tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88174271786563208122024-03-14T01:54:30.479-05:00Happ-ily Ever Janell Happhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04356991486459625184noreply@blogger.comBlogger127125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817427178656320812.post-45847466690561423222015-04-16T09:51:00.000-05:002015-04-17T12:56:12.342-05:0030 days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A month from today is our due date. 30 days, give or take a few, are all that's left between us and this brand new soul who will change our world in ways we don't even know yet. I find that I'm filled with a jumble of emotions this second time around.<br />
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There's a lot of excitement. I'm excited to meet this new love of my life. I'm excited to hold and snuggle someone who fits in those remarkably small-looking size 0-3 onesies. Excitement surrounds the idea that I will have another sweet baby to nurse and share that profound breastfeeding bond with. There's also the excitement of seeing Henry meet his new brother or sister for the first time.</div>
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There's a little anxiety. When I was pregnant with Henry, it was hard for me to not be anxious about birth. It was a big, scary question mark. This time around, I think that the birthing process itself is the one thing I'm least anxious about. Instead, I've found that I'm most anxious about Henry and how the transition of going from "only child" to "big brother" will affect him. This time around, that is the big, scary question mark. </div>
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With only a few weeks left, my nesting instinct has kicked into overdrive. I've noticed it for a couple of weeks now. I think I first realized I was settling into nesting mode when I found myself planted cross-legged in front of my stove cleaning every seam and crevice with toothpicks. The other day I experienced the very strong urge to vigorously scrub my bathroom tile grout with a toothbrush. When I was pregnant with Henry, my urge to nest was suppressed by the fact that our entire upstairs was under construction and us and all our possessions were crammed into our living room. There was no nursery to decorate until about a week before I was due. It's a nice change to be able to organize and clean to my hearts content. </div>
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I've also been working on putting away a supply of freezer meals to keep us full and happy during the first couple weeks of being home with the new baby. I waited until the day before I went in to labor to start making freezer meals last time and I'd like to say that I've learned my lesson. Don't procrastinate! So far, I've stock piled 7 meals. My goal is to have at least 2 weeks worth of dinners put away by the time baby arrives. We'll see if this nice burst of energy I've been having lately can hold out until then. </div>
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These final few weeks will be filled with washing and folding little gender neutral onesies, stocking up on diapers , wipes, and baby lotion, and spending as much one-on-one time with Henry as I can. I still cannot believe how fast this pregnancy has sped by for me. I wish I could pause time and fast forward it all at once.</div>
Janell Happhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04356991486459625184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817427178656320812.post-8390323191094772982015-04-10T09:50:00.001-05:002015-04-10T14:55:00.952-05:00At This Moment // Henry<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_K7n7VjvZ4LGHxZrEvWL_asy93EUGQ8UnHYAR54jyUGAX-z9p29vSCSwa7Gb_urg11Pnrvy_gNB5j6E2E9Nd0uHWZvTQNdAFYOE-tSJ6DphZ4E1-gSyrGcOF9arDQsXvQxtElzxSX-QqE/s1600/happ083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_K7n7VjvZ4LGHxZrEvWL_asy93EUGQ8UnHYAR54jyUGAX-z9p29vSCSwa7Gb_urg11Pnrvy_gNB5j6E2E9Nd0uHWZvTQNdAFYOE-tSJ6DphZ4E1-gSyrGcOF9arDQsXvQxtElzxSX-QqE/s1600/happ083.jpg"></a><br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHRhEAk8IbnpvBoDaMu1pHw2hQGQdo1n_TAmllrfrCQi2rHO_eh8gXtrJO4ooiF6GoYNrpY0jPUMkIOEkGWiI8GIAP43FOY4kdfHFtJqY4nzKQqqWnVT-8Fwsb1Ls9gm_8WC16u4jwyMNs/s1600/happ069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHRhEAk8IbnpvBoDaMu1pHw2hQGQdo1n_TAmllrfrCQi2rHO_eh8gXtrJO4ooiF6GoYNrpY0jPUMkIOEkGWiI8GIAP43FOY4kdfHFtJqY4nzKQqqWnVT-8Fwsb1Ls9gm_8WC16u4jwyMNs/s1600/happ069.jpg"></a>Time is speeding by these days, or at least it seems like it is. It may have something to do with the fact that this second pregnancy is winding down to its final weeks (crazy,<i> <b>crazy</b></i>). That lovely 3rd trimester fatigue is setting in and keeping me from accomplishing much of anything I set out to do. I haven't had much time to reflect on where Henry is in his development lately. So, I'm taking advantage of the rare occasion of Henry sleeping in past 7:00am to jot down a few things I don't want to forget.<br>
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Whenever someone new comes into the room, Henry will make sure everyone is introduced and politely greeted. For example, when Chris's dad walks into our kitchen in the morning, Henry will greet him with "<i>Hi Papa!</i> <i>Papa Joey, this mama and this daddy. Say hi to 'em. Mama, Daddy, Papa Joey here.</i>"<br>
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He's very in tune to my emotions. I was sitting in our living room daydreaming about something the other day, and the look on my face must have looked concerned or sad. Henry, who was playing contently across the room, looked up at me and came walking across the room. He cupped my cheeks in his soft little hands and said "<i>Its okay, mama</i>." Anytime I look sad or stressed he does this. Its the sweetest little thing.<br>
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I've noticed that he's been more into snuggling me over the past few months than is typical for him. If I'm sitting on the couch, he'll come right up next to me and nestle into the crook of my shoulder or lay his head on my belly to watch a movie or to read a book. Not that this didn't happen every so often before my pregnant belly appeared, but I've noticed it a lot more lately. I wonder if he can sense the change that's going to be happening in 5 short weeks. I like to think that he somehow understands that mama's going to be sharing her time with both he and the baby and so he's, in a way, stocking up on all the mama cuddles he can get before that happens. Either way, I'll take it.<br>
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A dear friend bought him the book "I'm a New Big Brother" by Nora Gaydos for his birthday. When I read it to him, I like to change the words to incorporate his name into it. I emphasize Henry's part in helping us take care of the new baby. At the end of the book, there's an illustration of the mother, father, son, & new baby and every time we get to that page, Henry points at each of them and then points at us and himself explaining who everyone is. It makes me tear up. I'm going to be a big, blubbering mess when we introduce Henry to the baby. I know it will be one of those moments I rank in the top 5 best of my life.<br>
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He knows all of his colors and shapes and is very proud of this fact. A lot of times, we will be watching a movie or looking through a book and he will stop and exclaim "<i>Look at all the pretty colors, mama! Red, Blue, Purple,...</i>". He loves telling me when to go or stop while sitting at stoplights. "<i>Green means GO, mama!</i>" His little voice saying the word "octagon" is the funniest things to me.<br>
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He can count to 13 aloud, because that happens to be the number of stairs we count every morning on our way down. He hardly starts at 1, which I think is a cute quirk.<br>
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He gets on kicks with certain foods from time to time. Right now, is oatmeal's moment to shine. He requests oatmeal almost every morning. I make him old-fashioned oats with milk, usually adding a little pizzaz with some pure maple syrup and raisins or sometimes I cut up a red delicious apple and mix it in with a sprinkle of brown sugar and cinnamon. We started out sharing an adult-sized serving, but the growing boy has decided that he can knock it out all by himself now. I'm just happy he has a good appetite!<br>
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He's started to memorize the words to a few of his favorite books. I'll read the first couple words on a page, then pause, and he will finish them for me. He gets so excited about knowing the words that he'll often go into super-speed when saying them which makes it hilarious to listen to.<br>
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He loves construction equipment of all kinds. A lot of his favorite books are about heavy machinery and feature a lot of flaps and interactive components. He LOVES to read which, as an avid reader myself, makes my soul happy.<div><br></div><div>Chris takes him up to bed as he has every night since we weaned. I'll sit downstairs listening to those two singing and giggling, wishing I was up there, too. But it's daddy & Henry's special bonding time and I'm grateful they have that. Henry commands Chris to sing various lullabies and when Chris finishes them, Henry will sing them back to him at warp speed. It's pretty cute. <br>
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I'm going to try and soak up as much of this special Henry & Mama alone that I can. It's a precious and rare time that's fading fast and it's turning me into a big ball of emotions. I've really treasured my time at home, getting to see every little milestone first hand over the past two years. I thank God every day that I've had the opportunity to be this little one's mama. It's been the greatest, most rewarding experience of my life. <br>
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</div>Janell Happhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04356991486459625184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817427178656320812.post-34062854656066500822015-03-21T09:06:00.004-05:002015-03-21T09:06:28.314-05:00once more, its newI wrote this back in January and never got around to posting:<br />
A couple weeks ago, I spent the better part of a Tuesday morning laying on cushioned pad with my shirt pulled up to my bra line. A chipper, blonde ultrasound technician slid her wand around my abdomen as I craned my neck to the right, trying to get a clearer view of screen in front of her. It was my 22 week ultrasound appointment, happening at 23 weeks & 3 days due to our quick trip to Denver late last week. Our second baby is due to arrive in May. I watched as she documented all 4 chambers of the heart, performing their synchronized routine. I watched as the baby gave us a glimpse of his or her perfectly pouty and plumped lips, flashing us a smile. Those same lips that already grace my son Henry's little face.. I was in love.<br />
