Wednesday is my week change and I keep forgetting on Mondays, so this is the new plan.
How Far Along: 15w
Total Weight Gain: ?
Maternity Clothes: All snaps/zippers/buttons have been retired until 2012. Not quite into maternity shirts completely, but some are working out okay.
Sleep: Head cold + back pain = sleeping on the couch when I can
Cravings or Aversions: I went on a pizza making spree this weekend. Thankfully I found recipes to make my own crust and sauce, so that helps both the wallet and the scale.
Best Moment This Week: Monday I got my first comment from a stranger. Guess I'm looking more pregnant than I thought
Movement: I'm starting to feel antsy about feeling movement. I keep thinking Is this it? Then I always pass it off to gas. I'm guessing some of those bubbles aren't really gas though.
Gender: Still thinking girl, now that's based on the fact that M and I have come to agreement on two possible boy names, and can't even narrow down our list of over 100 possible girl names.
Labor Signs: Please no.
Belly Button in or out: In
What I miss: Not looking fat in photographs. I just saw lots of pics taken over Father's Day. Ugh!
What I'm Looking Forward to: Going through AJ's clothes, if it is in fact a girl.
Weekly Wisdom: I'm pregnant, not disabled.
Milestones: Nothing major this week, just chugging along.
What the baby is up to:
Baby's now the size of a naval orange!Continuing the march toward normal proportions, baby's legs now out-measure his arms. And, finally, all four limbs have functional joints. Your fetus is squirming and wiggling like crazy down in the womb, though you probably can't feel the movements just yet.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Prove me wrong
I posted earlier about turning AJ's crib into a toddler bed. M and I decided to do it on Friday so we'd have a few days free from obligations requiring high funtioning. We were both counting on some rough nights, and probably figured I'd be sleeping on her floor again. I asked some friends before the switch for advice, I wanted to be fully prepared for what we were about to go through.
Background: AJ is a horrible sleeper. Since the day she came home from the hospital she has fought sleep. Getting her to sleep in a crib was rough. Having her take naps was insane. Every person we came into contact with who had a kid has tried to help with advice or the one I love "give her to me, I'll get her to sleep" and all have failed. She just hates to sleep.
So, M and I were ready for a long haul. We changed over her bed. She played in there for maybe half an hour and moved on. We did the bedtime routine just like normal. However for us, the bedtime routine is quiet time in the living room with her favorite comfort things until she falls asleep or 9PM. Which ever comes first. She fell asleep, and M moved her into her room. I was up most of the night anticipating her.
At 3:30AM I hear a thud and then a cry. I rush into her room ready for her to fight me to put her back to bed. I pick her up, get her tucked in again, and she's out. Yay! Beginners luck though, it has to be.
Nope. The next night, she wakes up once because her beloved Doggie fell out of bed and she couldn't find it. I go in, give her Doggie back and she's out again. This is even with a rough night of coughing due to a lovely summer cold.
Since that second night, we haven't had to go in at all. I'm so excited.
Background: AJ is a horrible sleeper. Since the day she came home from the hospital she has fought sleep. Getting her to sleep in a crib was rough. Having her take naps was insane. Every person we came into contact with who had a kid has tried to help with advice or the one I love "give her to me, I'll get her to sleep" and all have failed. She just hates to sleep.
So, M and I were ready for a long haul. We changed over her bed. She played in there for maybe half an hour and moved on. We did the bedtime routine just like normal. However for us, the bedtime routine is quiet time in the living room with her favorite comfort things until she falls asleep or 9PM. Which ever comes first. She fell asleep, and M moved her into her room. I was up most of the night anticipating her.
At 3:30AM I hear a thud and then a cry. I rush into her room ready for her to fight me to put her back to bed. I pick her up, get her tucked in again, and she's out. Yay! Beginners luck though, it has to be.
Nope. The next night, she wakes up once because her beloved Doggie fell out of bed and she couldn't find it. I go in, give her Doggie back and she's out again. This is even with a rough night of coughing due to a lovely summer cold.
Since that second night, we haven't had to go in at all. I'm so excited.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Are we ready for this?
