You Can Take Your Bottles To College

We have been bottle-free for 3 days now.  Luke has transitioned surprisingly well with minimal whining at bedtime after the first night.  He doesn't seem to miss the bottle at all during the day.. to be honest, I think I'm having a harder time than he is with the transition.  Without his bottle he looks like a little kid!  I've been tempted to pass him a cold one (bottle, people) more than once, just to see him look like a baby again.  Why didn't I take a picture of him with his last "baba"??  I know...I'm crazy.

This was the last "baby" milestone for us to check off... we have potty-training and big boy beds on the horizon.  What is happening?!?

As I rocked him to sleep last night, his little body didn't feel so little.  I rubbed my cheek against his sweet hair...those baby wispy curls are so soft and fine.  It won't be long before that baby hair is little boy hair, sweaty and sticky from little boy running and jumping.

There have been other times in my life that I actively tried to soak up everything about the moment.  Before my Grandaddy died, there were times I stared at him trying to memorize every wrinkle and the sound of his laugh.  On my wedding day, I remember trying to capture the picture of Matt saying his vows to me.

I know it's cliche.. but moments like these are more valuable than anything money could buy.  I'm trying to commit every one of them to memory.  If all else fails, instagram. ;)

Also, I really miss the bottle...and my sweet squishy baby.  

P.S. Our technique for weaning Luke off the bottle went a little something like this:

He is a PK, after all. ;)

[Recipe] Pesto Flatbread Pizza

Any serious blogger posts recipes.  Duh. ;)

In the spirit of the New Year and  all promises to be a healthier, better you, here is one of my favorite meals to eat while I'm on a WW kick.  This recipe is so ridiculously easy and delicious that anyone would like it, regardless of their diet.

The best thing about this meal is that you get 2 flatbreads!  The hardest thing about Weight Watchers, for me, is the portion control.  With this recipe, you feel like you're eating 2 personal pizzas without all the calories and fat.

(7 ww+ pts/2 flatbreads)

Ingredients:

2 tortilla wraps 

1 tbsp pesto

1/3 cup reduced fat shredded cheese

+ Your choice of veggies

[You could use lean ground turkey, tomatoes, peppers, pinepple, zucchini, parmesan, pepperoni- really anything your heart desires! Don't forget to calculate the additional points!]

Here's my setup!

OLE Extreme Wellness Tortilla Wraps in Spinach & Herb

I used 1 tbsp of pesto for 2 tortillas. Fattening stuff.

I could probably put spinach on anything and love it.

I browned the shrooms a little bit to lose the "dirt" taste. haha

I use Sargento Reduced Fat cheese- it's cheaper than the WW brand.

Pop 'em in the oven at 350° and cook until the edges are browned and the cheese is bubbly [pretty sure that's a technical cooking term].

Enjoy!

Our Halls Were Decked

Now that Christmas is officially over, I am ready to take on 2014!  Like most people, I have a long list of plans and promises that are sure to make '14 the best year yet.
 But first, here's a look our Christmas season. [disclaimer: I realize I share most of these pictures on Instagram, but this is my blog and I do what I want. ;)]

[please excuse "psycho happy killer addair"- focus on the cute smirky baby. ] To kick off our Christmas season, we went to see Elf at the Duke Energy Center.

It was better than I could have imagined.  And I have a great imagination.

Our church hosts an annual Holiday Gala.  This year I was able to host a table. (The table to the left is mine.)

Less than a week later we ended the year with our Momentum family by throwing an Elf themed Christmas party:

Everyone dressed as their favorite elf.  I was inspired by the rescue elves from the Santa Clause movie. (It had nothing to do with being totally unprepared.)

Syrup for your spaghetti.

 The very next week, Matt and I had tickets to We Will Rock You at the Duke Energy Center.. cause nothing says "Merry Christmas" like a musical set far in the future inspired by Queen.  It was one of the best shows I have ever seen.

In 23 years, I have never missed being with my family to pick out the Christmas tree.

Aunt Elizabeth giving Luke his first candy cane!

This year, we had our tree up before Thanksgiving.  Judge us.
Honestly, I knew we would be traveling alot, so in order to take full advantage of turning our house into a Winter Wonderland, we started early.

Doing my part while Matt adjusts the base.

We do a photo ornament for our yearly ornament.

Finished product.

Easiest Christmas treats ever.  Also, this was the year of Christmas Pinterest projects.

This is how we Christmas shop.

I LOVED our simple lights.

We were also able to be a part of Church Alive's Christmas production.  SO MUCH FUN.

Luke with Santa and Mrs. Clause

We were a family from the 40s  in a mall scene.  Luke made his stage debut!

Mary & Joseph

Forming traditions with Lukey..

He made his first Build-A-Bear after seeing Santa!

Lights on the Neuse

Right before we left for a week in Michigan, Luke was diagnosed with the flu.  The most pathetic thing ever.

The nurses made me wear a mask.

Poor babe.

The plane ride was interesting.

Uncle Hayden and Aunt Lindzi practicing.

Our travel buddy.

After traveling all day, our Christmas Eve was rushed.  But, we still managed to celebrate as a family a little bit.

Family gift opened on Christmas Eve.

Christmas jams and a movie!

First, we have to read about Jesus!

Cookies and milk for Santa!

This nativity was given to us by my sweet Grandmama. Love it.

Christmas morning!  Matt and I were up by 8am...Luke slept until 10am!  Such a stinker.

Santa came!

Santa came for Daddy too!

Sausage and cinnamon rolls and coffee while we try to keep ourselves from waking the sleeping child.

I may or may not have paper straws in every color for all seasons and occasions.

From: Pastor

Luke was pumped about his trains.

We ended Christmas Day at my parent's house where Luke got his train table.  This is basically what he did the entire time we were there.

McAndrew Christmas Card 2013

I really enjoyed making memories and continuing traditions with Luke this year.  The Lord has blessed us in so many ways and ending the year with family and friends just felt right.  We squeezed every last bit of fun and joy out of the season and I am ready to ring in the New Year!