Christmas Cookies

You would think I would have more to blog about with Christmas coming and all. I'm sure there will be plenty to share in the coming weeks.

Today I took inventory of my pantry items in the hopes that I could make a batch of Christmas cookies with Abigail. To my delight I had everything we needed to make my most favorite Christmas cookie: Chocolate Italian Cookies.

Abigail helped pour a few ingredients in the bowl and also mixed a bit. I even let her roll a few of the cookies. Once she started getting carried away with touching things other than the food (i.e. her face) she became a spectator because she got tired of washing her hands.

I didn't think Abigail would care for them because they have cloves and cinnamon in them, but I was wrong. I guess we'll be sharing ;-)

Sarah is ONE!

As of 2:20 this afternoon Sarah will officially be one year old. I'm sure you will not be surprised to hear that I cannot believe she is a year old already!

It blows my mind that a whole year ago today I was holding a tiny little beautiful baby in my arms. I really wasn't sure how having two-under-two kids would work out. It hasn't been easy, but the rewards have been more than worth the tough times.

I have thoroughly enjoyed watching Sarah's unique personality develop. It is so fun to see how different two girls born of the same parents can be!

My feelings are a bit more bitter-sweet with Sarah hitting this milestone than they were when Abigail turned one. I think the main difference is because when Abigail turned one, we already knew about Sarah. But now, my baby-my youngest-is turning one. Instead of having "empty nest" syndrome I think I have "empty womb" syndrome.

Every time Sarah learns something new I almost cringe-my baby is growing up too fast. Whether she is taking her first few steps, climbing the stairs, drinking from a sippy cup, or learning how to steer her walker on her own, I gasp a little. My baby can't be one already! Before I know it she'll be singing This is the Day and telling me she loves me. Before I know it she'll be running around the house, kicking bouncy balls, and really getting into things. Where does the time go?

Happy birthday, Sarah! We love you so much and look forward to watching you continue to grow and develop into the young lady God wants you to be!

Auntie Laura's Baby Shower

Today my Mom and I threw my sister her baby shower. We had a tea/Winnie the Pooh theme. I spent a lot of time online trying to figure out what sort of tea foods to make. We ended up making cucumber mint sandwiches, chicken salad sandwiches, orange scones, blueberry lemon scones and shortbread cookies. I must say, they turned out great. Special thanks also goes to my Aunt who made cookies and my Grandma who made Laura's favorite bean salad.

Here are a few pictures of our decorations. We mixed tea with Winnie the Pooh because of his love of honey. Our favors were honey dippers with "Mommy to Bee" tags. It wasn't planned, but I think they ended up looking like baby rattles.

Bridget is going to be one fashionable baby. She got so many cute clothes and other baby essentials. My favorite gift Laura got was an interactive one. She got a bunch of adorable clothes from my Grandma all attached to a clothesline. I had seen this done at another shower, such a good idea!

And now some pictures of the Mommy-to-Be and hostesses. Abigail got in on the photo action too...

I cannot wait to meet little Miss Bridget in just a few short weeks!!!

Mommy's Little Helper

We've let Abigail venture into the forbidden room in our house since Sarah's arrival. This forbidden room is our kitchen. We let her in with us when we're preparing meals or getting Abigail milk. Tonight while I was plating a meal a friend made for us Abigail decided to do some sweeping. What a cute little helper!