Something I've noticed this second time around, the pregnancy hasn't quite had the luster that it did the first time around. Don't get me wrong, we are beyond thrilled to be pregnant again after many many months of trying and, so far, this pregnancy has been very kind to me. I think I've felt this way because I've already gone through all of these things once before. The mystery of not knowing what comes next has faded a tad. And maybe its because I'm busier in life this time around, being a good mama to Henry. Regardless, I've felt a smidge guilty about it. Then our ultrasound happened. Seeing that baby's face, and hands and feet and that tiny beating heart made something awaken within me again. The realness of that baby really hit me. He or she is their own person, their own being... someone I've not met before. This someone is not Henry, they are a new adventure completely their own that we get to be a part of. This is new. Its all going to be new again. Somebody pinch me, please.Janell Happhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04356991486459625184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817427178656320812.post-66958936761544874172014-07-22T20:37:00.001-05:002014-07-29T16:15:37.853-05:00taking stock // 02<p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoY0am-kWbimh_PS6m-vsnleOLnqBxjGzhFQxCckeqCQEn7NxvFXAeTbug4scAe8XeYZnQYvi3xsMLdbJpYCwt0OggjJDL0VH60lsaWCUGErCBQD6mQ4h08IVgAjwrJtPcsqbYv-0UmVLe/s640/blogger-image--1119265989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoY0am-kWbimh_PS6m-vsnleOLnqBxjGzhFQxCckeqCQEn7NxvFXAeTbug4scAe8XeYZnQYvi3xsMLdbJpYCwt0OggjJDL0VH60lsaWCUGErCBQD6mQ4h08IVgAjwrJtPcsqbYv-0UmVLe/s640/blogger-image--1119265989.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj_GS-MEs1Dra-pgoQ-CFYkAQlq7571VmhGsSUKYkYph6vDO3t5FTzPPQXgNQ_MiL5e_xrhyphenhyphenbHONg6B3JWPAeFBwsWLvLAqWDXybWyzVVk0lAzJMJ3vyb80mK0uuge65DpacpuDUiNuyKf/s640/blogger-image--693633175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj_GS-MEs1Dra-pgoQ-CFYkAQlq7571VmhGsSUKYkYph6vDO3t5FTzPPQXgNQ_MiL5e_xrhyphenhyphenbHONg6B3JWPAeFBwsWLvLAqWDXybWyzVVk0lAzJMJ3vyb80mK0uuge65DpacpuDUiNuyKf/s640/blogger-image--693633175.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPSFe_nEX23rUs9aV4aFYRc7qB0QARgtADKvNrylq9xypPZ5R1yI2CmacTLtDQd6mgXzF27VcKcJ8uUzn9rwn2AH6dds13M3uRJrKsLAPSYl9TaKgYqqTAu03nZHYDAHtiMwAMz4yyKSKP/s640/blogger-image-443734138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPSFe_nEX23rUs9aV4aFYRc7qB0QARgtADKvNrylq9xypPZ5R1yI2CmacTLtDQd6mgXzF27VcKcJ8uUzn9rwn2AH6dds13M3uRJrKsLAPSYl9TaKgYqqTAu03nZHYDAHtiMwAMz4yyKSKP/s640/blogger-image-443734138.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu26z2tYBa2ujOcqvNr-ECXk9Sxmj68cXeSBgEaOUs-OvA07682AvQOOfQnPX33o2RqggAXtAx_qm4dqgXOakRqOpw9QdJxplkUm2sCTai2corybcQpooHuxZNa_xL-w9KR7ycXl5UmZYa/s640/blogger-image-2024554740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu26z2tYBa2ujOcqvNr-ECXk9Sxmj68cXeSBgEaOUs-OvA07682AvQOOfQnPX33o2RqggAXtAx_qm4dqgXOakRqOpw9QdJxplkUm2sCTai2corybcQpooHuxZNa_xL-w9KR7ycXl5UmZYa/s640/blogger-image-2024554740.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">We're on vacation at the family cabin in the northwoods of Wisconsin. Here's a bit of what we've been up to. </span></div></div><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Making : a little extra time for myself, setting an alarm for 5:30 so I can get in some exersise and coffee before Henry wakes</span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br>Cooking : <i>everything</i> on the grill</span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br>Drinking : good, strong coffee from a big mug on the balcony overlooking the lake.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> <br>Reading: and loving The Paris Wife by Paula McLain </span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br>Wanting: another ice cream cone </span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br>Looking: at the lake through the cabin's big picture window every chance I get </span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br>Playing: a game of war with Chris while Henry is distracted</span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br>Wishing: vacations lasted longer</span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br>Enjoying: the one on one time spent with my husband. It's so very rare that we are alone as a family of 3 back home. </span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br>Liking: where I'm at, both in life and geographicly </span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br>Wondering: about the vistors of the past that built the many grand old vacation homes and cabins on this lake. Thinking of all the fun that was to be had for so many families over the course of the past 100 or so years. </span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; clear: both;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Loving: how Henry nuzzles up in the crook of my neck and dozes to sleep when we take our evening ride in the boat around the lake, the sound of the motor and the gentle rocking of the boat lulling him to sleep. </span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Needing: to line up a new book to read because I'm devouring the one I have. </span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br>Smelling: the sweet perfume of fresh peaches from the local farmer's market</span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br>Wearing: my swimsuit under every outfit..(one never knows when a prime swimming opportunity will arise)</span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br>Noticing: the delicate hue of plum the lake turns as the sun lowers and says goodnight</span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br>Knowing: that these are the "<i>good old days</i>" that our future selves will glance back at and revel in. </span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br>Feeling: new and fresh and so totally alive in every cell of my body everytime I leap into the brisk waters of the lake. Remarkably so.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br>Opening: all the windows and doors to let the cool air filter into the cabin through the screens. Air that smells of pine and damp earth and campfire. </span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br>Giggling: along with Henry as he chatters his teeth between blue lips, splashing and blowing bubbles in the waters of the lake as he clings to his daddy's neck. </span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br>Feeling: grateful for this retreat and the freshness it has brought to our summer. </span></p><div><br></div>Janell Happhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04356991486459625184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817427178656320812.post-48694961278815265302014-07-10T11:32:00.001-05:002014-07-10T11:32:14.715-05:00Busy bodiesOn Sunday, we returned home from a last minute, impromptu, trip to our family's cabin in the northwoods of Wisconsin. Chris called me, while cutting hay, at 4:30 on Thursday afternoon and sprung the plan on me. When he came home around 7:30 he went back and forth with telling me to go upstairs and pack and saying that we should probably just stay home. Finally he decided. I grabbed the biggest weekend bag I own and filled it with swimwear, sunblock, and sweatshirts. That's one of the things I love about our trips up north; it's just warm enough during the afternoon for swimsuits but the temps get down low enough in the evening that hoodies are required for comfortable campfire enjoyment. It was a nice quick getaway. We had our fill of the local pub's famous cheese curds. Henry discovered the joys of using ranch dressing as a dipping sauce. We jumped into the freezing cold waters of Plum Lake and refreshed and very much alive. Henry even went in and floated around with Chris in his life jacket, giggling through chattering teeth all the while. <div><br><div>Chris and his mom fished while I kept Henry out of tackle boxes and away from fishing lines. When Chris caught a decent sized blue gill, he called Henry over to him to look at the fishy. I was shocked when Henry grabbed it from Chris with both hands and held it for a good minute. Chris told him to put it back in the water and Henry climbed up on the seat of the boat and, with one hand, plopped the fish back into the lake. That same day Henry saved Chris from a spider! He nonchalantly reached up and grabbed something off Chris's shoulder and dropped it on floor of the boat. When Chris looked, he saw a dime-sized fuzzy brown spider! This mama just about lost her head. I don't know where he gets his bravery but it's surely NOT from me. </div></div><div><br></div><div>It feels like we've been gone all summer. In June we moved Chris's sister to Fort Worth, Texas and were gone about a week. Then our little trip to the cabin happened. And now we are on our way to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania for the weekend to watch the national junior hereford show. A handful of calves that came from our farm are being exhibited by kids from Texas and Oklahoma. I'm not sure what there is to do in Pennsylvania, but I do have a couple things in mind for the drive. My goal is to find a "u-pick" farm of some sort and load up on fresh fruit to can and enjoy. </div><div><br></div>Janell Happhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04356991486459625184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817427178656320812.post-16210779713246891902014-05-09T12:51:00.001-05:002014-05-09T13:29:51.384-05:00taking stock<div style="border: 0px; clear: both; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Looking: </b>at my stubbed & bloodied big toe that I closed the door on earlier..</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Playing:</b> with my arms in the watering can with Henry's</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Wishing:</b> I could bottle up this moment in Henry's life and keep it forever. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Enjoying:</b> the chocolate-covered strawberries Chris & Henry gave me for Mother's Day</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Waiting: </b>for the ground to dry up a little after last night's rain so I can plant more in the garden</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Wondering: </b>what it would be like to have another baby in our lives </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Loving:</b> being Henry's mother</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Hoping: </b>to do some closet purging this weekend</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Marveling:</b> at how much Henry's grown as he runs sure-footed around the yard giggling</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Needing:</b> to go out and buy some shorts. This warm weather really crept up fast!</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Smelling:</b> red and yellow tulips & freshly worked black soil in the fields</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Wearing:</b> the most comfortable, stretchy, black t-shirt dress I own</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Following:</b> Henry as he chases the dogs around our farm</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Thinking:</b> and praying for my uncle in Louisiana </span></div>
