tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6592089333189431462024-03-13T16:56:38.946-07:00The Seal LifeLa Dolce Vita the Seal way.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14184121790015434701noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659208933318943146.post-25006982001398446632015-11-30T14:24:00.002-08:002015-11-30T14:24:38.439-08:00The Stress Equation<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In several weeks our second child, Wyatt James Seal, will arrive...possibly before the end of the year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">PLUS</span></b></b></span></div>
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In several weeks, we will celebrate Christmas and exchange gifts with family friends.</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">EQUALS</span></b></div>
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So much joy and thankfulness, coupled with overwhelming anxiety, sprinkled with panic.</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">RESULTING IN</span></b></div>
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Family fun, quality time with friends, endless lists, sleepless nights, emotional eating, short tempers, lots of money spent.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Can I get an "Amen"?! This little equation above is part of the reason I called my OBGYN last week with some concern over being in pre-term labor. That and the fact that B made a <a href="http://theseallife.blogspot.com/2014/03/tidbit-tuesday-chapstick.html" target="_blank">grand entrance</a> three weeks and two days before his due date. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My doctor,<a href="http://obgynal.com/our-physicians/crista-j-thomas-m-d/" target="_blank"> Crista Thomas</a>, has been great. She was not privy to my first delivery, so I have filled her in on the fun and we have adjusted my appointment and testing schedule accordingly. But last week I had some pinching pains in my lower abdomen and tightening around my belly; I felt short of breath and just "not right." I called the office and they told me to go ahead and come in. I was hooked up to the fetal monitor and told to rest for 20 minutes. Instead of resting, I snapped a pic, texted Dad, and answered emails. I was laying down; that counts as relaxing, right? </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eUAbEtHtAI8/VlyLLLkC8oI/AAAAAAAABrY/GjI48tC9X44/s1600/IMG_5324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eUAbEtHtAI8/VlyLLLkC8oI/AAAAAAAABrY/GjI48tC9X44/s320/IMG_5324.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bottom monitor is for Wyatt's heart and the top is for my "contractions" (there were none).</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Then I got to see Dr. Thomas. And my suspicions were shot down (thankfully)...not pre-term labor. Probably some gas pains, coupled with second pregnancy and some anxiety. </span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The gas pains were a result of </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">a MASSIVE friends-giving meal and being pregnant in general can cause some digestive discomfort. So the pinching question was answered. And the meal was totally worth it. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Second pregnancy means a looser pelvic floor. Dr. Thomas put it this way - for your first pregnancy, the pelvic floor is a like a hard bowl. By the second, it is more like a hammock. This means the baby feels heavier against your pelvis and can lead to the tightened feeling around your belly. #Awesome #pelvicfloor #onlypregnantwomencare </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Throw some anxiety over the thought of going in to labor early (and the holiday season) and you get a paranoid pregnant woman panting in your office. There is my shortness of breath. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Doctor's orders - Miralax twice a day and try to sit on the couch, snack and relax. A week later and I am feeling better. Relaxing has been penciled in for some time around April. </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14184121790015434701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659208933318943146.post-59429144164413109532015-11-25T08:28:00.001-08:002015-11-25T08:32:12.607-08:00There's a boat in the camera!<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Recently we had some family photos taken. It was long overdue, considering the last photos we had done professionally were in <a href="http://theseallife.blogspot.com/2014/05/the-photoshoot.html" target="_blank">May 2014 </a>and didn't include Dad! So we enlisted an old friend, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/meredithcarrollphotography/">Meredith Carroll</a>, to get some family of three (plus) shots. We had about an hour and decided on a natural setting at Ross Bridge. Per usual, I was anxious about these pictures weeks in advance...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>What will I wear? What should B wear? Should we match, coordinate or just see what happens? What if I don't sleep well the night before and look puffy? What if B doesn't behave and we don't get any good shots of him? Is the time frame OK? Should he nap before or after? Should we eat before or after? We all need haircuts immediately. Do I even remember how to put on real make-up? </i></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Normal concerns; they all seem valid. Luckily, my MIL is a mind-reader and found something for B to wear (for these AND Santa pictures). She is a saint and we are so thankful for her initiative when it comes to things for B, our house, and just life in general! </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8MAmZrfGG2s/VlXc7JF9fwI/AAAAAAAABpk/SFcHzI_ySGM/s1600/DSC04782.