Our 1st Thanksgiving

Before the baby was born we had decided to have Thanksgiving at our house. I know this was a lofty goal seeing as we would have few hands to juggle both turkey and baby. However, with careful planning, extra hands, a moby wrap, and quick recipes, our Thanksgiving was successful!

After a month of living off freezer food, cooking was a privilege I enjoyed--even though I was up until 4 am preparing food and feeding a fussy baby (who clearly sensed the excitement in the air). However, even with a few hours of sleep I rolled out of bed excited to begin our feasting day.

Our menu:
Oven Roasted Butterflied Turkey
Apple-Cider Glazed Ham
Orange-Balsamic Roasted Beets & Carrots
Zucchini Gratin
Mashed Potatoes
Sweet Potato Pie
Candied Yams
Roasted Green Beans
Brussel Sprouts
Mac & Cheese
Cole Slaw
Pumpkin Pie
Apple Pie
Pumpkin Cheesecake
Rolls
Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Cheese Plates
and so much more....

Whew.....I cant believe I fit all that in my belly (this is where no longer being pregnant had its clear disadvantage as I no longer have room to eat like a horse). Granted, everyone took part in preparing the Thanksgiving feast whether it was preparing a dish or holding a baby, and this year, the food was extra special.

Thanksgiving wouldn't be what it was if it wasn't for the few mishaps that can cause laughter, chaos, and sometimes a tear. Even with our confidence and expertise, we weren't protected from the usual T-day hiccups. Our 26.6 pound turkey didn't fit in the oven as planned. We had a few small grease fires (quickly put out and prevented with our newly converted muffin pan for grease trapping). We forgot the stuffing in an oven downstairs and left the cranberry sauce in the fridge...ooops. The disposable plates were too flimsy and somehow I ended up shoving mashed potatoes up my nose (only to be caught by everyone who saw me racing across the room for a napkin).

All in all, everything came out great. We sat in camp chairs. Drank beer from plastic cups and used our sleeves for drippings. The turkey was perfectly moist and cooked evenly (butterflied, roasted at 425 for 3 hours). There was no shortage of beer or wine. Listening to everyone compliment the food made the effort worth while. The best part was the pumpkin cheesecake topped with eggnog ice cream and pared with some Irish coffee.

By 9 pm, our house was empty, our fridge full, and our bellies working on their second wind. Unfortunately, we were headed to bed to wake up for the famous black Friday sale, all the while Kannon slept peacefully in the arms of family and friends.

Our Firsts...

Everyone remembers their first kiss, their first love, their first car and usually remember such with fondness and nostalgia. This past week, Dale and I have shared many firsts with our son, firsts that we will always remember, even if our little one forgets.

It is amazing that in only 11 days Kannon has grown up so much. He is more alert with each passing day, gazing into the world around him. He spends much of his tummy-time exercising his head and neck muscles and even more of his time smiling, although fairly spontaneous, its still adorable.

Our Firsts for this week include:


(He looked something like this)

1.) First trip to the doctor. The nurse thought it was hilarious that even though he was stripped to his diaper on a cold mat, he still slept, completely stretched out!



2.) First trip out of the house. We went to the brewery, where yet again, he slept. Then we went to Target and the Mall for a few supplies.



3.) First bath! He LOOOOVVEED his bath. He especially loved having his face and hair washed. So, bath time will soon become an evening ritual.



4.) First stroll to the park. We made this a family affair and carted the dogs along (we had to kick the cat out of the stroller though!). The long walk apparently made him hungry as he wanted to nurse as soon as we arrived!

5.) First trip to the bar! We celebrated the last night of family in town by going to James Bar. He slept. No one would have guessed that we had a baby in a bar.

6.) First cloth diaper change! We made the switch yesterday to cloth diapers. He had so many blow outs in disposables and now, we are (so far) blow-out free! Plus, we love the fluffy bum!

7.) First stretch of sleep! Kannon slept for 5 hours straight last night!



8.) First time in a baby sling. We went hands free and put Kannon in our Moby wrap...he slept the whole time while I got caught up on emails and Dale cleaned the house!

9.) First night of gas....This broke our heart! Kannon was not and could not get comfortable. His face turned red, he was crying hysterically and refused breast, swaddle, swing, and everything! Finally he let out this HUGE fart and passed out. I think the french onion soup I ate for dinner may have hurt his little tummy.



These are only some of the many firsts that we will experience. I get emotional peeking ahead in our baby book at the spaces for "1st day of school" or "1st tooth". I cherish our time with our son as any mother and father will admit, they grow so fast!