A Year Ago

Crazy to think this was just a year ago! We were excited to find out we were pregnant and had our first ultrasound. Then we told our families. Now Hazel is 5 1/2 months old!

Below are the photos taken when I found out I was initially pregnant.

So, I have lost my baby weight. But somehow I don't look this good.
Your body really isn't the same after having kids!!! : )

A Yard, A Yard

We new when we bought our house there was a lot of work ahead of us. Conor cleared brush and rocks out front last fall. Now that it's late spring, we decided we should do something with our rock piles since the dirtscape wasn't winning any awards. I put roundup on the entire yard once again. Amazing how resilient noxious weeds and plants can be. We have a little issue with puncture thorns, too. Maybe an understatement . . . . .

Conor's digging skills won him a place in a tight, deep hole to hook up our sprinkler system. It was widened later so he could work down there to get to the water. He looks happy, wouldn't you say? : )

Hazel and I took a trip to the local nursery to find plants, flowers, trees, etc. that may work for the yard. It was amazing seeing all the varieties! First trip of many I am sure. More posts and pics to come as we progress on our yard projects.

Pink Hat

I love getting Hazel dressed up for church. It's the only time I really put her in dresses. My friend gave me this darling sweater dress and I wanted to have a hair thing that matched. I don't have tons of hair things, so I was trying to make a hair band and flower work. Then I spied her pink hat in the closet my mom gave Hazel for Christmas and it matched perfectly! I made the silver flower to match a skirt she has--but it worked great for this clipped on the hat. It reminded me of the old swim caps ladies wore to keep their hair dry.

We thought she looked so cute we kept her in it all day. Besides, she already spit up on it and would have to wash it. She's gone through a spitting up phase the past few weeks and it gets everywhere! Hoping it subsides. I think it's due to the fact I'm always eating spicy food. Time will tell! Oh--she has discovered her feet and loves grabbing her toes. One of her latest tricks. ; )

Summertime in April

Oh yes--summer is here!!! Well, it felt that way for a week in April with record breaking temperatures. For some reason we play this game to see how long we can survive without turning on the a/c. We did it in Houston, too. We open the windows and doors, use fans, etc. to cool off the house during the night. But there were a few days we were roasting inside!!!! Well, at least roasting for this time of year--haha!

Conor decided to dress Hazel in her "summer outfit" after church. He thought it was hilarious. Come on--she was pulling a white trash baby look! Also, I noticed Hazel's diaper while she donned her so-called summer outfit. No, she's not busting at the seams. Some people just like to put the diaper on tight--REAL tight!!!

Don't worry--we don't neglect our child--just on Sunday's.

Now--here's my version of a summer time outfit that she wore the following day. So cute!!! It's actually a boy's outfit I purchased years ago. I thought she looked darling. Besides, how can you beat a combination of seersucker AND smocking in one outfit?! LOVE IT!!!!

Quinoa with Roasted Veggies

I had purchased some large and lovely red bell peppers and was trying to figure out a way to use them. Stuffed peppers sparked my interest. But, I was craving some quinoa and perused blogs and recipes and came up with my own version with a touch of sweet and heat! I thought it was good, but actually preferred the quinoa on its own and not in the pepper. Great main dish or side that can be eaten hot, cold, warm and fabulous either way.

"Some like it hot. Some like it cold. Some like it in the pot nine days old." Thank you Ms. Richards for teaching me that in 1st grade during classroom rotations. I'm not suggesting you eat the quinoa 9 days old, however, I find the flavors blend and are tastier after a few days.

QUINOA WITH ROASTED VEGGIES

1 jalapeno, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1/2 red onion, chopped
1/4 sween onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, chopped
1 1/2 carrots, shredded
1/3 red pepper, chopped (use if not stuffing peppers--not shown here)
1/3 cup golden raisins
1 cup chicken broth (I used 1 tsp. + of chicken base and added water)
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 lime
cilantro, a small handful, chopped
2/3 c. quinoa
coarse sea salt
black pepper, freshly ground

*If stuffing peppers:
Mexican shredded cheese (I use Kroger brand)
avocado, diced
2 lg. red peppers, sliced in half lengthwise

Rinse the quinoa, drain and add enough water to cook. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce to a simmer until cooked.

