The little things: cars, cars, cars

As girly-girl and feminine as Kinsey is, she can still get down in the dirt, be rough-and-tumble and be engrossed while playing with cars.

She "inherited" a bunch of Hot Wheels and an awesome track from my brother and they can keep her busy for hours.  

On this particular day, she built a mini track on top of the ottoman (to keep away from Brielana, like that would stop her) and used the height as a jump.  Then she lined up a bunch and started talking about "traffic" and "parking".

I don't like labeling toys as "boy" or "girl" and am thrilled that she finds interest in a wide range of games, but what excites me the most is her use of imagination, the girl is chock- full of ideas!

Vroom-vroom...

Linking up with Jess.

   
   

Summer Lovin': Make Ice Cream (National Ice Cream Month)

July is National Ice Cream Month, so naturally, we made ice cream just for the occasion!

We made strawberry ice cream with our ice cream maker.  True story: this is the first time we have ever used it.  It was a wedding gift.  In almost 7 years of owing this baby, this is the inaugural dessert.  And it will not be neglected ever again!  It was super easy to use: just throw the ingredients in and let is churn.  Of course, I did freeze the bowl the night before, so I guess that was my prep?

I used this recipe from All Recipes:

Ingredients:

2 cups whole milk
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup white sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups mashed fresh strawberries

2 drops red food coloring (optional-I didn't add any)

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Directions:

In a large bowl combine the milk, cream, sugar, salt, vanilla and strawberries.  Pour the mixture into the freezer bowl of the ice cream maker and freeze according to manufacturer's directions.

My sous chef helped me mash the strawberries with a fork and poured in the milk and cream.  And then we waited and watched.  

It took longer than the hour the recipe stated, or maybe I got impatient? In any case, I stuck that bowl back into the freezer after churning and it was done 90 mins later.  We had our first bowl before it was completely frozen.  It was pure heaven.

Do yourself a favor and go make some ice cream!!!

{Happy National Ice Cream Month!}

Linking up with Beth.

   
   

12 Months

So I tried doing an infographic a la Kristin and let me tell you those things are time consuming!  Not exactly what I had in mind but I'll take it!  

How old: ONE YEAR(!!!)

Weight: 17.13 pounds (up 10.1 pounds)

Length: 28.5 inches (up 9. 5 inches) 

Baby clothes: 12 month sizes

Diaper size: 2
Sleep: Night nursing still going strong; not complaining, the girl needs all the extra calories she can get ;)
Feeding: Nurses twice during the day (not counting night nursing) and 3 meals plus snacks.  She's an adventurous eater still (thank goodness) and will try anything at least once.
Likes: Trying to keep up with Kinsey!  Playing outside.  Climbing on all the things, she is a dare-devil!  Getting her way, she has recently started throwing tantrums; which are pretty amusing if they weren't so l o u d. Giving kisses, sweetest thing ever!  Its a dry "muah" with a popping of the lips.  Being "cozy", snuggling with a blanket, soft toy, person.  Pulling off her shoes and socks (it has begun.)  Looking at books.
Dislikes: Being behind a baby gate. Not being carried unless she wants down.   
Milestones: Walking, trying to run actually.  Climbing off the bed/couch/play structure feet first.  Using a pincer grasp when eating.  Saying "mom", "dad", "dog" and "meow".  Pointing at everything to know what it is.  

10 months/ 11 months

   
   

Girl Moms Series {Our Pretty Little Girls Guest Post}

I'm so excited to be over at Beth's blog Our Pretty Little Girls, for her Girl Mom Series!  Beth has become a friend through blogging and I am honored to be guesting today.  Come on over and say "hi!" and read about my "you know you're a Girl Mom when" post!

   

   

The little things: Princess tent

Kinsey received the most darling pop up tent with tunnel for her birthday and whenever she gets the itch to play with it, it always makes for a fun time.

Brielana is finally big enough and mobile to join in on the fun and you should have heard the giggling!

Several times I found the tent sideways and the girls just sitting together smiling and having a grand time.

Nothing can beat those smiles in my book!

Linking up with Jess.