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I first saw this Taking Stock post over on The Daybook www.thedaybookblog.com</div>
Janell Happhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04356991486459625184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817427178656320812.post-4848560826771650952014-04-22T07:29:00.000-05:002014-04-22T07:29:39.111-05:00Henry, at this moment<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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I know I say this a lot, but Henry's brain amazes me. At 13 months and 2 days, this kid recognizes the color blue, and I'll be darned if he doesn't give saying the word "blue" a college try. Today he found one of his Baby Einstein mini books and sat quietly facing away from me saying "bwoo". When I looked over, he was on the "Blue" page pointing at all the blue objects. That same afternoon he found Dr. Seuss's ABC book and turned the pages on his his own to find his favorite page in the book. The first time I read that book to him, when he was probably around 8 months old, he laughed so hard when I read "Goat, girl, goo goo goggles, G! G! G!". Its still his favorite page, I see. Only now he was saying "Go Ga!" at the page. Which to me means he was attempting saying Goat, Girl. I swear my heart couldn't get any bigger right now. Speaking of books, a few weeks ago he started bringing us books from his pile, holding them up to us, and grunting. Its the cutest thing I ever did see. He's also been playing favorites lately with a few of his books. One in particular gets read to him at lease 5 times a day, sometimes 5 times in a row! Its big board book all about trucks and planes and tractors, you know, all the things that make little boys' hearts sing. </div>
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He's started refusing to eat anything we hand him. He <i>has</i> to use his fork, like a proper young gentleman. At first it was hard for me not to help him with it, to push food onto it for him or to reposition it in his hand. I learned quickly that he wanted no part of that. If I put food on his fork, he was going to take it off and not eat it. So meals take a little longer than they used to but that's fine because he's learning. He's picked up speed and precision pretty quickly. </div>
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Now that the temperatures are warming, we've been spending the bulk of our days outside. We usually stick around the farmyard at home, but sometimes we will go visit Grandma in town or Auntie at the park. Henry LOVES going outside. So much that its the first thing he wants to do in the morning. A lot of mornings, he'll run out into the kitchen and grab his shoes, bringing them in to me and shaking them in front of me saying "doo! dooo!" which is his word for shoe. Other times he'll follow Chris on his way outside to start morning chores and refuse to let go of his leg. When Chris finally sneaks out the door, the moment Henry hears the door squeak he collapses with so much drama to the floor and screams. If it weren't so cold yet in the mornings, I'd gladly take him out. But some days, when its raining and windy, Henry just doesn't understand that being outside isn't an option. He was so upset on one such day last week that I had to put his coat and shoes on and step outside with him so he could feel why it wasn't a good idea. After a few seconds he was reaching up for me and trying to get back inside. Lesson learned. He says "OW! OW!" when he stands at the door which I take as meaning "out". He's such a little <i>person</i> now. I still call him my sweet baby and probably always will.</div>
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Janell Happhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04356991486459625184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817427178656320812.post-2972405131316820572014-04-15T09:05:00.003-05:002014-04-15T09:05:53.153-05:00latelyA few things..<br />
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Oil pulling! Have you heard of it? It's all the rage these days, or so I've been hearing. From what I understand, the act of swishing oil around your mouth for 20ish minutes, or <i>oil pulling</i>, is said to have many benefits. I've read a few articles on it and from what I understand, it can improve general oral health (healthier gums, whiter teeth, etc..). I've tried it 4 or 5 times and I'm noticing a slight whitening of my teeth, so that's good. The more I do it, the easier it becomes. The first time i tried it, I was weirded out by the texture change when the oil went from solid to liquid. I use about a teaspoon of coconut oil each time.</div>
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Mad Men! I can't accurately express how excited I am for the final season of the show. The first episode aired on Sunday night and it did not disappoint. In true Mad Men fashion, it was filled with foreshadowing that I'm sure has the masses of fan coming up with conspiracy theories about it already. I discovered Mad Men while in college a season into its story. I bought the 1st season dvd and binge watched it after classes. I was and still am hooked. Anyone who knows me knows that I have a penchant for all things retro and antique, but the 1960s have along been my favorite decade of interest. After watching Sundays episode I found myself wanting to buy an Austin Healy convertible and a robin's egg blue mini dress. I can't wait to see where this season leads. My one hope for the season is that Don can patch up his relationship with his daughter, Sally, and strengthen his relationship with his kids. His life is so broken in every other area but his kids are what really matter. I finally have something to look forward to on tv on Sunday nights again!<br />
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Last week we were graced with a couple beautiful days that felt like summer. The temps were in the 80s! Henry and I walked around the yard and played pretty much all day. Then yesterday happened.. The ground is once again WHITE. The grass that had greened up during the warm spell now peeks through the mottled blanket of snow. You win some, you lose some.</div>
Janell Happhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04356991486459625184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817427178656320812.post-57359888117786748522014-04-02T08:48:00.001-05:002014-04-04T08:42:23.739-05:00New Orleans<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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This past (<i>and currently ongoing</i>) winter was the harshest, snowiest winter Chris & I have been alive for. Windchills, negative temperatures, and impassible roads kept Henry and I cooped up inside our cozy farmhouse the majority of the time. Chris had to go out and brave the elements at least twice a day to tend to our cows and calves. So it's not a coincidence that we found ourselves sitting in front of the computer booking travel to somewhere, <i>anywhere</i> warmer. We chose New Orleans, Louisiana to be our destination. My Uncle Doug and Aunt Ann live about an hour and a half's drive southwest of New Orleans, and a trip to visit them had been on my must-do list for a while. </div>
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We left Chicago on Tuesday morning and landed in New Orleans right around lunchtime. We had nowhere to go and all day to get there, as they say. Our first order of business was to make the 50 mile journey to the Oak Alley Plantation outside of Vacherie, LA. The plantation home was built in 1839. The plantation itself pre-dates the home by about 100 years. We walked it's grounds at a leisurely pace all afternoon, taking time to sit in the shade of it's beautiful 300+ year old live oaks. The oaks created an archway that led straight to the Mississippi from the front door of the mansion. Being the history buffs that we are, this was the perfect way to start our little vacation. Henry was very excited that he could actually roam free in a space larger than our living room for the first time in months. Now that I think of it, this was his first experience with walking and playing on grass. By the end of the day, we couldn't get him to let us hold him. He'd tasted too much freedom! Below are a couple of my favorite iPhone shots of the day.</div>
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We spent the last hour or so of disappearing daylight in the French Quarter. We walked up and down the same street trying to decide on where to eat. When we couldn't make up our minds, we plopped down at a table under Cafe du Monde's canopy and ordered us up some beignets. 3 orders of beignets, to be exact. I enjoyed mine with a cup of cafe au lat. On our walk back to the car, we spotted a restaurant called the Gumbo Shop. After a quick and spicy dinner, we called it a day.<br />
Here are a few of my favorite photos from our 1st day. I wish I'd taken more photos throughout the trip, but, honestly, its super hard to get your camera out of its case when you're already carrying a diaper bag, pushing a stroller, and trying to chase after a 1 year old. Next trip I'll be more diligent about it.<br />
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On our second day, Chris, Henry, & I left Michael & Emily to sightsee in New Orleans while we made the drive to visit my aunt and uncle at their home in Gibson. I spend most of the morning trying to get Henry to warm up to them. He was teething hard and was a little weary from our travels so "stranger danger" was in full effect that day. Nonetheless, we enjoyed our day at their home reminiscing. We drove to Houma to meet my cousin Doug for lunch at little place that specialized in seafood boils. If you ever get the chance to try a shrimp, crab, or crawfish boil, <u>go for it</u>. That lunch was, hands down, Chris's favorite meal of the trip. It came with potatoes and corn and lots of spice, which we both like. That evening, we went back to New Orleans and picked up Emily's fiancé, Billy, at the airport. Em found a fun little place for dinner called Deanie's Seafood in the French Quarter. She heard that it had been featured on the show "Man vs Food", so we figured it must be good. And it was! Pretty much anywhere you go in New Orleans, or southern Louisiana for that matter, has good food. From the sketchiest looking hole-in-the-wall joint to the ritziest restauraunt. And its not all spicy! A lot of cajun cuisine consists of rich sauces full of many complex and distinct flavors.<br />
