My Brown Eyed Girl

with the golden curls!

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Genevieve’s Thoughts on God

I want to write down some of the things Genevieve says about God so that I will remember them and she can one day look back at them. This morning we were talking about God, using the book Big Truths for Little Kids and I asked Genevieve “can you see God?”

She answered, “Sometimes I can see God. When I look at the clouds I see His hand waving at me. So I wave back. Sometimes I dream about Him.”

I asked, “what does He look like in your dreams?”

“He looks like He is so nice.”

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Some sunshine…

…on a snowy day!

 

Come back Spring!!

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On the Move

Charlotte is going, going… gone! The girl is all over the place! She rolls and rolls. She pulls herself forward to get things. Now, she is pushing herself up onto her knees and even her feet for a few seconds. We are in trouble!

How do you baby proof when you have another little one who LOVES her Polly Pockets? With teeny, tiny accessories…

I am not going to be able to take my eyes off this girl for one second!

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Charlotte is 5 Months Old!

My dear Charlotte,

Another month has slipped away and I am in awe at how much you have changed and grown. It is amazing to see each new thing you do, but I must admit I am a little sad that my baby is growing up! I just cannot believe that it is happening so fast. I miss the way you used to sleep on my chest, your legs pulled in close. Or those sweet times when you would nurse and gaze up at me as if I were the only other person in the world.

I just want to seal all those special moments in my memory. I want to hold on to them so I will always remember the feel of your soft skin and that sweet baby smell. I want to remember the way your delicate fingers feel as I hold them as you drift off to sleep at night. And the way you snuggle in my lap as I hold you close. And the way your eyes light up when I kiss your chubby cheeks.

But my memory is already failing me now as I try to think back to the past five months. And I know that as time continues to pass more of these precious memories will fade away. So I am purposing to treasure each moment that we share, my dear Charlotte. To be fully present for each kiss and each cuddle. To truly enjoy all of your smiles and giggles. I pray that God would help me to treat each moment that I have with you as a wonderful, sacred gift. Though my arms may sometimes ache from the strain of holding you, I know that one day they will ache with longing for these days in which you were only mine to hold.

You are such a beautiful baby. I think you grow more and more beautiful each day. You have just the perfect little face and such bright, sparkling eyes. And your smile. You open your mouth up so big when you smile! Your hair hasn’t really grown in yet. It is a mix of brown and blonde for now. I wonder what it will look like.

You started rolling over from your back to your stomach and you haven’t stopped! And now you are starting to pull yourself forward. Yes, we are in trouble! It looks like you are going to be a mover just like your sister. You also like to sit up now. You can almost sit up by yourself now, but then you start to just fold in half. 🙂 I think that you are really going to like sitting up and playing with your toys.

Genevieve is still in love with you and the feeling is definitely mutual. You just adore your big sister. You smile and laugh at her all day long. The funny thing is that the louder and rougher she is with you, the more you laugh! She makes you hysterical!

You are growing so quickly. You are wearing 6-9 month clothes now. And they just fit you!

You haven’t been sleeping very well this month. It has been really hard to get you to take a good nap, no matter what I do. Even when you sleep on me, it is only for a short time. So, you haven’t been too happy lately. You have also been teething, which I think is making you uncomfortable. You are always drooling and chewing on your little fingers.

I feel so blessed to be your mom, Charlotte. We are all so blessed to have you in our lives. I thank God for you every day. You are truly a gift from Him, an answer to my prayers. I love you!

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Whole Wheat Ricotta Pancakes with Orange Zest

Whole Wheat Ricotta Pancakes with Orange Zest

(adapted from the kitchn)

1 cup ricotta cheese
3/4 cup whole wheat flour (I use white whole wheat flour from Trader Joe’s)
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
pinch salt
3/4 cup milk
3 eggs, divided                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           zest from one orange
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Combine ricotta, milk, egg yolks, and vanilla in a separate bowl. (The original recipe called for straining the ricotta. I don’t really have time for extra steps or dishes so I just used a slotted spoon!! My ricotta didn’t have too much liquid anyway.)

Beat the egg whites in an electric mixer until stiff. (I managed to do this by hand with a whisk… while holding Charlotte! My arm hurt but I couldn’t put here down to go get the mixer!) Add the dry ingredients to the ricotta and milk mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Whisk in a small amount of the egg whites to lighten the batter, then fold in the remaining whites.

Heat a griddle over medium-high heat, and brush the surface with butter. Use a ladle or measuring scoop to pour batter onto the griddle. Cook pancakes for about 3 or 4 minutes, then flip, cooking until both sides are golden brown.

These pancakes were moist, fluffy and delicious. You can substitute lemon zest for the orange and they would be just as good I am sure. Genevieve gobbled these right up and declared them to be her new favorite. We ate them for dinner and then again for breakfast the next day. Enjoy!

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