Teeth!

If you click either of these pictures to enlarge, you will catch a glimpse of Zachary's first two teeth (on the bottom). They came in at the same time. Watch out for your finger though - they're sharp!

Sleeping in comfort

All the men in our family sleep with their hands behind the head, like they're "hanging out" in bed. I have no picture of the leader of the pack (Daddy) but here are pictures of the two boys. It was coincidence that there are both 6 months in these pictures with the same set of pajamas on.

Sweet lullabies

During nap time, Benji called me back into his bedroom, telling me that he didn’t like the howl of the wind. While swaying with Zachary in the sling, I sang to cover up the sound of the wind. Clutching his favorite green blankie. Benji nestled snug under his clown comforter pulled up to his chin. After several verses of “Lullaby and good night” and “Be Thou my vision,” both little boys were sound asleep. I stole a few moments to relish this sweet moment and to gaze at my two sleeping angels. Regardless of the misdeeds of the morning, a sleeping child causes this mother’s heart to surge with love and pride. I know that my singing will not always be able to cover up the howling wind that is outside their windows (just as my kiss will not make every owie better) … but I am grateful that today my presence, my singing, my love was enough.

Happy 6th month birthday, Zachary!

You got your first bite of food on Thursday, your 6th month birthday! After two bites of sweet potato, you decided you'd go back to nursing. I don't blame you - breast milk is pretty sweet stuff. We'll try again in a few weeks... It is amazing to see your growth the last 6 months. You can roll over (both ways), enjoy shrieking (probably to get your two cents in with your noisy brother), and can stay sitting up fairly well if we put you in the position. You now have 2 teeth. You are such a smiley, happy baby. We are so happy to be your parents!

Visions of craftiness

I have fond memories from my childhood of doing crafts - at home, at playgroup, and at school. Now that I am a mom, I have visions of all sorts of craftiness that I want to do with our kids. Benji is just now getting old enough to do a few projects. A few weeks ago while Zachary was taking a nap, Benji and I did finger-painting together. We already had finger-painting paper (thanks to my Mom) and I found a recipe to make finger paint with just flour, water, and food coloring. It was a fun time. Hopefully my enthusiasm will not wain as life gets busier and busier (this seems to be the direction life takes as you have more and more kids).

I miss you!

Oh, Benji just melted both his parents' hearts this evening. All afternoon, Laurel was away for a hair appointment and to visit her good friend who came up for the weekend. Zachary, naturally, tagged along with mommy. By the time they got back it was probably around 7.30-ish. The very first thing Benji said was, "Hello Zachary! I miss you!" Oh, that just melted both our hearts as parents. Never mind the fact that he didn't mention that he missed his mommy (we've grown accustomed to that by now. Ever since Zachary was born, we have been displaced in Benji's book of most important people!)

Later he climbed up the ottoman and asked to hold Zachary. As he was lying across his brother's laps, Zachary being Zachary, his head was turning everywhere looking around. Benji held Zac's head, turned it towards his face and said, "Look at me! Look at me!" I guess he picked up on that from us. We always have to tell Benji to look us in the eyes whenever we lectured him.

It would be so awesome if both brothers can grow up being very close. That is something both Laurel and I pray about often.

Give me 5

Ellen over at www.thereignofellen.blogspot.com (no, I haven't learned how to link yet!) wants to know our 5 quick, easy, yummy recipes that we go back to time and time again when we don't know what to make for dinner. Here are my five:


1. Creole corn pudding

3 Tbsp. butter
1 small onion, chopped
½ bell pepper, chopped
2 cups whole kernel corn
1 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
3 eggs, well beaten
½ cup grated cheddar cheese

Heat butter; sauté onion and bell pepper. Add corn, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cool. Add cheese and eggs. Pour into 2 qt. casserole, set in pan of hot water. Bake 35 min. at 350.

2. Chicken scampi

1 ¼ lb. chicken breasts, cut into strips
2 Tbsp. plus 2 tsp. oil
¼ tsp. black pepper
3 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
1 Tbsp. dried parsley
¼ tsp. salt
1 tsp. dried oregano
3 Tbsp. lemon juice
2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
¼ cup dry white wine
1/8 tsp. garlic powder

Combine chicken with remaining ingredients; marinate for several hours. Broil (w/out marinade) for 15 min, turning once. Heat marinade to boiling in a saucepan. Simmer 3-5 min. Toss chicken with hot marinade.

3. Ham and broccoli quiche

1 pie crust
1 ½ cups cubed ham
1 ½ cups (6 oz.) shredded Swiss cheese
1 cup steamed broccoli florets
4 eggs
1 cup milk
½ tsp. salt
½ tsp. dry mustard
½ tsp. pepper

Layer ham, cheese, and broccoli in crust-lined 9 in. glass pie pan. In medium bowl, combine all remaining filling ingredients; beat well. Pour over broccoli. Bake at 375 for approx. 45 min. Let stand 10 min. before serving. (Variations: You can use just about whatever meat or veggies you have on hand. I often make this quiche with only veggies as well.)

4. Spicy Braised Bean Curd

1 lb. firm or extra-firm tofu
2 Tbsp. sesame oil
Sauce: ¼ cup soy sauce
3 Tbsp. brown sugar
3 Tbsp. vinegar
¾ tsp. garlic powder
¼ tsp. dry mustard
½ cup water
1 Tbsp. cornstarch
2 Tbsp. water
1/3 cup chopped scallions, for garnish

Cut tofu into cubes, and sauté them in the oil until a crust forms. Set aside. In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, garlic powder, mustard, and water, and heat to a simmer. Meanwhile, dissolve the cornstarch in 2 Tbsp. of water. Add to the simmering sauce, whisking to mix thoroughly. Cook until thick. Add the thickened sauce to the sautéed tofu, and simmer gently 8-10 min.

5. Blueberry coffee cake

2 c. flour
1 c. sugar
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp salt
1 c. milk
1/2 c. butter
2 eggs, well beaten
1 1/2 c. fresh or frozen blueberries

Combine ingredients in proper order, gently folding in blueberries last. Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9x13 inch pan.

Mix:
1/3 c. brown sugar
1/3 c. sugar
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 c. chopped nuts
1 Tbsp. melted butter

Sprinkle topping over the batter. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 min.

Swinging boys

A nice thing about having two boys

It has been fun using Benji's old clothes on Zachary. It brings back fond memories. Here are two more same outfit, different baby pictures.

Benji, 8 months

Zac, 6 months

Two little duckies

Benji - 5 months old

Zachary - 6 months old

Modesty police

It's really tough being busted by your 2 1/2 year old boy on being immodest. I was wearing a short-sleeved shirt before Benji went to sleep at naptime but changed into a sleeveless, V-neck shirt while he was asleep because it was over 80 degrees (!) today and I was HOT. When he woke up from his nap, the first thing he said was, "Mommy - naked." Here is a picture of the same shirt 2 years ago. Is it really that immodest? I guess I better re-evaluate! :)