Smoothie

Jo and I are on a smoothie kick right now. For dinner we have been eating fruit and kale/spinach smoothies. It is a good way to get more greens into our diet and have more time in the evening to spend with Pepper. Pepper spends our "dinner time" begging for sips and staining her clothes with purple yumminess.

Bath Time

Getting soaked...thus bath time is near.

Nothing better than those cute buns!

All warm and dry!

Pepper's LOVES baths! While the tub is filling she stands at the edge smacking the tub with her hand, talking loudly to the water. She can hardly wait for the tub to fill. She plays and splashes and drinks the water (yuck). And after all that fun she is usually very chill and ready to sleep. Bath time is a winner for all of us!

That's Not My Snowman!

Pepper has started to really enjoy books. Her favorite right now is one that Auntie Jamie gave her. There are textures to feel on each page, some soft, some scratchy, and others bumpy. We read it to her over and over, and now she will even "read" it on her own.

Next Year

January 2011 with Baby Zoe

Last year about this same time we went snowshoeing for Grandpa John's birthday. I was pregnant and remember thinking about how fun it would be "next year" when we could take our little girl snowshoeing. It is true, it is fun! So glad she is here with us!

A Birthday Outing

Birthday boy and his girl

Attempt at self portrait.

He makes me so proud.

Awww, so pretty!

A LION KING MOMENT

Daddy is so funny!

Pepper loving time out of the backpack!

Mom ruining the peace with technology.

Grandpa Lee is an active sort of guy, so when he gets to decide what to do on his birthday, we go snowshoeing! We were excited to be a part of this because we love hanging with Grandpa Lee, and because the snow has been elusive this year so we have been craving some time in it. We found Tollgate to be beautiful, sunny, WHITE, and not too cold. Perfect! Snowshoeing is so fun because it gives a total body workout and is slow enough that you have ample time to soak in the scenery. We wore ourselves out and enjoyed a picnic lunch complete with warm soup and mint hot chocolate. Pepper even had a great time! All in all, Grandpa Lee's 62nd birthday was an amazing day. We are so thankful for you Dad!

Layers

Pepper loves the backpack so we decided to try walks in the evenings again. Unfortunately, the temperature has been in the low 20's. In order to keep her warm we have devised a layering system. Layer 1: Dry diaper, short sleeved onesie, and tights. Layer 2: Long sleeved onesie and socks over the tights. Layer 3: Fleece pajamas. Layer 4: Fleece jacket, Mommy's socks aka "thigh highs", Mommy's mittens aka "arm covers" and a baby balaclava. Layer 5: Down bunting and hat.
The layering must be working to keep her warm because she falls asleep for most of the walk...and then wants to be up until 10 pm. Oh well, at least we are getting some exercise!

Hangin' with the P

I enjoy Sundays with my daughter very much. 

She teaches me wonderful things:

1. Playtime is just as fun in a clean house as a dirty one,

2. Sometimes simple toys are better, such as a tupperware lid or a laundry basket,

3. Giggling for no reason is incredibly fun and quite contagious,

4. Looking excited can make any task more exciting,

5. Sharing is fun,

 

 6. Daddy's favorite hat can totally increase your level of coolness.

I have also learned that even though I am an imperfect parent, Pepper is forgiving, resilient, and strong. 

She gives her love freely, never holding back or worrying about what it looks like.

I have learned that I want to be more like my daughter.