little walker

This is happening a lot around our house these days.

As is this little number we like to call "baby elephant walk" - 

a tribute to my brother's days of prancing around the dining room table

in similar fashion - little booty shaking all over the place.

And then this happens.

Because why am I taking pictures when I could be handing out fruit puffs?

Cruel.

vanity, thy name is... baby.

Let's just be honest.

My kid loves to look at himself.

He looking at himself in the mirror, looking at pictures of himself...

and he loves it when I turned the camera on my phone around.

Here's a little glimpse.

Warning: My dumb darling dog barks throughout. Ugh.

I guess if I were that cute, I'd be pretty pleased to see myself too.

mom post.

Well, I've been a horrible blogger recently but March has been a big month for us.

 Each Sunday in our church's bulletin, they list a few "families of the week" for prayer.

It's alphabetical, and Sunday, March 3rd "The Parton Family" was one of those families.

Which was pretty cool because that day marked 6 months for us as a family of three!

 Bonsa is also now a year-and-a-half, or 18 months or whatever term you use to define this age.

 At his 18-month checkup, he weighed in at 21 pounds and measured 31 inches!

6th percentile for weight, which was my goal! 

 He is taking so many steps on his own. 

Still very wobbly and unsteady, but on the verge of walking!

 He gets into everything. 

I don't know why we even have toys.

 It seems like he's babbling more each day - trying to say words and have conversations.

 He LOVES books. Makes us read them over & over.

He usually has a new "favorite" every other day. 

Most recently it's been "Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb"...

which I sort of hate. It's one of those "fake" Dr. Seuss books. And it makes no sense.

But kid loves it sooo... 

Now for your viewing pleasure - our increasingly independent little man.

Please note celebratory bum wiggle after he walks over to Doug.

st. patty's

Green pants for church.

Lunch with fantastic friends.

Parenthood while babe naps.

Green beer for the hubby.

Making corned  beef for the first time ever.

Calling Mom's "corned beef hotline".

Wonderful friends over for dinner.

Tea & Mom's shortbread.

A happy baby with a green spoon.

With cute footie pajamas. 

And of course, mini Cadbury eggs for dessert.

Solid St. Patty's Day.

recently i'm...

Cooking:

I've been on a Pinterest experiment spree! I've made...

Crispy Southwest Chicken Wraps

Pepper Jack Cheese & Spinach Stuffed Chicken

Pasta with Brussels Sprouts & Bacon

Chipotle Chicken Taco Salad

Baking:

See previous post. Mom's chewy chocolate cookies.

Staying busy:

Yesterday was the end of our busy season at work,

and I don't mean to brag, but Katy & I - just the two of us - 

got our 40-some clients over $6 million in technology reimbursements and discounts.

So. If you work at a school or library, let us hook you up.

Ready for:

Spring weather. 

Now that it's staying lighter longer... I'm just ready for warm weather.

Getting initiated:
My kid threw up in the car for the first time this past weekend.
Like, not baby spit up. Real, chunky, nasty-smelling puke.
You're welcome for the imagery, Internet.

Excited about:
Bo's first Easter.
I got him some cute little gardening/sand tools, and when Doug saw them,
he asked, "Are these for Bo... or for you?"

Amused by:

Bo is babbling more and more each day.

My favorite phrase that it sounds like he says is: "What is it?"

I need to get it on video.

Impressed by:

Bo is eating a lot more solids. 

He still sometimes struggles with textures, but he has come a long way!

Crafting:
Making the ubiquitous Sharpie mugs for our church's women's event.
More on that later!

Enjoying:
- a last minute trip to NY this past weekend
- Bo talking to his toy elephant whenever he wakes up
- Cadbury mini eggs
- a nap this afternoon

mom's chewy chocolate cookies

Not to be hyperbolic, 

but these are the most perfect chocolate cookies you will ever eat.

[1]

Cream together: 

1 1/4 c butter, softened

2 c sugar

[2]

Add:

2 eggs

2 tsp vanilla 

[3]

Combine and stir into creamed mixture:

2 c flour [I did 2 1/4]

3/4 c unsweetened cocoa

1 tsp baking soda

dash salt

[4]

My mom says here to "Stir in 1 c of chopped nuts, if desired."

I never desire that for a cookie. 

I, however, stirred in a cup of chocolate chips.

[5]

Drop onto ungreased cookie sheet. 

Bake at 350 for 8-9 minutes. 

Cool on sheets until set; remove to wire rack to cool completely.

I also saw these amazing triple chocolate cookies on Sweetapolita and had to try them.

The glaze is AWESOME, but you will definitely need a huge glass of milk.

Chocolate Glaze by Sweetapolita

3/4 c bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped

2 Tbsp unsalted butter

1 tsp light corn syrup

You're welcome, friends.

You're welcome.