Zach's First Birthday and More

I've been pretty excited about a lot of new recipes and other yummy food experiences this month. Of note: 

• Chia seed pudding with maple syrup and coconut milk (add nuts, strawberries, bananas - Yum!)
• Carrot cake made with apple sauce and maple syrup - Zach's birthday cake!
• Quesadillas of sweet potatoes, broccoli, hummus, and Gouda
• Hot apple cider float - Frank and I shared on his birthday
• Homemade chocolate sauce for Frank's birthday ice cream

Frank double-fisting
it on his birthday!

Zach and I have had the best time this month going for walks! The time change threw poor Zach for a loop - still has - but it's also given us time to go out after breakfast. Until mid-November, the weather was very mild, so it was never too cold. I love getting in a little Zach time and plenty of fresh air for both of us early in the day!

Of course, the results of the election of 11/8/16 were a real blow to the Fordams. It felt like a kick in the stomach. We focused on Zach on Wednesday night and had some Thai food to comfort ourselves. :(

Zach, tuckered out
from his first ear
infection

He's getting very close to walking, though a new interim step has been walking on his knees! He started taking multiple steps together around 11/20, and so he got his first shoes too! 

Climbing the stairs
and new shoes

I've recently started chasing him around his crib on a seat cushion, and he laughs and laughs, especially when we add in a game of peek-a-boo. We chose some of his wall decals and decorated his room together!

At home on the stair landing

Zach having so much fun at daycare!

And of course, his first birthday on Thanksgiving Day (11/24)! He enjoyed cake, presents, and multiple "Happy Birthday" serenades! Plus the entire country celebrated with gatherings! 

With presents

And cake