Saute the first 5 ingredients for 3-5 minutes over medium-high heat. Then add carrots and red pepper (if using) and saute several more minutes. Add the golden raisins and chicken broth and cook over medium heat until liquid has evaporated. Season with salt and pepper (sometimes I do this as I'm sautéing vegetables) .

Stir in the quinoa. If it seems you've cooked too much, don't add all of it. Add the black beans and squeeze the lime juice over mixture. Add the cilantro and stir it so it's evenly blended together. You may want more salt and pepper since the quinoa seems to soak it up as well.

*If you're preparing stuffed peppers, spoon the mixture into peppers and bake. The last 10 minutes add the cheese so it browns. (I don't recall temp. I baked at. Sorry! But it seems I had a total baking time of 50 minutes.) Remove from oven and add avocado.

Stuffed and ready to bake.

Nicely toasted and crunchy quinoa on top!

It makes a beautiful presentation and so colorful!

Seriously--it's fabulous on it's own, without doing the stuffed pepper thing. And it was lovely to pull out of the fridge and eat cold several days later--just not nine! Mine didn't even last close to that long!!!

Photo Shoot

Conor's favorite.

I have several props and items I purchased to take photos of Hazel. Some of them finally fit! So, I proposed a 4 Month Photo Shoot and she didn't object. Conor was out of town for a week so it was perfect! I hauled out the fabric, lights, gear, and tried to figure it all out the night before. Hazel really was a trooper--considering I dragged it out all day and made her lay on her stomach. You can go to my Photography Blog if you want to see my favorites from the shoot. But here are a few funnies.

Don't worry, I think around 6 months another shoot is in order! I have more items I need to use. haha! Besides, she changes so much and it's fun to see. Especially all her facial expressions. Am I wrong?! ; )

I made this "newborn" tutu before she was born. It fit Curious George just fine. It finally fits her!!!
Thanks to Judy for sewing the band and the brown layer underneath!

After pics--we both survived AND are smiling!!! : )

This was the prior night--checking lighting and background, etc. It definitely needed tweaking!!! Added loads of tulle.

Had to check and see if the ruffle bum covers fit. Check!!!

This was a photo while out shopping w/my friend, Brenda. Before the blow out in a hard rainstorm.

After the blowout at home. Super happy with a job well done!!!
For her reward I took more photos!!! Brenda made a darling pink/brown/gold tutu set for her.

The Rest of April

Miscellaneous happenings and events in April that couldn't find a home in the upcoming blog posts. Of course, most everything revolves around the lil' babe. : ) She's around 4 months, give or take, in these photos.

Hazel sporting her new shades. She looks like a speed skater or swimmer. That's because we walk really fast!!!

Our friend from Houston, Anne, moved to SLC while she has her baby. (They currently live in Guinea!)
We met at City Creek to check it out, shop and have lunch. Love the landscaping and architectural features! 

She was a real trooper. But when we're outside she's always happy!

ATAULFO MANGOES!!!!!! Finally found some here. I was going through withdrawals. Thank you, Harmon's!

My mom, a.k.a. baby hog, holding Hazel as she finally crashed. This little one's a party animal that doesn't want to miss out on anything going on around her! Oh well--she sleeps through the night so she can party all she wants!!!

Hazel and I ready for church while Conor was out of town for work.
No, I didn't dress to match. If so, I wouldn't worn something cream and not white. lol!

So pretty! I love this dress!!!

Dropped her toys and trying to figure out how to get them while in the Bumbo.

Walking again. We try to get out 3 x week.

Doing some tummy time on Dad!

Hazel loves to play with her burp cloths and fell asleep this way. Maybe it was too bright? haha!