Music to my ears

Today's the day. Today is the day I got a giggle out of my girl. I have been waiting for this moment since the day she was born. Nothing is more adorable than a giggling baby! And not just one, I got her to do it for a good minute! She's been on the brink for a few weeks now, but it broke loose today. So stinkin' cute.

3 months

Lennon is 3 months old! She is just a doll and growing like a weed!
To see all her pictures from this month go here.

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Angel Hair with Roasted Fennel and Mozzarella

So good I had to post it! I also added chicken.

1 medium fennel (anise) bulb
1 whole garlic, cloves peeled (and cut in half if large)
2/3 cup diced canned tomatoes
1 Tbsp fennel seeds
1/8 - 1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 lb angel hair pasta
1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup - 1 cup of diced bocconcini cheese (fresh mozzarella)
1/3 - 2/3 cup of fresh grated parmesan

Cut fennel into small pieces (omitting frizzy parts and cutting out the core). Toss fennel, garlic, tomatoes, fennel seeds, half of the olive oil and the red pepper flakes and then spread on a baking sheet. Bake at 400 to 450 (depending on your oven) for 35 to 45 minutes. Fennel should be tender and a bit browned. Cook pasta, drain and toss with remaining olive oil, roasted mixture, basil, mozzarella and parmesan.

Babies are not like dogs

I have caught myself thinking, more than once, "Oh, Lennon is asleep. Now would be a great time for me to run to the grocery store." Like, I should leave her in her crib to run to do errands. Yeeeaaaaaaaah. Clearly, I have not done this because I am a fantastic mommy and I know you can't leave babies in cribs to go out and about. Even is they can't get out of their crib. And even if the dogs are really good babysitters.

Artichoke & Spinach Alfredo Chicken Lasagna

Jar of Alfredo sauce (I use 1 1/2 jars)
3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
14.5 oz artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1 tsp garlic powder
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
4 oz crumbled feta cheese
10 prepared lasagna noodles
2 cups packed raw baby spinach leaves

Combine chicken and next 4 ingredients. Spread small amount of alfredo sauce in bottom of 9x13 pan. Top sauce with 5 noodles, 1 cup of spinach leaves, 1/2 chicken mixture, and 1/2 remaining alfredo sauce. Repeat layers. Bake at 350 covered with foil for 45-50 minutes. uncover and bake an additional 10-15 minutes.