Finally Over It!

Have you ever been so sick that all time seems to stop? As mentioned in the last post Tom, Tennyson, and I got the stomach flu and all the loveliness that comes with it. It was only last week, yet I feel like it was a month ago. Anyway, we are feeling almost back to normal, save some lingering digestion issues, mostly with Tennyson's tummy. Poor thing! Tom declared that there was nothing sadder than a baby with dry heaves.

Since I haven't posted in a while (who knew it takes that much energy to sit up and type?!), I am including lots of updated photos of our sweet boy. He continues to be the absolute joy and light of our lives. Tom and I agreed years ago not to have an only child.......but I can see why parents would do it. Somewhat suddenly (especially when you have a preemie) two become three and that baby is everything to you. A tangible manifestation of your love for each other. It's.......awe inspiring. Tennyson is truly that to us. A dream come true, and it just keeps getting better and more wonderful the older he gets. (I sure don't miss those days of running on 2 hours of sleep.)

Just our typically happy boy!!!

Now you know why we call him "Skydiver".

Created in His image. What a God.

Now honestly, is there anything sexier than seeing your husband holding your (sleeping) child?

Little did I know he had the flu when I took this. Says a lot about his personality.
He often has this look of concern on his face, but I think he's just figuring things out in that little mind of his. Oh yes, he's gonna be super-smart like his Daddy!

So much for disinfecting

All three of us have been hit hard with a stomach virus going on day 4 now. Pray that we get better soon and that someday my house will be clean again.

Recipe of the Week ~ Apple Crisp

APPLE CRISP
A classic all-American dessert, and one that has the potential to become a favorite in your house.

Fruit mixture:
6 cups sliced, peeled apples
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 Tbsp. water
1 tsp. lemon juice

Topping:
1 cup instant oats
3/4 cup flour
3/4 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened

Heat oven to 375 degrees.
Place apples in ungreased 9x13 dish. Sprinkle with cinnamon, water, and lemon juice.
Combine all topping ingredients, mix until crumbly. Sprinkle crumb mixture evenly over apples.
Bake at 375 degrees until fruit is tender and topping is golden brown.
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

Some recent photos of our boy.....

Looking a little surprised that he can sit up on his own now.
(What a pose!)

I love this smile of his, like he's up to something.

Just a precious expression.

He loves to use his sippy cup! Once he got a hold of it he wouldn't put it down.

The Exciting Life of Tennyson's Toys

As most of you probably know I am now a full-time childcare provider since having lost my job while on maternity leave. (Gotta love the fickleness of the real estate market.) Well, after being home for so long with my newborn son I couldn't bring myself to go back to work, though I had several offers.

Having said all that, those of you that know me know that I am a bit of a neat-freak. I like my house clean and organized! Though it's great being in my own home all day it's still difficult to stay on top of the house with so many children here. (I currently keep a 6 month-old, 1 year-old, and a 2 year-old, not to mention Tennyson. In August I will take on yet-to-born twin girls.) Therefore, most every weekend is spent doing housework, at least that's what it feels like. But I do love cleaning....a bit too much according to my husband.
And because Tennyson's toys are in constant use by "strangers", disinfecting them is routine. Here's a picture to demonstrate just one of many household chores I tackled on Saturday: laying out his toys on a plastic bag and spraying them on all sides with Lysol. Hmm, better start buying it from Costco.

Recipe of the Week ~ Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies

The Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie
These really are the BEST chocolate chip cookies you'll ever eat! The recipe is from Pillsbury, and I prefer them with pecans, but they can easily be omitted.

Ingredients:
3/4 cup butter flavor Crisco
1-1/4 cups firmly packed light brown sugar
2 Tbsp. milk
1 Tbsp. vanilla
1 egg
1-3/4 cups flour*
1 tsp. salt
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup coarsely chopped pecans (optional)**

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Combine Crisco, brown sugar, milk, and vanilla in large bowl. Beat at medium speed of electric mixer until well blended. Beat egg into creamed mixture.
3. Combine flour, salt, and baking soda. Mix into creamed mixture just until well blended. Stir in chocolate chips and pecans.
4. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough 3 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheet. Bake one sheet at a time at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes for chewy or 11-13 minutes for crisp cookies. Cool on sheet for 2 minutes then transfer to cooling rack. (I always cool my cookies on foil.)

*I only use bread (not self-rising) flour.
**If nuts are omitted add an additional 1/2 cups of chocolate chips

Waking Up

We never know what we are going to find when Tennyson wakes up and we go to get him out of his crib. Here are two pictures from last week that illustrate just that.

With no pants!

With one foot on the bumper and the other missing a sock.