Summer Time Favorites

Who doesn't love summer? Now that Mr. Jackson is here and at the perfect age to enjoy summer, we had to get a few necessities:

1. Pool Raft: Get it here. This one is perfect because he can sit in it by himself and kick around (obviously with us holding on to it). It has a little shade you can take on or off. He LOVES it and we really love it too. We have even taken it in the ocean.

2. Baby Pool: We have a baby pool and it works. It was also super cheap. I'm not sure I LOVE it because it's hard to empty/clean, etc. But I would recommend getting one because Jackson loves playing in it. He can sit and play with his toys and splash around.

3. Beach Tent: Here We had a disastrous experience with a different one... this one is great- no poles, it pops up, you put sand in to hold it down, done. He really loves it too.

4. Bubbles: You have to have bubbles in the summer!! We have a giant thing of them outside! We also have bubbles for the bath for inside play. Lots of bubbles!

Next summer: wagon, water table :)

Father's Day

Father's Day 2013

Much different from last year! This year we went to brunch at Black Sheep in Riverside with my parents. It was very yummy! Jackson was quite the trooper this time- I was prepared with toys, food, and teething biscuits (these things keep him busy for long periods of time). I might have talked the men folk into baby proofing when they got home... I know I know it was their day but it HAD to be done. Jackson was really interested in helping out.

We were having issues getting him to sit still long enough to put his shorts back on...

This is my favorite picture!! Looking up at daddy.

Jamie's gift was Starbursts (of course), a handprint/footprint card from Jackson, and two Billabong tanks that he has been talking about FOREVER. He has also continually tried to wear his orange running shirt out in public to go to events!!!!!! With non matching shorts. Need I say more? I had to get Jackson a matching one because he is Jamie's mini and I know he's going to want to be just like daddy one day.

After we all took naps (Jackson was up at 3am) we took a swim in the pool.

And after the pool we went on a run/walk! It was a great day!

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to the best daddy, who coached several of my sports teams, tolerated hair bows in his hair and countless games of Yahtzee. He is the very best handyman and car man around.. I still wish this would rub off on my hubby. My dad has a lot of patience (especially since he is 1 of 4 boys) and has suffered through endless hysterical phone calls about spiders/bugs, my car, or something else being broken (sorry dad this will still never end). And he absolutely amazing with Jackson! I couldn't ask for a better daddy or poppi!

Happy Father's Day to my wonderful husband! He has done such an amazing job with Jackson, who has been one challenging baby. From the holding my hand during labor, being my coach for the pushing, and encouraging Jackson to stay awake for feedings, I couldn't have asked for anyone better by my side. Jamie was willing to take shifts hold Jackson up right during those first three tough weeks. He still gets up when we have rough nights without a complaint. He has his own way of playing with Jackson that Jackson LOVES. The look on Jackson's face when he sees Jamie is priceless. They will soon be two peas in a pod (as soon as Jackson can run around I'm sure of it). Parenthood has had it's ups and downs- we have laughed, cried, cheered, complained but we have been one great team and it's been worth it. 

Pregnancy Book

It's finally here! I may have mentioned I made a book of the chalkboard posts? It only took my 9 1/2 months to put it together and print it :) Better late than never!

The cover:

The first page was about finding out we were pregnant- sorry no picture.

Then I put all the chalkboard posts.

Baby Shower

Jackson's room

His birth story

And the precious little angel!!

I am so glad that I did all the posts and made a book! It was so fun looking back at it.

Just for kicks.. Jackson this morning... taking all the books off of his shelf. What a big helper.

Rainy Days

As I have mentioned before I work part time so I was only home for a one full day a week with Jackson. That day we spent running errands, going to My Gym, and hanging out with Mimi. Now I am working two full days and I'm home three (not counting weekends) which is a big change! Of course the first week of this it RAINED. My idea this summer was to spend a lot of time in the pool, going to the park, doing play dates but the rained really messed that up. I had to pull out all my great ideas to make it through the day.

1. Throw the mattress on the floor. Yep this happened totally by chance (obviously). I was changing Jackson's sheets and put his mattress on the floor.. who knew this could be so much fun? This is great for building his core :) Also put all of his "baby" toys in a bucket and wow when he finds them they are like new!

I swear he did have clothes on.. most of the day. We went through a lot of outfits and I just gave up.

2. Build a tent/fort. Best idea ever. Cats loved it/ he loves it. We still have it up and he goes in there all the time. Of course the house looks really weird but whatever.

 

Chasing kitty cats!! Oscar loves the fort also. Everyday Jackson goes in there and hides. If I say, "where is Jackson?" he peaks his head out and looks at me! So cute!

