Happy Halloween!

We had a great time trick or treating yesterday! We handed out candy at home while Nina napped, and then headed to an annual Halloween party. Nina and I went as ladybugs (in this photo her antennas are hidden, but we matched) and Mark went as an Occupy Wall Street protestor (if you know his politics, it was a joke... and this photo was taken sans poster and costume).

I brought these quick and easy treats to the party. Last year, I made homemade chocolate ganache truffles decorated with orange jimmies. Fancy schmancy and super delish. However, this year I opted for something a bit easier. These "Witch Hat Cookies" were cute and tasty. To make, simply purchase those fudge stripe cookies, flip upside down, pipe some orange frosting around the inside circle, and plop on a Hershey's kiss. Spooky Witch Hat cookies. Simple as that!

Misc Photos as of Late

Happy Friday! These photos crack me up so I thought I'd share them. 

Below is a photo of Evie (our lovable, but bruised  Goddaughter - lol) and Nina (slumped over and looking silly). Gotta love their matching onesies!

That same night, I snapped this photo of Nina smiling away. Gotta love her!

Pumpkin Patch

Yesterday, we went on our 1st Annual Pumpkin Patch afternoon. It was a beautiful day! We went the farmers market that morning, and drank cider at the patch in the afternoon. We purchased 5 pumpkins and some corn to decorate our home. Mr. Evans convinced me to go and I'm so glad we did!

* She's such a squirmer so this is the best we could get. :)

SIL's Baby Shower

Last weekend, we ventured across the state to the Bayport Marina on the MN/WI border for my SIL's baby shower for her little bundle of joy arriving in early December. I can't wait to meet the little boy she's been carrying around! :) Nina is excited to have a new cousin as well.

The shower was fantastic, spending time with my husband's family is always a pleasure and tons of fun, and Nina did wonderfully in the car and at the hotel for two nights! What fun! Can't wait to see them all soon!

* The momma-to-be with her onesies for baby L.

One Month

My goal is to take a photo of her each month/year on this rocking chair in her room to watch her grow. I hope I follow through! :)

Goodbye summer, hello fall

Goodbye summer, hello fall!

Since Nina was a lake baby in utero this summer, we decided to get her on the pontoon for her first boat ride in fall before the pier came out. She loved it! We hope she finds as much fun and peace in the lake as her mother and father (and grandma and grandpa) do.

Also, isn't this a nice quote?

"Motherhood is not a hobby, it is a calling. You do not collect children because you find them cuter than stamps. It is not something to do if you can squeeze the time in. It is what God gave you time for." - Rachel Jankovic

One month later...

It's been a month since our little girl arrived. It's been amazing -- full of laughter, patience and learning. My recovery has been fantastic, we've been sleeping well (Nina will sleep 6-8 hour stretches at night), and Nina eats like a champ, except for our minor setback with her developing reflux. Mr. Evans is a fantastic father and I am so lucky to have him as a partner in this new family life of ours. And, Nina is pure butter - she makes my heart melt. I see a lot of us in her and I cannot wait to watch her grow and be part of her life. The picture below is a prime example. It's a sneak peak from her newborn photography session at our house last week. Our photographer Amy from McManigal Photography was just great.

I apologize for the lack of posts (I know many of you have asked what's going on - what's going on is I've been spending time with my Nina). My time spent at the computer has been very limited lately... not because I can't, but because I've chosen not to sit and browse/post/email/etc. She is now one month old. And, next week real life starts again - a new job, graduate school, Nina starts daycare. This means, I'll be back on the computer... hence, this post.

I'll be posting again very soon. We've been busy so I have lots to share - her baptism, our first trip out of state with Nina to my SIL's baby shower, etc.