5 Months.

Though our beautiful Evangeline has been in our lives such a relatively short time, it is impossible to imagine life without her.  I feel so tremendously blessed that we have been given such a beautiful gift in her; that we are allowed to watch her grow, help her learn, observe her as she studies the world around her is so amazing to me...She delights us in her completely new, unadulterated perception of things--Even a ketchup packet is fascinating to this little lady!

She has made incredible leaps this past month!  Her greatest achievement is being able to sit up by herself!  At times she becomes a little wobbly, but usually she will be able to sit for at least five minutes unassisted.  Because of this she seems so much more socially involved.  Last week she sat on our bed and watched me clean the bedroom, and we just chatted and it was so lovely. Ever since her swim lesson in Phoenix she has been a huge fan of bath-time.  We fill up the tub nice and high and one of us will get in with her and float her around--she loves it.  It has become part of her pre-bedtime routine.  We usually give her a little bath, a massage, put her into cozy clothes, read a book (usually a chapter of Pooh Bear), and then she's off to sleep by 10 or 11.  She's so good to us.

We love you, sweet Evangeline!

Current Baby Stats:

Skills: Being super cute (always); actually laughing!; using her pointer finger and thumb to pick up smaller objects instead of just "fisting" them; sitting in a highchair; drooling. 

Dislikes: Tummy time yet again makes it on this list.  The only thing worse than tummy time is car time...which is the absolute worst.  

Loves: Being tickled (we've discovered she's super ticklish!); being tossed up in the air; when Mom makes up silly songs and does silly faces; sitting up by herself; cozy time; grinning at herself in the mirror; paper, or anything crinkly; when Dad finishes work for the day; walking around with Mom or Dad; the wrap (yay!); chewing on her pointer finger.

Snowy Sunday.

Yesterday was Evangeline's first snow!  So exciting!  (She is quite pleased about it, can't you tell?) It was a super cold day out, so after Mass we went downtown and spend the rest of our Sunday at the Field Museum (unfortunately, our timing heading down was not ideal--we were stuck in the rush of thousands of Bears fans going out for the game!).  I'd never been before, and it had been forever since Alex had gone, so it was super fun for both of us to just wander around.  It's huge!  I cannot wait to take Evangeline there when she's a little older and able to appreciate all the cool stuff.  

We really loved the Animals of Africa section; there are so many creatures in the world that you have no idea even exist, but each one is necessary in its own right and perfectly suited to thrive and play its own part in its respective environment.  It's really incredible to think about.  We learned about these monkeys, called Gibbons, who mate for life (unlike most monkeys).  The mates (sometimes along with their babies!) sing songs together in the tree-tops to mark their territory--the songs can be heard up to a mile around.  I just think that is so cool.  

Our most favourite section was Ancient Egypt.  It's unreal to see these papyrus scrolls, sarcophagi, and tomb hieroglyphics that have lasted thousands of years.

I love the beautiful white atrium--and of course, seeing a T-Rex skeleton is pretty neat...

This photo doesn't quite capture how freezing it was last night.  I know we're probably in for a long winter again, but there is something so invigorating about these first truly cold days that I just can't complain about just yet...Happy Sunday!

P.S.  Alex helped me last night to FINALLY figure out how to make my photos line up right against each other (something I've been trying to learn for the last six months...).  From now on hopefully my photo arrangement won't be so confused and annoying.  Thanks, Al. 

Vegan Donuts.

Note: I usually spell doughnuts "doughnuts," because I really feel like the "ough" is so rich and decadent, just like doughnuts ought to be.  But there's something just so...non-vegan about the spelling of "doughnut".  Therefore, these deserve to be spelled "donuts".  Not because I'm slighting them, but because they're of a rather different category than the traditional doughnut. 

My sister-in-law Emily went vegan for about a month or so and insisted that I go try Lux's vegan donut.  Honestly, I was a little wary, but it turned out to be quite the enjoyable experience.  

It was definitely a very different type of donut--it was a very similar taste and texture to a donut muffin: light, fluffy, crumbly, not dense or doughy. (Apparently these donuts are covered in vegan butter and then cinnamon sugar--after barraging Emily with a thousand questions, I still really don't know what "vegan butter" is supposed to be...but it was pretty darn tasty on these donuts.)  