I did manage to put some clothes on him..




3. Rocket rides. Use a fitted sheet (left over from your fort), put baby on his BELLY (this is key to not hurting your child- hello common sense) and pull him all over the house. Great times. His face was so freaking cute! Of course I couldn't capture being the pilot.

See he did have clothes on that actually fit :) 

4. Finger paint: Make your father's day gift :) I'm in the process of making edible paint so that will be more fun.

5. Bubbles in the house. We have a bubble machine (it's super messy but worth the fun) and it's fantastic.

6. Ball pit in the pack n play. We just got a bunch of balls and threw them in the pack n play- best idea ever Pinterest. I wish we would have had this for our rainy because I can't get the kid out of there. I'm not complaining because this is key in me getting ready for work.

7. Baby Einstein. I do NOT recommend babies watching tv, especially under the age of one. There is absolutely no purpose or benefit to them watching tv besides rotting their brain.. ok it's not that bad but really they should be playing and exploring! However, there do come times when you might need a break or you have to get ready for work. I'm pretty sure your employer would not approve of coming to work unshowered and in your PJs. If you get to that point I do really like Baby Einstein. We have the animal DVDs and they are great. Just video of real animals with music. Jackson loves watching the animals! Maybe it's because he so rarely gets to watch it? But we only use the DVD player for traveling, when he's sick, and the occasional morning when he won't stop whining because I'm getting ready. Half the time he just listens to the music and plays. But back to the rainy day.. about 4 (when we usually take a walk) he was super fussy (heck I was fussy) and he was sick of the toys, I was out of ideas, we needed a timeout. It recharged both of us to make it through the day.

Now that I am out of ideas, anyone have any others?

Jambalaya Recipe

Jambalaya Crook Pot Style

Last week I had a disappointing recipe adventure.. I tried Philly Cheese Steaks, Stir Fried Rice, and Hot Cocoa Cookies... ehhh not fantastic. Everything was good but not great. Not good enough to make again so I will not be sharing those recipes. I'm the guinea pig see! A few weeks ago I did make this Jambalaya recipe and it was great!! I know it's a winter recipe but whatever.

Slow Cooker Jambalaya
adapted from AllRecipes.com
(Printable Recipe)
approximately 5-6 servings

1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into 1 inch cubes
1 pound smoked turkey sausage, sliced 
1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
3 Tbsp dried minced onion flakes
1 cup chicken broth
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons dried parsley
2 tsp minced garlic
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
white rice or instant rice (I used 2 packs of Uncle Ben's Ready Rice - Garlic & Butter flavor)

In a slow cooker, mix the chicken, sausage, tomatoes with juice, onion, garlic, celery, and broth. Season with oregano, parsley, Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, and thyme.  (I do this the night before and put it in the fridge.  I put it in the slow cooker before I leave in the morning.)

Cover, and cook 7 to 8 hours on Low, or 3 to 4 hours on High. Mix in cooked rice cook for about 15 minutes to warm through.

Homemade Coffee Creamer

It's coffee time!! Who doesn't love coffee? Freaks! Just kidding. I know a lot of people don't. In fact I used to never drink coffee, until I had to be at the hospital at 7am in grad school and study at night, I needed a caffeine boost. My mom's advice was to add a ton of creamer or sugar. She's always right!

On Pinterest I saw This website on how to make your homemade creamer so I thought I would give it a try. I did make a slight change to it the recipe but it's pretty fantastic!

Homemade Coffee Creamers

4- 8oz canning jars

Sweetened Condensed Milk

Half and Half

see below for flavor combos

Add equal parts sweetened condensed milk and half and half to each jar. (I used up the whole can of milk and left about an inch of room at the top of each jar for flavorings and shaking space.)

Flavors

Maple Almond - 1 tbsp maple syrup and 1 tsp pure almond extract

Cinnamon Vanilla - 1 tsp cinnamon extract and 1 tsp vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)

Mocha - 2 tbsp cocoa powder and 1 tsp espresso powder

Coffee - 1/2 tbsp espresso powder

Once the flavors are added, screw on the lids and shake them well before refrigerating. Label each jar lid with a sharpie!

Chill them for at least one hour, brew some coffee, and enjoy.

Note: If you're working with powders like cocoa and espresso, shaking won't be enough to get everything fully incorporated, so you'll want to use a blender or food processor, mix, and then pour the creamer into your jar. If you prefer a rich creamer, you can substitute heavy cream for half and half.

© Around My Family Table

I tried the maple almond one, however, I added sugar to mine and it was MUCH better. Enjoy :)