Haircut

This is haircut #5.  Don't worry, I'm going to stop counting from now on.  It gets a little ridiculous to keep counting after #5 when it comes to haircuts (and children).  I've been diligently keeping chunks of Ethan's chopped-off hair since he was a baby but I didn't this time.  It has something to do with not wanting to be ridiculous as well.  I first started storing his hair because I was, well, sentimental, and I was curious to know how his hair color is going to change when he grows up but I think four is a pretty good sample size.  I refuse, absolutely refuse, to be that mother who stores chunks of her child's cut-off hair from every single haircut in his/her life.  Just try imagining me owning a whole suitcase of hair lovingly stored in dated Ziploc bags.  Ewwww...  That would just be gross, and creepy.  

Remember how I cried in the shower last time when Jake buzzed Ethan's hair off?  Ya, with a wish that he wouldn't put our marriage in jeopardy again, Jake actually gave Ethan a styled haircut.  It was very much appreciated.  

Easter Outfit

This was supposed to be Ethan's Easter outfit but mama couldn't wait till Easter so here you go: an attempted Easter photo shoot.

Half Birthday Party

Half birthdays are a fun tradition that I hope to introduce into our family because I remember how painfully loooooooooooong a whole year was as a child.  I wanted a super simple and small half birthday party for the boy this year, and it so happens that my new best friend has a baby girl whose birthday is really close to Ethan's so we decided to celebrate together.  I had tons of fun preparing for the party, but it wouldn't have been nearly as good without my friend and her daughter's help.  My friend is a really talented seamstress; she designed and made a customized half-birthday bib for Ethan.  It was seriously SO adorable.  She has an Etsy shop but I'll have to ask her permission before I share her shop with you guys.  As for her daughter, she is a cupcake master.  You'll see how good she is in the pictures below.

I know that Ethan isn't going to remember a thing from the party but that's where I come in, right?  A mother is also a memory keeper, and I intend to excel in that job by documentary my son's life with pictures and words.

It was a busy, fun, and tiring day and it ended with a tub of pink bath water that was a little gross but also made me happy.  Happy one and a half years old handsome boy.

Crazy Nap Hair

A nap can turn a bad day around.  It is a proven theory, at least in this house.  A little pickle called Ethan has been taking two naps a day lately.  I'm throughly enjoying the extra time I get when he naps and I'm loving what a happy baby he wakes up to be.  These pictures were taken seconds after he walked out of the bedroom after one of his naps.  We were dancing to the Bean Bag Rock.  It's a pretty awesome after nap song :)

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

This recipe was given to me by my sister-in-law who shall remain nameless on this blog.  Her husband, however, has made it clear that if he ever appears on the blog that he should be called Richard so we can just call my SIL Mrs. Richard for now.  I've always loved going over to Mrs. Richard's house for dinner.  It just feels so good to be surrounded by cheerful people who love and care about you.  It's an added bonus that she always makes healthy and yummy food.  Her kids are amazing eaters; they prefer salads over french fries and love food from all cultures, including Indian food.  Hopefully, Ethan will grow up to be a good eater like the little Richardians.

This soup is soul warming; perfect for a cold or rainy day.  I usually just get a rotisserie chicken from Costco and shred it.

{ Chicken and Wild Rice Soup }

From my SIL

1 onion, carrots and celery, choppped (about a cup each or more if you want)
1/2 cup butter
2/3 cup flour
6 cups chicken broth
2 packages Rice-a-Roni long grain and wild rice (prepared as directed on the box)
3 to 4 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
2 cups half and half
Salt a pepper to taste

Melt butter and saute vegetables until tender.

Add flour and stir until vegetables are coated .  Slowly add some broth and stir vigorously until flour dissolves.  Add remaining broth.

I bring it to a boil at this point.  

Add the remaining ingredients and simmer on low until well blended or put in a crock-pot on low until ready to serve.

To The Park We Went

Never did I expect to find so much joy at a park again since I grew out of being a rambunctious child. But, thank heavens, joy is contagious and that's why I keep this little cupcake around and take him to the park almost everyday.  It's been said that we don't have very much good weather left and when the heat decides to roll in I'm going to throw a grieving party.  We will all wear black and weep.