Favorite Books

I know, I know, I love to read! Everyone comments on it, but what can I say, it's what I've always loved to do! Andy watches TV to quiet down at night, while I have to read before going to sleep.

Here are some of my favorite books I've read this past year, and also current ones I'm reading now:















Read this only if you like Tina Fey humor (and let me tell you, it's funny)




I'm currently reading:


and I'm loving it!

and


The history of the Civil War is fascinating, and what a mighty challenge President Lincoln faced to re-unite our war-torn country

Black-Eyed Pea Dip

picture courtesy of The Pioneer Woman

I love trying out new recipes, and a sweet friend of mine emailed this to me a month or so ago. This recipe came to mind today as I was perusing my pantry, and I realized I had all the ingredients to make this yummy dip. (and it's much healthier than my other black-eyed pea dip)

Katie Dugger is the one who submitted this Pioneer Woman recipe to me, and I've had the privilege to mentor her and to also become close friends with her over the years. I truly consider her like a little sister to me, and now a babysitter! (as she does her preceptorship for nursing in Birmingham) Her fiancee, Mark, is going to be one of the best-fed husbands this side of the Mason-Dixon line, as Katie is a fabulous cook. So keep the recipes coming!!

Black-Eyed Pea Dip
from The Pioneer Woman's blog; submitted to me by Katie Dugger :)

1 can (14-ounce) Can Black-eyed Peas
1/4 whole Onion, Chopped Fine
1/4 cup Sour Cream
8 slices Jarred Jalapenos
1 cup Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese
3 Tablespoons Salsa
Hot Sauce, to taste
Salt And Black Pepper To Taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Drain black-eyed peas and partially mash, leaving some whole.

Add all other ingredients, stirring to combine.

Spread into a 1 1/2 quart baking dish and bake for 20 to 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.

Serve with tortilla chips!

*Note: if you have them available, you can use the canned black-eyed peas and jalapenos (they're canned together.) If you do this, you can omit the extra jalapenos.

**Another note: I omitted the jalapenos from mine, partly because I'm not a huge fan of spicy foods; and maybe I couldn't open the jar that my strong husband closed the other day. :) You can tell I'm NOT the jalapeno fan in the family.

One Year Stats

We just got back from the pediatrician, and Jackson weighs 20 lbs, 8 oz and is 28.5 inches long.

Here's a picture I took of him on his actual first birthday :)

One Year Old

Wow, my "baby" turned ONE today!

I know it seems like everyone says "time flies," and "it seems like he was born just yesterday." But people say it because it's true! This time last year, I would have just gotten my second epidural (the first one didn't work/came out?!), and I'd be in a happy, drug-induced snooze right now, with Andy fielding all phone calls from anxious friends and family. Maybe it's because I work closely with labor and delivery and with new moms, but I remember so much of delivery, post-partum, those sleep-deprived early days with a newborn, etc, that I'm content to wait a little longer before even thinking about baby #2. :) So, (Mom and Dad), be content with these pictures below






He.loves.shoes
(and this is a really funny face he's making)




This morning, we went to Crestline Bagel with Daddy before he headed into work. Tonight, my mom is cooking dinner, so that will be a nice break for me and a fun way to celebrate Jackson with family.

These days, Jackson will eat/try anything and everything, from hummus and baba ghanoujh, to all fruits and vegetables, to grilled chicken and Boar's Head turkey (his favorite!). The only thing I've found that he refuses to eat (after trying one bite) is shelled edamame. Oh well, at least I tried! He's weaned himself down to where I'm just nursing him in the morning, and then supplementing with bottles throughout the day. He does know how to drink from a sippy cup, but a bottle is so much easier (I'll work on that transition more consistently very soon). He still takes 2-3 naps a day (usually the 3rd "nap" is just a rest time in his crib, anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes). He sleeps through the night, going to bed between 6:30 and 7:30, and waking up consistently at 6:30 every morning.

Jackson adores watching "big kids," and he loves to have play dates with my friends and their children. We're going to our first story time at the library tomorrow, so I hope he'll sit still long enough to pay attention. Swinging at the play ground is still one of his favorites, and I've been so grateful for these milder winter days so we can get outside and play.



He loves to open and close doors, and this is the face he makes each time he closes the door that leads to the sunroom



We love you so much Jackson! We are so blessed that God gave you to us, and we pray that you grow to be a man after God's own heart!

First Birthday Party

Today we celebrated Jackson's 1st Birthday (although his real birthday isn't until January 31st). We were so grateful for beautiful blue skies, very pleasant weather, and for our family who traveled to be with us to celebrate Jackson. Also, two of my very best friends (BFF since 5th grade!) and their boys came to celebrate too. It's so fun that we all have boys around the same age together.

Here are some pictures of our day:


Skeptical of the cake and icing


He didn't particularly care for the sweets




Thomas Menendez headed towards Tucker's dog bowl


Hanging out with Meemaw


Playing with his new toy from Meemaw and Papaw


Gifts from Mommy and Daddy









Front door says "No Cats Allowed, Woof!"





My friend Rosemary gave Jackson this bib a few months ago, and it was perfect to have at his puppy party! (And she gave the cute pitcher that says, "The Yorks")









Puppy paw print cupcakes I made (thank you Pinterest!)


















And, Jackson got some play time with Ya Ya, along with some much-needed Spanish lessons.







*Note, I apologize for the pictures being disorganized, but I have neither the drive, energy, or desire to re-organize them now :)