November

November was a crazy month. A whirlwind. Out of all the months so far in this pregnancy, this one has just flown by. Between hunting, entering the 3rd trimester of our pregnancy, and some major toddler- phase at home, I am ready for a vacation! Maternity leave will have to suffice.

Here are some updates:

• One big November 2013 announcement: Mackenna is potty trained! 90% of the time. We still have the occasional accident. Not too bad for 2 years 2 months, I'd say. I didn't really see this one coming. I was ready to wait until she was 2 1/2 to even attempt it. But than she started showing a lot of interest in the potty, and daycare indicated she was trying it out there as well- so I dove in to the process and haven't looked back since. I started two weekends ago, when Ben went away to hunting camp for a week. It was a tough weekend of a lot of patience and hard work. The following week at daycare started off rough on Monday and ended with no accidents on Friday. Ben and I are so proud of Mackenna, and glad to have the diaper phase of her life behind us. It at least gives us a two- month break from diaper changes. 

• In other news, this past month Mackenna's left ear tube fell out. Within a matter of weeks, she has an ear infection in that ear. We took her into the doctor to have her look at it, after she complained of ear pain. He indicates that we likely will be looking at her needing tubes a second time, depending on how the next few months go. We are hoping not- as bringing her to the hospital and having her go under anesthesia would be even harder for us all at this age than when she was a baby, but time will tell. Ultimately, we will do whatever we have to do to avoid the repetitive ear infections she used to have when the tubes weren't in place. 

And, our month is photos...

Early November park play date with the boys.

Sick day at home with a 24- hour flu.

Looking sweet in pig tails.

Parents night out at Sebago Brewing Company.

Trader Joes shopping trip with Dad!

Our first snow of the season.

Mackenna was so excited that daddy returned from hunting camp after 8 nights away!

The "hunting wives," all gathering for the boys deer cutting after returning from hunting camp.

From left to right: Katelyn, Me, Jenn, Sara, Pam (Pete's Mom) and Cynthia (Pete's sister.)

Jenn busy sealing up the venison.

Checking out the trophy buck.

Mackenna Mouse at camp.

Tea party for two! 

Happy Thanksgiving!

As usual, we spent our Thanksgiving in Bridgton with the Siemen/ Deignan/ Blanchard family at camp. It was a great day of relaxation, delicious food, and family time. 

...and yes, this was the best photo we could get, with a very tired toddler who hadn't napped and is battling an ear infection and cold. As always, I'm thankful for my husband who is patient with any photo- op I ask him to participate in. 

Our little turkey!

Outtake from my attempted cousin photo shoot. Mackenna loved playing with Connor this weekend, and felt like a real big kid.

Setting the table.

This year I made a dairy- free (for Talia) green bean casserole that was really delicious! 

We brined the turkey for the first time this year, soaking it in the brine the night before Thanksgiving- and that was a HIT! Everyone said it was the best turkey they have had.

The turkey centerpiece Mackenna made for the table.

I'm thankful for so many things in my life, and it changes year to year what I am most thankful for. But starting this year, I know one thing I am grateful for will never change. My two girls. 

Gymnastics

This month, Mackenna started gymnastics. She goes every Saturday morning at Maine Academy in Westbrook. She loves going!

Mackenna Talk

Although I stopped with the 'monthly updates' at age 2, she changes so much every month that it's impossible not to keep updating.

Here are Mackenna's latest sayings:
"Mommy home?" "Daddy home?" "Kenna home?" She will repeat for a while, as we answer yes/ no.
"Dodgie" for doggie.
"What daddy doing?"
"Mail all done?" (After we check the mailbox.)
"Oh thats nice!"
"Moose jams!" for her favorite red moose pajamas.
"Kenna do!"
"You help me."
"Oh dear."

Other than learning new sentences every day, Mackenna is working on potty training, cleaning up her plate after her meals, and attempting to dress herself.

Welcome to Maine, McGuires!

Exciting happenings around here the last few weeks! Abby and Jared, and my adorable little niece Stella, are Mainers alas. We are enjoying their company at our house while they wait for their apartment to be move in ready. I'm very grateful to have my sister and her  family close by again. We can't wait for all the fun adventures our family will have together in the years to come.

First time meeting Uncle Ben! 

Stella with her glowing (growing) Aunt.

Cousins

Snuggle time at Gorham House of Pizza w/ Auntie.

Cousins that teethe together, stay together.

One of many photos Bethany will be taking of me! 

Steak and Mushroom Pot Pie

This meal is a must- make! It was the perfect {winter} comfort food. A cross between a beef stew and a chicken pot pie. Kind of a beef stew pie. It was delicious. Ben and I had it the next night for leftovers, and we rarely eat leftovers for dinner! Not the most photogenic food ever, but if you look below you can see the perfect mix of beef, vegetables, gravy and a flaky pie crust. I found this recipe here, read the reviews, and altered it a bit. My version is below! A new favorite for a cold night. Warning: Its somewhat intensive, not just a 'throw and go' type of meal.

Ingredients

3 lb stewing beef 

1 large onion, diced

3 carrots, diced

2 celery sticks, diced

1 large package of mushrooms, sliced

2 cloves garlic, crushed

2 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp each dried thyme, dried rosemary and dried oregano

2 bay leaves

2 cups strong beef stock

1 tbsp cornflour mixed with 3 tbsp l milk

salt & pepper to taste

2 sheets of pie crust (one for bottom, and one for the top- just like an apple pie.)

1 egg, beaten

Directions

• For the filling, brown the beef in a large pot. Remove and set aside.
• In the same pot, fry the onion, carrots and celery sticks until soft and fragrant (about 10 minutes).
• Add the mushrooms and garlic and fry for 5 minutes before adding the paprika and herbs.
• Pour in the stock and add the browned beef back into the pot. Stir to combine everything and reduce the heat. Cover the pot and allow the stew to simmer gently for 1 1/2 – 2 hours.
• When the meat is really tender, turn the heat up and pour in the cornflour mixture. Allow the sauce to simmer rapidly and thicken for about 10 minutes.
• Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees.
• Line the bottom of the dish with one pie shell.
• Pour the beef into your pot pie casserole dish. (I didnt have the perfect one, but this oval baker worked.) Top the filling with the other pie shell.
• Cut 2 slits into each pie to allow the steam to escape and brush with the rest of the beaten egg.
• Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the pastry is cooked through and golden brown.
• Remove and serve!

Filling going in, before the top layer.

Enjoy!

 Mackenna entertaining herself while mom cooked!

Happy Halloween!

Mackenna really enjoyed her third Halloween the most of them all. (Can you believe she's seen three Halloweens?) This year she fully enjoyed getting candy, she wasn't scared of anyone, and even learned how to say 'chich or cheat!'

Heading off to school with Dad in the morning in her costume!

On Halloween night, we went over for The Wescott's annual Halloween party/ trick or treating. Despite the rain, we still took the kids out in the neighborhood! A photo of the moms out walking with the kids!

Flashbacks to Halloween 2011 (2 months old)

 and Halloween 2012 (1 year old)