He's One! (and a week)

Not that it wasn't official yet, but I have a one year old son! Isn't that crazy?!? I know that nothing has changed, it's not like he woke up the next morning and was "older". But it's crazy to think that last year I was barely home from the hospital with this new frowny baby and I had no idea how this thing was going to work. It has definitely been an interesting year and I wouldn't change a thing, other than buying that peplum shirt that I've never worn, but overall it's been good to us. I am excited for all the new things that he'll learn to do, almost all of them anyways. I'm hoping that he'll start to say "mama" and "dada" soon. That's what I'm very much looking forward to right now.

Ugh, this kid. He's too much.

Birthday Breakfast

On Charlie's actual birthday we went out to breakfast at an awesome breakfast place called Chaps. When Andy and I first went, about three months ago, it was on a Saturday and it was CRAZY. We ended up going in an entrance that wasn't actually an entrance and waited for 5 minutes until a kind patron told us to go to the OTHER front and order. It was slightly embarrassing, but the food and atmosphere was so fun that we decided to go back. Plus they have this kids room that just makes eating out WAY easier with babies. So all in all, you should go.

He has to have food when you have food or he will squawk like a baby bird

Isn't she the cutest?

Birthday Party

Let's play some catch up for the next few weeks, ok? CHARLIE IS ONE!!!! He made it! WE made it! This last year has been great, it really has. Of course there were days when I didn't think this was the best idea that we've ever had, but overall, I think we're pleased with how it turned out. I know that two is probably going to be more difficult than the road to one, but I think I'm ready for it (whatever that means).
This party though. It was pretty darned fun for a first birthday. We ate food together and watched kids open presents together and ate cake together. Success.

Presents!!!

Andrew's gotta get some practice in for next month

We used this tutorial and idea for basically the whole party

It took him a second or two, but he got into it 

Super Smash Bros definitely made an appearance

Charlie, my boy!

This kid. Let me just tell you, he's great. I don't know why, but he LOVES when we lay on the ground and he can walk over and lay his head on you. He gets this huge smile on his face and chuckles as he waddles over. It is THE best. I still can't believe that his birthday is in a few weeks (sorry if I say this a billion times in the next weeks).
I'm trying my best to actually finish decorating his room by his birthday. I'm almost there, just a few small projects that really won't take any time, but I can't seem to just sit down and get them done. I'll do an "official" tour of his room when it's complete. Don't hold your breath though.

He's not the happiest of babies when he wakes up from naptime. But he's still adorable :)

Carrot Soup

I am definitely in my pajamas. And it is definitely past two o'clock. But, you know what? I'm ok with that. I've done some chores and made some granola and did some homework. So I'd say that I've been rather productive in my pajamas. But anyways, this post is actually about this amazing carrot soup that I've fallen in love with. It's super simple and super delicious. The original recipe called for some other spices that I don't ever have on hand and I didn't think it was missing anything. So, I hope you enjoy it as much as we do. Plus it's awesome as leftovers, especially for soup. No clumping stuff out, just pour and reheat. Yum. It was definitely my lunch.

Carrot Soup (slightly adapted from this recipe)

8-10 unpeeled carrots, washed and sliced
1 yellow onion, diced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
6 cups of chicken stock
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoon parsley
1 teaspoon thyme
1 1/2 teaspoon dill
1/2 cup heavy cream
salt and pepper

1. Saute onion in oil until golden brown. Add the garlic and cook for a minute longer.
2. Add carrots, stock, and spices. Bring to a boil then simmer on low for 45 minutes.
3. Add the heavy cream and let simmer for an additional 15 minutes.
4. In either a blender or with an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. 

Card Players Over Here

One of the things I love about my family is that we play games together. We always have loved to play games and I think it is one of the things that I really treasure. Don't get me wrong, I do love to veg and watch a movie, but there is just nothing quite like playing games in a group. The only downfall is that we are all pretty competitive, but we're normally fine. I hope you all play some games.   

 Homework

 Charlie is officially a walker! And Line with her precious Legos.

That smile though.

Matching Aprons

This has nothing to do with the new year but my oldest sister just came up for almost week from California with her 4 kids. Plus my parents decided to drive up and back with them, so it was a packed house and a packed week. We loved it! We get to see each other maybe once a year so it is a very special family time when we can get together. The kids are always fun but little Hudson was so adorable. He is one of the happiest smiliest babies ever. Seriously. Plus these matching aprons that grammy made. 

 Look at that boy. Adorable.

 Pop Pop was tired, but that didn't stop the girlies.

A family tradition brought back!