He Sits!

Ian is getting good at sitting up, though after a few seconds he usually begins to slouch forward enough to do a face plant, or arches his back and throws himself onto his back. He laughs when that happens on the nice, springy bed, but has learned it hurts to hit his head on the floor. So until he gets a little more control, he will practice some more on the bed.

You may have also noticed that he has discovered his toes! Toes, toys, hair and mommy and daddy's faces have become facinating these last few weeks.

Swaddled No More

Ian told me on Tuesday that he didn't want to be swaddled at naptime anymore. I was a little skeptical at first, thinking that he would change his mind as soon as his scratchy little fingernails started investigating his sleepy face. But the real hang-up was actually the sneaky fingers that kept plucking the pacifier from his mouth just as he was drifting off to sleep. His droopy eyelids would pop wide open in irritation everytime it happened, as if those naughty little fingers were not connected to the same consciousness. SO funny.

After watching those little "thieves" for 10 minutes, and replacing the binkie myself each time, I started guiding Ian's fingers to a blanket his Great Mamma (Great Grandma Searles) made for him, hoping the pacifier would be left alone. Sure enough, after 10 minutes of that, Ian's need to be swaddled had been overcome. We haven't swaddled him since, at naptime, or during the night.

I am actually feeling a little bit sad about this -- it is an unmistakable sign that he is growing up. However, I recognize that the swaddling was getting out of hand -- though he insisted on being tightly wrapped, he would usually work his hands free before you could even turn your back. And then he would cry. So, no more swaddling is a good thing.

Houston Temple

Amber's Visit

Our buddy Amber spent a long weekend with us. (Though it wasn't long enough. : ) We had all kinds of fun, and I was sad to see her head back to Provo for her last semester at BYU.

I have appointed myself as her official headhunter for PR positions. Only ones based in the Houston area will be considered. Let me know if you hear of anything promising!

Amber made us a cheesecake while she was visiting. Those who were able to attend my baby shower a few months back probably remember it as the best cheesecake they have ever tasted. Yummmmm..... I think I am going to go have another slice. Here is the recipe for the rest of you. I am telling you-- it is REALLY good stuff.

Dutton Family Cheesecake

Crust:

2 cups Honey Graham Cracker Crumbs
1 stick butter, melted
¼ cup sugar
2 handfuls pecan crushed

Mix well & press onto bottom and sides of springform pan

Filling:

4- 8 oz. packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
½ teaspoon vanilla flavoring
1 teaspoon almond flavoring

Mix well. Spread into crust. Place in cold oven and turn on at 350 degrees for 30 minutes

Topping:

1 pint sour cream
¾ cup sugar
½ teaspoon almond flavoring
½ teaspoon lemon juice

Mix well. Take cheesecake out of oven. Pour on topping and spread evenly. Return to oven and bake for 8 more minutes. Remove and allow to cool a little before placing into refrigerator. Chill at least 4 hours, but best if chilled 6-8 hours or overnight.