself I got through Jones' first few weeks of life, I can get through a low-grade fever with him. But, man. I. AM. TIRED.

But thanks, again, to my sweet husband. I have sent him out to wal-greens for some meds.

Here's hoping tomorrow will be better!

one year ago today...

Trey and I found out baby Jones was on his way!

After 5 (yes, five) positive pregnancy tests, I cannot even begin to describe the emotions that were running through my heart and mind a year ago today. It has been a wonderful, amazing, overwhelming, at times very hard, incredible year. Trey and I are constantly amazed that God has given us this amazing gift and responsibility of life. We are incredibly blessed and look forward to what all God has in store for his little man's life. We are falling more and more in love with Jones daily and stand in awe at how quickly he is growing and exploring the world around him. He is such a joy. It is a love I cannot explain.

Thank you, God, for this precious, precious boy.

Our last picture together before we found out we were a family of three.
(I was 6 weeks pregnant here, but had no clue)

Very pregnant!

First family picture


Jones, one day old, and his daddy

look closely!

See them?

TEETH!

We now have a almost 5 month old with two precious little (sharp) bottom teeth!

I'll call it a success

Jones attended his first MSU sporting event last weekend. Laura, Jones and I chose not to go into the game, but he mastered the art of tailgating. And I will call it an all together successful day. He had the best time - loved all the activity - and we won. Now that's a good Saturday in Starkville.

(PS - clearly this was a "white out" game. My family does not normally color coordinate so well.)
Fabulous weekend with family. Trey was camping with a friend, but joined us on Sunday. We had a great Labor Day weekend watching great football.

I love this time of year.

30 years

My husband turned 30 years old yesterday!

Jones and I are so blessed to call you ours.

Happy one-day after your birthday, Trey. I hope you know how very, very loved you are.

Sorry this is late, I was in Starkville all weekend and was too busy basking in the glory of two victories from Saturday. (Yes, two. That was not a typo.)

rub-a-dub-dub

Big boy in the tub!

We love bath time!
It's a miracle I have not kissed all those rolls off... I can't stop squeezing and smooching on them!

strollin' in style

"Wait. What is this? Why am I facing forward?!"

"WOW! This is awesome! You have been holding out on me!"

Check out my new stroller!

This was my Mother's Day gift from Trey, but I have not been able to use it until now because Jones has been too little. I love my jogging stroller! Jones is not yet ready for a jog - his Dr. wants him to be able to sit completely by himself and to have complete control of his head. She said a few more weeks.
I. CAN'T. WAIT.
It will come just in time for great fall weather.

I took Jones out in it for a slow stroll. No bumps. No jogging. He loved it! He gets to look out and enjoy the view like a big boy. There is also an Ipod plug in with speakers so that both Jones and I can listen to music as we jog. We were jamming.

Whoa! What are these things?

Look what I found last night!

Jones discovered his feet while I was changing his diaper last night. He hasn't put them in his mouth yet, but I am sure it is just a matter of time.

He rolls all over the place all the time. He does not like to stay still very long! He is better at rolling from his back to his stomach. I think this is his way of rebelling sleeping on his back.

I love being able to watch him discover something new everyday. He is such a blessing and is so, so much fun!