Sandy's 6-Month Appointment

We went to see Dr. Baar today for Sandy's 6-month appointment. Sandy is in the 95th percentile for length (27.5 inches) and the 32nd percentile (15 pounds 4 ounces) for weight. Dr. Baar said she looked fine and there was nothing to worry about. The weight seems low to me, but she did have the stomach flu this weekend so I am hopeful her weight is really higher. Sandy got several shots this time.

Christmas Travels

After spending a quiet Christmas at home with our little family (I loved that!!), we got in the car the next morning and drove to Island Park to meet my family. It was a fun idea to rent a cabin with the extended family (my aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. were all there). Bill loved the snowmobiling. Unfortunately, we all had the stomach flu, so we didn't get to play as much as we'd hoped.

I was so happy to see my family! My parents came from South Dakota, two of my sisters came from Idaho, and another sister came from Ohio. Molly, James, and Lexie came from Ohio and stayed with us for a couple of days before Christmas. We always love to see them!


Because of the stomach flu, we didn't take any pictures at Island Park. Luckily, my dad did. Here are a few that he took. He also took some breathtaking scenic pictures that are at his website: http://drbair.zenfolio.com/


Here is Sandy with her Aunt Kelsie.






Sandy with her Aunt Rosie.





Sandy with her Great-Grandpa Shupe.




And one of just Sandy.

Merry Christmas!

I took an Excedrin Migraine before I went to bed on Christmas Eve. That led to me waking up wired about 4 a.m. Sandy woke up around 5:30 to eat and when Bill heard us both up he decided it must be time to get up and open presents. So we opened all our presents very early this morning...

Sandy Claus is Coming Tonight

Tonight we went to Grandma Krantz's annual Christmas Eve party. Sandy was dressed in her santa suit for the occasion. Sandy also turned 6 months old today!!


Here she is sharing a cup with her Grandma Buhler.






It got too warm for the santa suit, so she spent part of the party in just a diaper.


Everyone chipped in for a digital camera for Grandma. She started using it right away, I hope she likes it!






After the party, we drove to Christmas Street to look at the lights. Each house on the street is decorated. Large signs along the street have scriptures on them so you can read the Christmas story as you drive.


Merry Christmas!!

First Baby Food

I decided to start Sandy on baby food today. We started with sweet potatoes and she loved them!

A Girl and Her Dog Part 2

Another cute video of Sandy and Sage.

A Girl and Her Dog

Sandy loves Sage (the dog)! She gets excited when she sees her and loves to be down on the ground near her. Here is a video of the two of them playing.

Rice Cereal

Sandy tried rice cereal for the first time today.

Who wants rice cereal?

That looks yummy!



First bite. We're not so sure about the cereal.

She likes the spoon, though.

We ended up with 1 tsp or less of cereal in her tummy and six baby spoons on the floor.

Swing Safety, Santa Suit, and a New Cousin

Bill finally captured Sandy tipping out of her swing on video. It is a rather long video, but quite funny!



She is wearing a Santa suit my mom got for her. Bill took some pictures of her in it and we are hoping to use one of them for Christmas cards.

Also, Sandy has a new cousin: Beatrix. We went to meet Beatrix and here are some pictures of the cousins (including Beatrix's older brother Enoch).

This picture is of the two girls. I am so excited that Sandy has a cousin her age on both sides of the family. Beatrix is only 6 months younger. On the other side of the family, Lexie is only 1 month younger.

Enoch really enjoyed dessert!

Shopping Entertainment and Swings

After a long day of Christmas shopping, Sandy and I stopped by Walmart to pick up a couple of items. Sandy was no longer interested in the toys I had with me, so when I found the first thing on my list (a package of baby spoons) I gave it to her to play with and went to find the rest of the items on my list. She was quiet and so I didn't pay much attention to her for a few minutes. Here is what the package of spoons looked like:



She loves her swing. Here's a short video of her in it.



The last couple of days, Bill and I have found her in her swing but with her head down on the ground. I have no idea how she manages that. Tonight we put her in her swing and tried to get it on film. Of course, she wouldn't do it when we were watching.

I did get a cute picture of Bill holding her, a rarity since he is usually the one behind the camera.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving! I have so many things to be grateful for. This year I am most grateful for Sandy. I hope someday I can tell her how much we wanted her to join our family. I'm grateful for Bill. He's a wonderful husband, and he makes it possible for me to stay home with Sandy. I'm grateful for both of our families.