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The next day was the 3rd and final day in New Orleans for our little family of 3. We were hopping a flight on Friday morning for Dallas so we could rent a car and drive north to Oklahoma. A few of our calves were selling on a sale there and we wanted to present for it. So.. Friday! Friday we went back to the Quarter and walked around the French Market. I fell in love with my soulmate of a hat and paid tourist price for it. And I don't even care.. I'm that in LOVE! Anyway.. we road the St. Charles street streetcar into the Garden District, which was fun and gorgeous. The streetcar had been restored to exactly how it looked in the 1920s. Disappointingly, the city was doing some work on the tracks so we had to turn around and head back downtown without seeing the more prominent mansions on the street and Tulane's campus. That afternoon, we drove towards Slidell for a swamp tour. Chris and his siblings had their hearts set on this tour and they were not disappointed. It was cold and breezy so the alligators weren't super active but we did manage to see one. The tour guide fed it a marshmallow 4 feet in front of my face! So ya, check that off the bucket list.<br />
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We really enjoyed our time in NOLA. We will be going back soon, if I have anything to say about it. Visits to my aunt and uncle are few and far between and that needs to change. Plus, I didn't get to go to any of the museums/landmarks I'd dreamt about visiting due to our short time there.<br />
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I posted last week about my worries for our first flights with Henry. Very thankfully, and much to my surprise, everything went smoothly. For 2 out of our 3 flights, Henry fell asleep during our ascent. The photo below was taken just after take-off on our 6:55am flight home from Oklahoma City on Sunday. I am by no means an expert on flying with a baby/toddler, but I thought I would share some tips from our experience anyway. </div>
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Henry's a walking, running, crouching, rolling machine these days, so we knew that if we didn't let him roam around the airport concourse, he would be hard to keep still on the plane. <b>My #1 tip</b>, if you have a mobile little one, is to let them get all of their wiggles out before you board. A friend gave me that tip before we traveled and I thank her SO much for it. This makes things so much easier on everybody. Odds are they will tire themselves out and, if your lucky like we were with Henry, take a nice nap for you during the flight. </div>
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<b>Tip #2</b>.. Bring only a couple of your toddlers favorite books and small toys. We brought more than a few books along and my shoulders paid for it in the long run. Diaper bags are bulky enough as is without over stuffing them with too many books/toys. I swear ours must've weighed 40lbs! Or at least it felt like it did. If your toddler gets bored quickly with what you bring, show them how the window shade raises and lowers or how the tray table goes up and down. Henry was kept entertained for a while by those things! Or, heck, give them your empty in flight drink cup to play with or a crinkley bag or peanuts. Kids are fascinated by a lot of ordinary things. </div>
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<b>Tip #3</b>.. Give them something to eat or drink to help ease ear pressure pain and popping. I tried to nurse Henry during take off each flight. When he wouldn't nurse, I offered him his sippy cup or some yogurt snacks. They seemed to help. On one flight, he slept straight through and I didn't have to worry about giving him anything. On another, he slept for awhile before I felt him moving around and pulling on his ear. I adjusted him and let him nurse and he went right back to sleep.<br />
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So there they are. My tips.. Maybe these are no-brainers that everybody knows to do. Maybe they are more helpful than I think. </div>
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**also! I was worried that other passengers would be rude to us because of Henry and I couldn't have been more wrong. I swear this kid of ours made friends with about 5 people per flight! They didn't mind at all when Henry peeked over top of the seat at them or fussed. In fact, a lot of them said reassuring things like "<i>don't worry if he fusses on my account. I've got 6 grand kids</i>" or "I<i> remember my daughter's first flight...and he's doing awesome!</i>" </div>
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It was great to be seated next to people like that. </div>
Janell Happhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04356991486459625184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817427178656320812.post-37903308619609733382014-03-24T10:01:00.000-05:002014-03-24T14:30:27.309-05:00flying with a toddler<div>
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Tomorrow, we will be waking up extra early and making our way to Chicago Midway airport with Henry in tow. This will be Henry's 1st trip on an airplane and, I have to say, I'm feeling some jitters about it. It's not anything major. Just the usual worries about the unknown.. Will nursing him during take-off be enough to help his ears adjust to the pressure? Will this wiggle-worm of a boy sit still on our laps during the flight or will he fight tooth-and-nail to break free? If he's fussy, will we have to hear about it from disgruntled passengers? I've talked to a few mamas about their experiences flying with little ones and it's been pretty reassuring to hear how smoothly their trips went. I'm sure I'll be learning a thing or two out of the experience, so I'll be sure to share any pointers once we get back.<br />
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We have a few things on our side with this trip. For one, our flight time is not overly long. We are traveling to New Orleans so we'll be in the air just over 2 hours. Another major plus about this trip is that we will have a few extra hands around to help us keep Henry entertained. Chris's sister and brother, Emily and Michael, are coming with us and Henry has a soft spot for each of them. I figure if Chris and I have any trouble keeping him happy, we can pass him to Auntie Em and Uncle Mike because they can <i>always</i> get a smile out of him. </div>
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We're pretty excited about this much-needed change of scenery <b>AND</b> temperature, and, of course..... <b><u>the food</u></b>. We're finishing up with the toughest winter I can remember experiencing in northern Illinois. Even if the calendar is telling us that it's officially spring, this nasty winter still has it's claws out. So south we travel! </div>
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Have a great week!</div>
Janell Happhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04356991486459625184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817427178656320812.post-56601763922917651932014-03-17T16:19:00.002-05:002014-03-17T16:19:59.637-05:00Henry's 1st Birthday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We celebrated Henry's 1st birthday over the weekend with a farm-themed party at our home. A farm-themed party was the way to go for us, as I already had a lot of stuff for decoration already on hand. I was unsure of how Henry would react to having so many people in our home ALL paying attention to him. Sometimes he can get overwhelmed by a lot of noise and new faces. He did great with it this time around! Our home isn't exactly set up for big crowds so we knew it would be a little cramped with all of the guests and us but everybody crammed in our little living room and watched as Henry went at his wrapping paper with some degree of gusto. We felt so blessed to have so many people there that mean so much to us. It was a perfect afternoon. I'm sharing the highlight reel of his party photographs.<br />
As you can see above, he felt more comfortable using a utensil to attack his cake than his little hands. I had a hunch that he would be one of those reserved babies that sits and side-eyes their cake, not quite sure how to handle it. And I was right! We dipped his finger in the frosting a few times, letting him taste it, to see if it would get something started but it didn't really. So we handed the kid a fork and he decided to give it another go. He never really got into it too much so I saved it and it sits in our fridge right now looking a lot like the top picture. I just couldn't let good cream cheese frosting go to waste!<br />
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I'm usually stressed out to the 9th degree anytime I'm in charge of making a single dish for a holiday, as something always takes longer than I thought it would. Whether its our oven not regulating its temperature or me forgetting an integral ingredient, something usually goes awry. Anyways, I worked really, really hard on getting organized for this party because I wanted to enjoy the whole day and stress would have ruined that. And it worked! Big thanks go out to my mother-in-law, Karen for making the cutout sugar cookies for me so they were all ready for me to frost (I always end up crying when I attempt sugar cookie cutouts.. this is a story for another time!). Thanks to my dad for saving me a ton of time by making his famously delicious deviled eggs. Also, a BIG thanks to my sis-in-law, Em for being my personal assistant all weekend long. Whether it was juicing 24 lemons and 20 limes by hand so I could make real lemonade and cherry limeade (<i><u>delicious!</u></i>), or keeping Henry busy while I spent hours in the kitchen baking the cakes and making the pie pops, she was such a tremendous help to me. I've told her thank you a million times already, but, Emily, THANK YOU!!<br />
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I still can't believe I just attended <i>our</i> son's 1st birthday party. I feel so tremendously blessed that I'm the one he calls "mama". The past year was my happiest yet and I know Chris feels the same way. Mama & Daddy love you so much, Hen. Thanks for being our everything.<br />
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<br />Janell Happhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04356991486459625184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817427178656320812.post-18706325914255441932014-03-12T09:48:00.002-05:002014-03-12T17:40:38.964-05:00NashvilleNext June, Chris's sister is getting married!! Her sweet, kind, wonderful fiance, Billy, is from Fort Worth, Texas and instead of getting married up north, here in Illinois, they decided to plan a destination wedding. Far from the typical destination wedding, their wedding will take place on the dreamy estate of the cutest southern plantation home you've ever seen. Cedarwood is located just outside of the hustle and bustle of Nashville and it will be the perfect setting for my SILs big day.<br />
