The Cutest Baby Harry Potter I Ever Did See

Our Halloween this year was one I will never forget. It was a full day since we had Aiden's first birthday party earlier that afternoon, but Aiden did awesome! He is such a laid back little guy and was such a trooper keeping his costume on (glasses and all) and pushing through even though he was probably exhausted not to mention he was also cutting his first tooth!

I knew early on what I wanted Aiden to be for Halloween. It only made sense that he be Harry Potter since I read all the books while I was pregnant with him. I can honestly say he is the most adorable baby Harry Potter I have ever seen. I didn't want to stop taking pictures of his cute face.

Being that it was Aiden's first time Trick or Treating, some of his Aunts and Uncles came over to hang out. A few of them even got into character themselves! My Mom, Grandma and Aunt even swung by the neighborhood and drove alongside us. I think Aiden might be loved...a little bit.

Our neighbors absolutely loved seeing Aiden in costume and he made out pretty well with his candy stash. I was surprised to see him actually grab candy out of the candy bowls that were offered to him. He became so attached to an unopened Milky Way candy bar that he had to push his walker one handed up a hill. He apparently has his Mama's love for chocolate.

It was a magical night and we had so much fun taking our boy Trick or Treating for the very 1st time.

Do you still dress up for Halloween?   I plan to milk family costumes for as long as possible!

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

Knowing we would be less than two hours away from Universal while on vacation, Drew and I knew that we had to make it a priority to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Harry Potter will always be a reminder of my pregnancy with Aiden being that I read almost the entire series and watched all 8 movies while pregnant with him. Shortly after I convinced my husband to do the same and we were instant fans/nerds. So this was the perfect time for us to go. My mother in law watched Aiden for the day so we left bright and early for Orlando and spent the entire day acting like kids ourselves in the park.

Of course our first stop was Diagon Alley and it did not disappoint. We rode the Gringotts ride and it was amazing. The bank was just like it was in the movies and we just so happened to get seated in the very front car. My sister in law and I were beyond excited about our luck on the first ride of the day. We explored the shops and soaked up all the magic we could before hoping on the train at King's Crossing.

At Wizarding Weasley's...Drew's favorite shop.

Kings Crossing!

If you've never been to Universal, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is in both of the parks. Diagon Alley is on one side and Hogsmeade is on the other and in order to ride The Hogwarts Express, you have to have a pass to both parks so I highly recommend doing that!

Once we got to Hogsmeade we stopped in at The Three Broomsticks for lunch. (So fun to say that!) The food was delicious and I loved the character of the place. I highly recommend it.

We let our food settle as we wandered around and the shops in Hogsmeade then we headed to the castle for another ride. The thing I loved about the Harry Potter rides were that even though we had to wait in lines, the lines took you on a tour of both the castle and the bank so I was never annoyed about a line or bored in line.

After our tour of Hogwarts we cooled off with some Butterbeer. Drew and I had made our own Butterbeer at home and it was delicious, but nothing compared to the real thing. We got ours frozen because it was extremely hot, but I hear the best way to drink Butterbeer is half frozen and half regular. How do you drink your Butterbeer?

The rest of our day at Universal was fun, but nothing at the park can top Harry Potter. We had a magical day and can't wait to take Aiden there someday when he is old enough to appreciate it.

Have you been to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter?

Did you love it?

Butterbeer {A Recipe}

I know, I know...I'm late to the Harry Potter party. Like way late, but it's okay because my husband and I are both sharing in all the joys of Harry Potter together. I read all the Harry Potter books while I was pregnant {read about that here} and my husband decided to start reading them shortly after Aiden came along. We were both new to the Harry Potter craze.

As Drew finishes each book, we watch the movie together and then talk about what they left out from the book. Haha. He just finished the 5th book and I decided we needed to make our Harry Potter movie nights a little more exciting by trying out a Butterbeer recipe. {Thanks Lauren for the inspiration and website!} I used this website and tested out recipe #5. We made the alcoholic version, but there are plenty of recipes on this site that are alcohol free. I haven't had the real stuff via Universal, but I enjoyed this drink immensely and so did my husband!

