Adorable!

Eli & I had a play date with friends at Airlie the other day. We had such a fun time and the gardens are absolutely beautiful. The staff at Airlie do amazing work.

Of course I brought along my camera and snapped a few shots. Here are my favs:

Can't wait to see you all again soon.
-Lara

Baby Food

Eli started eating homemade baby food around 4 1/2 months. We introduce new foods pretty regularly (using the 3-4 day wait period between new foods). I must say though, his menu gets pretty boring and I'm always looking for new recipes.

Pete & I love to cook and we are a big fan of spices. I have been waiting to introduce spices to Eli and I think he is ready to get a little adventurous.  Here's a fairly good article about introducing spices to baby:

http://wholesomebabyfood.momtastic.com/tipspices.htm

So, I came across these two recipes today on Parents.com. 

Pears & Blueberry Puree: 
http://www.parents.com/recipe/fruit/even-pears-get-the-blues-pear-and-blueberry-puree/

Ingredients

• 1-1/2  cups  fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1    pear, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch slices
• 1/2  teaspoon  ground cinnamon

Directions

1. Place pears and blueberries in a steamer basket set over gently boiling water. Cover and steam until tender, about 5 minutes.

2. Remove blueberries and pear from steamer and allow to cool. Place in a food processor or blender. Add cinnamon; process until smooth. Serve or store in your favorite food storage container for up to 48 hours in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in your freezer.

Tip Don't have a steamer? No problem! Simply, place a metal colander over a pot of boiling water and cover. 

Minty Peas: 

http://www.parents.com/recipe/baby-food/minty-peas/

Ingredients

• 1  16-ounce package  frozen peas (I'll try to find fresh organic)
• 1  teaspoon  chopped fresh mint
•   Water (optional)

Directions 1. Fill a large bowl with ice water and set aside.
2. Place frozen peas in a steamer basket set over gently boiling water. Steam peas until tender, about 6 minutes. Reserve about 1/2 cup of steaming water.
3. Remove cooked peas from steamer and plunge into ice water for 30 seconds to stop the cooking. Drain peas from ice water and place in a food processor or blender. Add mint and process until completely smooth. You may add in some of the reserved steaming water to adjust consistency, if desired.
4. Distribute mixture evenly among your favorite food storage container. This mixture will keep up to 48 hours in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in your freezer.
Tip: Don't have a steamer? No problem! Simply, place a metal colander over a pot of boiling water and cover.
Save Time: Skip the ice water/shocking step and place drained peas directly into the food processor. The color will not be as vibrant but the flavor will still be great!
Ages: 6+ months

*pics & recipes by Parents.com*

So, I'll stop by the downtown Farmers' Market on Saturday to pick up some organic mint and blueberries and possibly pears & peas. I'll make these yummy looking recipes and post some pics of Eli trying them out! I think I'll start with the blueberries & pears. Should be interesting :).

~ Lara

MSA Ceremony of Recognition - UNCW

Congratulations MSA Class of 2011!


I have enjoyed working with you and wish you all the best in your new endeavors.


Here are a couple of my favorite pics from the Ceremony of Recognition.

~ Lara

Family Shoot in the Downtown Wilmington Area

 


I had such a great time with you and it was so nice to see your family. You guys have such a lovely easiness...

Liam is a cutie and has changed so much from our last session at 9 months. I love the pics of him from Greenfield Lake!

There are so many great shots from our session but these are my top 5.

Be sure to share the blog post and slide show with your family & friends. Have them vote on their favs from the session. After 8 responses, I'll post the winning shot and you'll receive a free 6x9 of your choice.

Can't wait to see which ones you guys love!

~ Lara