Wonderful Fall

My same decoration of reeds in cruets, but in a new location. In the past they've been on our dining room table, as seen here and here. I love fall colors!

I pretty much stopped drinking tea all summer, but love a cup of warm tea now during these cooler days. 

We bought this aloe vera plant at the Public Market a few weeks ago. It's in our bedroom and quite the inspiration. We're looking to...dun dun dun... wallpaper over our orange accent wall! If we can ever find a wallpaper print we like, that is.

My lusciously warm new bathrobe from Target. I couldn't resist. It's perfect for when Viv and I have our comfy, cozy indoor days. 

Soy-free, dairy-free :) 

And we (I) decided to try a little fall photo shoot today. This last shot pretty much sums it up. I won't be quitting my day job anytime soon, and Viv is napping off the exhaustion of modeling as we speak. 

Reasons to Celebrate- October Birthdays!

Brown paper packages tied up with strings, ribbons and bows really are some of my favorite things. Those along with two and a half hour naps :) Today is awesome. 

My cousin's having a first birthday party for her daughter Saturday and we missed her son's party in September, so a gift for each I wrapped. 

My dad turned 60 yesterday!! Viv and I met up with my parents and brother for a birthday breakfast.

And the newest member of my husband's family was born yesterday also. My precious niece Rita. 

Who wouldn't be excited about all these birthdays?!

Night Out!

First Stop: Joe Beans

 The menu was a mix of coffee, booze and food. Ry ordered coffee, I tried a local hard cider and we "split" (I ate 90%) toasted multigrain bread with an apple butter spread. 

Next Stop: Dessert at Get Caked

 After our drinks, I was in the mood for something sweet. Being that Viv is allergic to dairy, treats have to be homemade or specialty at a bakery. Luckily for us, about a mile away from the coffee shop is a bake shop that specializes in both dairy-free and gluten-free cakes, cupcakes, cookies and brownies. Mmmm- being able to eat frosting again :)

Stop Three: Groceries at Hart's

This new, local market just opened this summer and carries a variety of local meats, produce and other items. We picked up some local apples, cider and Fizz pop. 

Last Stop: Home

Viv was sleeping and we got a good report from the grandparents, so we topped off the night with two episodes of The Office. It was the perfect first night out without the babes. 

Roses and Sunflowers

Viv is 2 months! Here is a comparison of her 1-month photos and 2-month photos.  Girly is 90th percentile for height and 75th for weight! 

Family dressed up for my cousin's wedding reception. 

 She's my fall beauty.

Random Goodness

 I am in love with this bright-eyed, curious beauty, and I'm cherishing our time together while she's so little. 

 Really- what is better than receiving a thoughtful package from a dear old friend? This one came from Australia with adorable clothes for Viv!

 Ryan's idea of getting Viv ready for bed... HAH! Maybe she'll be an architect, if only just for Halloween? 

Hehee- woops! I had no idea that this happened while I was driving, but I'm impressed she fell asleep regardless.

Reasons to Celebrate + Dairy-Free Cookies

On Tuesday, I found/made/Viv gave me time to make a real dinner and try out a new cookie recipe. Since she's dairy intolerant, I went to the web and settled on this banana, peanut butter recipe. 

I added two more ingredients- 3/4c oats and 1/4c chocolate chips to make it more to my liking (and Ryan's and G's, and anyone who likes chocolate!). No eggs, dairy, or gluten, and mixing all the ingredients in my measuring cup made this fast and easy cleanup!

 We took some to my grandpa for his birthday and he devoured them :)

 89 years is a wonderful thing to celebrate. 

It's a Girl!

First 8 Weeks

Vivian is eight weeks old today. Eight weeks! What a whirlwind it's been. I haven't blogged since her birth. Though I've thought about it, her naps leave me choosing between accomplishing housework or doing things I want to do. And blogging has been benched, until now.

With the NICU and her dairy intolerance diagnosis behind us, we have just been enjoying our precious daughter. She's changing so much, every week, even every day it seems at times. At eight weeks, my favorite thing about her is her smile. She is such a joy. 

Week 1: 

Only one day old, in the NICU. It's really hard looking back on the pictures of her first few days of life, but our story has a happy ending. She was a fighter from day one. 

Week 2:

Vivian has the absolute best father. 

Week 3:

So alert!

One month!!

Week 5:

She is spoiled (thanks to her auntie)... what other five-week old has a baby Northface? 

Week 6:

Smiles :) ...

and takes a pacifier now!

My family <3

Week 7:

Week 7 was my favorite so far. We went for a walk almost every day, went to meet Ryan for lunch at work, went shopping, met my sister out for lunch, slept nine hours for the first time and smiled, smiled, smiled!