Shannon’s World

I was out walking with my 4 year old daughter. She picked up something off the ground and started to put it in her mouth. I took the item away from her and I asked her not to do that.

I’m responsible for the events and logistics for 425 next week in Chicago. . .Libby’s teething (FINALLY getting some teeth, I think)…refusing her pacifier, not sleeping well and just feeling crummy. . .we’re having a good week. . . thank goodness for Sweet Lucinda’s cupcakes. . .baby motrin. . . and my Mom. . . they make everything better!

After talking to my Aunt on Thursday night, I realized I haven’t posted pictures or video of some of Libby’s newest tricks. I must say this one is my favorite; my heart melts everytime I see those arms fly up, head tilt and proud look come across her face.

I made 7 Cans this week and while I was cooking it I started thinking that the soft veggies from the minestrone soup would be perfect for Libby. She loved it!! We filled her tray with tiny pieces of ground beef, potatoes, carrots, peas and beans. Mike commented that it was probably the first meal we all ate together, at the same time!

Other non-traditional foods Libby loves: spinach artichoke dip, Grandma’s turkey soup, pumpkin bread, blueberry bagels and the “stuffing” in stuffed peppers

Congratulations to the IU Men’s Basketball Team - #1 in the Big Ten thanks to a win over the Illini (and thanks to Michigan State for losing to Iowa - who IU previously defeated).  GO HOOSIERS!

I had a great weekend! On Friday I returned to 1305 N. Jordan Ave with Alison, Laura, Jorie and Sarah to help the ladies Gamma Phi with recruitment. It was great to relive our “glory days” in Bloomington. After touring the house, serving drinks at 12 party, helping tally some numbers and taring down the Gamma Phi Idol Skit we went to Nick’s for a quick bite to eat. We didn’t stay out much later, since we didn’t leave Gamma Phi until after 11pm. . .oh how times have changed! We used to start our Friday nights at 11 pm!! We spent the rest of the night gabbing and catching up at Century Suites.

Saturday we stopped by the house to check out 6 party, ran by the bookstore and then headed home. I’m already looking forward to our girls weekend away to help again next year…it’s so much fun to be back in the sorority for a day or two and eat all our Bloomington favorites (Bloomington Bagel, Pizza Express).

On Sunday we took advantage of the 58 degree weather and went to the zoo. Check Mike’s for pics and the low down.

The Barron’s incorporated some new traditions into our Christmas celebrations this year. Libby got new pajamas on Christmas Eve (she actually got two pairs…come on…it’s only your first Christmas once!). I think I first read about the tradition of new pajamas on Christmas Eve in an article on Katie Courick and I loved the idea. I always had Lanz nightgowns growing up but the smallest they make those is 2T. I was able to find this one piece flannel lanz set (with ruffle bottom) for Libby.

The second tradition was my Dad reading ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. Let the record show that I started reading it to Libby and after a few interruptions/comments from the peanut gallery I let him take over. I must admit Grandpa was much more animated and we all enjoyed it, Libby especially.

One tradition that we didn’t do this year, but I hope to next year is to read the Christmas story from the Bible before we head downstairs Christmas morning. We had some family friends in Alaska that did this each year. Their kids all gathered on the parents bed and listened to the story before they ate breakfast or opened presents. This is terrible, but I can’t find our Bible, so we’ll have to do it next year.

It was so neat to spend Christmas in our home and start some new traditions.

Black velvet was all the rage in the Barron house this holiday season (at least for me and Libby)!  Despite the 2 hour long mass and Libby only taking a 15 minute cat nap for her afternoon nap, she was in good spirits on Christmas Eve!