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8MAmZrfGG2s/VlXc7JF9fwI/AAAAAAAABpk/SFcHzI_ySGM/s320/DSC04782.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">B learned the word "reindeer" that day. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The week of, I made it to the <a href="http://www.theswankystork.com/" target="_blank">Swanky Stork</a> to pick something out for myself. I quickly found two things that I couldn't part with, so I was set. Now it was time for Dad to select his attire. He went through several rounds of options before finding something just perfectly "Fall" that coordinated.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uTWFqHbEoB8/VlXchJvwiEI/AAAAAAAABpc/AkRzGh36eEY/s1600/DSC04812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uTWFqHbEoB8/VlXchJvwiEI/AAAAAAAABpc/AkRzGh36eEY/s320/DSC04812.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coordinating greens throughout, subtle but effective.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Whew! Now it was all down to the day. We got an early start to the morning, thanks to B, but ended up rushing out the door - how does that happen?!? B slept in the car and woke up when we arrived, not in a great mood, but he perked up with some gummy snacks. So we were off. It took Mom and Dad some time to warm up for the camera and focus. Meredith instructed us not to look at B and try to make him smile, but to look at the camera and focus on smiling ourselves! Great advice. This is why half of our every day pictures turn out with one of us looking drunk and the other talking. To get B to smile and focus, you have to get creative. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Show me your teeth! Cheeeeeeeeessse! Look here at the camera! Do you see yourself in the camera? If you look at the camera you will see a boat! There is a boat in the camera! Do you want some crackers? Give us one more smile and you can have some crackers! See how Dad is smiling, smile like Dad! </i></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It was exhausting. But Meredith assured me by the end we had some good shots. And she was right!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The framers... </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DQx9Et0RpUw/VlXePPRxhNI/AAAAAAAABpw/-LVadWeBsJA/s1600/DSC04631-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DQx9Et0RpUw/VlXePPRxhNI/AAAAAAAABpw/-LVadWeBsJA/s320/DSC04631-2.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"There's no boat in that camera, but I'll grin anyway."</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PprET20k-6U/VlXeP88lh1I/AAAAAAAABp8/08DdOr_p9EE/s1600/DSC04676.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PprET20k-6U/VlXeP88lh1I/AAAAAAAABp8/08DdOr_p9EE/s320/DSC04676.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just like Dad.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xdpsmJancSg/VlXeP-ZNJSI/AAAAAAAABp4/lljLD0NLIJQ/s1600/DSC04722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xdpsmJancSg/VlXeP-ZNJSI/AAAAAAAABp4/lljLD0NLIJQ/s320/DSC04722.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">B loves his boots.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZhBju9CtYas/VlXeQyGzp6I/AAAAAAAABqI/lNGM4HvmpHM/s1600/DSC04824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZhBju9CtYas/VlXeQyGzp6I/AAAAAAAABqI/lNGM4HvmpHM/s320/DSC04824.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We love our sweet B.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And the outtakes...</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g2GAtmSy58Q/VlXfqbW-mSI/AAAAAAAABqo/hoWFsD1XQ3g/s1600/DSC04622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g2GAtmSy58Q/VlXfqbW-mSI/AAAAAAAABqo/hoWFsD1XQ3g/s320/DSC04622.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">B is five, Dad is asleep and Mom looks like she hasn't slept in days.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pRObZ2acVvo/VlXfswxsk3I/AAAAAAAABq4/biEysqNZ-xc/s1600/DSC04862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pRObZ2acVvo/VlXfswxsk3I/AAAAAAAABq4/biEysqNZ-xc/s320/DSC04862.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What happens after an hour and you say "Cheeeeeeeese" for the 400th time.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WxaiD7n3108/VlXfqRRdAmI/AAAAAAAABqk/PKOLCnCeXIA/s1600/DSC04703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WxaiD7n3108/VlXfqRRdAmI/AAAAAAAABqk/PKOLCnCeXIA/s320/DSC04703.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Kiss Mommy!" or eat her face...</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jOsi4byvTnI/VlXfp09J30I/AAAAAAAABqg/nGl4jZSYdsQ/s1600/DSC04772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jOsi4byvTnI/VlXfp09J30I/AAAAAAAABqg/nGl4jZSYdsQ/s320/DSC04772.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mid "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star"</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SeDtnUkgPpw/VlXfr5S9B-I/AAAAAAAABqw/8jz0eesKe4I/s1600/DSC04831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SeDtnUkgPpw/VlXfr5S9B-I/AAAAAAAABqw/8jz0eesKe4I/s320/DSC04831.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"No, I will not hug baby Wyatt" - B<br />