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So on Friday afternoon, we loaded up her SUV with Henry's car seat and headed south to attend a style show at her wedding venue. It was everything a girls only road trip should be. We listened to LOTS of cheesy '90s and early '00s music, reminiscing over junior high and high school. We ate <i>very</i> well. We talked about how truly awesome her wedding is going to be. We got in snuggles with Henry whenever we could and laughed at him babbling on in the backseat as we made our way to and from Tennessee. </div>
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We arrived in Nashville at 11pm on Friday night. We were troopers and drove the 8 hours there straight through. On Saturday morning, we took a leisurely drive past some beautiful antebellum mansions on our way to the famous Loveless Cafe. Emily had already been there once and insisted that I had to try it for myself. While there, I honestly lost track of the amount of homemade biscuits and jam I wolfed down. I also enjoyed the best slab of salt-cured smoked ham I've ever come across. Whenever I go to a different region of the US, I try to eat the regional specialties. On this trip, that included ordering the cheesy grits as a side instead of my usual, bacon. They were just as good as everything else I ate there. So if you're near Nashville, look this place up and I promise it won't disappoint.<br />
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The style show started at 11am at Cedarwood and it was such a posh affair. They had tables set up featuring complete wedding themes. Everything was there, from invitations to the place settings to the floral design (which was my favorite part!). We sampled food and hors d'oeuvres from 3 different caterers. We ate our way through at least 15 different cake flavors and had a few flutes of champagne punch. The sweet tea was a revelation! You can take me back to the southern states <i>any</i> time. </div>
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That evening we hit up Edley's BBQ for dinner as one does after they google "best bbq in Nashville". Edley's was ranked number 2 behind Jack's BBQ, a place Em tried during her last visit. So we decided to change it up for her and go to Edley's. We shared our individual orders of bbq chicken and pulled pork and were wowed. Henry shared my mac and cheese with me. The best part was the near 70 degree weather we experienced that day. Edley's has garage doors all around the outside of the restaurant and due to the lovely weather, they were open so we got to enjoy some sunshine and fresh air as we dined. Then we went back to our hotel, and as one does when daylight savings time approaches and one has a nearly 1 year old boy, we went to bed at 8pm!<br />
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It was such a great weekend! Em also asked me to be her matron of honor! I am extremely excited and so very honored to be there for her on her wedding day. Here are a few photos of our weekend. I didn't lug my Canon around down there as I knew I'd have Henry on one hip all day, and that boy is a heavy one. So I apologize for the iPhone photos, but you'll get the gist of it.<br />
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Janell Happhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04356991486459625184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817427178656320812.post-10400872061449485832014-03-06T08:03:00.002-06:002014-03-06T08:03:52.468-06:00Henry, at this moment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm still scratching my head in disbelief (and wiping my eyes) that its actually March (aka Henry's birth-month). I cannot wrap my mind around the fact that he will be <b>1</b> in just a short time (10 days, to be exact). I've been thinking so much about his impending birthday and what it means to me, us, him that I haven't taken enough time to reflect on where he's at, as a baby and as a little boy, right now.<br />
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Henry continues to astound me on many levels, but most recently his developing intelligence has me wowed. For instance, last night as I mixed up the batter for a chocolate sheet cake ( <i>I <u>may</u> have a baking addiction)</i>, Henry sat at my feet rolling around a jar of baby food he'd pulled from a drawer. He kept repeating something that sounded like <i>ow</i>. He repeated it enough for me to realize he wasn't just babbling on, so I looked down and saw him pointing to the little animal illustration on the bright green lid. It was an owl. I couldn't believe it! I've worked with him on animals sounds a lot lately and he can proudly say "oof, oof!" when asked what the dog says or a muffled "mmmmm" when asked what the cow says, but I don't recall really working with him on what owls are or what they say. There are a couple owls in his favorite books so I'm guessing that's where he picked up on it from.<br />
Then this morning he found the same jar of baby food and repeated the word again. Followed by a quiet "ooh, ooh" to which I applauded and said "Yes yes!! Who, who! That's what the owl says, baby! YAY!!"<br />
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He's been walking like a pro for quite a while now. He took his first steps in early January and never looked back. Whenever we leave the house to run errands or go to a restaurant for a sit down meal, Henry's does everything in his power get out of our arms/high-chair and walk around, scoping the place out, staring at everyone and everything.<br />
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I feel like his personality has really been revealing itself lately. He's always been such a happy boy. Almost anyone can get a smile out of him. But he's been showing quite a stubborn and independent side of his personality as of late. He will not let us feed him bites of finger food any more. He's so against it that if we do happen to manage to slip a cheerio past his lips, he grabs it out of his mouth, places it on his tray and then picks it up and feeds himself the same piece again. He so badly wants to be able to feed himself with his spoon, too. He gets so mad when I help guide the spoon to his mouth and, heaven forbid I try to take the spoon from him to feed him myself. He throws quite the fit when this happens and refuses to eat. Even if meal times are harder than they used to be, I'm happy to see him wanting to learn and to be so independent. This is when I see a big boy more than I see a baby in him.<br />
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He's always wanting to play games with us that make him laugh hysterically. His most recent favorite is playing peek-a-boo behind our living room door. We'll take turns hiding behind the door and peeking at each other through the crack where the door meets the hinge. When he's hiding, I'll ask "where's Henry?" over and over like he's lost, then I'll peek through the crack at him and he'll giggle so hard and then take off as fast as he can from behind the door to the other end of our living room.<br />
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He loves playing "rough" with his daddy. Chris will sit on the couch with Henry straddling his ankles. He'll gently bounce him and then toss him in the air up to his outstretched arms. This is his favorite thing to do lately.<br />
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He's high-fiving, and waving, and blowing kisses, too. His bag of tricks is growing.<br />
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As big as he is and as far as he's come, in many ways he's still his mama's baby. He still wants to be rocked to sleep in my arms every night. Some people see this as a bad thing.. something he should have outgrown by now. I, instead, savor these nights. I keep telling myself that, one day, he'll outgrow this and I know I will miss these quiet moments, these sweet snuggles. I'm not trying to rush anything along with him. I'm trying so hard to savor each moment because, if this past year has taught me anything at all, time goes by way too fast when you have a little one around.Janell Happhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04356991486459625184noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817427178656320812.post-65172962546353284152014-02-26T09:20:00.002-06:002014-03-06T08:24:38.781-06:00The Brownie Trials: Part IThe average evening in our house consists of Henry dinner/bath/bedtime routine kicking off at around 6:00 and ending anywhere from 7:00-7:30, depending on his needs for a nice long cuddle. After that, I make my way into the kitchen to start on dinner. If I'm lucky, I'm kicked back in our big leather arm chair with my feet elevated by 8:30. At this point in the night I realize how tired I really am and toy with the idea of heading up to bed.. but its not even 9pm! <i>This is adulthood, Janell.. breathe it innn</i>.<br />
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Anyway, this week's routine has been slightly strange. After dinner, I've <i>voluntarily</i> stood on my feet just a <i>smidge</i> longer than usual in the name of baking, of all things! As someone who typically only enjoys savory or salty snacks, I've taken delight in not having to fight off cravings of the sinfully chocolate and fattening nature. That is why the past couple evenings have taken me by surprise. I've had brownies on the brain big time. And being an advocate of all things homemade, I set out to find a brownie recipe that fit a very simple set of criteria. The brownies 1.<u> had to be simple</u> (<i>I didn't want to be washing a bunch of extra bowls at that hour of the night</i>) and 2.<u> had to be fast</u> (<i>I wanted my chocolate and I wanted it <b><u>now</u></b></i>). So, I found <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/best-brownies/detail.aspx" target="_blank"><b>this</b></a> recipe through a Pinterest search. It required a bowl and a pan but I got away with only using 1 bowl. The ingredients were items I always have on hand in my baker's cabinet. It also took a measly 25 minutes to bake. It was game on.<br />
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25 minutes and some change later, I was slicing off a hunk of warm brownie. I like my brownies a little on the rich side -<i>the kind of brownie that requires a TALL glass of milk</i>- with a crisp top and edges. These brownies had that for sure. They were a little gooier than I typically like, but they weren't even cooled yet so I decided to give them another go in the morning. Why not, right? In the light of day, the extra gooiness has morphed into the perfect fudgey consistency that I'd been looking for. And the frosting... I don't think I'd ever had a frosted brownie before, unless Little Debbie's count. I'm not a huge frosting person anyways, but this frosting.. Dudes, it was just enough to put these brownies over the top. I really liked the addition of honey in the frosting recipe. It added an extra dimension of flavor and texture to the typical powdered sugar recipe.<br />
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When I searched Pinterest for this recipe, I came across a LOT of brownie recipes. Ranging from flour-less gluten-free brownies to s'mores brownies and everything in between. This gave me the idea to test out a few brownie recipes. My waistline will thank me later for spreading this brownie experiment out over the next few weeks (<i>or until my newly found sweet-tooth disappears!</i>) instead of tackling it all at once.<br />
