thanksgiving

It’s the holidays already.  Crazy, huh?

And it’s Olivia’s first holidays so that’s even more awesome.

She’s growing up so fast.  Gone are the days of floppy baby.  She’s a little person, figuring things out, exploring, laughing, babbling, squealing, hugging…  It’s a blast to watch but it saddens me at the same time.  It’s too fast.  Slow down, little lady, I want more time with your floppiness.

Stephen and I are in charge of gluten-free this year for Thanksgiving, which is so cool.  His mom has a gluten intolerance which is what led Stephen to wonder if he did, too.  I just went along with it because I thought it might give me more energy and, bam, no more migraines.

Best. Whim. Ever.

I miss sourdough deli sammiches though….

[le sigh]

In any case, I’m making gravy, stuffing, two pies and my sweet potato cranberry lasagna – all gluten-free.  I can’t wait.  A few members of Stephen’s family have expressed interest in a gluten-free or cut-the-gluten-way-back diet so this will be a chance to show how tasty gluten-free can be.  That it’s not about “giving X up” but more like solving a puzzle with tasty results.

Keep your fingers crossed that Olivia is a happy little angel baby on Thursday.  There will be 20 people at my in-law’s house.  Yikes!  I’m bringing a wrap and a sling to help with any possible overstimulation.  I just hope she’s in a good, easy-going mood.  There will be family there who haven’t seen her in a few months, and I’d love for her to be all smiles and giggles for them.

She’s been sleeping with us the past few nights.  I must admit, I love it.  I’ve missed her in the bed with us ever since she moved to her crib.  However, the past few nights, right about 1am, she wakes up crying her eyes out.  Dead asleep to hysterical crying in less than five seconds.  I don’t know if she’s teething (nothing visible in her gums) or it’s growing pains or nightmares or what but nursing and bringing her to bed after it happens seems to help.  She snuggles down between Stephen and I, drifts back to sleep, and stays that way until about 8am.

I’ll take it.

Her ability to be mobile is imminent.  Several times, I’ve seen her pop up on all fours, rock and then flop back down again.  She can *kinda* army crawl for about a foot then stops and fusses.

I think we’ll be doing some babyproofing this weekend as a preemptive measure.

Oh my tea is good…

Tomorrow is a very busy cooking day.  I think I’ll try to take it easy a bit today to prepare.

Oh, and guys?  I’m so thankful for you.  My readers.  You guys are [amazing] – even those of you who never comment but visit day after day to read my inane little ramblings.