"Please get your hand out of my crotch" - Mom</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14184121790015434701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659208933318943146.post-67795281656830472782015-11-03T11:59:00.002-08:002015-11-11T07:29:59.850-08:00Healthy Eating TipsI started to call this post "Diet Tips," but don't want to perpetuate the idea that I am on a constant diet. These are tips I stuck to while trying to lose weight and have continued to use while changing my lifestyle to healthy eating. Some things I have loosened up on for sure.<br />
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<b>1. Count your calories. </b>Religiously. Everything. Use an app that already has tons of food in the database. I liked <a href="http://www.livestrong.com/myplate/">My Plate</a> from livestrong.com but hear great things about other tools. I have read articles from nutritionists recently that don't like calorie counting, but I needed the control and limits while trying to lose weight and learn.<br />
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<b>2. Measure your food. </b>The calories on packages are only per serving size, so get the measuring cup out. The one thing I never did was weigh my meat portions.<br />
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<b>3. Snack wisely. </b>You will be hungry, your metabolism is cranking, prepare snacks that you like and won't binge on. Nuts are hard for me because you get so few for the calories! But you can eat a good portion of raw baby carrots for next to nothing or a gigantic apple sliced into thin pieces or even pretzels. Trick yourself by eating and chewing more of these foods for less calories.<br />
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<b>4. Just stop eating some things for a while. </b>Seriously moderate cheese, bacon, candy, alcohol and other high calorie foods that supply little reward. Hell yeah, cheese is good. It's also incredibly fattening and will suck up your calories. Eat it once a week and make it count, savor it, sip that glass of wine slowly.<br />
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<b>5. Hot beverages are your appetite-curbing friend.</b> Few things can cut your appetite like a mug of hot tea or black coffee. Limit the use of sugar, artificial sweeteners and cream. If you use it, put it on your calorie count!<br />
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<b>6. Don't starve.</b> You might feel like it at first, but you will get used to a smaller amount of food after a week or so. But don't be miserable all the time. If you are hungry, eat something...just eat something healthy (a piece of fruit, baby carrots, popcorn, etc.). See item #3.<br />
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<b>7. Eat food that you like!</b> Grilled chicken doesn't have to be boring; eat pork and red meat and fish! Change it up with all sorts of spices or, literally spice it up with hot sauce! Don't eat the same food every day or you will be dying for a cheat meal by Tuesday.<br />
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<b>8. Don't obsess over protein, fat, and carbs. </b>Try to eat everything evenly without going overboard on one or the other. And I know fruit has carbs, but seriously...it's fruit. Just be sure to track it in your calories because it will cost you more than veggies!<br />
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<b>9. Eat the rainbow!</b> The color of food is an indicator of it's nutrients, so eat everything. Don't just eat the green veggies, try orange (sweet potatoes and carrots), red (tomatoes, peppers, radishes, red onions), white (onions, cauliflower), purple (eggplant, cabbage).<br />
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<b>10. Make it easy on yourself.</b><br />
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<ul>
<li>Buy frozen vegetable steamers that are unseasoned or lightly seasoned.</li>
<li>Bagged salads are super convenient and provide variety.</li>
<li>Cook a couple pieces of chicken one night to have leftovers.</li>
<li>Have canned tuna or other easy to grab proteins on hand.</li>
<li>There are tons of items in individual servings. Buy those if you are crunched for time even if they are a little more expensive. (i.e. nuts, yogurt, hummus, carrots)</li>
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<b>11. Watch liquid calories.</b> Alcohol is always what people try to avoid, but be careful with juices, smoothies and soft drinks. Just don't drink soft drinks, they aren't made of anything real!<br />
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<b>12. Learn how to order at restaurants.</b> I learned from my sister that you can basically make up a meal at a restaurant. She has some of the most difficult orders there are, but most places are more than willing to accommodate. Try a salad, no cheese, no bacon, no egg (unless you need the calories), dressing on the side (at first, just don't use it), add grilled chicken, steak or fish. OR a grilled lean meat with veggies and a side salad. Just because the menu details the side items doesn't mean you have to stick with those. Double up on veggies.<br />
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<b>13. Drink more water than you thought possible.</b> I started at 8 glasses a day. I now drink closer to a gallon of water a day because I am thirsty! Keep a LARGE bottle with you at all times. Go for the liter and try to drink one before lunch, one after lunch and more water with dinner.<br />