I asked Alex what he thought and he said they were "good" but that he didn't pay too much attention to them.  I suppose I don't have the most solid definitive review either.  Basically, I enjoyed them.  In no way were they gross.  In fact they were very yummy (like everything Lux bakes).  But I'm reticent to give a more glowing review because the taste wasn't the most memorable for me.  In fact, the most memorable part was that they were vegan.  

But gosh, were they pretty.  And overall, very delicious eaten with an almond milk latte and sweet potato egg bake...Thanks Emily!    

Phoenix Wedding and Some Horribly Arranged Pictures.

Last week we were in Phoenix to celebrate the wedding of some wonderful friends and to visit Alex's family.  It was so lovely to see Mary Elizabeth and Danny tie the knot; the wedding was just dreamy and it was such a  pleasure to spend some time with many of our college friends!

Mary Elizabeth was just the most beautiful bride; the definition of glowing.  The ceremony was lovely (I may have shed a few tears...), and the reception was a blast, just as it should be.  The reception was held at the Ice House, an awesome old, industrial building in downtown Phoenix--it was such a fun venue for a wedding: elegant without being stuffy (perfect Mary Elizabeth).  Of course, there was plenty of delicious food, dancing, and good friends to celebrate such a joyous occasion.  We had such a splendid time--it was over too soon!

We were so happy to spend time with Alex's family while we were in Phoenix.  Evangeline just loves GG and Bop and her cousins so much, and had such a great time hanging out with them all (especially Baby Frances!).  She even got a swimming lesson from Uncle Ed!  It was awesome!  She really loves the water--we are thinking about possibly enrolling her in a swim school here in Chicago after such a cool experience.

Some other fun things:
-I discovered an amazing white cake recipe making mini cakes and cake pops with Emily.
-We visited the Phoenix Art Museum with Pete and Emily and their kids.  I'd never been and have wanted to go for so long, so that was really exciting for me.  We went to the "Firefly Room" which was completely amazing.  I'd have spent hours in there!  
-We tried a vegan doughnut at Lux.  Review to come.
-Evangeline was Princess Leia for Halloween.  Definitely one of those costumes we threw together 30 minutes before leaving for the halloween party at Pete and Emily's.  (Here are some more cute Burch Halloween Costumes from this year...)

Now that it's in the 30's here, we'll definitely be missing that warm Phoenix sunshine.  We won't be away for long....

October Snapshots.

Oh, October.  You are so lovely with your crisp, golden days distracting from the inevitable winter.  Please come back...
 

//Some recipe links to go along with some of those pictures//
divine crackly banana bread
bread-pudding-pancakes
super yummy apple galette
peach and blueberry pie

Late Night Doughnuts.

Oh, doughnuts, doughnuts.  The perfect autumn breakfast (...and lunch...and dinner).  Making your own doughnuts really isn't that difficult, and what better activity to do on a cold fall night?  We made these Sour Cream Old Fashioned doughnuts from Handle the Heat a few nights ago, and they really were divine.  (There may or may not have been a few hot, angry tears shed when the last crumb was devoured...)

Here's the recipe, transcribed for ease.  I just did a vanilla, powdered sugar, and milk glaze (with a little sea salt!), which worked just as well.

DOUGHNUTS:

2 1/4 cup (255 grams) cake flour 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 cup sugar 2 tablespoons butter, at room temperature 2 large egg yolks 1/2 cup sour cream Canola oil, for frying

GLAZE:

3 1/2 cup (350 grams) powdered sugar, sifted 1 1/2 teaspoons corn syrup 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/3 cup hot water

In a bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar together until sandy. Add the egg yolks and mix until light and thick. Add the dry ingredients to the mixing bowl in 3 additions, alternating with the sour cream, ending with the flour. The dough will be sticky. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for 1 hour.

On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a doughnut cutter or two differently sized biscuit cutters to cut out as many donuts as possible, dipping the cutters into flour as necessary to prevent sticking. You should get about 12 doughnuts and holes.

