Anya Sitting Up

It's amazing how much can happen in a day!  Yesterday Anya sat on her own for a few seconds...she had a Tinman fall afterwards but Mommy was there to catch her.  She also started rolling over belly to back and now she is my little wiggle worm!
I just looked at some old pictures and videos of her from when she was a month old.  She's growing so much!  It's amazing how much her little personality is coming out.  She looks like such a big girl compared to those early pictures!

Apple Series: Apple Crisp

I love the smell of apple crisp baking in the oven.  The smell creates so many memories for our family.  This time of year is so much fun...especially all of the baking I get to do!  Tonight I decided to use up some more of the apples we got from the orchard.  I made this to-die-for apple crisp.  I wish I had some vanilla ice cream to put on top!  Maybe Anya and I will make a mad dash to Wal-mart tomorrow:-)

4 cups sliced, cored apples
2/3-3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup oats
3/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/3 cup soft butter
dash salt
1/4 cup of water or less

1.) Pour sliced apples into a 8x8 baking dish.  Pour 1/4 cup of water in the bottom of the dish.
2.)  In a small bowl combine brown sugar, flour, oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and butter.
3.)  Sprinkle on top of the apples.

Bake at 375 degrees for 30-35 minutes.  Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel!

Apple Series: Apple Bread

Ever gone apple picking and you have so many apples you don't know what to do with them?  That's the boat we're in!  This Apple Bread recipe is the perfect breakfast on-the-go and can work for dessert too, warmed up with a scoop of ice cream on the top and a drizzle of caramel.  Drooling yet?

3c Flour
2tsp Cinnamon
1tsp Baking Soda
1/2tsp Baking Powder
1/2tsp Salt
1/2c Vegetable oil
2c Sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1/2tsp Vanilla
2c apples, peeled, cored, chopped
1c walnuts, chopped

1.)  Combine dry ingredients in a medium bowl.
2.)  Combine oil, sugar, eggs, vanilla, apples, in a mixing bowl.  Stir into flour mixture.  Add nuts.
3.)  Pour into two greased 8 x 4 bread pans
350 degrees for 40-45 minutes

Enjoy!!

A Year Ago...

One year ago today, Josh and I found out we were expecting!  What a great day and early birthday gift it was.  It's amazing to think of how much happens in one year.  Now we have a 4 month old, precious baby girl.  She is a miracle!

A Day at the Orchard

Yesterday we had a family day and went apple picking.  Royal Oak Farm is a Christian-based orchard...

I know, cool right!!

It was the perfect temperature...I love the crisp, cool air that September brings after a hot and humid summer! Don't you?  It's so refreshing.  Anya laughed when she felt the breeze on her face!

 It was fun acting like kids again and enjoying the simple things in life- like picking fresh apples from a tree.

We picked a whole peck, while singing "I love you a bushel and a peck, a bushel and a peck and a hug around your neck!" I guess that's what you do when you are married to a musical director!! 

We made sure to get plenty of Jonamac because they are great to eat and bake with.  Juicy and crisp...PERFECT!

Before leaving we couldn't resist buying some goodies from the store bakery.  We're talking apple donuts, fresh cider, and two hot drinks to go...I never thought I'd say this about donuts but they were SO good!  Oh, and I had to buy some apple butter for Josh because it's his favorite!

We had so much fun we might even go again...it's open until October 31st!
Apple Baking Series: COMING SOON!!!

Dear Anya, Happy 4 months!

Dear Anya,
Four months already!?! When I tell people "I have a daughter who is four months" it doesn't sound like I have a newborn anymore.  I must say, although I miss your quivering lip and dream smiles, every day truly does get better and better!
At the beginning of this month you mastered rolling over from back to tummy.  Sleeping on your tummy is your favorite!  You have definitely gained a lot of neck strength and don't fuss nearly as much during tummy time.  We've had nights where you sleep through the night and nights where you wake up a lot.  I'm starting to stay away from spicy foods and continuing to stay away from dairy as this still bothers your tummy.  This month you have become a much happier nurser and you don't fuss during feedings as much as you used to.  I never thought I'd be able to say that!!  You hold onto my shirt like it is a blanket...oh, I can't wait for those days when you carry a blankie!
Daddy has started work up again so it's just me and you and occasional visits from Auntie Kates and your Grandmas at home.  We keep busy by playing in the exersaucer, reading books (you love the color book with the bright red strawberry and lime green background!) sitting in your bumbo.  Speaking of sitting-When I went grocery shopping the other day and you stayed home with Auntie Katie and you practiced sitting up on your own with her.  She said that you are like Tin-Man, falling to the sides for her to catch you!
Your routine is still somewhat inconsistent but you've developed a good morning nap and bedtime routine!  You use your paci a lot less than you did when you were a newborn, only using it now for naps and not even every time.  If Daddy or I are holding you, you start chewing on our arms, hands, shoulders...anything you can munch on. Toys are constantly going in your mouth and I wonder how you could possibly like chewing on some of those harder toys.  I try to get you to use teething rings but you seem to prefer everything else! I think you may be starting to teeth. 
Your eyes light up when you hear the water turn on for bath time.  You enjoy kicking water at Daddy...it's very cute!  I think you are going to be a big swimmer!  You love when water gets on your face and hands, and you try to lick it off.
We are still using cloth diapers and we love them-the colors look so cute on  you!  The summer dresses in 0-3 and 3 month are now being worn as shirts with skirts!  You wear mostly 3-6 month with 6 month sleepers at night.
A few days ago Mommy tried to give you rice cereal with a spoon but your tongue just pushed it out.  When we go to the doctor in a few days we will see what she says about starting it in a bottle.  You seem very curious and interested when Daddy and I eat.  It's very cute to watch you stare at us!
Here are some pictures from this month:

 

I love you,
Mommy