Fall Leaves

Evelyn really liked the raking I did of the leaves in our yard. This was her first chance getting to play in the leaves.

Halloween

I realized I forgot to post a picture of Evelyn looking adorable in her ladybug costume!

Pumpkin Waffles

These are so delicious! They don't even need syrup. I made a double batch and stored them in my freezer. Now when I need a quick breakfast, I can just pop one in the toaster.

1 1/2 c whole wheat flour
3 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or 1 tsp nutmeg and 1 tsp ginger)
pinch salt

Mix together in a small bowl.

2 eggs
1/4 real maple syrup
1 c pumpkin puree
1 2/3 c milk
4 T melted butter

Beat well. Fold the flour mixture into wet ingredients until just moistened. Don't over stir!

In my waffle iron I used about 2/3 c of batter and let them cook for 4 min.

Makes about 5 waffles.

What I Love About My 13-Month-Old

Having a toddler is certainly different than taking care of a baby. And while it has presented all kinds of new challenges, there are parts of it that I absolutely adore.

~She flips through her books to find pictures of dogs. When she finds one she starts barking and brings it to me to show me.

~She loves her antennae headband from her Halloween costume so much that she has been wearing it all week. It goes great with pajamas.

~She mimics everything I do. This includes pretending to scrub the floor, wash dishes, dust furniture, and go shopping.

~She gets really upset while I dry or brush my hair if she doesn't have a brush as well to work on her own.

~She will still snuggle in bed with me in the morning to nurse.

~She has an expanding and extremely cute vocabulary that includes: mama, dada, up, baby, and bread.

~She is figuring out some sign language and likes to the sign for "more" whenever she wants something to eat or drink.

~She's learned that shaking her head side to side means "no". She likes to use this one while she does something she knows she's not supposed to do!

~She's learning how to get dressed and undressed. One day she walked up to me, handed me her shirt, and went back to playing in just a diaper and pants. She will also find my tank tops, put her head through the arm holes, and walk around really proud of herself.

~She is soooo ticklish and loves being tickled.

~She loves giving hugs and kisses that melt my heart.