Ingredients: {Makes enough for 1 drink}
1 oz. Butterscotch Schnopps
1 oz. Vanilla Vodka
6 oz. Cream Soda {We used Jones}
Large Spoonful of Marshmallow Fluff

Instructions:
1.) In a tumbler mix ice, Butterscotch Schnopps, Vanilla Vodka and Cream soda
2.) Shake and Pour into a frozen mug
3.) Whisk together marshmallow fluff and a little splash of Butterscotch Schnopps
4.) Top drink with Marshmallow fluff concoction
5.) Cheers!

I'm so excited to compare this version to the REAL THING this summer. That's right...we have plans to take a day trip to Universal while we are in Florida this summer! Ah!

And did you know that Starbucks has a "secret" menu? I'm dying to try their Butterbeer Frappuccino!

Have you ever had Butterbeer?
Have you visited the Wizarding World of HP at Universal? {Give me tips!}
Did you know Starbucks had a secret menu?

Why Harry Potter makes me think of being pregnant

Before I got pregnant, I never had any desire to read the Harry Potter books. When they came out, I wasn't interested in reading them or seeing the movies, but for some reason when I got pregnant I decided I wanted to jump on the Harry Potter train...aka the Hogwarts Express and I'm so glad I did!

I started reading the first book in the series when I was about 20 weeks pregnant and I couldn't stop. I was hooked. By the time I got to the 7th book, my due date had arrived.

I enjoyed the books so much that I even had my husband read me part of the 7th book in the delivery room! That and popsicles can only distract a pregnant gal so long though...

Harry Potter will always have a special place in my heart. It reminds me of days spent reading in Aiden's nursery and dreaming about the day he would be born. It reminds me of the day Aiden was born and how my sweet husband did everything he could to make it a peaceful day for me. It reminds me of the many hours I spent breastfeeding my tiny little newborn while carefully balancing my book on the Boppy pillow.

I can't wait to read these books with Aiden someday. I half expected him to come out with a lighting shaped scar on his forehead! Haha.

Now the big question is, how do you follow up a series like Harry Potter? 

What should I read next?

Help!

Harry Potter inspired maternity outfit {The Bump Week 32}

I am finally reading the Harry Potter books. When they first came out I was not interested at all. I don't know if it was all the hype, but I had no desire to read them. Well my interest was sparked recently and I'm all swept up in Hogwarts and am now on book #4. Harry Potter is slowly creeping it's way into my life and I even bought this owl dress the other day unintentionally and then realized when I got home oh my gosh this is so Harry Potter. #imanerd

So I know I'm a little late to the game, but better late than never right? This week's bump outfit is purely influenced by what I'm reading...

Best moment this week: Making freezer meals with my dear friend Theresa. We found some great recipes, shopped together and then made the meals together to freeze and enjoy when our little guys get here!

Food cravings: Nothing new...just Chipotle 24/7.

Movement: Baby boy is definitely getting cramped. I am feeling him move around all the time now. Feeling frequent hiccups is still my favorite.

Symptoms: My back hurts and I can feel my belly stretching, but I'm thankful not to be swelling up and I'm still not at the place where I have to waddle either. Win, win.

Nursery: After 2 Ikea trips in one week Aiden's dresser drawers are now super organized. I bought a few spice racks to stain and turn into mini bookshelves (thanks Pinterest) and the artwork is now hanging up! 

Prayer for Baby:
Dear Aiden,
We are getting closer and closer to actually meeting you. It's crazy to see foods in the fridge with an October expiration date! I had a dream the other night that you made your appearance early and really you could come anytime. I'd rather you wait until your due date, but whenever you decide to come into this world I will be ready (or try my best to be.) 
Love,
Your Mama

Dear Lord,
Thank you for continuing to watch over Aiden as he grows. I know you know the very number of hairs on his little head and that brings me comfort. I'm trying to read pregnancy books and mentally prepare for motherhood, but I know I will never know everything and could never be truly prepared for this journey. Help me to not worry and to take everything one day at a time. I'm so glad you are always with me.
Amen. 

James 4:8
"Come near to God and He will come near to you."

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