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There are so many more little things that I could share, but hopefully this is a good start and helpful!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14184121790015434701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659208933318943146.post-11702361908133980992015-11-03T08:14:00.001-08:002015-11-03T08:14:52.682-08:00Mom and B's Day of Fun<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Recently, I took off work for Columbus Day because the daycare was closed. Not a problem, right? A day off work should be welcomed! To be honest, I wasn't super excited. Being a working mom keeps me sane and smitten with my adorable child. Not to mention, Columbus Day was a Monday and Dad had been out of town that weekend. So really, we had almost three full days together.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Over the weekend, we had been to <a href="http://www.letsplayparty.com/">Let's Play Birmingham</a> (BIG HIT) and spent the evening playing with soon-to-be-because-we-said-so BFF, W. So that was for him, but that morning we had been to Target, the farmer's market, and picked up around the house. Not fun for a toddler.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0yQDyEHiDcU/Vi_HU35uHRI/AAAAAAAABjs/C0H-aXkcrHA/s1600/IMG_5182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0yQDyEHiDcU/Vi_HU35uHRI/AAAAAAAABjs/C0H-aXkcrHA/s320/IMG_5182.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The ball pit was a hit for W and B.</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YsjgX4X1WGg/Vi_HVHFmvXI/AAAAAAAABjo/CKHQxzPvRuA/s1600/IMG_5181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YsjgX4X1WGg/Vi_HVHFmvXI/AAAAAAAABjo/CKHQxzPvRuA/s320/IMG_5181.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Aunt Mantha also enjoyed the toddler area!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--0IibiSv3OA/Vi_IQ3vzs3I/AAAAAAAABkE/9sAlnnACjOI/s1600/IMG_5184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--0IibiSv3OA/Vi_IQ3vzs3I/AAAAAAAABkE/9sAlnnACjOI/s320/IMG_5184.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Shot of the toddler maze at Let's Play. Aunt Mantha mastered it all!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">By the time Monday rolled around, I was a little tired. When I decided to take the day off I committed (myself) to doing nothing but activities that B would enjoy; hence, "Mom and B's Day of Fun." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We loaded up early and headed to the<a href="http://www.mcwane.org/"> McWane Center</a>. We were the third people in line, got our tickets, and set out to the exhibits. We quickly breezed through the main floor because there were mainly older kid activities. Then we got to the main event - <a href="http://www.mcwane.org/visit/itty-bitty-magic-city/">Itty Bitty Magic City</a>. The look on B's face was similar to mine when I find out my mother-in-law is cooking Italian food for Sunday dinner - <i>HELL, YEAH.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There were trains, a firetruck, a water play area, house setup, mini grocery store and diner, vet's clinic, car workshop and jungle-gym thing I can't really explain. He spent about two hours exploring and LOVED the trains. I knew we were broaching the "too tired to leave peacefully" so I bribed him with the promise of a cookie. We left around 11:45 am and walked to Edgar's Bakery downtown. He noshed on goldfish and a peanut butter and honey sandwich in the stroller. Once at Edgars, he got a M&M cookie and I got a cappuccino and enjoyed them on the terrace overlooking 20th street to watch the trolleys, buses and busy people. B promptly fell asleep on the walk back to the car, slept the entire way home and for another hour once we got home. Just enough time for me to enjoy a lunch at home with Dad.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Huge train set.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VTQ2eSEWXPc/Vi_IQ3hihqI/AAAAAAAABj0/gsOkrKLTkQM/s1600/IMG_5191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VTQ2eSEWXPc/Vi_IQ3hihqI/AAAAAAAABj0/gsOkrKLTkQM/s320/IMG_5191.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Driving the spaceship!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And the firetruck. When the front seat opened up, he was all over it!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Putting his tray in the oven.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The oven mitt! He watches mom cook a lot.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After nap time we packed up again and headed to the park. Trussville has great <a href="http://www.trussvilleparks.org/">play space</a> in the "downtown" area. There is a large mall with tennis courts, a community pool, and two good parks. Aunt Shell met us there. B snacked on pistachios and ran Aunt Shell ragged. Mom was already tired...and a little pregnant!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ls6Jow--3Ug/VjEaEaAR9tI/AAAAAAAABlQ/5QmEG7sSMhU/s1600/IMG_4991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ls6Jow--3Ug/VjEaEaAR9tI/AAAAAAAABlQ/5QmEG7sSMhU/s320/IMG_4991.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Loving the swing!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-36KuTzfYRGk/VjEaEp_8w4I/AAAAAAAABlI/aXgxoKPuJ-8/s1600/IMG_4998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-36KuTzfYRGk/VjEaEp_8w4I/AAAAAAAABlI/aXgxoKPuJ-8/s320/IMG_4998.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Does this whale go any faster?</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oNCAWiK5tMQ/VjEaEnkyL4I/AAAAAAAABlM/l6LagLIRIdo/s1600/IMG_5169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oNCAWiK5tMQ/VjEaEnkyL4I/AAAAAAAABlM/l6LagLIRIdo/s320/IMG_5169.