This is what M and I did to AJ's bed tonight. We have decided it's time for another challenge. Bedtime was getting too easy, so we figured we'd take the kid that hates to sleep and remove the cage. Oh, this should be fun.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Food Fun Part 2
So, Sunday was Father's Day. I asked M earlier in the week what he would like for a meal. Since we had plans for the evening, that left breakfast. He said "well, I have an idea, but I know you'd never make it". Okay, now I knew this was one of two things, either sausage gravy and biscuits or SOS. Both of which make my stomach turn just watching him eat, let alone thinking of eating it myself. Anyway, he (thankfully) goes with the gravy and biscuits. I can deal with that, I think. Off to the internet to figure out how to make such things as I have never in my life made biscuits or white gravy.
Saturday night we were vising with M's family and M mentions what I'm making for him for Father's Day. Everyone is really excited and the invite themselves over for breakfast. Ummm fantastic. Okay, so now I need to hit up the grocery store when they open at 7AM, pick up what I need for the extra 6-9 people who will be showing up, then get home and attempt a first ever meal with an audience. Joy.
Well, I figured, biscuits = southern; southern = Paula Deen; so Paula Deen biscuit recipe should = perfection. Ah, no. I'm not sure where the error occurred, but I'm fairly positive that if I had attempted to make these biscuits anywhere south of Virginia I would be tarred, feathered and catapulted back to New England. They weren't hockey pucks, but they sure weren't fluffy Cracker Barrell goodness either. Guess I need a lot more work on biscuit making should we ever get the urge to move south. Thankfully no one complained, they just added more gravy.
I found a recipe for sausage gravy and the picture looked similar to what I remember M being served when we'd go out for breakfast, at least before I put my menu up to block the sight of him actually eating the stuff. I was amazed at how easy it was. The only issue I had was at the end when I needed to know if the seasoning was correct. I had to enlist M's help to taste test. I don't know what the taste is supposed to be, and even knowing the ingredients, I still couldn't bring myself to actually taste that stuff.
So, one good one bad, but here are the recipes I used for M's big meal. Not sure if I'll be getting a second request for this one though.
Paula Deen's Biscuits (from foodnetwork.com) I should have known there would be an issue when no cook temp was set. Online reviews gave me an idea.
Butter bottom of skillet and place biscuits in pan. Bake for 12 minutes or until golden brown.
Super Sausage Gravy from Allrecipes/Bob Evans
Ingredients
Saturday night we were vising with M's family and M mentions what I'm making for him for Father's Day. Everyone is really excited and the invite themselves over for breakfast. Ummm fantastic. Okay, so now I need to hit up the grocery store when they open at 7AM, pick up what I need for the extra 6-9 people who will be showing up, then get home and attempt a first ever meal with an audience. Joy.
Well, I figured, biscuits = southern; southern = Paula Deen; so Paula Deen biscuit recipe should = perfection. Ah, no. I'm not sure where the error occurred, but I'm fairly positive that if I had attempted to make these biscuits anywhere south of Virginia I would be tarred, feathered and catapulted back to New England. They weren't hockey pucks, but they sure weren't fluffy Cracker Barrell goodness either. Guess I need a lot more work on biscuit making should we ever get the urge to move south. Thankfully no one complained, they just added more gravy.
I found a recipe for sausage gravy and the picture looked similar to what I remember M being served when we'd go out for breakfast, at least before I put my menu up to block the sight of him actually eating the stuff. I was amazed at how easy it was. The only issue I had was at the end when I needed to know if the seasoning was correct. I had to enlist M's help to taste test. I don't know what the taste is supposed to be, and even knowing the ingredients, I still couldn't bring myself to actually taste that stuff.
So, one good one bad, but here are the recipes I used for M's big meal. Not sure if I'll be getting a second request for this one though.
Paula Deen's Biscuits (from foodnetwork.com) I should have known there would be an issue when no cook temp was set. Online reviews gave me an idea.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 8 tablespoons butter, cubed
- 3/4 cup milk
Directions
In a large bowl combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt together. Cut butter into mixture until it begins to look like cornmeal.
