a new toy

Many of you know that Joe and I were looking into getting an exersaucer/jumperoo for Abigail, and although it's been more of a process than we thought, we got one!  We decided to get the Baby Einstein, based on what other mothers told us, and we ventured out to get one.  We drove to Ogden but they didn't have one there.  I always think Ogden is closer than it is, but after an hour of driving and some slow traffic we were a little frustrated that there wasn't one.  We then went to Centerville, and they didn't have one. Turns out they're coming out with a new Baby Einstein, and we were bummed.  That was on Thursday.  Friday we went out to run some errands and I suggested we check Shopko, and guess what ... they had three!  I was very excited, and glad that I thought of it.  She played in it for a little while, overfilled her diaper into it (of course!), and I'm looking forward to getting her into it again today.  Thanks everyone for all your input!

Abigail really enjoys sitting up now, more than being on her back.  She will often be holding my finger with one hand and have a toy in her other hand. 

I've been trying to get a picture of her doing this for a little while now.  For some reason she loves sucking in her lower lip, and we find it to be hilarious!  We love all her little faces that she makes.  She will now hold out her arms when she wants to be picked up, or if someone else holds them out.  Joe kept doing this over and over the other night because he was so excited about it!  

We were playing with the camera, which she really enjoys, and this picture came out.  I thought it was pretty funny that per finger ended up slightly in my nose.  Don't worry, it didn't stay there long.  She loves playing with faces, putting her hands on your cheek and in your mouth!

The next couple of pictures show off her beautiful big blue eyes - eyes that I hope stay this color, but am guessing they probably won't.

Sour Cream

I used to hate sour cream - on tacos, on anything really.  Until I discovered how good it is mixed in with things.  I decided I would share some of those recipes with you.

The Ultimate Beef Stroganoff

put in crock pot:
2-3 pounds stew meat (I put in one package, however much that is)
1 tsp salt
dash of pepper
1 onion, sliced

mix in a bowl and pour over meat (I double this, I prefer more sauce than meat):
1/4 tsp. garlic salt
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 cups beef broth or stock
1 tablespoon ketchup

Cook in crockpot on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. When cooked make a simple roux by whisking 1/3 cup flour with enough apple juice (about 5-6 tablespoons) to make a thick but still pourable flour mixture (I double this if I double the sauce). Whisk the roux into the crockpot and add 4 ounces sliced mushrooms (I don't, I am not a fan of fungus).

Cook on high for 15-30 minutes. Then stir in 1/2 cup sour cream. Serve over pasta, rice or baked potatoes.

Cajun Chicken Stroganoff

1/2 lb dry wide egg noodles
1/2 lb. kilebasa, sliced
11/2 lb. chicken tenders
1/2 tsp. each cayenne, paprika, black pepper, kosher salt, dried basil leaves, dried thyme leaves, and dried oregano leaves
2 T all-purpose flour
1 T tomato paste
2 tsp. garlic, minced
3/4 cup chicken broth
1 T. Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup sour cream
sliced scallions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the noodles. Cook noodles according to package directions; drain and set aside. Saute kielbasa in 2 T. oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat until browned, approximately 5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and set aside. 
Combine chicken with seasonings, tossing to coat, then dust with flour. Saute chicken in same suate pan in 2 T oil over medium-high heat until nearly cooked through, about 5 minutes. Push chicken to one side of pan. Add tomato paste and garlic; saute for one minute. Add chicken broth, Worcestershire, and reserved kielbasa. Bring to a simmer and reduce by half, about five minutes.
Off heat, stir in sour cream. Serve stroganoff over prepared egg noodles and garnish with scallions.

Fruit Dip

8 oz unsweetened crush pineapple with juice
3/4 C milk
1/2 C sour cream
4 oz instant coconut cream pudding mix

Put everything in blender and process one minute. Makes two cups. Serve with apples, strawberries, and bananas.

true blue in march madness

Abigail knows who she is going to be cheering for this March ... go Aggies!  I am glad she is finally big enough to wear her Aggie shirt!  We sure hope they do well, and maybe actually win a game this tournament?

It really is so crazy how quickly they grow and do new things! Abigail is starting to get stronger, and can sit up a little bit on her own. She's still a little bit unstable, but is enjoying looking at things from a new perspective. She still doesn't roll around much, but she moves a lot!  I love getting her from her crib, because I never know what position she's going to be in.  She has discovered her toes, and loves them! She loves pulling off her socks, and I'm excited for warmer weather so I can just leave them off!

 

Here she is in an outfit given by Grandma Chambers.  She sure looks cute!  I love all the pink.  I used to be so adamant against it, not sure why, but now I love it! The past few times I've taken her out I've forgotten to put bows in her hair, and she's been wearing 'gender neutral' colors, and has been mistaken for a boy!  At least people think she makes a cute boy, but really!  I really got to remember those bows ...   

And because I want to ... here is one more. She is curious about everything, and wants to taste everything.  She is good at grabbing onto my hair, and putting her hand in my mouth. She will be five months old this week and I can't believe how fast it has gone.