4 Month Update & Recipe at bottom

Lincoln had his 4 month check up last week and happy to report all is good and he's growing right on track! He weighed in at 16.2 lbs and is 26 1/4" long! Over the past month we've seen some fun changes and new skills in our lil' man. He LOVES bath time, kicking and splashing. We've started reading to him and he seems to really enjoy books! He plays a lot in the exersaucer he's borrowing from his cousin Ethan. The most entertaining change is he has definitely found his voice! He babbles and sings -we think so anyway =) constantly from morning til night. We went to Opryland to look at the pretty lights and Christmas decorations, visited Christiana to spend time with Aunt Brandy, Uncle Nick and 3 of his cousins to look at their pretty Christmas lights set to music, he traveled to meet his newest out of town buddy Easton (congrats to Rachel and Eric), attended a few Christmas parties and now he is ready for his 1st visit from Santa Claus. We can't wait to celebrate his very first Christmas - God is good! 

Lincoln, you make everyday moments so much more enjoyable. Especially now as we are about to celebrate Christmas with you for the very first time. Your daddy and I have SO MANY hopes and dreams for you. We can't wait to teach you about the real meaning of Christmas. We are super excited to start a few new family traditions with you. Even though you aren't aware of what's going on, we're starting one tonight when we set out cookies for Santa. And then tomorrow morning will be full of joy as we wake you up to wish you a Merry Christmas for the very first time!! I know one day we will be the ones getting woken up but for now we are enjoying you at every stage because time is really going by so fast. This time last year we had just found out you were on the way! You were the best Christmas gift last year and again this year and every year to come. We love you so much! Merry Christmas and Happy Four Months!!

Mommy and Daddy

Recipe for SNOW COCOA via HappyHomeFairy found on Pinterest

Here's a new EASY recipe we tried this past weekend at the annual pre-Christmas breakfast celebration at Lincoln's Gran & BoBo's house with some of his "extended family". We all ate so much good breakfast that we didn't really drink much of this Snow Cocoa BUT I tried it and it was delicious! Easy to make and serves a big group from the crock-pot.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whipping cream
• 6 cups milk
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 12 oz white chocolate chips (we followed the recommendation for Ghiradelli, not sure it would really make a difference. May taste good with milk chocolate chips too!)

Directions:

• Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker.
• Heat on low for 2-2 1/2 hours or until chocolate is melted and mixture is hot.
• Stir well to blend and serve.

Hello December!!

This is a special month in the Edwards' household, especially today! Dennis and I exchanged our vows 2 years ago - 12/11/10

they say rain on your wedding day is good luck!!

What an amazing, humbling ride the past 2 years have been for us! We can't wait to see what God has in store as we continue our journey together. How lucky we feel to begin year #3 as a family of 3!

PS-You can check out Lincoln's 3 month photo session with Keri Kay Photography here. Once again she has done such a great job capturing our lil' man. We love her!!

3 months and counting!

Another month has FLOWN by as we start to prep for the holidays! We have so much to be thankful for as we celebrate Thanksgiving. Lincoln has grown QUICKLY this month (up to 14 1/2 lbs). He smiles a lot and has a squeal-ish sounding giggle. His chunky feet outgrew some of his little socks overnight. He's awake, alert and happy for longer stretches now in comparison to last month. He soared through 0-3 month sizes (except hats) and is inching out of his 3 months clothes just as fast. He has started sitting in his Mamas and Papas Baby Snug seat for a few minutes each day, likes to be held up standing on his feet, he seems to like watching short videos on my phone (either of himself or Sasha) and he gets really excited for bath time, splashing and laughing.

Here's a photo timeline of some fun we've had over the last month:

Lincoln got to hang out with all 4 of his cousins, here's him with his oldest cousin Addison:

and cousin Ethan

He met his newest buddy Harrison born November 4th:

He helped celebrate his friend Colin's daddy's 40th birthday with surprise special guests, the Predators Ice Girls:

Dennis and I celebrated our birthdays together at Arrington Vineyard:

Sasha tried to nap in Lincoln's car seat:

Lincoln modeled a cozy winter hat as we sorted through what fits now:

And he dressed up like his daddy

Little Man: This time last year we were praying for you, but we really had no idea what we were asking for. Who knew we would be so lucky to have such a happy, sweet little man come in and take over our world. We still aren't 100% sure we know what we're doing but we are trying our best and you seem to be content. We love you little turkey! You've got the Gobble, Gobble part figured out :)

Love these rolls 

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Love- The Edwards Family

Pumpkin Pie Dip Recipe

Pumpkin Pie Dip Recipe

I first tried this dip last year for Thanksgiving and loved how easy and tasty it turned out! I have since made it for a Pumpkin themed baby shower (seen below), this week at my company Thanksgiving Potluck and I'll be remaking at least once over Thanksgiving festivities in the coming week.

Ingredients:

1. 1 8 oz package cream cheese - softened
2. 1 15 oz can pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie)
3. 1 cup powder sugar
4. 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
5. 1 teaspoon vanilla

Ideas for Dippers:

• Apple slices
• Pear slices
• Gingersnap Cookies
• Graham dippers - either Graham crackers, Teddy Grahams or they even sell Graham cracker dipping sticks!
• Vanilla Wafers
• A spoon...

