Last week was a busy one. We kicked it off with Sam’s nine-month well visit. Thankfully Nick was along to entertain our wild man while I completed a stack of paperwork for our new pediatrician. Also? The new doc said we can now start Sam on finger foods. Ha. Well, we said, he’s basically been feeding himself since six months.... Read more
Meatloaf is a big hit in our house, and this recipe is a healthy adaptation of the traditional one made by our mothers. Not that there’s anything wrong with the comforting combination of ground beef and ketchup! But, in my opinion, this version is more flavorful — with lean ground turkey, sweet Italian sausage, and Italian seasoned breadcrumbs — and... Read more
Sammy doesn’t get to see his cousins often, so when they visit, we make the most of our time together. This past weekend, we had just one full day with them, and it was quite a busy one! It was so much fun to watch Sammy interact with Sean, 10, and Jackson, 4. They played together in their PJs. And... Read more
Dear Sweet Sam, You are nine months old today. Hooray! Everything calls for hand clapping these days. You knock over a stack of blocks? Yay, Sammy! You finish your tortellini? Way to go, buddy! You pull your pacifier out of your crib? Let’s celebrate! Life is just so much fun. I hope you always appreciate the small moments and milestones.... Read more
Sweet, sweet summertime. Read more
I’m inspired by the response to my last post to more regularly share details about Sam’s meals. Because I know busy mommas are always looking for simple food to satisfy their kiddos! Yes, Sam eats what we eat, but I also often plan our menu with him in mind. Honestly, it encourages us to eat healthier. Our meals have become... Read more
Sam has loved food since he had his first bite of avocado at four months old. He gobbles up everything we put on his plate — from mangoes and pears to broccoli and beans to lasagna and enchiladas. Okay, except for the time that Nick gave him a cilantro leaf. Though I’m actually surprised that he spit it out considering... Read more
Someone was quite excited to take his son to Lake Anna last weekend. Nick and his buddies have been gathering there for more than 10 years, and I joined the crew in 2007. Since then there have been weddings and babies. But many things have remained the same. We jet ski and wake board. We play cornhole and ladder golf... Read more
Welcome! Sam is ready to start his day. And me? A morning run is what gets me going. And chocolate. Always chocolate. Sam agrees. We invite you to kick back and stay awhile. We have cookies. Sammy even cleaned in preparation for your visit. Oh, don’t take the stuck out tongue personally. It’s his new favorite thing to do. Other... Read more
Fatherhood is such a natural fit for this man. Sam lights up when his Daddy walks into the room, and he whimpers when Nick leaves for work in the morning. Sam pulls himself into Nick’s lap and lunges in for hugs. They giggle together through bath time and story time and between bites of dill pickles. They are two of... Read more