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The horse doesn't move quickly either...</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After the park we headed home for dinner with Dad. B was in a great mood and the day was fun! Why wouldn't he be? I wasn't trying to direct him all day. While at home we have rules and chores - laundry, dishes, cleaning, etc. If I had tried to actually work from home it would have been a nightmare and, honestly, consisted of lots of cartoons.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And I enjoyed the day seeing him try new things and experience activities that are on his level. I was impressed by his focus and curiosity at the McWane Center. He was able to navigate the new situation and really learn from his surroundings. And it confirms that our sweet baby is getting so big and changing every day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Now...back to work for some down time. Need to rest up for the holidays and baby #2!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14184121790015434701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659208933318943146.post-64393878780926298582015-10-27T12:15:00.003-07:002015-10-27T12:15:33.034-07:00Could've bought a pumpkin at Publix...<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">...but you really don't get the experience! And how weird does it look trying to position your unwilling child in the pumpkins next to the produce and floral section?</span><br />
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This weekend we ventured to the <a href="http://www.oldbakerfarm.com/">Old Baker Farm</a> annual Pumpkin Patch in Harpersville, AL. I did a BAD job of prepping Dad about our visit. He was confused as to why we drove nearly an hour to what he was picturing as a field of pumpkins. Little did he know it was SO much more...involved and costly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Why did Barrett have a collared shirt and jeans on? <i><b>Photos</b></i>. Why was Mom dressed in jeans, boots and something other than a t-shirt with make-up on and hair done? <i><b>Photos</b>. </i>Why are we driving to Harpersville, to the middle of nowhere, to get a pumpkin when we have three on the front porch? <i><b>Photos.</b></i></span></blockquote>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lots of photos.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We met some of our BFF's at the pumpkin patch, with their TWO kids, the youngest of which is just a month old. We decided during our trip, the whole experience warranted a blog post with a list of tips. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C7SAwIJmP5k/Vi-_QllCGOI/AAAAAAAABik/-6dUInYsiQc/s1600/PumpkinPatch_WestonandB2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C7SAwIJmP5k/Vi-_QllCGOI/AAAAAAAABik/-6dUInYsiQc/s320/PumpkinPatch_WestonandB2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Photos with pumpkins, in a vintage truck with sunflowers and cotton.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So here are some things to remember when visiting the pumpkin patch:</span><br />
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<b>Take a wagon or stroller.</b> The ground is not level so a jogger or wagon would probably be best. For your convenience, there is stroller parking right before the hayride. And beware the stroller jam that can occur when people have exited the hayride.</span><br />
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<b>It's dirty and dusty and potentially muddy.</b> Wear boots or shoes you aren't concerned with getting too dirty. It is a farm, after all.</span><br />
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<b>Bring a camera!</b> Photo ops everywhere. It's presh. There were people who didn't have children out there in fringe booties and sweater dresses lighting instagram and snapchat on FIRE. #pumpkinpatchselfie #whyareyouhere</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4F60-riLDeM/Vi-_MiV-S3I/AAAAAAAABh0/8zTLwQjz1RQ/s1600/PumpkinPatch_BandPumpkin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4F60-riLDeM/Vi-_MiV-S3I/AAAAAAAABh0/8zTLwQjz1RQ/s320/PumpkinPatch_BandPumpkin.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Don't try to carry a toddler or baby AND a pumpkin.</b> It ends badly for the pumpkin, and then you have to start over. This is not what you want; you worked hard for that damn pumpkin and the tractor for the hayride is pulling up...just grab whatever is closest as a replacement and call it a day.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Or just let the kid carry the pumpkin! W trying his best.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Baby wearing is a definite must</b> if you have one small enough for a sling, backpack or other carrier. Having two arms is a huge convenience for hoisting yourself onto the back of a trailer that is covered in hay and picking pumpkins and chasing other children and avoiding pumpkin vines.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eTo3Z6dNVbI/Vi-_weh-USI/AAAAAAAABi4/aCf3Y-tCrIw/s1600/12122902_736929879746851_2787946699754793900_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eTo3Z6dNVbI/Vi-_weh-USI/AAAAAAAABi4/aCf3Y-tCrIw/s320/12122902_736929879746851_2787946699754793900_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Baby wearing Exhibit A. Popcorn can also be seen in this exhibit, as well as family-of-four preciousness.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>The popcorn was a lifesaver</b> while waiting in line for the hayride and getting back to the car. We happened to visit on the fall festival weekend so there were vendors selling everything from food to crafts. Popcorn is the perfect, occupying snack for kiddo and Dad. Otherwise, bring your own snacks.</span><br />
