Cousins!

Growing up I was very close to my cousins (still am!) and I am so happy that Leo has cousins the same age to grow up with. Mike's brother Steve and his wife Amanda(who is also one of my best friends) had their son in January so there are only 3 months difference between the boys! I can't imagine all the trouble they will get into, I am sure they are going to have a blast! When Leo was first born there was such a difference between the boys. Brenden was a week overdue so he came out a whopping 9 lbs 7 oz and just kept growing from there. Our little guy didn't hit 9 lbs until he was almost two months old! Now the boys are evening out and actually starting to play with each other. I absolutely love it!

This was taken back in April. It was their first shopping experience together!

Also another oldie! Look at the size diff! They actually are both in Leo's bouncy that has a weight limit of 18 lbs lol

Shopping Buddies!

Leo Loves Kohls like his Mama!

This taken more recently. Still a size difference but don't they look so cute playing together!?

Most of the time when we come home to Wichita to visit we always stay with Steve and Amanda so the boys get to spend plenty of time together. We are actually going home for a couple weeks here very soon (over Halloween) and I am so excited to see the boys in their costumes together!

Leo not only has Brenden had a first cousin but Mike's cousin Katie had a son named Connor in February so there is only 5 weeks between him and Leo so its super fun to get all three boys together too. We plan on having them all take pictures for Halloween but here are a few pics of all three boys over the past few month.

First Meeting! Leo was not happy and Connor looks so scared! oh babies...

 

The boys are a little bigger but still wondering why we keep putting them on the floor like that!

This is the most recent one taken in August, This month I don't think the boys are going to  stay still long enough for a picture like this! They are all mobile now!!

The many uses of the kitchen!

Leo is getting so good at sitting on his own. We still put the boppy or pillows behind him if he is on  a hard surface because he has a tendency of lunging backward when he gets really excited but all in all he has a pretty good grasp on it. Well with this new learned talent of sitting bath time has changed a little. When he learned to roll over I thought that was challenging enough distracting him by songs or waving toys in front of him to keep him on his back in the tub BUT with him sitting on his own he still doesn't realize if he flings back the tub floor is not a soft as that boppy! I am not sure if I am being a over protective mother by not letting him just "learn from his mistakes" but I also don't want him to crack his head! SO...Me being the paranoid Mama that I am we have decided for the time being we are doing baths in the kitchen sink! (easier on the ol' back!! ha ha) He loves it! I am going to try not to make a habit of this but it sure is fun!

He can't take a bath without Mr. Ducky!

Fall Time always makes me turn into such a chef. I just love cooking when the weather is cooler! I have also been trying to come up with different recipes because it always seems as hard as we try we usually end up cooking Mexican food! (Mike's Fav) I am so happy that Leo enjoys spending time in the kitchen with me because if it wasn't for that I have no idea how I would have time to cook. He just loves to sit in his jumparoo looking outside the back doors usually at June (our dog) or watching me go back forth from the sink to the counter preparing food. God Bless Him :)

Here are a few recipes! YUM
This following recipe if you are rushed for time I used Pillsbury croissants instead of homemade dough. BUT if you have the time i suggest the original recipe its so delicious!

Chicken Bacon Ranch Roll ups (warm)

1 roll refrigerated pizza dough
1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing mix
2 T grated Parmesan cheese
1 T olive oil or melted butter
sharp cheddar cheese (I used 75% sharp cheddar and 25% mozzarella)
8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
about 1 C shredded, cooked chicken.
3/4 C mayo
3/4 C milk

First take 1 teaspoon of your ranch dressing mix and combine it with 1 1/2 T Parmesan cheese. Set aside. Combine the remaining ranch mix with 3/4 C mayo and 3/4 C milk and place in the fridge to chill.

Preheat oven to heat specified on pizza dough package. Usually it's 400-425 degrees.

Unroll your pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat or roll the dough so it's about 12" by 8". You're going to want to cut it into 24 squares, so just eyeball it if you need to. Use a pizza cutter to slice the dough into 24 squares.

Place cheese and desired toppings on each square.When all of your dough squares have cheese and toppings on them, carefully lift up each square and wrap the dough around the toppings.I grab the four corners first and then squeeze the seams shut. Then place them seam side down in a lightly sprayed pie pan (or similar sized dish). Brush with melted butter or olive oil and sprinkle with the Parmesan-ranch mixture.



Place your rolls in the oven. I've noticed baking time really depends on the type of dough I'm using. Whether it's different brands from the store, or homemade dough, they all take different amounts of time. Set your timer for 10 minutes and check on them after that. They may take up to 15 or 20 to be done. Take them out when they're lightly golden on top.

Serve them warm with a side of freshly made ranch dressing for dipping.


This next one is great for this time of year!