Make a well with flour mixture and slowly add milk into the middle. Knead dough with your fingers and add milk when necessary. Roll out dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll out to desired thickness. Cut with small biscuit cutter.Butter bottom of skillet and place biscuits in pan. Bake for 12 minutes or until golden brown.
Super Sausage Gravy from Allrecipes/Bob Evans
Ingredients
- 1 pound Bob Evans® Original Recipe Sausage Roll
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 prepared biscuits
Directions
- Crumble and cook sausage in large skillet over medium heat until browned. Stir in flour until dissolved. Gradually stir in milk. Cook gravy until thick and bubbly. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot over biscuits. Refrigerate leftovers.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Food Fun Part 1
I've been slacking on updating here lately. I have been having some fun in the kitchen, but sadly my camera was no where near me at the time. I was trying some new creations for me, and didn't really want to document the possible failure. So what have I been up to?
First: Canning! I have never canned anything, however I grew up on self-preserved foods as we lived on a huge farm and my mother would have to put foods away from the garden and could only make it to the store maybe monthly. So, after reading lots of blog posts from one of my new faves/and old friends Yankee Hoosier Momma, I got inspired to finally give it a try. I had 12 peaches that were about to turn and no interest in eating them at the time. So, of course I go to the internet and see how many peaches I need to make preserves. Lo and behold I find recipes calling for 12 peaches. Awesome!
I take AJ out to Walmart to see what is needed for canning and what the prices will be. Of course this means I come home with all the equipment. M knew I wasn't actually going to look at that stuff and then leave. Now to show just how not with it I am, I look at the water bath canner pot and think, "hey, that looks just like a lobster pot". Um, yeah, I had always seen lobsters being cooked in that pot, so I completely thought that was a lobster pot. My mother had to explain to me the difference later that day. My bad. I get another vote of confidence when while checking out the cashier says "I always wanted to know how to make jelly", and I respond with "I'm hoping to learn today". She stares at me dumbfounded "you're going to teach yourself?" "Yep :)". Hey, isn't that what the internet is for?
So, back to home, and looking up lots of recipes to figure out where to start. First I have to find out how to start prepping. I get that done, and I'm off. It was surprisingly easy, which was great for a first attempt. I made 8 jelly jars and they all sealed without an issue. Yay me! It tastes very peachy and I'm really excited to attempt to make more jelly/jam/preserves and then as the season moves on, I'm on to pickling and relishes. Woot!
So, anyway, here's the recipe for the peach preserves I made, however I used less sugar, only 5 1/2 cups.
First: Canning! I have never canned anything, however I grew up on self-preserved foods as we lived on a huge farm and my mother would have to put foods away from the garden and could only make it to the store maybe monthly. So, after reading lots of blog posts from one of my new faves/and old friends Yankee Hoosier Momma, I got inspired to finally give it a try. I had 12 peaches that were about to turn and no interest in eating them at the time. So, of course I go to the internet and see how many peaches I need to make preserves. Lo and behold I find recipes calling for 12 peaches. Awesome!
I take AJ out to Walmart to see what is needed for canning and what the prices will be. Of course this means I come home with all the equipment. M knew I wasn't actually going to look at that stuff and then leave. Now to show just how not with it I am, I look at the water bath canner pot and think, "hey, that looks just like a lobster pot". Um, yeah, I had always seen lobsters being cooked in that pot, so I completely thought that was a lobster pot. My mother had to explain to me the difference later that day. My bad. I get another vote of confidence when while checking out the cashier says "I always wanted to know how to make jelly", and I respond with "I'm hoping to learn today". She stares at me dumbfounded "you're going to teach yourself?" "Yep :)". Hey, isn't that what the internet is for?
So, back to home, and looking up lots of recipes to figure out where to start. First I have to find out how to start prepping. I get that done, and I'm off. It was surprisingly easy, which was great for a first attempt. I made 8 jelly jars and they all sealed without an issue. Yay me! It tastes very peachy and I'm really excited to attempt to make more jelly/jam/preserves and then as the season moves on, I'm on to pickling and relishes. Woot!
