Photo Friday: Atticus's 1st Birthday

April 2: Atticus's First Birthday!

April 3: Party Day!

Grocery Shopping with Two

April 8, 2016

Now that I've gotten the hang of it, I kind of like getting groceries with both of the kids. In fact, I think I enjoy grocery shopping more now that I did pre-children.

It helps tremendously that Aldi has shopping carts that fit two kids. Edith prefers to walk rather than ride in the cart, but that typically won't last the entire trip. So the two of them sit together and largely entertain each other.

The biggest hit lately has been the mirror at the top of the meat section. I didn't even notice it until I glanced up to see what had entranced them so. Last week they found the mirror at Kroger too, so it's a certified crowd-pleaser.

When the weather is nice, we walk to the Kroger at the edge of our neighborhood. Atticus stays in the stroller -- perfect, since I can load up the bottom with our buys. Edith sticks by me pretty well and is an expert at looking for free samples!

Photo Friday: Easter Best

March 27, 2016

Yum: Pattycake Bakery's Chocolate XO Cookie

I've found a new dessert to obsess over, and it's within walking distance.

Pattycake Bakery is a vegan dessert shop here in the Clintonville neighborhood of Columbus. It's quite popular but also quite small, with just a few seats inside and a couple of tables outdoors.

Pattycake gets raves around town, but a number of things have kept me away since we moved here a few years ago. First, it's not open in the evening. Second, the small size. And third, the all-vegan label. I have absolutely nothing against veganism, and I'm sure many vegan foods are good. But if I had to choose between a vegan and a non-vegan dessert, I'm probably going with the one loaded with butter.

But last week I took a long walk with the kids and walked right by at the right time -- that is, when I wanted a snack. The day was beautiful and sunny, so outdoor seating was fine. I browsed the cookies, cupcakes and other desserts but knew what my choice would be as soon as I saw it: the Chocolate XO cookie, a rich chocolate cookie filled with gooey chocolate chips.

It was delicious. Probably the third best dessert in Columbus, after the chocolate cheesecake at Omega Artisan Baking and the chocolate truffle cookie at Northstar Cafe. (Um, yeah, I like my chocolate layered and in massive quantities.)

"This is GOOD!" said Edith, with whom I reluctantly shared it. And to prove I'm a fun mom, even Atticus got a couple of bites. But I really wanted to keep it all to myself. Delicious and dreamy, and only $2.50.

Photo Friday: Siblings

March 10, 2016

March 24, 2016

April Doldrums

Are April doldrums a thing? Seems like it this year. At the beginning of the month was Atticus's birthday. At the end is a road trip. But the middle is filled with this and that and nothing too exciting, at least so far.

Of course, it doesn't help that it's been cold, rainy and even snowy lately. We've gotten way too used to spring sunshine and long walks to go back to gray skies and being stuck indoors.

Luckily the forecast looks much nicer over the next week -- so much so that I hardly know what to do with myself. Playground? Walk around the neighborhood? Run around the backyard? It hardly matters as long as we're outside. Spring, I hardly knew you.

Photo Friday: Six More Months of Atticus

Atticus went from infant to baby in his first six months. Over the last six months he transformed from baby to toddler -- literally, since he just began toddling on his own two little feet last week. Here is how he has changed:

Nov. 2, 2015

Dec. 2, 2015

Jan. 2, 2016

Feb. 2, 2016

March 2, 2016

April 2, 2016 - 1 Year Old!

On Atticus Turning 1

March 15, 2016

Atticus turned one year old on Saturday. Where have the last 12 months gone? I've often heard it said that the days go slow and the years go fast. Never has that been more true than in the past year.

My baby is a baby no longer -- unless you count in my head. He even took is first tentative steps last week and has become even more adventurous in the last couple of days. He's sturdy and playful, quick to laugh but also quick to make his way to Mommy's lap when his blue eyes fill with tears.

He had six teeth at last check, and boy, does he use them! Few foods get thrown to the floor, instead making their way to his belly as quick as he can handle them. He loves his fruits (bananas are a lunchtime favorite, as are strawberries and blueberries), peanut butter toast (just like his mom) and all manner of meats and veggies.

He's a climber and can make it up the stairs to the second floor in no time flat. He's been clapping since Thanksgiving, but we've been able to catch only a wave or two. He likes to play peekaboo and is equally happy whether you hide your face or he hides his own. He's pretty good at stacking blocks, but his favorite activities seem to be knocking all the books off of my bookshelves or seeing what big sis Edith is up to.

Growing up with a sister and having a daughter, I simply couldn't picture what it would be like to add a boy to our family. I couldn't be happier that I now know. Atticus is my little bugaboo, at one year old and forever.

One of my favorites! April 17, 2015

Photo Friday: Happy First Birthday (Tomorrow!) to Mr. Smiles

March 10, 2016, Ohio History Connection