Happenings as of Late

I'm afraid that this post is going to be really random and hectic. We haven't had a whole lot going on lately, but enough little things have happened that I feel like it is time to update the blog.

For the past couple months, Jeff has been in the process of applying to a number of different administrative fellowship positions across the country. It is a very exciting but stressful time for us. We have absolutely no idea where we will be this time next year! He is in the interview process with a few different facilities in particular right now, so we will see what happens in the next couple months. 

While Jeff has been busy with school, work, and fellowship applications, Morgan and I have been busy here at home. I am still going to school and Morgan is busy growing, growing, growing! I swear he changes so much every day. It is fun to see him learning all kinds of new things. He can now roll over both ways, sit-up on his own, pull himself to standing, talk in full-on baby babble, and is starting to have fun playing with all kinds of different toys. He has also gotten into this not so fun stage of being very needy and having some separation anxiety. We are working on it but I must say some days are difficult because he doesn't want to do anything but be held. It makes nap time especially troublesome. But like I said, we are working on it and I think he is getting better about feeling confident even when I am not right by his side. 

Morgan and I also took a quick little trip to California a couple weeks ago. We went out to see my sisters perform in their choir concert. Even though it was a short trip, we had lots of fun! We went to Disneyland again and Morgan got very spoiled by his grandparents and aunties which is always fun. Here are some pictures from our day at Disneyland!

Riding with Aunt Maddie and Aunt Abby

Riding with Aunt Maddie again

Morgan also got to have a "first" while we were in California--his first time sitting in a high chair! He loved it and was good entertainment for all of us. 

So proud of himself :-)

California was great and it was cute to see how happy Morgan was to see his daddy when we got home! He loves his dad. They are little buddies and it makes me so happy to see their special bond. 

Two peas in a pod!

When I leave these two alone I end up with pictures like this :-)

I also have to share some of the fun moments we've had with our furry babies! Knox has become obsessed with hanging out under our bed and under Morgan's crib. It is so funny! Even just today I walked into our room and I could hear Knox under our bed snoring!! He cracks me up. 

It always makes me so happy to see how sweet our dogs are with Morgan. Knox worries about Morgan so much! One night Morgan was having a "cry it out" session in his bed and we found Knox like this:

Laying in front of Morgan's door. So cute!

On another note, we are all really loving this October weather. Fall is the best time of year! The boys and I have been spending a lot of time outside these past couple weeks. 

We also decorated for Halloween the other night! It makes me so happy to have all of our decorations up and our pumpkin air fresheners going full blast. I have also been buying a lot of candy corn and other Halloween treats. I really shouldn't be allowed to go to the grocery store at all during the month of October. I just cannot contain myself! 

He likes to help us decorate!

Well I think that is all I have for this random post. I will end by posting a recipe that has been requested by a few of my friends. I really cannot claim this recipe as my own, though, because I found it on Pinterest a few years ago. I just follow the directions and it turns out great every time! Enjoy :-) 

Buttermilk Blueberry Breakfast Cake

Serves 6-8

½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
2 tsp. lemon zest or more — zest from 1 large lemon
7/8 cup* + 1 tablespoon sugar**
1 egg, room temperature
1 tsp. vanilla
2 cups flour (set aside 1/4 cup of this to toss with the blueberries)
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. kosher salt
2 cups fresh blueberries (I usually do 1 1/2 cups just because I am not a huge fan of blueberries. If you like them though--use the whole 2 cups!)
½ cup buttermilk***

* 7/8 cup = 3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons
** This 1 tablespoon is for sprinkling on top
*** To make homemade buttermilk, place 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice in a liquid measuring cup. Fill cup with milk until it reaches the 1-cup line. Let stand for five minutes. Use only 1/2 cup of the prepared mixture for the recipe.

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Cream butter with lemon zest and 7/8 cup of the sugar until light and fluffy.

2. Add the egg and vanilla and beat until combined. Meanwhile, toss the blueberries with ¼ cup of flour, then whisk together the remaining flour, baking powder and salt.

3. Add the flour mixture to the batter a little at a time, alternating with the buttermilk. Fold in the blueberries.

4. Grease a 9-inch square baking pan (or something similar) with butter or coat with non-stick spray. Spread batter into pan. Sprinkle batter with remaining tablespoon of sugar. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes. Check with a toothpick for doneness. If necessary, return pan to oven for a couple of more minutes. (Note: Baking for as long as 10 minutes more might be necessary.) Let cool at least 15 minutes before serving.