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Feel free to follow along in your kitchen, if you'd like. I'd love to hear how the recipes measure up to your discerning brownie standards. <i>Very</i> official stuff.. because brownies are serious business, <i>right</i>? </div>
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<u><b>allrecipes.com "best brownies" recipe</b></u><br />
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brownie ingredients:<br />
1/2 cup butter<br />
1 cup white sugar<br />
2 eggs<br />
1 t vanilla extract<br />
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder<br />
1/2 cup all purpose flour<br />
1/4 t salt<br />
1/4 t baking powder<br />
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frosting ingredients:<br />
3 T butter, softened<br />
3 T unsweetened cocoa powder<br />
1 T honey<br />
1 t vanilla extract<br />
1 cup confectioner's sugar<br />
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directions:<br />
Preheat oven to 350 deg F. Grease and flour an 8x8" pan<br />
In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter. Remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and 1 t vanilla.<br />
Beat in 1/3 c cocoa, 1/2 c flour, salt, and baking powder. Spread batter into the pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Do no overcook.<br />
For frosting, combine butter, cocoa, honey, vanilla extract and confectioners sugar. Stir until smooth. Frost brownies when they are still warm. Enjoy!</div>
Janell Happhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04356991486459625184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817427178656320812.post-59930817928166072432014-02-03T13:02:00.001-06:002014-02-05T14:30:55.737-06:00going natural Here's a <i>dirty hippie </i>(as my sister-in-law calls it) post about apple cider vinegar and letting go of some of the chemicals in my life. Last week, when I was snowed in, I was perusing Pinterest like a zombie when I came across an <a href="http://www.refinery29.com/shampoo-free" target="_blank">article from Refinery29</a> about going shampoo and conditioner free. I've been hearing tidbits about going natural with hair care here and there throughout the blogosphere for a while, but never gave it a second thought. For some reason, be it boredom or not, I decided to give it a try. I filled a measuring cup up with baking soda and grabbed the bottle of apple cider vinegar out of my pantry and headed upstairs to our master bathroom to make some hair magic happen.<br />
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Allegedly, working baking soda into your wet scalp & roots cleans your hair of all of that gross muck that can accumulate BUT it does not strip your hair of its natural oils, which in turn gradually helps your scalp to stop overproducing oils. If your scalp isn't over-producing oil, you need to wash your gorgeous mane less. Ya dig? The main point of this is attaining healthy, shiny hair naturally that isn't over-dried or damaged by harsh chemicals. The baking soda shampoo idea was something I could wrap my brain around. The water/apple-cider vinegar conditioning rinse, however, had this girl very skeptical. I've had long, thick, knotty hair all of my life. I'm a <i><b>devout</b></i> worshiper of conditioner and go through the stuff like a fiend. If I can't run my fingers through my wet hair without catching a tangle, I haven't used enough, in my opinion. The reviewers of this method warned that your hair wouldn't feel soft and manageable until it had completely dried. They also warned that the hair would wreak of the stuff until it fully dried. It was a Saturday. I was snowed in with no one to impress. I didn't care. Bring on the stinky stuff! So... I washed and rinsed as directed. I used about a handful of baking soda total. I moistened it with the running shower water before really working it into my roots. The gritty, pastey texture did weird me out a little but once I rinsed it away, my hair felt ridiculously squeaky clean. I was impressed. On to the conditioning.. I put 2 T of apple cider vinegar into a glass and filled it with warm water. I read that soaking your ends in the mixture before you poured it over the rest of your head helped moisturize the roots more efficiently. I'll link to the article, but I beleive it said something about how the mixture helping to bring your hair to its optimal pH. Whatev..I just wanted it to work. So I did that and then poured it over my head, let it sit for a few minutes and then rinsed. My hair felt ratty and "dry" right out of the shower. And it did stink a little. I gently brushed from my ends up and let it air dry. A while later, with fully dried locks, I brushed and ran my fingers through the softest, smoothest, shiniest, healthiest feeling hair I could remember having. That's a lot of adjectives, but I'm tellin' you, that stuff is <i>LEGIT</i>. I went 4 days without having to wash it again, which is crayyyyy.. especially since I have bangs and they <i>always </i>get piece-y and oily after about a day and a half. </div>
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<b>The verdict?</b> I'm loving it for now. We'll see if this keeps up because I'm honestly a little scared of the "<i>adjustment period</i>" everybody warns you about (crazy oily days while your oil glands adjust to not having to overproduce). But, all in all, I'm looking forward to saving some dough not buying shampoo and conditioner. And if this is healthier for my hair and my body, its a win-win.</div>
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Tip*</div>
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I've read over and over that you <b style="font-style: italic;">muuust </b>use raw apple cider with 'the mother' (no idea what that means). Here's a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bragg-Apple-Cider-Vinegar-32/dp/B001I7MVG0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1391363021&sr=8-1&keywords=bragg+apple+cider+vinegar" target="_blank">link</a> to the stuff everybody swears by. </div>
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I've also started to use apple cider vinegar as a natural toner. Its supposed to be great for breakouts and for making your skin GLOW. I'm giving it a college try. I'll post about whether its worth the hype once I've gotten into a routine with it.<br />
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Janell Happhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04356991486459625184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817427178656320812.post-23565785537488452482014-01-26T22:49:00.000-06:002014-02-05T14:30:43.504-06:00wind and snow and family I'm almost titled this post "and the wind cried marrrryyyy" because I'm weird and have Jimmy Hendrix on the brain. As I write this, the wind beats against our house, howling and whirling with fury, making its way inside through any space absent of insulation in our old farm house. We are having a family sleepover tonight. The "polar plunge", as the weathermen refer to it, has arrived in northern Illinois and its brought with it whiteout conditions. Chris's dad, Joe, came out this morning to assist with morning cattle chores and stayed once the wind picked up and visibility gradually reduced. Chris's dear mother, Karen, and sister Emily decided to try and make the trek out to our farm from town (less than 10 miles) once the winds died down enough. That was earlier this afternoon. We all hung out in our living room, the only truly warm, carpeted room in the house and played and laughed with Henry, watching him walk his wobbly little walk until bedtime. In the time it took me to take Henry upstairs, get him bathed and dressed for bed, the winds had kicked it into high-gear with scary speed. I rocked Henry to sleep and watched the tree 20 feet from our house gradually disappear from view, engulfed by the whipping torrents of wind and snow.<br />
I'm finding that I see snowstorms & the idea of being "snowbound" through rose-colored glasses. I love it. In my opinion, being inside our cozy old home as mother nature has her hissy fit in white outside our windows is <i>magic</i>. There's just something special about the weather forcing the world to slow down and stay home. Everything's more fun. I'm still awake now at 10:44.. the latest I've been awake in a loooonnng looooong time and I'm cool with that. I just got done playing a few hands of euchre with Chris as my partner against Karen & Em, laughing and listening to stupid music that annoys Chris.<br />
And tomorrow seems to already hold some promise, for me at least, as Karen has volunteered to wake up with Henry at 5:45 so I can <i>sleep in</i>. I feel naughty even saying those words. They sound sinfully good. Goodnight, world. See you at 8:00am. Because, anymore, that's "sleeping in" for me.<br />
Janell Happhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04356991486459625184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817427178656320812.post-66253371637444765232014-01-08T16:06:00.000-06:002014-02-05T14:29:31.494-06:00to 2014, rebirth, & bliss<div>
Here's a "<i>new year's</i>" post. 21 days late but hey.. who's counting? I think my lateness is refreshing.</div>
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A lot has happened since last March. A lot in the ways of the revitalization & rebirth of my soul<i>.</i><br />
Last year, as Henry finished up his last few months of development inutero, I felt the very real sting of loss. The excitement and longing I felt waiting for Henry's arrival was running parallel with the mourning of the impending loss of life as I knew it. I was so scared of shedding my old identity for one that I'd never experienced... a new identity that looks and feels differently for everyone. I once heard a quote that went something like, "<i>when you first child is born the person you once were dies and you are reborn</i>". This shook me. As beautiful as the notion of being reborn is, the idea that the person I'd been for 26 years, the only me I'd ever known, was meeting her "<i>end"</i> was harrowing to face.<br />
Glancing back on this now, I crack a smile. The person I once was has been rebuilt into something of real substance. Feeling truly whole for the first time has helped me understand that the life I was living, the person I was before I became a mother, was silly to mourn. She had her moment in the sun. She lived a full, vibrant, young life. But the vibrance of the life I once lived looks drab now in comparison to the life I'm living now, as Henry's mama.<br />
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Being a mama to Henry has made me happier and more whole than I ever could have imagined.</div>