Pumpkin Dip

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened

2 cups confectioners' sugar

1 (15 ounce) can solid pack pumpkin

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice

1 teaspoon frozen orange juice concentrate

In a medium bowl, blend cream cheese and confectioners' sugar until smooth. Gradually mix in the pumpkin. Stir in the cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and orange juice until smooth and well blended. Chill until serving. Great with Gingersnaps!

Gingersnaps

2 cups sifted all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon ground ginger

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup shortening

1 cup white sugar

1 egg

1/4 cup dark molasses

1/3 cup cinnamon sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Sift the flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt into a mixing bowl. Stir the mixture to blend evenly, and sift a second time into another bowl. Place the shortening into a mixing bowl and beat until creamy. Gradually beat in the white sugar. Beat in the egg, and dark molasses. Sift 1/3 of the flour mixture into the shortening mixture; stir to thoroughly blend. Sift in the remaining flour mixture, and mix together until a soft dough forms. Pinch off small amounts of dough and roll into 1 inch diameter balls between your hands. Roll each ball in cinnamon sugar, and place 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven until the tops are rounded and slightly cracked, about 10 minutes.



Obssessions while being a mommy

So one of my new obsessions is defiantly by far Craigslist.With our little family moving in 7 short months I already have "lets get this stuff out of here" on my mind. While I was pregnant I somewhat evaluated our belongings and set aside what we really didn't "need" thinking I could have this wonderful garage sale while I was on maternity leave. hahahaha what a joke! hence: Craigslist So now that that the sleepless nights and walking around like a zombie with a baby in my arms stage is somewhat over I am back in motion! I have been actually quite successful in selling our obsessions without getting suckered in to buying more baby stuff!

 

so easy!

Coffee!! Never in my life have I had a drop of Coffee. As I was growing up my father drank coffee like it was going out of style so of course I have always loved the smell filling the house but never ventured to taste it. Mike got into a really big coffee "kick" when vet-school had him staying up all night and then working all day but I was pregnant then so no caffeine for me! BUT last month after I stopped breastfeeding I tried some and now boy am I hooked! It has to be iced though, I am not a big fan of hot drinks. I believe it has even surpassed my love for diet coke and anyone who knows me knows how much I love my diet coke!

I love Chocolate in mine!

Facebook holy cow! I am such a loser when it comes to facebook! With me living 2 hours from pretty much everyone i know it really does keep my connected. On facebook I can talk back and forth with all my friends pretty much on a daily basis, see pictures they post and so on. Of course they get to keep up with all the Leo action also! It really makes living away from everyone a little easier.  I can't wait until we move back next year and I can see them on a daily basis but for now facebook is  the way to connect! 

Being Green Now I am not going to pretend I am all super organic and recycle everything but after having Leo I wanted to become more "earth friendly" so I cloth diaper and just pay attention to labels more on the products we use. We cook more often at home so that we know what we are actually eating lol We try to use energy saving techniques as much as possible and try to recycle as much as we can. I hope if I make small habits of it now that in the future we can live our entire lives "green" and make this world a better place!

ain't that the truth!

What's up Doc?? I'm 6 months!

Love this Baby!

Leo is 6 months! If you have been around my family at all you know that birthdays are something to celebrate! We love them so much we celebrate our half birthdays also! Gotta love it!  So of course last thursday we sure did celebrate Leo's half birthday. We made cupcakes and he enjoyed some frosting, yum!!  Oh my goodness how we love to celebrate ourselves! But being born is kinda a big deal ya know.

Gimme! Gimme!

Reading his card from Grandma

Is this whole thing for me!?

 Even though Mr. Leo turned 6 months last week  we just went to the doctor today for his checkup. My little baby boy is still pretty little! He received 3 vaccinations and his flu shot today and he was such a trooper! He is such a smiley baby until someone pokes him with a needle, if only all the vaccinations could be the oral kind, he loves those! He did really well right after we left the office taking a short little nap in the car but once we got home it sure was a different story! Boy did we have a rough afternoon! He has never had a hard time with his shots before so this through me for a loop. So we spent the afternoon with a blanket on the living room floor playing with all his toys! It was the only thing that kept him happy, which was fine with me! you need a break from all the daily chores sometimes  We also went outside for awhile waiting for Daddy to come home and play with us.

Weight: 17 lbs Height: 26 in

 

Reading his book

Rolling around and so ready to crawl!

Leo Loves to be outside!

With Leo being 6 months already it makes me realize even more how fast time goes. I know people somewhat overuse the expression "Time Flies" but its soooo true!!  I can't believe this little person who a year ago was the size of a pinky who was growing inside me is now a playful all so curious little person! We have so much fun together. He is growing such a personality, he lets us know what is on his mind...even if it is only in the words of "gee gee" "ey" or "who who" Leo's vocabulary at the moment. It's just so amazing!

