Gobble Gobble!

Happy Thanksgiving, all! This was a great year. Because Little E isn't ready to travel, the 'Rents In-Law flew out from Buffalo, and I got to host my first holiday. There were six of us in all, including a special appearance from our buddy, El D.

I have to say, I'm pretty proud of how the table turned out. I made a pretty and simple centerpiece from autumn leaves and gourds (And that pie pumpkin in the center is going to become bread, or pie or something...), dressed up the candles with seasonal fruit and flowers, and used our wedding china for the second time. The food was pretty great as well. I can't boast about my bird, because MIL was in charge of the cranberries and Murray the turkey (yes, I named him), but I made the stuffing, taters (mashed, and sweet with marshmallows), beans, pies, etc. It was quite a spread. I'm so full, in fact, that I'm not nibbling on leftovers. What is THAT about? I suppose it just means there will be more around tomorrow. Mmmm, toasted sourdough with tons of butter and dark meat turkey. Heaven.

Little E didn't really get it, but she looked festive. The best I can do right now is to dress her appropriately. I can't say she was crazy about the turkey hat, but maybe next year. And now, it's time to decorate for Christmas! Woohoo. The holiday before my favorite holiday is done, and I get to shop for presents, and read E the Grinch, and watch Elf and Christmas Vacation. Yahoo!

Wonder child.

Little E slept for 5 hours, ate, then slept for 4 hours last night. That last four was interrupted by a little whimpering, but at about 6, when Hubby's alarm went off, we just brought her to bed (she's quite the snugglebug) and we slept another two hours. She's been consistantly sleeping for one 4 or 5 hour shift, but every few days I get a night like this, and it makes me feel like a whole new mommy!

She ate and we came downstairs, and now she's asleep again. What an angel! This is my favorite sleepy E pic so far. She poses so pretty without even knowing it!

Baby E's New Tricks

This kid is oh-so-much fun. In the last week, she's getting even more expressive and engaging. She'll follow the sound of my voice around the room. She'll sleep for a 5-hour tear some nights. She'll pull her head up during tummy time, and is just so big and strong. We think she's at 10 lbs. She visibly gets excited over things now (mostly the sight of my boobs), and I really REALLY think we're getting close to smiles. (How many weeks have I said that?) Oh, and now, every night, instead of napping, she likes to help me cook dinner. This is a very good thing considering that I'm hosting Thanksgiving for 5 this year (6 including Little E). She'll be good company during pie making. What do you think? Do I dare try to make my own piecrusts on my first go-round?

She's finally big enough to enjoy a trip around the house in the Bjorn. I'm going to try it the next time we go to the grocery store, too. Unfortunately, she generally passes out after just a few minutes of us dancing together. Then she goes limp. But it makes for good pictures.

Meet the newest Domestic Diva in town...

It's official, folks. I'm a full-time Mommy. I quit my job. It was bittersweet, as I loved my job, and the folks I worked with, but like I told my former boss: Here at home is where my most important work is these days. Other than the Hubby, no one loves this little girl as much as I do, and I'm convinced that no one could do as good a job as I will do in taking care of her. She may end up a little smothered, at least at first. Poor child- she has a lot of this to look forward to.