Hats, More Ping Pong, Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, More Hats

If you couldn't tell from the title, this is yet another random update post (warning: it's a long one!).  :)  Abby is not one for wearing hats or having things in her hair but as I mentioned earlier, she's finally taking interest in her hats lately.  She's got a rather large head (97% at her 12 month check up) so it's extra "cute" when she's got a beanie on.  Here she is with her winter hat that she never wore and Lao Nian helped her put the bee beanie on Sweet Pea's head. 

I cooked up some organic chicken breast and steamed some haricot vert for Abby's lunch one day.  I just love seeing her eat what I make!  Can you tell I don't cook much?  :)

Here is a picture of Abby completely zoned out in Ni Hao, Kai Lan world.  Just look at the intense concentration. 

Abby always plays with my socks and she kept wanting me to put them on her feet - so I did.  And she made a little hoodie with her old receiving blanket as well.  It's so neat how her imagination is starting to show and her face looks so sweet and innocent!

But don't be fooled!  She's coming to getcha!  :)  {Yes, I have a little nose-squinter!}

Changing subjects, I couldn't wait to make homemade Vanilla Bean Ice Cream.  I had no idea one vanilla bean was $6!  I changed up the recipe a bit and made it lower fat and it still tastes delicious with a creamy texture!  I used half & half instead of heavy cream and I only used 6 egg yolks instead of 10. 

More ping pong at Lao Nian's office!  :)  All she did was walk around with a ping pong in each hand and paddle up to her belly. 

More hats.  Just another phase, I'm sure.  :)

The hat magically turned into a purse!  :)

And now for the highlight of Abby and my day today.  During today's rain, a large branch from our neighbor's oak tree decided to land in our back yard.  I use the term 'branch' loosely because it's approximately 8" in diameter, 15' long and looks more like a small tree.  Bryce is looking forward to doing some man-work and sawing that sucker into pieces.  I've always said Abby is an observant baby but this is really hard to miss.