Christmas Cookies

I went back and forth whether I wanted to make Christmas cookies this year because things have been so insane, but then thought to myself things are always busy and we needed to make them. I really loved the recipe we used last year but thought we would try a different one this year.

We used the recipe from Gavin and Co for her grandma's sugar cookies. They were pretty yummy and I know Kinley had a blast decorating them. I am pretty certain she ate more of the decorations than she put on the cookies, but that is what it is all about! At one point she dipped her finger in the frosting and said, "Mommy this is yummy!" Yes honey it is yummy, it is pure sugar. This is probably the only time of year I will let her eat this much sugar. She really isn't a sugar girl so it is perfect.

I thought having the dough sit in the fridge would be a pain in the butt to role out but honestly it was so much better when it was cold. The second it got warm I could not get the shapes off the counter; so cold dough is the way to go. The only suggestion I have is when you are getting ready to roll the dough out put a decent amount of flour on the counter, the roller and and the cookie cutters. It made it so much easier to have everything floured (is that a word).

We had such a great time and it was 100% worth the HUGE mess it made in my kitchen. I am so glad we decided to make cookies, plus it gave Kinley and I some one on one time while Zander was sleeping.

Zander - 8 Months

We are getting closer and closer to his year birthday...how in the world is that possible! Wasn't I just writing his birth story! You can read part 2 here. I thought time went fast with Kinley but I think it is going faster with him. Things are so much busier with two sometimes the days are a blur. I hate it! I want to slow down time. We had a tough time getting any decent 8 month pictures.

Stats: He is somewhere over 17 pounds. He is still in size 2 diapers and wearing 9 and 12 month clothes. The 9 month clothes are getting a little small so I think next month we will transition into 12 months.

Sleep: All over the place!!! Like I said we have been sick and he is cutting teeth so you know what that means...no sleep! It has been tough! He has been going to bed about 6:30-7ish which is challenging on the nights I do not get home until 7. He is still in the zipadeezip and I think really liking it now. Naps are hit or miss at this point. Some naps 20 mins, some 3 hours. I feel like his night sleep is so random too at this point. I was really hoping we could get to something more consistent but it seems things keep happening, sick, teething, new skills developing, you name it. Some day we will sleep again.

Eat: We are in full swing of baby led weaning and he is doing so much better this month with it. He is really starting to eat more foods and actually put them in his mouth, though he does think it is funny to feed the dog. We tried the pouches with him and he LOVES them! I honestly think he is lazy and just enjoys people feeding him. We have had some issues with constipation so I need to find something to give him to help with this transition to more solids. Does anyone have any ideas? He is still breastfeed and getting pumped milk while I am working. I can not wait to be done pumping! My boobs do not respond well and I hate pumping! Kuddos to all you exclusively pumping moms!

Play: This boy is starting to scoot! He is getting his knees under him and then goes backwards, nothing forward yet. He has started to stand more with assistance. I can tell his legs are getting stronger. Kinley has made him belly laugh multiple times and it just melts my heart. I love hearing that sound and watching them interact. The looks he gives her are priceless. He did get a tooth and is working on his second so everything goes in his mouth!

He had his first visit with Santa and didn't seem to mind so much. Kinley on the other hand was not a fan. He celebrated his first Thanksgiving with lots of mashed potatoes and turkey! He also got his upgrade to sit in the carts at Target! Big step I know!

Other Monthly Updates:

Birth Story Part 1
Birth Story Part 2
1 Month
2 Months
3 Months
4 Months
5 Months
6 Months
7 Months

Our Favorite Teether

I recently ran across Smiling Tree Toys and fell in love with their teethers. There are so many options to choose from you can't go wrong. I was so excited when Smiling Tree Toys sent me a "Z" for Zander. If you have a teething baby this is a must have! He loves it too!

Zander has been teething for awhile now but it was kicked into full force a few weeks ago, with his first tooth cutting at the beginning of the week.  I was going to save this teether for his stocking but thought this would be the perfect time for him to use it, plus it gives me a reason to get him another one. He loves it and you can't have too many options when it comes to keeping your baby happy while teething. It is the perfect size for him to hold and shove in his mouth.

I would highly suggest taking advantage of the 15% discount and getting one or two of these for your baby. If you order fast you might even get it before Christmas. Don't forget to check out the other amazing things they have on their website. I am eyeing their name puzzles for the kids. Use code BROOKSIE15 until December 16th for 15% off all teethers! I hope you enjoy them as much as we do! Thanks Smiling Tree Toys!