5 months

Jack is 5 months old now and is SO fun!  Here he is on Mother's Day.

And he has a new obsession with his toes.  They are always up in the air like this or in his mouth. 

This was the first time that I ever noticed him sleeping on his side.  He sure looked cozy.  Look at that cute little belly hanging out!

Some tummy time on the hardwood floors.  We usually put him on a blanket but it gets bunched up when he tries to move around.

Jack can sit up for a bit longer now, especially if he's playing with a toy or focusing on something in front of him.  He also tries to sit up if he's laying down in the stroller and sees someone he wants to play with or when he knows he's getting out of his carseat. 

These were taken this morning while we were lounging around in bed. 

A little tickle from Da-Da.

And the last two days he is more and more interested in trying to move forward.  Here he is pushing his little diaper bottom in the air.

Little love-bug.

More updates:

• Jack had about 10 days where he was getting up every night.  He must have just had a growth spurt because now he has slept 11-12 hours straight each night this week.  We're glad to have our good sleeper back!
• When he is tired he can't stop rubbing his eyes with the back of his chubby hand.  It's really cute.
• He's getting good at multi-tasking.  For example, sucking on a toe while kicking the other foot to hit toys from his bouncer seat. 
• He's starting to really snuggle.  And when he sees his reflection in the mirror or something that excites him, he squeels and puts his arms around your neck and snuggles his head on your shoulder. 
• We still haven't given him any cereal or baby food yet.  Look for some messy pictures in the 6 month update!

Garlic Pasta Salad

Andy really loves this pasta salad at our local co-op grocery store.  The nice thing about the co-op is that they list all of the ingredients on the label.  With that, I set out to try to copy the recipe.  I did change a few things, (like using mayo instead of vegannaise and milk instead of buttermilk) but I think we came pretty close!  Not bad for the first Litton Test Kitchen creation!

Garlic Pasta Salad

1 c. mayo

1 Tbsp. jarred minced garlic

1 tsp. lemon juice

1 Tbsp. milk

1/8 t. thyme

1/8 t. oregano

1/4  - 1/2  t. cayenne pepper (depending on how zingy you want it)

1 t. parsley (use fresh if you have it)

1 lb. Callentani Pasta (corkscrew), cooked, drained, and rinsed in cold water

1 c. frozen peas, thawed

1/2 c. shredded parmesan cheese (not grated)

Combine the first 8 ingredients.  Mix in with cooked pasta noodles and add peas and parmesan cheese.  Refrigerate and serve.  Warning- garlic breath comes with garlic pasta!

Sausage & Pepper Heros

Sausage & Pepper Heros

1 lb. mild italian sausage links
2 peppers, any color
1 red onion
2 Tbsp. Italian Seasoning
1/4 c. balsamic vinegar
Hoagie buns
Swiss cheese

Cut sausage links into 3/4" chunks on a diagonal.  Cook on med/high for about 7-8 minutes.  Add sliced peppers and onions and cook an additional 10 minutes or so or until cooked through.  Add italian seasoning and balsamic vinegar and toss to coat. 

Place hoagie buns opened up on a cookie sheet.  Broil in oven for a minute or so.  Add meat & veggie mixture, top with cheese. Return under broiler for another minute or two.  Enjoy!