So, back in February, I took Rocky’s camera and took pictures of Jessie & Maggie. Not sure why I haven’t shared until now, other than my weird thing about keeping photos chronological. But I think it’s more fun to share them! So, 5 months late, but here are Jessie’s 8 month photos:
Rocky’s brother Dick and his wife Dulcy stopped in earlier this week while driving their Harleys to Yellowstone and up to Beartooth. Both girls warmed up to Uncle Dick really fast.
I think Grandma Bonnie will be jealous!
Recently I found a website called “Once a Month Mom.” The idea 
behind the website is taking seasonal recipes and making them freezer friendly. Usually she links to other sites for the original recipe, but also includes recipe & shopping lists (yes, shopping lists!!) of exactly how much you need for the group of recipes she's put together. Currently, I typically just pull out the recipes I think the family will like and haven't gotten "brave" enough to pull the full list, yet.
I’ve looked around and found a few recipes I like and tried the first one tonight: Chicken Parmesan Wraps. As usual, I had a few minor substitutions – though not as big of substitutions as usual. I used canned spinach instead of fresh and I ended up wrapping them like an egg roll, rather than in triangles. I think that’s more because I do not have any history or experience with egg roll wrappers and it seemed easier while I was in the process of making them to wrap them like an egg roll. The only problem with wrapping is I couldn’t get a good seal on the roll so some marinara leaked out. I think next time I would also add some garlic and fresh basil to give it a little more 
flavor. I think that had more to do with my pasta sauce choice (Wal-Mart brand – which is good with spaghetti, but I think this needed a little sometime more) or even some freshly grated parmesan instead of the green can stuff.
Both Rocky & Maggie enjoyed them. I think they would be good with a Mexican flair – some cilantro chicken and pico de gillo.
I’ve also discovered I’m a bad food blogger because I didn’t even think to take pictures until I was almost done and then I really should have used a black plate instead of the white so the parmesan would have shown up better.
I’m really enjoying this website and am even going to do some test cooking for it next month. Hopefully I will be a better food blogger – though I can’t share what I cook until after the pages go live – especially if I find something both Maggie & Rocky will like!!
Like the first time I held Maggie (almost SIX years ago). Right after she was born. She came out, Dr. Z said "It's a girl" and put her on my chest. She didn't cry, but looked up at me while I talked to her. I remember it being dark in the room, but Rocky says it wasn't. I kept waiting for her to cry because newborns are supposed to cry.
And the first time I saw Jessie. We had just barely had time to get used to the idea of a c-section when she decided it was time to come. The room was bright and white. Nurse Nadine chuckled at me a little when I asked if I was going to have to have an oxygen mask and told me she hoped not. I waited impatiently for them to let Rocky in while trying to cough and throw up with a spinal block. It happened so fast, yet it took so long. Dr. Rosorio-Montville lifted her above the curtain while saying "It's a girl!" and I heard her cry, so pissed off to be out in the cold. Rocky got to hold her first and I tried to gentle touch her during the remainder of the surgery. I finally got to hold her on the way back to our room.
I have many more years for firsts with them. Kindergarten is coming up fast. But I know my family is now complete. And we can always add another puppy if the yearning for a baby comes along again.
Rusty tries to get Wiconi’s attention. Wiconi does a pretty good job of ignoring him, and putting him in his place when she needs to.
This year, Maggie really wanted to see the fireworks. So, we hung around the house most of the day (with a quick trip to Wal-Mart), playing with Rusty and in the pool until around 7 when we headed over to Castle Rock Park and met up with some friends from church. One of the local churches hosts the event, with lots of bouncy toys like slides, races and houses. 
Wheeee!!
Celebrating with a popper!
Maggie really enjoyed watching the fireworks, but thought it was too loud. At least she had Dad to be with her. Jessie liked the lights but did not like the noise so she and I watched from the back of the van – well, I watched and she watched Elmo.
