Blog Browsing

Ah, the interweb. Such a source of endless information and know-how. What would we do without it? After browsing this week/month, I thought I would share with you what has piqued my interest. I hope you enjoy some of the stuff that is out there as much as I did.

God is with us. We are NEVER alone... SheReadsTruth

Birth Stories that make you cry - in a "Praise God" kind of way... Hannah's Joyful Life

In a small house, there is just not a lot of room. Non-toy gift ideas for kids... Nourishing Minimalism

Math as an international symbol of unity. Thank you, Fields Medal... NYTimes

Editing photos online. For free.... PicMonkey

Because our tent will be getting some use this weekend. And I love s'mores... Say Yes

This should be tried: Roasted Tomato Feta Guac... Joy the Baker

Our current household issue: ants. Buying the Borax... WikiHow

German Village Adventure

Last week, we finally made it Katzinger's Deli in German Village for the first time... ever. This is a pretty famous eatery in Columbus. And as locals who love to eat, it is a little surprising to us that we have never been there. 

Very unassuming location but we made sure we were there BEFORE the lunch rush since it is close to downtown. I tried some samples of bread and cheese from the deli while Keith ordered a "Neal, Let's make a Deal" sandwich for us to share (sandwiches were pricey but worth it). While we waited for the food, we noshed on garlic and dill pickles from the pickles barrels teeming with free pickles. 

After the yummy sandwich in the relaxed atmosphere, we walked down to Kittie's Cakes bakery. I got a Mick-O -- their take on the oatmeal pie sandwich.  Delightful.

So much on the menu, even Eva can't decide... guess she'll just have milk.

Pickles!!!

Corner of 3rd and 23/E. Livington.

"Neal, Let's make a Deal"- Roast Beef, Coleslaw & Cheddar on Rye.

So cute for dessert...

...and so delicious!

In the 4th month...

"He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him." 

- 1 Thessalonians 5:28

In the 4th month...

...Eva's coos and babbling seem to have purpose. This girl wants to hear herself and be heard!

...At her last doctor's appointment, Eva tipped the scales at 12 lbs 7 oz. and was 22 3/4 inches long. That is one happy, healthy little peanut.

...She watches everything and everyone with intense interest. 

...To this end, she has become fascinated with "the Baby" in the mirror- laughing and smiling at her own reflection. 

...We took a family dip in Lake Erie during a week-long vacation at the cottage. Hermans and Hallases alike enjoyed the good weather and family fun.

...Lots of bubbles and slobber this month. 

...More interactions with grandparents and great-grandparents.

...Another great visit from Christin. During this visit, Christin used her wonderful babysitter skills to distract Eva with TV or Baby Einstein until Mom is able to feed her.

...We've moved up to Size 2 diapers and are currently making the transition into 3-6 months clothes. 

...Dad of two boys, Jim, came to visit and finally had free hands to hold this happy little girl.

...We've re-read more books along with some new ones: Exodus 2 from the Rhyme Bible, Read to Your Bunny, Lullaby Baby, and First Words.

...Mommy and baby spent an afternoon running through the sprinkler. Look at that cute swimsuit!

...Eva has been to the Columbus Zoo 3 times in the past month! One time she even went into the petting zoo and met a goat.

...Daddy went to Band Camp for a week, so Eva and Mommy had a slumber party each night! But we sure missed Daddy. 

Hi! I'm 4 months old.

I'm 4 months old and love my feet!

The "Mom" Chop

In the past 16 weeks, I have worn my hair down 3 times. I liked my long hair (and Keith did, too). But hair that has lived in a bun or ponytail since Eva was born deserved a change. 

I didn't go too drastic, if fact the only person to say anything about my hair in the past week was my mom.  However, having six inches taken off feels wonderful. It is a much better wash-n-go style than I was sporting before. And my post-pregnancy shedding is not as noticeable. This is great because I am no longer finding single long strands of my hair in Eva's fists or toes or diaper. 

Here is a quick shot:

And here is the 16-week old who is always on the go:

Oh, and since change was the theme this week... I changed the fonts and backgrounds of the blog. Let me know if they are loading okay and if you like them. 

Grilling Up Fruit

A few weeks ago we spent some time at a summer rental cottage with extended family. We had a fabulous time! We played games, watched sunsets, swam in the lake, built campfires and shared meals together. All the meals were fit for kings. 

Here, I will share a few ideas for desserts by campfire (or grill)... the first of which I have no photo. Uncle Mark brought pie irons, so we made cherry pie tarts. Three ingredients: Cherry pie filling, bread, butter. Make sure to bring a can opener to open the filling!

Uncle Stu treated us to campfire bananas stuffed with marshmallows and chocolate (I think you could also put in some peanut butter). So decadent!

Inspired by a cooking show, I fired up some apples stuffed with dried fruit, oats, brown sugar and butter. Another tasty treat! 

Taking the core out of the apple is not as difficult as one may think.