We went to Doug & Jaydene's for Thanksgiving dinner. I made two pies: a lemon meringue and a coconut cream. I was pleased with how the lemon meringue turned out. I wasn't as happy with the coconut cream. I liked the crust, but the filling reminded me of suntan lotion. Next time I make a coconut cream pie I'll try an instant coconut pudding for the filling. Pictures and recipes of both pies are below.


Here is Sandy sitting with her Aunt Heather and Uncle Jared. There were several shots that would have been adorable if they hadn't been blurry. This was the least blurry.




Here is a picture of Sandy playing with her cousin Christian.



Kelsie watched Sandy while Bill & I went to see the new James Bond. We enjoyed it. It was nice to go to a movie. We haven't been to the theatre since before Sandy was born (we saw Get Smart on her due date, June 20).


Lemon Meringue Pie
Makes one 9-inch pie



Pie Crust
1-1/4 (6-1/4 oz) all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 TBSP sugar
3 TBSP vegetable shortening chilled
4 TBSP cold unsalted butter cut into 1/4 inch pieces
4-5 TBSP ice water
1/2 cup finely crushed graham crackers


Lemon Filling
1 cup (7 oz sugar)
1/4 cup (1 oz cornstarch)
1/8 tsp salt
1-1/2 cups cold water
6 large egg yolks
1 TBSP grated zest and 1/2 cup juice from 2 or 3 lemons
2 TBSP unsalted butter


Meringue
1 TBSP cornstarch
1/3 cup water
1/4 tsp cream of tartar
1/2 cup (3-1/2 oz) sugar
4 large egg whites
1/2 tsp vanilla extract


Pie Crust
1. Process the flour, salt, and sugar in a food processor until combined. Add the shortening and process until the mixture has the texture of coarse sand, about 10 seconds. Scatter the butter pieces over the flour mixture; cut the butter into the flour until the mixture is pale yellow and resembles coarse crumbs, with butter bits no larger than small peas, about ten 1-second pulses. Turn the mixture into a medium bowl.


2. Sprinkle 4 TBSP of the ice water over the mixture. With a rubber spatula, use a folding motion to mix. Press down on the dough with the broad side of the spatula until the dough sticks together, adding up to 1 TBSP more ice water if the dough will not come together. Flatten the dough into a 4-inch disk. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate at least 1 hour or up to 2 days before rolling.

3. Remove the dough from the refrigerator (if refrigerated longer than 1 hour, let stand at room temperature until malleable). Sprinkle the work surface with 2 TBSP graham cracker crumbs and roll out to a 12-inch circle, sprinkling additional graham cracker crumbs underneath and on top of the dough as it is rolled. Fit the dough into a 9-inch pie plate, trim, and flute edges. Refrigerate the dough-lined pie plate until firm, about 40 minutes, then freeze until very cold, about 20 minutes.

4. Adjust an oven rack to the lower-middle position and heat the oven to 375 degrees. Remove the dough-lined pie plate from the freezer, press a doubled 12-inch piece of heavy-duty foil inside the pie shell, and fold the edges of the foil to shield the fluted edge; distribute 2 cups pie weights (or beans or pennies) over the foil. Bake, leaving the foil and weights in place until the dough looks dry and is light in color, 25 to 30 minutes. Carefully remove the foil and weights and continue baking until deep golden brown, about 12 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before making pie filling.


Lemon Filling
Mix the sugar, cornstarch, salt, and water in a large nonreactive saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, whisking occasionally at the beginning of the process and more frequently as the mixture begins to thicken. When the mixture starts to simmer and turns translucent, whisk in the egg yolks, two at a time. Whisk in the zest, then the lemon juice, and finally the butter. Bring the mixture to a good simmer, whisking constantly. Remove from the heat; place plastic wrap directly on the surface of the filling to keep it hot and prevent a skin from forming.


Meringue
Mix the cornstarch with the water in a small saucepan; bring to a simmer, whisking occasionally at the beginning and more frequently as the mixture thickens. When the mixture starts to simmer and turns translucent, remove from the heat.

Adjust oven rack to the middle position and heat the oven to 325 degrees. Mix the cream of tartar and sugar together. Beat the egg whites and vanilla until frothy. Beat in the sugar mixture, 1 TBSP at a time, until the sugar is incorporated and mixture forms soft peaks. Add the cornstarch mixture, 1 TBSP at a time, until the sugar is incorporated and the mixture forms soft peaks. Add the cornstarch mixture, 1 TBSP at a time; continue to beat the meringue to stiff peaks. Remove the plastic from the lemon filling and return to very low heat during the last minute or so of beating the meringue (to ensure the filling is hot).