Pour 2 inches of canola oil into a heavy bottomed pot with a deep-fry thermometer attached. Heat to 325°F. Fry the doughnuts a few at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry on each side about 2 minutes, being careful not to let them burn. Let drain on a paper bag to soak up the excess grease.

For the glaze: Mix all ingredients in a bowl with a whisk until smooth. Immerse each doughnut into the glaze. Place on a wire rack above a sheet pan to catch any excess glaze. Let sit for 20 minutes until glaze is set.

Here is a picture of a super cute baby, and one of some beautiful golden leaves in Giddings Square, because I know you probably won't mind.  

4 Months.

Evangeline grows cuter, stronger, and smarter by the day.  She loves to talk and will hold "conversations" with us.  She always wants to be included in what Alex and I are doing: when we talk, she'll begin to talk too; when we laugh, she laughs.  Such imitation is so precious, and terrifying!  I'm beginning to understand the importance of my actions and their influence on her.  Such responsibility is so overwhelming...

Much to our delight, she is willfully choosing to be cozy these days.  She is also growing increasingly sensitive to strangers, and would rather Mom and Dad hold her than anyone else.  (In a horribly selfish way, I sort of love that.)  While wary of new people, she is intrigued with new things.  Though she has gotten very good at grabbing and holding on to things, we've noticed that she prefers to gently touch them, as if she is fascinated by the how they feel.  Completely adorable.

We just love her so much.

Current Baby Stats:

Skills: Being super cute; doing sit-ups with a little help from Dad; giggling; grabbing and holding her toys (her favorites are colourful chains and Sophie the Giraffe); can stand by herself if holding on to something; vocalizing very loudly; pumping her legs super super fast. 

Dislikes: Tummy time; the car; strangers; the vacuum; not being able to see us. 

Loves: Reaching out and touching everything she can (especially anything glass and/or shiny and the palm tree); listening to Glenn Gould's Bach; showers and baths; being read to (D'Aulaire's Greek Myths, lately); cuddling and being cozy; smiling; putting her fingers in Dad's mouth. 

Long Weekend.

It's midnight as I sit down to write this, and I still hear Evangeline fitfully wriggling in our bedroom.  This is the latest she's ever ever gone to sleep.  As soon as she entered this world she initiated an eerily strict sleeping schedule which involved being asleep by ten, awake by eight, and only one groggy awakening in the middle of the night.  I sure am one lucky momma.  And one super spoiled momma at that, complaining that her little one went to bed a whole two hours later than usual.  Wah.

Hah! Yikes.

Alex is having some much loved cozy time with Sleepy Little Lady now, giving me the opportunity to sit down to this little blog and type out a few words...Let's see.

This past long weekend was busy for us (love those long weekends).  We spent Saturday making tamales (literally an all day affair), doing laundry, cleaning the apartment, catching up on all those things that we had put off for the past few weeks, and, most exciting of all, Alex began building a frame for my Nolli map of Rome.  Hurrah!  Even thinking about the costliness of getting something that huge professionally framed hurt our heads a little, but then I found this great tutorial on how to build your own frame.  It probably would have been a day project had he had the tools...but little Chicago apartments don't really accommodate miter saws.  But, as I have mentioned, Alex is invincible, and so decided to start building one anyways.

We took advantage of possibly one of the last warm, sunny Sundays, and took the train to the Botanic Gardens.  The fall flowers and foliage are at their peak: the deep reds, purples, oranges, and yellows astounded us with their vibrancy.  I'll never get tired of these Northern Autumns.  They fill me with awe every time.

On Monday we rearranged the apartment.  Yes, again.  I refused to hang anything on the walls until couches and bookshelves were in their proper and final places, and finally, after about a month of hemming and hawing, I finally grew sick enough of my own indecision and the stacks of art and mirrors lying about.  Hanging art and moving furniture always helps me to feel as though I've been extraordinarily productive and much more organized and deliberate than I normally feel.  Cheers to that!

Because it's boring to post without a picture, here's one of us at the Botanic Gardens.  A year ago, we were standing in that exact same spot, only Little One was a biiiiiit tinier!  What a difference a year makes...Thank you, God, for this wonderful family of mine!

5 Movies You Should Watch Now.

...and which you can watch now, because they're on Netflix Instant!