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I feel like every cell of my body has started over fresh. As cheese ball as it sounds, I feel I was truly <i><b>reborn </b></i>when he took in his first breaths. During these first 10 months of his life (<i>yes</i>, 10 months<i>! holy cow!</i>), I've never laughed more. I've never smiled more. I can clearly say that I've never felt so full of joy and promise and pure, unabashed happiness as I do now. And what a blessing that <i>is. </i>Being responsible for Henry's life has given my life such purpose. And it has helped me become a better human being, someone I can be proud of. My relationship with my husband has never been stronger than its been this past year. My love, in all its intensity, for Chris & Henry is so profound I don't well know how to do it justice with words.</div>
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2013 was the most beautiful year of my life. It was my "lucky 13". If I were ever going to be sad about a year passing by, it would be 2013. But I'm not sad at all! Not one measly bit. Instead I'm looking forward to this brand new year more so than I can ever remember. And that's so great. And <u style="font-style: italic;">refreshing</u>. </div>
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I'm on pins and needles with excitement for this new year and all of the changes and developments it will bring for Henry. I'm finding that sitting back and watching him grow has been the only gift I've truly ever wanted. </div>
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To 2014, here's to another year of bliss. May the new year bless you with your own version of good, simple, unadulterated bliss.</div>
Janell Happhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04356991486459625184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817427178656320812.post-79641522593457332282013-10-11T21:27:00.000-05:002014-02-05T14:31:07.086-06:00snuggles from a non-snuggler<div style="text-align: left;">
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Henry will be reaching the grand old age of 7 months in 5 short days. The tried and true old adage "time flies" never really hit home with me the way it has since I've had a child. Its humbling for me to sit at home with Henry everyday, watching each new milestone, fresh with all the wonder of a first-time mother. He's been getting around pretty well now, doing his own unique combination of the army crawl jazzed up with a bit of the old school break-dancing favorite known as "the worm". He's had his sights on crawling for a while, and here and there we will actually see the ever-so-graceful movement of a knee and arm scooting forward in unison. But I think it will be a little bit longer before I jot down in ink in his baby book that he's a bonafide crawler. He has all the necessary motions down, its just putting all of those motions together at once that's got him stumped. In due time... I'm not in any kind of rush.</div>
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With every day that passes, he becomes less and less of a baby. Yes, <i>I know</i>, he's <i>less than</i><b> a year old</b> yet. But it feels as though his babyhood is slipping by, nonetheless. No one tells you how bittersweet it all is. With each new development I feel my heart soar and sink simultaneously. I chock it up to the growing pains of being a mother. I'm so thrilled that he's thriving and hitting new milestones left and right. But that little voice inside keeps whispering and taunting "He's relying on you less and less each day".. I how that sounds. I know that he still needs me <i>very</i>, <i>very</i> much. I'm trying my hardest to live in the "now", relishing that fact.<br />
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In many ways, he's my big boy.. moving around like crazy, getting into everything he shouldn't be the minute I have my head turned, slurping down his green beans like nobody's business. Something new gets added to the list daily.<br />
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A lot of the time, in lovely contrast, he's still my little baby. At nearly 7 months, he's still flashing me nothing but gums when that smile spreads across his round little face. And, unless I don't know what I'm feeling for, there's no palpable sign of pearly whites on their way to the surface. This past week has, behaviorally, been an odd one and I'm seriously wondering if those teeth of his are on their way. Henry's been running a slight temperature, off and on, and a bit of a runny nose. He's been gnawing with purpose on just about anything he can fit into that tiny mouth of his and, the strangest behavior of all, he's been snuggling the living daylights out of his mama.<br />
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Henry is NOT a snuggler. This is not to say he doesn't like being touched because he does. This is the kid who still needs his mama to nurse & rock him to sleep for each and every nap he goes down for. He just hasn't ever showed the desire to nuzzle into the crook of my shoulder when I'm carrying him around or hug onto my arm with all his might like he has over the past week. Its a welcome change and I'll take it as long as it lasts.<br />
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Janell Happhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04356991486459625184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817427178656320812.post-84625610055467489622013-07-02T15:18:00.000-05:002014-02-05T14:31:20.833-06:00three month photos & an unexpected dinner date<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We had Henry's 3 month photos taken in July with the wonderful and talented Phil & Andrea of McConville Studio in Peru. We met them in front of the beautiful and historic Starved Rock Lodge outside Utica in the early evening. Having just woken up from his afternoon nap, Henry was touch and go during the session but they managed to get a bunch of great shots for us. By the end of the photo session, he was squirming and flailing his arms about in his stroller so we headed towards the car.</div>
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As we were walking to our car on a sidewalk that takes us past the lodge and over an impressive canyon, we smelled deliciousness wafting through the air from the direction of the lodge's veranda that overlooks the Illinois river. It was turning out to be such a gorgeous night and the idea of a nice dinner outdoors tempted us. It was one of those moments, as a fairly new parent, that you sigh and think of the days, long ago now, that you used to be able to do whatever you pleased at the drop of a hat without thinking twice about it. As we passed the sidewalk leading to the veranda, we kept going back and forth with "If you want to...." and "We probably could try it.." and "I'm sure he'll just nod off.."</div>
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We turned the stroller around and headed for the veranda. If Henry didn't like it, we could wheel on out of there as quick as could be.</div>
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We must have been on Henry's good graces because he slept like a champ while mommy & daddy slowly enjoyed dinner and then, to our surprise, the live local country music performers until the sun set, when it got a little too chilly for Henry (funny how I'm using the word "chilly" to describe a mid-June night in Northern Illinois!).</div>
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It was quite an unexpectedly perfect evening.</div>
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<br />Janell Happhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04356991486459625184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817427178656320812.post-67202360291351356452013-06-17T12:54:00.004-05:002014-02-05T14:31:34.897-06:00perfect pie crustA couple summers ago at a family reunion, my sweet Aunt Candice, who came all the way from Ohio, took a slice of a pie that I brought.. probably apple or strawberry rhubarb, if I had to guess. She ate that piece of pie with such delight that she sought me out to compliment me on my baking skills.<br />
She said something like "<i>Janell, that pie crust was delicious. I don't usually eat the end crust but yours was great. I can tell a homemade crust when I taste one and you definitely got your baking skills from grandma."</i><br />
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My dad was standing beside me listening to his sister gush on about my homemade crust, not saying a word. He wasn't going to blow my cover. He knew good and well, as I did too, that that pie crust was found in the refrigerated section of our local grocery store. Aunt Candy was SO sure that it was homemade and I didn't have the heart to tell her that it was a reliable standby manufactured by the Pillsbury company.<br />
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From that moment, I've been on a quest, of sorts, to find and perfect the perfect pie crust recipe. I wanted to earn those compliments entirely on my own this time. After searching online and doing some research on what makes a pie crust work, I found the only real variations in the types of fat used. I found some recipes that used shortening, a few others that used lard, and some that used butter. I decided to try my luck with what I had most readily available in my refrigerator.. <b style="text-decoration: underline;">butter</b>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKFnxKamnUS2i143Bux9_Zr0flYxRDLh3Q9AB3KZTVC1OsJapNpZ9Fw9Dx_sYK-ZjPHM3OimJ-JyfUnwUvjhrXjAF89rrfZ5gf0l8mFqMweVaC55UO7VImsrO1niExbaxBajHfFbzEaInX/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-06-17+at+12.51.05+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKFnxKamnUS2i143Bux9_Zr0flYxRDLh3Q9AB3KZTVC1OsJapNpZ9Fw9Dx_sYK-ZjPHM3OimJ-JyfUnwUvjhrXjAF89rrfZ5gf0l8mFqMweVaC55UO7VImsrO1niExbaxBajHfFbzEaInX/s400/Screen+shot+2013-06-17+at+12.51.05+PM.png" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Maybe it was beginners luck, but the very first recipe I tried was a bullseye.<br />
I filled it with strawberries and freshly cut rhubarb from the patch in my backyard. The butter crust complimented it so well that I would call that pie the BEST pie I've ever crafted.. And that's saying something because I've been making pies, albeit with store bought crusts, for a long time.<br />
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Here's the simple, foolproof recipe I used for the most tender, flavorful, delicate pie crust I've tasted:<br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
2 1/4 c. all purpose flour<br />
3 t. salt<br />
2 t. white sugar<br />
2 sticks cold unsalted butter; cut into 1/4" pieces<br />
1/2 c. strained ice water, plus 2-3 T<br />
<br />
Equipment needed:<br />
large mixing bowl<br />
your hands<br />
fork<br />
plastic wrap<br />
<br />
This recipe makes two 9" pie crusts.<br />