Pour the hot filling into the pie shell. Using a rubber spatula, immediately distribute the meringue evenly around the edge and then the center of the pie crust to keep it from sinking into the filling. Make sure the meringue attaches to the pie crust to prevent shrinking. Use the back of a spoon to create peaks all over the meringue. Bake the pie until the meringue is golden brown, about 20 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and cool to room temperature. Serve the same day.


Coconut Cream Pie
Makes one 9-inch pie



Crust
6 ounces animal crackers
2 TBSP shredded coconut
1 TBSP granulated sugar
4 TBSP unsalted butter, melted and cooled


Filling
I didn't care for the filling in the recipe, next time I think I'll try it with instant coconut pudding.


Whipped Cream and Garnish
1-1/2 cups heavy cream (cold)
2 TBSP granulated sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 TBSP shredded coconut toasted in a small dry skillet until golden brown

For the crust, adjust oven rack to a lower-middle position and heat the oven to 325 degrees. In a food processor, pulse animal crackers, coconut, and sugar to fine crumbs, 18 to 20 1-second pulses. Then process until powdery, about 5 seconds. Transfer crumbs to medium bowl, add butter, and stir until crumbs are evenly moistened. Empty crumbs into a 9-inch pie plate and press into bottom and up sides. Bake until fragrant and medium brown, about 15 minutes, rotating pie shell halfway through baking time. Set on a wire rack and cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes.


Prepare the filling. Once soft set, spoon into pie crust, press plastic wrap directly against the surface of the filling, and refrigerate until firm.


For the whipped cream, just before serving beat cream, sugar, and vanilla with electric mixer until soft peaks form, 1-1/2 to 2 minutes. Top pie with whipped cream then sprinkle with coconut. (If you want to add the cream before you are ready serve, heat 2 tsp unflavored gelatin and 2 tsp water in a small measuring cup over the stove, stirring constantly. When it thickens and turns translucent, remove from heat and very slowly add to the cream while whipping.)

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Today is my Mom's birthday so I thought I'd take a minute to wish her a happy day! I had hoped to get pictures of her with Sandy when she was here in November, but didn't manage to get them. So, here are a few pictures from Sandy's baby blessing in September.

Our Other Baby

Tonight, I curled up on the couch next to Bill and we watched Breach*. Partway through the movie I looked down and found Sage curled up on Sandy's boppy pillow. Apparently it was comfortable because she stayed there while I paused the movie, turned on the lights, and took some pictures.

* Breach is based on a true story and is about a young FBI agent that helps convict one of the greatest spies in American history. It was an excellent movie and I highly recommend it. Rated PG-13.

Aunt Kelsie

My sister, Kelsie, is staying with us for a few days. She and Sandy are getting in some quality time. It's fun to see them together!

Family Photos

Yesterday we went to the park and took family photos. Here are a few of my favorite shots.

Just-out-of-the-shower Clean

Don't you love to be just-out-of-the-shower clean? I do! It doesn't seem to last very long with a baby, though.

Last night I showered, gave Sandy a bath, and had just gotten us both dried off and dressed when...

Sandy projectile vomited. It must have flown 3 feet. I fed her and she did it three more times. We were both drenched.

I called the pediatrician emergency line to see if I needed to do anything. The pediatrician on call asked a few questions: color of vomit (clear), does she appear dehydrated (no), and does she seem upset or in pain (no). He said to keep an eye on her hydration levels and that she would probably be just fine. It hasn't happened since and she has been eating, so I guess there is nothing to worry about...

Baby Legs & Birthdays

Bill took some pictures of Sandy after church. We try to take pictures of her every Sunday.

She is wearing purple polka dotted leg warmers. They are called "baby legs" and Grandma Gingie gave them to her. I think they are absolutely adorable. Not to mention very convenient when it comes to changing diapers.

Speaking of changing diapers...

We also went to Doug & Jaydene's house to celebrate Bill & Eric's birthdays. I made Bill's cake, it was German Chocolate. Yum!

Here is Eric blowing out his candles.

We also tried an impromptu family photo.

Email Questionnaire

I was cleaning out my email inbox and came across this forward from a friend. I thought I'd fill it out and post it here.

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
The main character in The Thorn Birds. My mom read the book when she was pregnant and liked the name.

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
The first time I saw Sandy because I was so happy, relieved, exhausted... Actually, probably I did cry a couple of times after that because of the post-baby hormones.