So, anyway, here's the recipe for the peach preserves I made, however I used less sugar, only 5 1/2 cups.
| Peach Preserves | |
| Ingredients: Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method Cooking Directions:
|
Monday, June 20, 2011
Maternity Monday
Ok, I missed last week. Thanks for calling me out on that one Jen :)
How Far Along: 13w5d
Total Weight Gain: ?
Maternity Clothes: All snaps/zippers/buttons have been retired until 2012. Not quite into maternity shirts yet though
Sleep: Back pain wakes me up a few times a week causing me to move to the couch, or wake up M with my tossing and complaining. Looks like sleep is going to be an issue with this one.
Cravings or Aversions: Nothing specific
Best Moment This Week: AJ is starting to use the potty. So, now there's a fighting chance we'll only have one in diapers at a time. I know it's a long road, but I have hope.
Movement: I'm waiting to feel those first flutters, but it's getting closer.
Gender: Still thinking girl, now that's based on the fact that M and I have come to agreement on two possible boy names, and can't even narrow down our list of over 100 possible girl names.
Labor Signs: Please no.
Belly Button in or out: In
What I miss: Nothing at the moment.
What I'm Looking Forward to: having a real bump and not the pudge
Weekly Wisdom: Enjoy the journey
Milestones: Second Trimester!!! Oh, and it's been a full week since I last took Zofran
What the baby is up to:
Baby's now the size of a peach!Your fetus is forming teeth and vocal cords...savor this, their nonfunctional phase. Baby is approaching normal proportions, with his head now only one third the size of his body. And intestines are in the process of moving from the umbilical cord to baby's tummy -- much more convenient.
How Far Along: 13w5d
Total Weight Gain: ?
Maternity Clothes: All snaps/zippers/buttons have been retired until 2012. Not quite into maternity shirts yet though
Sleep: Back pain wakes me up a few times a week causing me to move to the couch, or wake up M with my tossing and complaining. Looks like sleep is going to be an issue with this one.
Cravings or Aversions: Nothing specific
Best Moment This Week: AJ is starting to use the potty. So, now there's a fighting chance we'll only have one in diapers at a time. I know it's a long road, but I have hope.
Movement: I'm waiting to feel those first flutters, but it's getting closer.
Gender: Still thinking girl, now that's based on the fact that M and I have come to agreement on two possible boy names, and can't even narrow down our list of over 100 possible girl names.
Labor Signs: Please no.
Belly Button in or out: In
What I miss: Nothing at the moment.
What I'm Looking Forward to: having a real bump and not the pudge
Weekly Wisdom: Enjoy the journey
Milestones: Second Trimester!!! Oh, and it's been a full week since I last took Zofran
What the baby is up to:
Baby's now the size of a peach!Your fetus is forming teeth and vocal cords...savor this, their nonfunctional phase. Baby is approaching normal proportions, with his head now only one third the size of his body. And intestines are in the process of moving from the umbilical cord to baby's tummy -- much more convenient.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Sundae Sunday
For AJ's first birthday we did a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse theme. Since it was her first, we went all out. We rented out the church hall, set up a photo slideshow and invited close to 100 people (we only invited family, we have big families).
This year it will be just immediate family, which for most would be a small gathering. For us, that still means over 30 people. So a theme is requried. My sister-in-law is an amazing party thrower. I can remember each year of her kids by the theme of the party. I want AJ to have the same, or at least I want to feel the same for her. I had a great (I thought) idea of Candy Land. Cute candies, lots of color, sugar and fun. One big problem... AJ isn't a big candy fan. Hmmm. How about cupcakes? Lots of choices, combos and fun for me. I love the idea, and will still use some cupcakes, however... AJ isn't a fan of cake. Yep, I got one of those odities as a child, one who prefers crackers to sweets. How is a baker to deal with this?
Find the one sweet she actually likes. ICE CREAM!!!
