Sweet 3-Month Keegan Bradley

Please, somebody pinch me.  Is my second little baby already 3 whole months old?

Seriously.  I can't wrap my mind around it.

He looks so big.  Already.  He is already sitting in his Bumbo for several minutes at a time.  Next month he'll start eating rice cereal.

*cue adoring Mom sigh*

This little turkey has been a great baby.  He was cranky for several weeks but he's really learned how to be a happy camper, so long as he's full and dry.  He is so snuggly and squishy.  He smiles and coos and wide-mouth giggles.  He raises his eyebrows and makes my heart go pitter-patter.  His blue eyes just see right through me...one look and I want to just give him the world.  I admit it, I'm wrapped around his cute little finger.  Yes, it might just be that I'm trying to hold on to his baby-ness for as long as possible.  I don't care.  I know how fast he will grow and am trying to grasp every single moment of his little baby life.  

Life is busy these days and I have to admit to sometimes wishing that I could have time alone with one child at a time.  Some days they grant me my wish and coordinate their naps so that when one wakes up, the other goes to sleep.  I like these days.  It means I don't really get a break but time with each boy is so precious I just like when it happens this way.  During my time with Keegan, we snuggle, I give him his milk, I put him in his bouncer and get in his face and smile at him (to which he responds happily)...we have good Mommy-son time. 

Keegan loves to watch Thomas the Train with his big brother.  He really loves watching Jeremiah play.  Jeremiah takes a good bit of interest in him, too, especially if I'm holding Keegan.  He comes up and gives Keegan lots of sloppy wet kisses and tries to play with him.  Just a few months, my dear...

Here is one of Keegan's newborn pictures:

Keegan Bradley at 3 months:

Until next time,

Hannah Elise

My First Attempt at Stromboli

First of all, I would like to say that I am SO glad fall is almost here.  I love all things fall but my two faves are the cool weather and pumpkin...everything.  Brad brought me some beautiful fall-ish flowers the other day and I bought a new candle that is my absolute favorite scent:  Autumn Wreath by Yankee Candle (which they have on sale at TJ Maxx right now if you're in need of a new candle).  I can't wait to decorate for fall...if that happens...two babies + breakable stuff = not worth the effort?

Anywho, here's my first little taste of fall:

Now on to the good stuff!  I haven't done a recipe blog in quite some time and I'm trying a new recipe so I figured there's never been a better time than the present to blog about it!

This stromboli recipe is a Temple family favorite.  My sister-in-law makes it for her family very often.  I got the bread dough recipe from her.

Pour 1 cup warm (NOT HOT) water in bowl.  Stir in 1 TBSP sugar and about 3 tsp yeast (she said 1 pkg, I only buy jar so I did almost 3 tsp).  Mix in 1 tsp salt, 2 TBSP oil, and 2 cups flour.  Add in about 1 more cup of flour while kneading.  Knead about 10 minute until the dough forms a ball.  Let rise in a warm place for a little while.  I put it in my van per her recommendation and it rose in about 30 minutes.  Punch the dough and divide into 2 pieces.  Roll out onto pan, load it up with goodies, pinch it, shape it, and let it rise some more until you bake it.  Bake for 25 minutes at about 375 degrees.

As far as the "goodies" go, you can use pretty much anything you want.  Our family has it often with italian sausage, pepperoni, and cheese.  They serve alfredo sauce and marinara sauce with it to dip it in.  I didn't have italian sausage on hand so one of my stromboli....strombolis...? was pepperoni and cheese.  I had a bunch of leftover taco-seasoned ground beef from our dinner the other night (tacos, how exciting!) so I chose to try a new one:  taco-seasoned ground beef and cheddar cheese.  I will serve it with salsa and sour cream.

I realized I forgot to add salt to my dough so I sprinkled some kosher salt on top before putting them in the oven.  We'll see how bright of an idea that was...

Below are the required food pictures.  Sorry in advance for my oven...it hasn't been cleaned in awhile.

The smell of dough rising is spectacular

Ready for goodies!

Goodies applied

Stromboli!!

Take a break to feed your son a snack

Letting it rise some more underneath a pretty towel.  Makes it taste better.

Give said son some water to wash down his Fig Newtons

Going in the oven!

We killed the pepperoni stromboli before I could get a pretty picture.  Brad was on his break from work so we had to eat fast.  We are planning to have the taco one tomorrow for lunch.  Can't wait to taste it!

Until next time,

Hannah Elise