3. Do you like your handwriting
If I take my time, which I don’t often do.

4 . WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
turkey

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
One, Sandy is 4 months old

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Of course. Does anyone say no to this?

7. Do YOU USE SARCASM A LOT?
No.

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS ?
Yes.

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
Probably not, but I guess if the stakes were high enough ($20 million?) I might.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Depends on the day – cinnamon toast crunch and honey bunches of oats are high on my list.

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
No.

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
Emotionally yes...

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Caramel swirl

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Whether or not they look me in the eyes.

15. RED OR PINK?
Red

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING YOU LIKE ABOUT YOURSELF?
Wide feet, at least that’s what I’m willing to share at the moment.

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST
My sister Molly. I liked when she lived in town. Now her husband’s in dental school and they live in Ohio. She has a daughter the same age as Sandy.

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU?
Post it on your blog, I’ll see it.

19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
I’m wearing purple and pink striped pajama bottoms and no shoes.

20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
Animal Crackers

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW
Sandy cooing. She’s sitting in my lap while I type.

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
purple

23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
Laundry after it has dried in the sun. Of course, I always think of sheets my Great-Grandma Grant hung outside her mountain home. I’ve tried it in my home here in the city and don’t like the smell.

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
Gary from Vonage… sorting out phone issues.

25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS?
Absolutely – it came from Lisa Holliday

26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
I’m not much of a sports fan. I do like going to live games, no matter the sport, though.

27. HAIR COLOR ?
brown

28. EYE COLOR?
brown

29. Do you wear contacts
Nope, I had corrective surgery a few years ago and love being able to see the alarm clock in the morning!

30. FAVORITE FOODS?
I like most things… I love mashed potatoes, pasta in white sauces, homemade macaroni and cheese, nicely grilled salmon and chicken…

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Happy endings

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
I don’t remember… Big Fish, maybe.

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
pink

34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Autumn

35. HUGS OR KISSES?
hugs

36. FAVORITE DESSERT?
Bread pudding

37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
no idea!

38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND
still no idea!

39. What book are you reading now?
Five Smooth Stones by Ann Fairbairn. It is the story of a black man born in New Orleans during the depression. It’s given me some new insights into racism and the civil rights movement. I highly recommend it.

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
Advertisment for CITRIX thin-client systems… It’s Bill’s.

41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON T.V.. LAST NIGHT?
didn't watch tv last night

42. FAVORITE SOUND?
Sandy giggling.

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
Beatles

44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
Probably Alberta, Canada for my sister Rosie’s wedding

45. Any new news in your life?
Nothing comes to mind…

46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Logan, Utah

47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK?
everybody!

48. WHAT TIME IS IT NOW?
10:23 and Sandy is asleep.

My Little Bookworm

Sandy loves paper, especially if I happen to be reading the newspaper or a book. This afternoon I was reading Five Smooth Stones by Ann Fairbairn while I fed Sandy. She fell asleep so I left her in my bed with the book next to her. After awhile I heard a rustling sound coming from the bedroom. When I went to investigate, this is what I found:

Exersaucer

We broke out the exersaucer we borrowed from my brother today and put Sandy in it. She wasn't sure what to think of it at first, but she was checking out the toys with her favorite sense - taste.

Primary Program

Today in church we had the annual Primary Program. The kids did a great job. I'm in the Primary Presidency, so I was up on the stand. Bill kept Sandy through Sacrament meeting. He also got her ready for church (I laid out her clothes) and brought her to church. He is such a good dad!

When Bill got home from dealing with tithing, he took this picture of Sandy in her swing.

My Family in Town

I'm always happy to have my family in town. My mom flew in from South Dakota Wednesday and left this morning. She stayed with us and it has been wonderful. She watched Sandy last night so Bill and I could go out on a date. We went dancing at the Murray Arts Center. We took a Mambo lesson and a West Coast Swing lesson. It was a lot of fun and we planned to stay out until midnight, but we were so tired we came home at 10:30.

My sisters, Rosie and Kelsie, drove up from Rexburg, Idaho. We saw them at the viewing Thursday night and the funeral on Friday. At the end of the funeral, the grandkids and great-grandkids stood up and sang "God Be with You til We Meet Again." Bill was holding Sandy and she started kicking Rosie, who was in front of her.

Rosie and Sandy

After the funeral, we went to Grandpa's house. We took a few pictures.

Grandpa, Mom, Kelsie, Rosie, Sandy, Me, Bill

Grandpa, Mom, Kelsie, Rosie, Sandy, Bill, Gayla

Kelsie, Rosie, Sandy