14 months old...

Kate turned 14 months on the 10th. I finally got a few pictures of her in the dress that I made her for Christmas. She wasn't really cooperating because it was after church and she was definitely ready for a nap, but they are still pretty cute. She is learning so much right now. Everyday she surprises us with something new. She is very good at blowing kisses, making animals sounds including, snake, kitty, tiger, bee, and cow. She can point to her nose and mouth. and is very helpful. If I am putting on her shoes and socks, she will lay down, lift upher legs and hand them to me. She is quite the little talker and will sit and have a full on conversation with you in her own language. We are still working on the walking though. She is very cautious and does great if we are barely holding on, but she is still a little scared to do it herself.

The other day I decided to let her try to feed herself with a spoon. I have just never thought to have her do it yet, but I put a bowl of applesauce in front of her, and helped her with one spoonful, and then let her try. She did so good! It was so cute to watch.

baby broadbent...

We are going to have a boy! We went yesterday to one of my brother Nate's buddies who works at the hospital and was able to get us a free ultrasound. Here is our new boy at 17 weeks. We are way excited now that we are going to have one of each. While we were listening to the heart beat, Kate started bobbing her head to the beat and trying to immitate the sound with her voice. It was way funny. We are still trying to figure out a name so anyone with a REAL suggestion is welcome to help us out. We reserve the right to shoot you down though. -Paul

happy new year!

My dad decided to treat the family to a new years day dinner at my favorite restaurant, Carrabba's. It was so delicious, thanks dad!

Also, I am really excited about this. My sister Mindy found the recipe for the dipping spices at Carrabba's so we tried it out last night, and it is exact. So for anyone that loves their dipping bread as much as I do, here is the recipe....

1 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper
1 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
1 tbsp. dried oregano
1 tbsp. dried rosemary
1 tbsp. dried basil
1 tbsp. parsley flakes
1 1/2 tsp. granulated garlic
1 tbsp. mince garlic
1 tbsp. kosher salt

(You can vary the amounts of red and black pepper depending on how spicy you want it, and also the garlic)

Mix spices and then add a little extra virgin olive oil to moisten a bit. Place desired amount of spice mixture on a plate, then drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Serve with fresh-baked bread for dipping.

To use as a sprinkle for breadsticks, mix just enough oil to moisten the mixture. Sprinkle over shaped breadsticks and let rise.

Store the leftover spice mixture in the refrigerator.

Enjoy!