A Pampered Chef in the Making

In Preparation for Pepsi

....because who would put Pepsi in a baby bottle?

Bringing Sunshine Into Our Lives

This is our sweet Felix, and of all the cats I've had, he definitely wins the award for most unique. He has many special talents, including doing his fast front feet on smooth surfaces, tearing cardboard boxes into tiny pieces (which Sammy then eats), and carrying ice cubes in his mouth. His biggest "talent" though has to be his chewing. He enjoys any type of stretchy material...hair bands, coat cords, etc., but as you can see, blinds are his favorite. I think this is the 7th set that he has chewed. Some have been our fault as we have not moved all the furniture stepping stools. We've tried squirting him with water and spraying the cords with bitter spray. He simply laughs and keeps chewing. The few blinds that still seem like likely targets stay closed at all times, which seems to deter him. Ned and I are a bit concerned as to what we will cover our windows with when we build, and we certainly can't live in the Tall Oaks neighborhood without window coverings. So, if any readers have suggestions I'd love to hear them, since removing his teeth probably isn't an option. Until then, we'll just keep believing that he's trying to bring a little more light into our lives.

Walk Like a Duck

We made the most of the beautiful day yesterday and strolled to feed the ducks. We had quite a crowd!



This guy didn't like our honey wheat bread.



This is my favorite kind of duck, so he got lots of bread. He would even try to take it from our fingers, but after a horrifying experience with a swan as a child, I kept my fingers at a safe distance.



Sammy enjoyed the walk with us but had to spend some time in the stroller basket so he wouldn't scare the ducks. And because Sammy starts out all walks at warp speed and gets worn out in the first five minutes, he also rode home in the basket!

I'm sure Avery and I will do this lots through the summer as it takes A LOT to entertain a growing child. One day we'll live even closer to the pond, but for now, we enjoy the short stroll.

January Snow

A Busy January

January brought us Avery's six month birthday, the introduction of solids, and sitting well unsupported. Solids have been quite enjoyable. She ate rice cereal and oatmeal well until we tried sweet potatoes, and what a hit they were! Oatmeal just isn't as delicious now. All her friends at the babysitter have been asking when they can share their food with Avery, so I know they'll be excited for her to be joining them at the table soon...until she starts stealing their snacks!

Christmas...A Month Late!

Avery's first Christmas was busy! She came down with a ear infection 3 days before Christmas, but we still managed five holiday gatherings and two church services in one week. She was a trooper, but by Christmas night we had some screaming. Christmas won't be quite as busy next year, although we will be chasing a toddler!