Around the house

On the camera
I snapped these pictures last night with Karis. While she was not such a willing participant, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and these pictures turned out cute. I am entitling these pictures part of the "One-handed photo series." There are going to be a lot of pictures in this series over the next few years, as the mood often strikes to take pictures when it is just the two of us and my outstretched arm is the only available source for snapping a photo. These first two photos Karis and I are taking turns giving each other a kiss. Ok, so I was the only one interested...in the second shot she is actually trying to eat my face.

In the kitchen
I have really been enjoying the little bits of free time I get to cook dinner. Granted, lately they have been interrupted by Karis's perfectly timed request to be served her own dinner...and "right away," she screams! My time in the kitchen is one that allows me to relax and create. I get to create wonderful smells and tastes. It is truly a tactile experience: washing, chopping, sauteeing, stirring. I love it...all of it. What could be better than this artistic experience...you are rewarded at the end with something that pleases your [taste] palette (well, most of the time). The last two meals I have made (worth sharing) are a Vodka cream sauce with bow tie pasta taken from the Joy of cooking. Yum! I have never been a huge pasta fan until recently. I love the simple flavors that pasta dishes bring to the table. The second dish is a recipe I took from a cooking blog I like, www.jemangelaville.com. Check out her recipe called Waterzooi of Chicken from her August 8 post. So tasty. So French. So going to be cooked again!

On her feet
These shoes can be spotted on Karis's feet these days. From her aunt Kelly, we love the cuteness that they are. When else in your life can you wear bear/dog slippers and look so completely adorable?

Made me laugh

I have a love hate relationship with parenting advice. I realize I am new to all of this and so I know that there is a lot of helpful advice out there...but my rule of thumb with advice is: Consider the source. This came in handy last week when I walked into Michaels craft store last week. I certainly was not prepared for the tidbit of advice I was about to receive. I went with Karis to pick out some craft supplies and when I got to the cashier (who was a young guy no older than 16), he looks at me and asks, "Do you mind if I ask you something personal?" Before I could answer he goes ahead and asks, "How long was your labor?" Ummm. Awkward. Inappropriate. None of your business. These would have all been appropriate responses in my mind. But I kept it casual and brief, "Oh, it was pretty typical." He goes on to tell me about his sister's labor. If she only knew! I smiled and nodded. Then as we were leaving, he advised me, "Enjoy her now. This is the most innocent she'll ever be." Uhh. Again, awkward and weird. I wanted to ask, "Do you even have your driver's license yet?" Instead, I smiled, said thank you and walked out, all the while thinking of a new slogan for the store..."Michaels: Your #1 source for craft supplies and parenting advice from high school boys."

Karis the great philosopher
I love this photo of Karis. She looks like she is pondering the great mysteries of life [To poop or not to poop...]. A nice, fat stogy in her mouth would really complete the picture!