Instructions:

The real recipe from CopyKat Recipes found here will tell you an order of what to mix and how BUT I like to make an already easy recipe EASIER: I dump everything in a large bowl and set my KitchenAid to number 5 for about 4 minutes to get it creamy. I even cheat and buy the already sliced, bagged apples for dipping. I make ahead and fridge overnight so the flavors settle. You can use for up to 10 days from the day you mix. Enjoy!

What a treat!

Happy Halloween from our little pumpkin

2 Months Old

We had Lincoln's 2 month check-up this past Thursday. He weighed in at 12 pounds 1 ounce (+ almost 3 lbs) and is 24" long (+ 1"). Over the past month we've moved up to size 1 diapers, he still eats an average of every 2 hours with a few 3 & 4 hour stretches... the best update for us since last month is HE STARTED SMILING!!

That smile makes his mommy and daddy melt and makes the long nights TOTALLY worth it!! His newborn clothes are just about to be too snug. We have a couple piles to pass down to Harrison and Easton. Lincoln helped celebrate these 2 future BFF's of his at their momma's baby showers. We celebrated Jenn's lil pumpkin on the way due in just a few weeks. Hard to believe how quickly the year has gone by. I can't wait to meet Harrison and know he and Lincoln will be instant buds! Just like Harrison's cousin Colin. We all joke about starting a sports team with all the baby boys being born this year. Here's a few pics from Jenn's shower:

Welcome Harrison!

Jenn's Lil Pumpkin 

*Lincoln born 8/17/12*Harrison due 11/2/12*Colin born 7/3/12*

Momma to be and the hostesses

Easton's shower marked Lincoln's first road trip! We drove to Chattanooga and stayed with Rachel and Eric..it was a successful first night away from home!! It's always so great to visit with all our Chatt friends and I especially loved celebrating the upcoming arrival of Rachel's baby boy. I remember calling her when I first found out I was pregnant. After having other big conversations over the phone, I knew I wanted to wait a few days and tell Dennis in person.. so I called Rach instead. Fast forward a few months later and Rachel called to share her big news. I am SO HAPPY for my friend and look forward to raising our boys together. Our family of 3 enjoyed our short trip (we sadly don't have any photos to post yet, will have to update later). Our next trip to Chattanooga will be to meet baby Easton :)

Dennis spent a couple weeks away overseas and we were all THRILLED to welcome him home! Here's Lincoln (right before a meltdown) waiting to greet his daddy at the airport:

Lil man missed his daddy!

While Dennis was on the road, I had plenty of grandparent help and a lot of lunch dates and visits with girlfriends to help pass the time. Thank you ladies for taking time to hang out with us!

2 Month photos:

Lincoln,
I  can't believe how fast time is passing and how quickly you grow!! We love seeing your daily changes and especially enjoy starting and ending every day with your perfect smile. You have quite the silly personality, make the cutest sounds and babbles, let us know when you're hungry, sleep best being cuddled and make us proud every single day. You amaze us and we feel very lucky to be your parents. We hope above all else that you grow up knowing just how much we love you - although I don't think you'll ever truly know just how much ;)
Happy 2 months to you - our precious lil man! 
Love,
Daddy & Mommy

weekend recap in photos

Playtime Friday night:

 

Love our mini biker:

Getting ready for Halloween:

I started back to work today - wish us all luck with the transition.

Happy Monday to all,
Denisse, Dennis + Lincoln

Lincoln's 1st Photo Shoot

When Lincoln was only 13 days old we took him to his very 1st photo shoot in Spring Hill, TN to the sweetest photographer Keri Kay. We've always used Matt Andrews for photos and LOVE him! (flashback to our wedding and maternity sessions with Matt). For Lincoln's newborn session we wanted to venture out and try someone who specializes with little ones. I was a little nervous since Matt has become our friend and comfort zone over the past few years. A friend of a friend has the cutest little girls who use Keri and we loved her portfolio. Thanks Waddie for the recommendation!

Keri has a super cute and comfy studio that is beyond welcoming for new parents -or experienced parents, my point is you get there and feel right at home! She is a mother herself and understands the lack of scheduling with newborns. I nursed Lincoln right when we got there, stalling the start to his session for almost an hour. She totally gets it and led me to her cooler room across the hall from the room she shoots in, sat me in the rocking chair and situated me with a Boppy to use - very accommodating to say the least! Keri keeps the newborn shooting room super warm and cozy to keep the babies in a nice deep sleep so she can mold them into place. We trusted her right off the bat with him, after all she has WAY more experience than either of us with babies, her own and all the cuties she's worked with over the years. We never felt rushed even though we were there 9am-2ish. She took her time with us and was able to capture Lincoln's precious newness.

Here's a couple of our favorites:

Even though we're not on facebook I've been able to stalk look at Keri's page to see her new posts. Here's the link: http://www.facebook.com/kerikayphotography

And here is Keri's blog write up of Lincoln's session with a recap of our time together and a teaser of his photos: http://networkedblogs.com/CT8jQ

We can't wait to see the rest! Thank you Keri- see you soon for his 3 month session!
Happy Monday!
Love,
Dennis, Denisse and Lincoln the "snuggler"