1.  I know this came out a while ago, but Joss Whedon's Much Ado About Nothing is really truly fantastic.  I watched it when it first came out and was delighted, but after a recent re-viewing, I was astounded: it's inspired.  Do yourself a favour and watch it now, whether or not you have seen it already.

2.  Alex and I have been sort of on a learning-about-wine kick after reading a hilarious Roald Dahl short story about a wine connoisseur (the story is called Taste--read it!).  You can only read so many articles on tannins before you end up with a strangely chalky sensation in your mouth, so we were pleased to discover A Year in Burgundy, a new-to-Netflix documentary following Burgundian winemaking families.  It was very informative, and so fascinating to see these different families and how their lives completely revolve around the art (or the science) of wine-making. 

3.  Apparently, in the 1930's, the Galapagos Islands were the perfect destination for those seeking perfect solitude and nearly complete isolation from society.  Until, that is, numerous people ended up on the same island.  The Galapagos Affair, which documents the lives of a few Germans living on the island of Floreana, is intriguing, terrifying, and definitely worth the watch. 

4.  Yes, Silver Linings Playbook did come out two years ago, but it was just recently released on Netflix Instant.  I really do love this story.  I love its honesty.  I love the broken characters.  I love the idea that everyone can find happiness.  It's rough and complicated, charming and simple.  Serve with tissues. 

5. Upstream Color.  No words.  Just watch if you're ready for a beautiful, terrifyingly strange experience.  Then come talk to me. 

Lazy Bread.

At the thought of baking bread, a whimsical and pleasant image arises, usually involving flour covered aprons and milkmaid braids.  There's something so earthy and natural and wholesome about bread baking.  These thoughts make me long to attend Kneading Conferences  and be a hip, down-to-earth, linen-clad member of a 'Grain Alliance'.   But then I remember, honestly, that I really don't like making bread.  I think it's the kneading...and the waiting for the bread to rise, punching down, and waiting again, and, dear goodness, the dough between my fingers and under my nails that just won't go away.  Ultimately, my distaste for the art crops up to my own impatience and finickiness.  I'd rather spend my time baking pies and mixing cocktails.  I guess I'll never be on the cover of Kinfolk.

However.  

Lately, I'm very skeptical of all the preservatives, additives, and "dough enhancers" found in grocery store breads (dough enhancer is not a secret baker's term for yeast).  I know, I know, old news.  They've been there for decades.  But bread is a probably my second favourite food group, and I don't like the thought of all that stuff going into my body at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  So a little while back, I began buying Ezekiel bread.  But after a while, even though my stomach said "yum yum," I felt a little guilty about spending 4+ dollars on a loaf of bread.  Enter personal dilemma.  But then I remembered that I a while back I pinned a recipe for World's Easiest Bread on Pinterest-Land-of-Rarely-Realized-Dreams.  

So I took a look at the recipe, and it has changed my life.  Exeunt personal dilemma.  As it turns out, I can bake bread without having to be covered with sticky dough.  But more importantly, I don't have to be wondering every time I swallow that carb-y deliciousness "hmmm, what's in this?" 

Crusty Bread

3 cups unbleached all purpose flour

1 3/4 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon Instant or Rapid-rise yeast (I use regular yeast--just use hot water so that it proofs)

1 1/2 cups water

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt and yeast.  Add water and mix until it comes together.  Cover bowl with plastic wrap and set aside for 12-18 hours.   Heat oven to 450 degrees.  When the oven has reached 450 degrees place a cast iron pot with a lid in the oven and heat the pot for 30 minutes (I suppose you can probably do this with bread pans if you want a more traditional shape...I'm going to try to bake the current batch this way).  Meanwhile, pour dough onto a heavily floured surface and shape into a ball.  Cover with plastic wrap and let set while the pot is heating.  Remove hot pot from the oven and drop in the dough.  Cover and return to oven for 30 minutes.  After 30 minutes remove the lid and bake an additional 15 minutes.  Remove bread from oven and place on a cooling rack to cool. 

I love that I can mix the ingredients together, go to bed, and then have fresh baked bread an hour after I get up in the morning!  It's nothing special, but for basic, easy, no-effort-required bread, I'm very satisfied.  Enjoy!