AJ's birthday is on a Sunday this year, so we will be having a Sundae Sunday. I'm super excited to figure out toppings for our ice cream shmorgasbord. There's a place I grew up going to that has a huge ice cream buffet. M and I brought AJ there last fall, and she loved it. So many options, each bite could be different. Yay!
I still plan on making cupcakes, maybe just two kinds though. Some people (read: me) will want cake too at a birthday party, so there will be cupcakes decorated like... you guessed it. Sundaes.
I am super excited to start thinking and planning, and try to ignore the difficult part that my little baby will officially enter the Terrible Twos.
This year it will be just immediate family, which for most would be a small gathering. For us, that still means over 30 people. So a theme is requried. My sister-in-law is an amazing party thrower. I can remember each year of her kids by the theme of the party. I want AJ to have the same, or at least I want to feel the same for her. I had a great (I thought) idea of Candy Land. Cute candies, lots of color, sugar and fun. One big problem... AJ isn't a big candy fan. Hmmm. How about cupcakes? Lots of choices, combos and fun for me. I love the idea, and will still use some cupcakes, however... AJ isn't a fan of cake. Yep, I got one of those odities as a child, one who prefers crackers to sweets. How is a baker to deal with this?
Find the one sweet she actually likes. ICE CREAM!!!
AJ's birthday is on a Sunday this year, so we will be having a Sundae Sunday. I'm super excited to figure out toppings for our ice cream shmorgasbord. There's a place I grew up going to that has a huge ice cream buffet. M and I brought AJ there last fall, and she loved it. So many options, each bite could be different. Yay!
I still plan on making cupcakes, maybe just two kinds though. Some people (read: me) will want cake too at a birthday party, so there will be cupcakes decorated like... you guessed it. Sundaes.
I am super excited to start thinking and planning, and try to ignore the difficult part that my little baby will officially enter the Terrible Twos.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
3 years ago
It was 97 degrees with 100% humidity.
I was tied into a corset
We borrowed my stepmother's truck to "get away"
It was free ice cream cone day at Friendly's and I was bummed to miss it
I danced in public for the first time
Family and friends put away their differences, even for just one day.
All of this because 3 years ago, I got married
I was tied into a corset
We borrowed my stepmother's truck to "get away"
It was free ice cream cone day at Friendly's and I was bummed to miss it
I danced in public for the first time
Family and friends put away their differences, even for just one day.
All of this because 3 years ago, I got married
Monday, June 6, 2011
Maternity Monday
How Far Along: 11w5d
Total Weight Gain: NONE!!! I got on that scale at the OB office, and it's the same. Woot!!!
Maternity Clothes: I spent Sunday shopping for a bathing suit. Not a lot of fun when not in first tri, even more horrid after having one kid. Absolutely wrong when both of those combine. After 7 stores and 4 hours of searching, I finally broke down and went to Motherhood. I like the one I found, and it fits, which is both good and a bit of a bummer. Oh well, at least AJ can go swimming with Momma this summer.
Sleep: I'ave been having more and more restless nights.
Cravings or Aversions: Nothing specific
Best Moment This Week: First OB appointment. One heartbeat measuring on track.
Movement: I'm waiting to feel those first flutters, but it's getting closer.
Gender: Right now, I'm thinking maybe a girl, but who knows. The OB guessed boy.
Labor Signs: Please no.
Belly Button in or out: In
What I miss: Nothing at the moment.
What I'm Looking Forward to: Scheduled my anatomy scan ultrasound and it's the end of next month, that sounds so soon.
Weekly Wisdom: I am not fat, I am pregnant. Now repeat and believe it. After bathingsuit shopping, I'm keeping this one.
Milestones: 12w (well, just about)
What the baby is up to:
Baby's now the size of a lime!Your fetus currently enjoys a 1:1 ratio between body and head, and has skin so transparent that blood vessels show right through it. But fingers and toes are no longer webbed, and hair follicles, tooth buds, and nail beds are forming -- setting up a significantly more attractive future.
Total Weight Gain: NONE!!! I got on that scale at the OB office, and it's the same. Woot!!!