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<b>Cash or check ONLY. </b>It was $10 for everyone two and above which includes a pumpkin. FYI - B turns two in November if anyone asks.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jH-9Z6T7zUY/Vi-_QVpNmiI/AAAAAAAABig/OFzUo-abPm4/s1600/PumpkinPatch_WestonandB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jH-9Z6T7zUY/Vi-_QVpNmiI/AAAAAAAABig/OFzUo-abPm4/s320/PumpkinPatch_WestonandB.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This should be an ad for cotton or toddler clothes.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EL5nhoartC8/Vi-_PL4_fRI/AAAAAAAABiU/ddcY-KzecNQ/s1600/PumpkinPatch_Family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EL5nhoartC8/Vi-_PL4_fRI/AAAAAAAABiU/ddcY-KzecNQ/s320/PumpkinPatch_Family.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Photo op in front of the old house. We started a trend, people were lining up after us.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: center;">So head out to the pumpkin patch as a lovely fall activity! Besides, it's </span><a href="http://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/its-decorative-gourd-season-motherfuckers" style="text-align: center;">Decorative Gourd Season, motherf*$&#@s</a><span style="text-align: center;">. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;">*If you haven't read the article at this link, PLEASE do it pronto.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14184121790015434701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659208933318943146.post-7816073960111203662015-10-14T08:21:00.003-07:002015-10-14T08:22:11.307-07:00Take Them Food: Restaurants to Try<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here in the South we like to take people food. New neighbors get baked goods, new moms get entire dinners. It's awesome. People come see the baby, hold the baby, and bring you food. Then they leave...and you can stuff your exhausted face in your bathrobe while breastfeeding. I can't wait!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will say the etiquette is different depending on the family. When some of our BFF's had their first child, we brought them dinner and we stayed to eat with them. But most of the time it's an early evening food drop with limited baby viewing. You rub yourself down with sanitizer and coo away.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Restaurants in Birmingham have gotten wise to the idea that people not only take meals to others, but sometimes just need a good dinner to pick up and serve to the family - no cooking involved. I have done some research recently because of new babies in the family and thought I would share a list of options. I know there are more, but this was what I came up with pretty quickly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ready to Eat -</span><br />
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<li><a href="http://www.urbancookhouse.com/category/full-menu/?post_type=menu" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Urban Cookhouse</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> - Crestline, Summit, Homewood. Pick up meals after 3 </span><span id="goog_1946207765" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span id="goog_1946207766" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">pm.</span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.makifresh.com/maki-fresh-menu/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maki Fresh</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> - Rice bowls for four, definitely unique. I haven't had the chance to try this one yet.</span></li>
<li><a href="http://tazikiscafe.com/wp-content/uploads/To-Go-Menu-Version-3_Birmingham.pdf" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Taziki's</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> - Many locations! Pick up after 2 pm.</span></li>
<li><a href="http://zoeskitchen.com/menu/VG-CAT-NC-L-500-VG.aspx?address=225%20Country%20Club%20Park&address2=&city=Birmingham&State=AL&Zip=35213&phone=%20205-871-0060&menuurl=https://zoeskitchen.alohaorderonline.com/StartOrder.aspx?SelectSite=104" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Zoe's</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> - Multiple locations, two different serving size options.</span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.costasintrussville.com/FamilySpecials.html" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Costa's Mediterranean</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> - Trussville and Hoover. They have all sorts of options for 2 or 4 person meals. You can also get their baked pastas uncooked and ready for the freezer!</span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.thelittledonkey.com/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Little Donkey</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> - Homewood. I could only find the info on the "taco packs" under the online take-out ordering. Four options with sides. Another one I haven't tried, but their tacos are damn good. Now if we could just get to-go cocktails...</span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.tacomamaonline.com/TacoMamaMenu-Crestline.pdf" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Taco Mama</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> - Crestline Village. One option that feeds 4 hungry people!