What Shall We Give?

Dear Santa,

We have been nice this year. Our Christmas wish dream:

With Love, The Vashers

P.S. Well maybe in 20 years.

Just call him Nathan "Bobby Flay" Vasher

...but don't really or else he'll kill me. 

Nathan has always wanted to cook a turkey. He decided this was the year and picked out a 22 pounder. 

We had a really great Thanksgiving dinner at our friends' house. 

And for the day after Nathan scoured the internet until he came up with the perfect recipe. 

The Before

The After

 Can I say "YUM!"

Was this my teeny baby born just a month ago? 

What happens when Daddy gets a phone call while filling the bathtub. 

Oops. 

AND FOR YOUR INFORMATION:

2 girls on a Sunday

This is how I keep myself entertained while Nate is gone on Sundays. 

I tried to get some without the massive binky. No dice. 

Never blog about a good thing.

24 hours later

Kendyl, I totally agree. 

Dear Fall, Where have you been all my life!

Between my 18 years in sunny CA (who knew leaves change colors?) and my 5 in snowy ID, I have yet to experience a true fall. Don’t believe me—check it out here. 

But get a load of the view outside our balcony this year.

And the best part--we don't even have to rake it all up. 

 Still warm enough to be barefoot. 

And why change out of your PJs? 

Because between a lazy recovering mom (who happens to also be in her PJs at 5:00 pm) and Daylight Savings where its practically dark by afternoon anyways--it just doesn't happen everyday. 

Josie doing what she does best. 

Finally with her eyes open!

How to bribe your grandkid (and daughter)....

...to stop crying on the way to the airport.
Chocolate ice cream!

Kendyl and Josie saying goodbye to Gramma.

My mom left last Thursday and boy do I miss sleeping in ‘til 10 every morning. 

Trick or Treat!

We borrowed this costume from our friends. 

Kendyl LOVED wearing it. We could barely get it off her for bed-time. 

Once she saw herself in the mirror she kept feeling her bunny ears to make sure they were still there.

 Kendyl and Gramma at the Trunk or Treat.

Click to see costume from last year. 

She's a bunny girl. 

And Josie just chillin'. 

I never dreamed I would have this little treat before Halloween--but very happy I did. 

More pictures...

I love this picture!

Josie on the way out of the hospital. Her legs are all scrunched up by the zipper. And her arms barely make it in the sleeves.

Kendyl on the way out of the hospital...in the exact same size outfit.

 Josie all strapped up. Had a hard time figuring out how to strap in something that small.

Josie

Compared to Kendyl

Our two kids!

 Both very different, but both so cute!

My Baby Sis

Mom on the way to the hospital, and me on the way to my friends' house.

And introducing.... 

Josie Vasher

born 1:45pm after a wonderful couple of hours on an epidural and 2 big pushes

(Kendyl's 9 lbs definitely paved the way for a much easier delivery)

6 lbs 11oz 

19" long

blonde (maybe) but not much hair to speak of

very different temperament than her big sis (quiet!)

 Me and my Daddy holding Josie

 I love my baby sister!

Don't worry...there will be plenty more pictures later I'm sure.

My Overnight Getaway

Next week Nate is taking off class/work for two days and we are driving 5 minutes to a popular “getaway” we were finally able to make reservations at.

           

Last time I was able to book one of these overnighters was exactly 20 months ago...to the day.

We found a babysitter for Kendyl. I'm so excited, that I might start packing soon.

Not that I need to bring much—they provide breakfast in bed (heck even lunch and dinner), all the beverages you’d like, and supply everyone who comes to stay with an attractive little “robe”.

The amenities are great. You get everything from TV to extra blankets on request. There’s even a spa.

The service is usually fantastic. All you have to do is press a button and someone is there within seconds.

The privacy—well let’s just say its like nowhere else you’ll ever stay.

And the room looks something like this.

My "suite" at the Labor and Delivery

That’s right. I’m getting induced Monday at 7:00am. Wish me luck!!

P.S. I'm super nervous. 

Free Zoo Day and What Happens When Mom Craves Chocolate

Today some friends and I went to the Denver Zoo. It was a free day which was great if you can snag a good parking spot (which we did) and can get out before the crowds pour in (which we sort of did).

Kendyl's Favorites: the lion and monkeys

Kendyl's "Mom-Don't-Ever-Show-Me-That-Again": the fish

That's right she is terrified of them. Started crying even. I think it has something to do with the fact that she thinks they can get her. Apparently, the zoo keeps their aquarium glass very clean. 

 On her carousal ride. Wasn't too sure about the whole experience.

I was craving chocolate (again) and decided to make this.

Of course between the batter and frosting tasting my craving went away. Now I just have to figure out how to eat it all. 

 I had visions of a beautifully decorated cake but instead halfway through the orange squiggles, the bag of frosting exploded on the cake. I disguised it with my lovely little pumpkins. I think they are pretty ugly, but hey my taste buds don't care about 5th grade-looking pumpkins. 

All in all, with my history of cakes I was pretty impressed. 

p.s. 18 days until candy if my counter is right

which means 19 'til the baby SHOULD come!!