Pour all of the dry ingredients into a large mixing bowl. Mix lightly with your hands. Cut the butter into 1/4" pieces, put into fridge to chill for a few minutes if its gotten soft. Scatter butter pieces over your dry ingredients. Combine dry ingredients with the butter chunks by pinching each piece of butter in the dry ingredients. Do not break the pieces of butter up, just pinch them. As you are working, keep bringing the ingredients up from the bottom of the bowl, to make sure that you aren't stuck with a lot of left over dry ingredients with no butter at the bottom. Strain the ice water as your pour it into the bowl through a slotted spoon so you don't end up with ice in the crust. Start with a 1/4 c of ice water, poured around the outside edge of your ingredients. Take your fork and push the ingredients around, from the outside in to incorporate the water. Now add 1/4 c of water again and do the same thing. If its humid, you may only need 1T more of ice water. You know you've added enough water when you can squeeze the contents of the bowl together gently and the center of the ball holds together and its not a crumbly, dusty mess. Separate the dough into two equally sized discs. Wrap each one in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before using. Follow directions of your favorite pie recipe and enjoy.<br />
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So the next time Aunt Candice compliments my pie, which happened to be yesterday, I took that praise with a sense of pride and accomplishment.<br />
<br />Janell Happhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04356991486459625184noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817427178656320812.post-8363598514118447232013-06-12T15:25:00.003-05:002014-02-05T14:31:55.967-06:006 days oldIt seems like these photos were taken just yesterday and forever ago all at the same time. Henry was only 6 days old...I picked up the album and disc of Henry's newborn photos this afternoon. The album and disc were a mother's day present from Chris since there was no way I could just pick out a few photos... I NEEDED them all. After all, he was only a newborn once.. So here's a few of our favorites<br />
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<br />Janell Happhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04356991486459625184noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817427178656320812.post-9691564828971081752013-06-11T17:55:00.003-05:002014-02-05T14:32:16.592-06:00Cue the Barry White<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last Friday, my dad and his girlfriend Crystal exchanged vows in a small ceremony at a little white country church just outside a tiny town called Compton. My dad had asked meif i would be willing to take a few photographs during the ceremony and reception, that was to be held at the farm that he & Crystal purchased last fall. They are currently in the process of restoring the 1920's era farm house to its former glory and it coming along <b><u>so</u></b> beautifully.</div>
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It was a gorgeous day and everything went along ever so smoothly. It was all of things they wanted their wedding day to be: simple, rustic, casual, and intimate. Every table had a homemade pie of a different flavor and everybody went around sampling the deliciousness that was shared. After a dinner of fried chicken and various sides, I walked with my dad and his new bride around the farm yard finding beautiful, rustic backdrops for their wedding portraits. After the last photo was taken, they stood behind the barn and practiced for their first dance, of which they filled me in was going to be a choreographed one. When they made their way onto the "dance floor", which was situated on the west end of an old, tin machine-shed, Barry White's oh-so-familiar voice hit the speakers. Dad and Crystal spun and strutted their way around the dance floor to thesweet sounds of "My First, My Last, My Everything", laughing all the while.We are truly so happy for them.</div>
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<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="40" id="gsSong794373712" name="gsSong794373712" width="250"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=7943737&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="250" height="40"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=7943737&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Barry%20White%20You're%20the%20First%2C%20the%20Last%2C%20My%20Everything" title="You're the First, the Last, My Everything by Barry White on Grooveshark">You're the First, the Last, My Everything by Barry White on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object></div>
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We were both surprised and impressed that Henry was a trooper and didn't cry once during the ceremony. I was positive that we'd be hearing from him all afternoon since he'd been stubborn and refused to go down for his nap before we left for the wedding. It was much the opposite, with a smiling baby sitting quietly on his daddy's lap until after dinner. After all of the photographic needs were met, we made the 2 minute drive to our farm and put Henry to sleep. Chris's mom was gracious enough to babysit Henry so we could go back to the reception and have a little fun. </div>
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Congrats, Dad & Crys!</div>
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Here's to <b><u>many years</u></b> of love & happiness</div>
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Janell Happhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04356991486459625184noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817427178656320812.post-69111203247779552892013-06-05T10:47:00.000-05:002014-02-05T14:32:30.269-06:00here & there<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
In my mind, the official start of summer happens when the big peony bush in<br />
our backyard starts blooming. Its the first of my summer plants to show off its<br />
flashy blooms and usually does so shortly after the very last of my tulips has lost<br />
its petals. The weather has been playing games with us over the past few weeks<br />
so it doesn't entirely "feel" like summer just yet, with temps jumping in and out of<br />
the low 60's with rain seeming to find its way to us what seems like every other day.<br />
Because of this, we just planted the garden yesterday evening and it probably wasn't<br />
even dry enough to do so, but we saw rain headed our way in the forecast and bit the<br />
bullet.<br />
My sister-in-law, Emily is leaving us for the summer to go to Fort Worth, Texas to live<br />
with her boyfriend for the summer. I'm very excited for her but its really bittersweet. It seems<br />
like we've seen her consistently at least 3 times a week at least since Henry's been born so it<br />
going to feel pretty strange to not see her until August. We promised to FaceTime each other<br />
often and Chris & I (and Henry, of course) are going to see if we can squeeze a quick weekend trip down to see her as soon as we get things squared away on the farm.<br />
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On another note, my dad is getting married on Friday! He's marrying his longtime girlfriend, Crystal<br />
in a small ceremony at the church Chris & I were married at. Afterwards they are having a bbq chicken and porkchop reception at the farm they bought up the road from us. Later today, Henry & I are going to walk the 3 miles to their farm to help with decorations and set up. I'll be sure to share some photos from the celebration next week. But right now, I'm going to get going on some serious laundry.<br />
Henry's down for his morning nap and as they say, you've got to make hay while the sun still shines.<br />
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Have a fabulous Wednesday :)<br />
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<br />Janell Happhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04356991486459625184noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817427178656320812.post-34869864435440805132013-05-07T11:41:00.004-05:002013-06-12T15:26:07.371-05:00what a day for a daydream<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="40" id="gsSong3724780422" name="gsSong3724780422" width="250"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=37247804&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="250" height="40"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=37247804&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=The%20Lovin'%20Spoonful%20Daydream" title="Daydream by The Lovin' Spoonful on Grooveshark">Daydream by The Lovin' Spoonful on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object></div>
<br />
It seems we've made ourselves a fellow nature lover, indeed.<br />
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Yesterday was one of those gorgeous spring days you wish you could bottle up and save for January. The kind of day that makes you want to crank up one of those cheesy '60's songs that make you seriously think about doing a cartwheel, right there on the freshly cut deep green grass. (<i>exibit A above.. click play and <b>you'll know</b> what I mean</i>)<br />
The temperature was in the high 70's all day and the bothersome Illinois wind had died down, from the previous day, to a light whisper of a breeze.<br />
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I made my second trip of the season to a new local greenhouse and purchased some more pretty red day lilies and various annuals for the old metal farm buckets I use as planters in front of our garage and on our patio. Shortly after his nap, I plopped Henry down in his stroller and wheeled him out to where I would be planting. After about an hour of amusing himself looking at our white fencing, he began to fuss. So I set out his blanket and laid him out on it. Immediately, the fussing stopped and he was completely content, kicking his little arms and legs in excitement.<br />
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I kept on planting, looking up every so often to marvel at his curiosity. It was like his head was on a swivel... every bird chirp or rustle of the tree's leaves above had his full and undivided attention. I was filled with all sorts of motherly emotion.. you know, the kind that makes us mama's almost tear up at the tiniest little action from our bundles of joy. I'd imagined that very moment WAY before Henry ever came into the picture. I'd always watched a scenario in my head where I would be walking around on the grass on a warm summer day, feet bare as they usually are when I'm going for a stroll in our yard in the sun. I'd be holding my barefoot baby in my arms as we made our way under the shade of a big beautiful tree. I'd lay a blanket down and we'd be there for hours, taking in the beauty of nature around us. I'd always hoped I'd have a child that would love nature the way I do.<br />
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I know its probably too early to know for sure, but, from the looks of things, I do believe I've got myself a fellow nature enthusiast in my little Hen.<br />
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<br />Janell Happhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04356991486459625184noreply@blogger.com1