Maternity Clothes: I spent Sunday shopping for a bathing suit. Not a lot of fun when not in first tri, even more horrid after having one kid. Absolutely wrong when both of those combine. After 7 stores and 4 hours of searching, I finally broke down and went to Motherhood. I like the one I found, and it fits, which is both good and a bit of a bummer. Oh well, at least AJ can go swimming with Momma this summer.
Sleep: I'ave been having more and more restless nights.
Cravings or Aversions: Nothing specific
Best Moment This Week: First OB appointment. One heartbeat measuring on track.
Movement: I'm waiting to feel those first flutters, but it's getting closer.
Gender: Right now, I'm thinking maybe a girl, but who knows. The OB guessed boy.
Labor Signs: Please no.
Belly Button in or out: In
What I miss: Nothing at the moment.
What I'm Looking Forward to: Scheduled my anatomy scan ultrasound and it's the end of next month, that sounds so soon.
Weekly Wisdom: I am not fat, I am pregnant. Now repeat and believe it. After bathingsuit shopping, I'm keeping this one.
Milestones: 12w (well, just about)
What the baby is up to:
Baby's now the size of a lime!Your fetus currently enjoys a 1:1 ratio between body and head, and has skin so transparent that blood vessels show right through it. But fingers and toes are no longer webbed, and hair follicles, tooth buds, and nail beds are forming -- setting up a significantly more attractive future.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
So tired
There's no real reason for this post. I guess the only reason I'm bothering is because I know no one else wants to hear about my mini gripe.
AJ woke up at 5AM yesterday. I took the opportunity to sew the blanket my brother had asked me to sew for him a while ago. I was seeing him yesterday. The problem was he bought what he thought was a fleece throw. Turns out it was two panels to make a fleece throw. Oops. So, I got the blanket sewn up, even did some hand sewing, which I never do. After that, I had to run errands, and then make a dip for the party we were attending.
We head to the party, AJ, my mother and me. M is at drill this weekend. Once we get there, I am asked to be the photographer as my sister doesn't have any memory left on her camera, and no time to get the pictures on to the computer. Ok, that just means my mother is on AJ duty for me. It goes well, the party lasts 7 hours, and I get 505 pictures.
So after a day of pictures, playing, kiddos and sun (not to forget the first trimester exhaustion), I get home, get AJ to sleep and put my pictures onto the computer while watching the Stanley Cup Final. My own bad decision on that part. I finally head to bed around 10PM.
AJ has a horrible night. She needs me to go in to check her 6 times between 12AM and 5:30AM. Finally silence until the late morning of 6:30. Yep, that's sleeping in for her. Now another day of her and I, and I'm exhausted.
The kicker, I need a bathing suit. Blech! Nothing like trying on bathing suits in those horrid fitting rooms while staring at that not quite baby pudge. Fun times.
AJ woke up at 5AM yesterday. I took the opportunity to sew the blanket my brother had asked me to sew for him a while ago. I was seeing him yesterday. The problem was he bought what he thought was a fleece throw. Turns out it was two panels to make a fleece throw. Oops. So, I got the blanket sewn up, even did some hand sewing, which I never do. After that, I had to run errands, and then make a dip for the party we were attending.
We head to the party, AJ, my mother and me. M is at drill this weekend. Once we get there, I am asked to be the photographer as my sister doesn't have any memory left on her camera, and no time to get the pictures on to the computer. Ok, that just means my mother is on AJ duty for me. It goes well, the party lasts 7 hours, and I get 505 pictures.
So after a day of pictures, playing, kiddos and sun (not to forget the first trimester exhaustion), I get home, get AJ to sleep and put my pictures onto the computer while watching the Stanley Cup Final. My own bad decision on that part. I finally head to bed around 10PM.
AJ has a horrible night. She needs me to go in to check her 6 times between 12AM and 5:30AM. Finally silence until the late morning of 6:30. Yep, that's sleeping in for her. Now another day of her and I, and I'm exhausted.
The kicker, I need a bathing suit. Blech! Nothing like trying on bathing suits in those horrid fitting rooms while staring at that not quite baby pudge. Fun times.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)