Family, Homemade Bread, and Play Kitchens

Christmas was absolutely wonderful this year! In the past, we have always done crazy Christmas traveling to see everyone, and by the end we were completely exhausted. This year was SO much easier! Christmas Eve at Chris's parents' house, Christmas Day at my parents' house. Relaxing, no rushing around, and wonderful!

It was so nice actually getting to spend quality time with the people we love. This year there was no arguing (that I know of, at least), and people genuinely seemed to be in good spirits, which is truly what Christmas should be.

Now for the materialistic stuff...Chris got me exactly what I wanted! Something I have been wanted for such a long time, but never actually bought because I don't really have the space for it: A BREAD MACHINE! I have owned it for about 48 hours now, and am on my 3rd loaf of bread and need to buy another bag of bread flour!

Growing up, my mom always had fresh baked bread in the house. It was always so special, and something we looked forward to. She didn't have a bread machine, however, and all of the bread was done by hand. When it was time for the bread to be punched down before the second rising, we would FIGHT over who got to punch it. The bread would be barely out of the oven and we'd about knock each other out to get the first pieces because they'd be the warmest and the butter would melt into it. Yummm. Now, I don't have the same time (cough::talent::cough), but I hope that one day Brendan, and any future kids will remember having homemade bread in the house. I know it's lame, though, and there are so many other things I'd like him to remember and appreciate, but this is just one :)

Now for Brendan's Christmas. Sometimes I'm amazed at how smart he is. Santa may have gone a SMIDGE out of control...but it was totally worth it. He LOVES his play kitchen and Cozy Coupe (the two "big" gifts), but what I'm impressed with at how well he knows how to use them! One of the food items was a hamburger, which came in three parts. He knows which parts of the bun go together!!! Yeah, Brendan! Now the car...Brendan hasn't ever seen anyone actually drive a car since he's still rear facing, but as soon as he's in the car, it's like he has seen it every day of his life! I'm totally overreacting, I'm sure, but it just amazes me to see him learn :)

'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse...

Santa finally came...she (um, he) must have been really busy in her (I mean his) family room (I mean, workshop)! Santa will try to buy toys that will require a little less assembly as the Cozy Coupe near killed her (HIM!!!).





Results later... :)

Merry Christmas to all, and to all, a good night!

*Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!*

I do love the snow! Despite the fact that it is just horrid to drive in, there is something about it that makes me smile!

I was so excited about the first snowfall of the year that I went out today to buy Brendan some snow boots! Size 4 boots are kind of hard to come by, but Target had 2 pair hidden behind some size 10s. Special shout out to the wonderful associate who will regret her stretched out earlobe one day for finding them!

Anyway, it seems Brendan loves snow about as much as I do! In about a year we're going to be making the most awesome snowmen together!







<3<3<3<3<3

I can't believe it has been almost a month since the last time I blogged! I apologize to me (3?) readers! ;)

Brendan will be 13 months old on Saturday! Each day he gets closer and closer to walking! I have a feeling it can be any time now. He can now get himself into a stand from a seated position without pulling up!

His current list of words include:
Dada
Uh oh
ah ah (means no)
Mama (FINALLY!)
Mmm (when something tastes good...does that even count as a word?)
Dwah-doo (the jury's still out on this one. We thought maybe doggie, but probably not)

He currently sleeps about 11-12 hours a night with 2 two-hour naps during the day, but the morning nap is getting shorter and shorter...it will probably be dropped sooner rather than later!

Brendan loves whole milk and we made a seamless transition from bottles! Woohoo! I'm so grateful he had no issues giving them up! Yayyyyy Brendan!