I simply remember my favorite things....

This past week has been heartbreaking for my family. My aunt and uncle were in a terrible car accident and unfortunately my uncle did not make it. My aunt made it but came out with severe long term injuries. Time's like these really make me step back and think. I love my family and I know we will be able to get through this but for the time being I am just going to remind myself of all the little things that bring a smile to my face and think of a better tomorrow.

Leo's Favorite Things at 6 months

Brushing Teether!

Crinkle Toys!

Leo's New Fall Shoes!

Pacifiers, or anything he can put in his mouth!

His overalls! 

His Puppy Robe!

Last but not least Daddy and Mama!!! (or at least I would like to think so LOL)

Jump Jump!

I had a wonderful craiglist find the other day! We bought a rain forest jumparoo activity center for Leo, He loves it! These past few months have been getting pretty adventuresome on his part now that he can roll around and somewhat army crawl around. I want to encourage his development but I also need to get things done around the house and know he isn't going to come rolling down the stairs with me! This thing is awesome, He watched me do dishes, cook dinner, change laundry, vacuum etc...all in his new toy! oh my gosh I think I love it more then he does

Loving it!

Along with figuring out his new toy, Leo is learning a couple other new tricks. He is mastering a sippy cup, baby food and he is soooo close to crawling! He will put all his wieght on the palm of his hands lunge forward with his butt in the air but for now he just shoves his face into the carpet and gets really mad, but I'm not worried I know he will figure it out soon! My house it not even prepared for a crawler!

ok, how do I use this thing!?

Ready to move!

YUM squash!

I have really been enjoying life lately. This age that Leo is in is so precious. I love watching him grow and learn everyday! He is sleeping better through the night so we are getting more rest at least Mama and Leo are Dad has been very busy with school and I don't see a end in sight with that for awhile. He will have defiantly earned his DVM degree by May! Leo and I go to work a couple days a week but for the most part we enjoy are time at home and our weekend drives to Wichita. My mission now for the next few weeks is getting ready for Halloween. We will be doing a wizard of Oz theme. Leo will be the Lion of course I will be Dorothy and Mike well he is still up in the air but most likely he will be the scarecrow. I am so excited!

Sunday Mike and I celebrated out first year wedding anniversary can you believe it? I can't! Time sure does fly. Mike was very sweet and made the entire day special.We woke up and went to breakfast as a family but of course Leo was the center of attention! Everywhere we go people stop and first ALWAYS mention how big his eyes are. Then how cute he is, he eats it right up. That boy is such a ham! lol To make the breakfast even more eventful it was the first time Mr. Leo sat in a highchair at a restaurant! oh my big boy :) 

Of course we still had to use a pillow!

Father and Son enjoying their morning drinks!

 Next on the days plans were relaxing at home which was was great until Mike was called in school for an emergency patient, boo! He was gone for a couple hours which left me to get ready for our dinner plans all alone with Leo. Usually Leo can entertain himself in his crib with his toys while I shower and get ready for work but of course on the day I really wanted to take my time he wouldn't let me out of his sight! poor baby must have known we were going to be taking him to a babysitter. Well mission accomplished I was all ready for Mike and I's dinner date 30 minutes behind schedule and Mike called He had run out of gas! so we were even more behind schedule. Usually we aren't big sticklers on time but Leo's bed time is 8:30 and his Mama is the only one that can put him to sleep without him waking the neighborhood from screaming, and the time was now 6:30! We dropped Leo off at our friend Katies around 7 and life was good, off to dinner!

Not open on Sundays!

 

You would think since our town is so small we would know that the restaurant isn't open on Sundays! LOL just our luck! We ended up going somewhere else but the night couldn't of been better. I love my Husband  and this past year has been amazing, Just spending time together was gift enough for me. We ended the night with a piece of wedding cake a recreation of course!  All together it was a perfect day.

Ready for dinner

Not Perfect but Yum!

Sock Monkey

I am obsessed with the old-school sock monkey right now! as much as I love Leo's Lion theme I wish  he has another room just so I could decorate in sock monkey! lol I would love to get these blankets or bags..maybe for christmas :)

perfect for floor time with Leo!

so cute!

love it!

What a Month!

We have had a busy last month! Leo got a brand new cousin, had his first trip to Kansas City, first State Fair and KSU football game! Lots of Firsts! He also is now in 6/9 month clothes I know most babies reach that by 3 months but my boy likes to take his time! We spent alot of time back home which Leo enjoyed! So many things only pictures can sum it all up so here ya go!

New cousin Tess!

Grandpa's New Truck!

Learning to Sit

Having Laughs with Grandma!

State Fair!

Go CATS!

Now we are ready for fall! My favorite time of year. Going to the pumpkin patch, trick or treating, My Birthday and Thanksgiving! Not all at once though!