</span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.everythingiz.com/take-home-menu/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Iz Cafe</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> - Hoover (Rocky Ridge) and English Village. They have a monthly menu of take home meals available Tuesday thru Thursday.</span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.jimnnicks.com/menus/trussville/family-dinners/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jim 'N Nicks</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> - Many locations! And you get the option of buns or cheese biscuits...cheese biscuits, every. time. please. thank you.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cook at Home (or freeze for later)</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.ashleymacs.com/Gourmet-To-Go/sc/3" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ashley Mac's</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> - Cahaba Heights, Inverness, Riverchase."Gourmet To Go" casseroles and prepared foods (appetizers, desserts, salads, etc). Definitely get dessert and pick up a dozen sour cream biscuits for you and the lucky recipient. They just melt in your mouth!</span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.homewoodgourmet.com/lunch-and-dinner-menu.php" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Homewood Gourmet</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> - Homewood. Rave reviews from everyone who has received one of these bake-at-home gems. Don't forget the gigantic cookies and/or brownies. Remember...bathrobe eating is better done with dessert in-hand.</span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.dishnitout.com/menu-2/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dishn' It Out</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> - Crestline (next to Saw's Juke Joint). Extensive selection! I often peer through the windows at their freezer collection while waiting to eat at Saw's.</span></li>
<li><a href="http://edgewoodcatering.com/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What's 4 Supper by Edgewood Catering</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> - Homewood. I haven't tried this place yet, but they put out a weekly menu that looks great. They offer frozen and freshly cooked.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Most of these places do have prepared foods (chicken salad, pimento cheese, etc) but they specifically offer a "Meal for 4" or "Family Dinner" option that is all ready to eat when you walk in the door.</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14184121790015434701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659208933318943146.post-49083952593671445402015-09-24T08:07:00.001-07:002015-09-24T08:07:18.055-07:00Weight Loss: War vs. Journey<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>In 2005 I weighed 200 pounds. I have lost 70 pounds. </b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Both of those statements seem ridiculous to me. The first because I vividly remember the day I weighed in at Curves in Auburn; I immediately felt all 200 pounds crashing down. The second because I never intended to lose 70 pounds.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So when I started to contemplate this post, I couldn't decide whether <i>war </i>or <i>journey</i> aptly described the past 10 years. </span><br />
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<blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>War: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 15.600000381469727px;">a sustained effort to deal with or end a particular unpleasant or undesirable situation or condition.</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 15.600000381469727px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 15.600000381469727px;"><b>Journey:</b> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 15.600000381469727px;">a long and often difficult process of personal change and development.</span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am definitely going with war. Journey sounds nice and poetic, but let's be clear, losing weight is a WAR. It is a war with your mind, your body and your relationship with food and sometimes other people. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AG573P65xLo/VgK5-sXXBvI/AAAAAAAABes/WvGlXGoeLhs/s1600/photo%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AG573P65xLo/VgK5-sXXBvI/AAAAAAAABes/WvGlXGoeLhs/s320/photo%2B1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Circa 2007-ish. Weighing in at around 180-185. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e-gkOwgKNzo/VgK5-gSZRfI/AAAAAAAABew/oCUAPJsWLCE/s1600/photo%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e-gkOwgKNzo/VgK5-gSZRfI/AAAAAAAABew/oCUAPJsWLCE/s320/photo%2B2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dad and I's engagement party (2007). </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When you decide you have to change your body, it starts with a "diet." Eat less, drink less; workout more, sleep more. For some people it starts with a pill or shot or prepared/packaged foods. Either way is fine; neither way is sustainable. