Mongolian Spots

I noticed a few weeks ago that Addie had some bruises on her back and hip. I thought maybe they were from her diaper being too tight, or from her bathtub. Well, they are STILL there, so I asked the nurse about them at her doctor appointment. She said they are Mongolian spots. Huh(I thought to myself), what are those? The nurse explained, and then I did some research. They are flat bluish gray birth marks that look like bruises. They most often appear on the base of the spine, on their little bottoms, and backs. The spots can appear at birth or shortly after, and usually fade or disappear by age 2. The pigmented area has a large concentration of skin cells called melanocytes, with normal skin texture. They are most common among people of Asian, East Indian, African, and Latino heritage(which I know of none in our family). They are only seen in about 10% of Caucasians and 90% of Afican Americans. Because the spots are not as common in caucasians, parents are sometimes accused of abuse. SO, I made sure the nurse documented Addie's spots in case we are ever put in that situation. She does have one little round spot on her shoulder too that has been there since she was born. At least I know what they are now and can set my mind at ease that they are NOT bruises.

4 Months!!

My 'little' girl is 4 months old already. She weighs 13lbs. 4oz. and is 25 1/2 inches long(90th percentile). Addie had to get her YUCKY shots yesterday. :(

Chocolate Raspberry Bars

This is for Kara.  I made these last weekend and they are very YUMMY! They also look pretty and are easy to make.

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup butter
FILLING:
1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons milk
1 cup vanilla or white chips, melted
GLAZE:
3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons shortening

In a bowl, combine flour and confectioners' sugar; cut in butter until crumbly. Press into an ungreased 9-in. square baking pan. Bake at 375° for 15-18 minutes or until browned. Spread jam over warm crust. In a small mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and milk until smooth. Add vanilla chips; beat until smooth. Spread carefully over jam layer. Cool completely. Refrigerate for 1 hour or until set. For glaze, melt chocolate chips and shortening in a heavy saucepan or microwave; stir until smooth. Spread over filling. Refrigerate for 10 minutes. Cut into bars; chill 1 hour longer. Store in refrigerator. 

1 Year Ago

One year ago today I took a home pregnancy test and it was POSITIVE! Since then our lives have changed A LOT! We are so blessed to have Addison and she brings us SO much joy!! We love our baby girl.

My Big Girl

Addie started rolling over about a month ago at 2 1/2 months old. She is very good at it now and thinks she is hot stuff.

3 Months Old!

Addie is just over 3 months old now. She is losing that newborn baby look, but everyday is such a joy with her. She makes me laugh. She smiles at me when I pick her up from daycare everyday. That makes me feel good. I even treasure our late night/early morning feedings. Such a big girl, she started rolling over at 2 1/2 months. I just love her sooooo much! So here are a few random pictures of my little girl.

On the way to grandma's, spiting bubbles. Looks like a little bubble goatee.

Puke face. This is what happens when she rolls over and spits up, then rubs her face in it.

Sleeping on the way home from grandma's

Will you be my friend?

Look at that cute little person in the mirror.

Mighty Mac

We walked the Mackinac Bridge this year with a couple of our cousins from Minnesota! We had fun, and I got a little sunburn.

The Start

Cousins Pam and Mark