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In it for the long haul and want to win the <i>war</i>? Get ready..."sustained effort" is part of what defines a war. When it comes to losing weight and getting healthy, a sustained effort is THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. There will be times of peace, when you are happy in your workout routine and in a good rhythm of eating healthy and maintaining portion control. Then there are the battles...when cake seems to be taunting you and french fries are your complex carbohydrate. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B7urRsu6SqY/VgL_ip8DAuI/AAAAAAAABfU/ihlf3YInCZI/s1600/1914442_747648184951_1024704_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B7urRsu6SqY/VgL_ip8DAuI/AAAAAAAABfU/ihlf3YInCZI/s320/1914442_747648184951_1024704_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vegas 2009, slimmed down but still around 150.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am an emotional eater...so every emotion I feel is better served with food. In my better times I control this well by eating healthy foods and proper portions. In stressful times, I have to refrain from sitting on the couch with a carton of ice cream after scarfing down half a pizza, with a salad on the side. Can I get another glass of wine, please? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Luckily, I have a supportive husband and a good workout routine that helps keep me motivated. My goal is not to lose anymore weight, but maintain and feel good about what I eat and feed my family. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--3PiB3ImtWc/VgMARPE6RFI/AAAAAAAABfc/t5-w4lHiZCg/s1600/312409_10100349140421661_3721654_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--3PiB3ImtWc/VgMARPE6RFI/AAAAAAAABfc/t5-w4lHiZCg/s320/312409_10100349140421661_3721654_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fall 2011, goal weight achieved around 135.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And I have gained tons of tips and tricks over the past 10 years. I think the best tips I can offer are - </span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. Be prepared - plan your meals, including snacks, drinks and desserts.</span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. Eat smart - the biggest eye opener to me was calorie counting. Working to lose weight does not mean you have to starve. </span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'd love to share more about the changes I made in the last 10 years to get me where I am today. Feel free to reach out with questions or comments! </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7mnTZMAwixI/VgMBvNmSF7I/AAAAAAAABfo/kRhwSDQFJDI/s1600/10514622_535647346541773_4047903435955004321_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7mnTZMAwixI/VgMBvNmSF7I/AAAAAAAABfo/kRhwSDQFJDI/s320/10514622_535647346541773_4047903435955004321_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">July 2014, steady at around 130 for 3-4 years now...minus pregnancy #1 and #2. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Note: I wrote this article months ago, but am just now happy with the content. Since I am currently 23 weeks pregnant my food and workout regimen have been altered accordingly, but have not changed drastically. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14184121790015434701noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659208933318943146.post-20378708832696271342015-09-21T14:51:00.002-07:002015-09-21T14:51:32.570-07:00Just Keep Moving<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Grief is a funny thing. Not "funny, HAHA" but more like "WTF was that."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You always hear that everyone grieves in their own way and in stages. But what we don't talk a lot about is the fact that each and every moment of the day can be different. You can be bopping along and then all of the sudden - WHAM - sadness, anger, confusion, guilt, etc. take over. Sometimes it takes just another moment to regain composure, while other times it takes days to recover...for things to seem "normal" again. The triggers are all different and unexpected. Smells, sound, music, a person's laugh, a happy memory, a difficult time, a fun experience, or just the same mundane drive to work.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had hoped the randomness of the grief I experience around my mom's death would subside as time passed. Daily life has gotten easier, but the emotional washes still arise. Having a full schedule - husband, toddler, work - keep me going because <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCHD1aPCcx4">"I've got to, MISTER!"</a> (Skip to 1:38 in video clip below for reference)</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/TCHD1aPCcx4/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TCHD1aPCcx4?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There is no stopping for an hour to have a mental breakdown, and I thought of this as a good thing for me. Then I realized about six months after my mom passed away that this might not be healthy because my grief started to erupt more frequently and manifest in varying ways. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Acknowledging the grief in those moments has helped me deal with it and keep moving. Not move past it or move on, but just keep moving. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I occasionally read random articles...OK that's a stretch, I read random articles every day. A few days ago I found one that was of particular interest to me - <a href="http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-15426/20-things-i-wish-someone-told-me-about-grief.html">20 Things I Wish Someone Told Me About Grief</a>. All of these are true for me and I do wish I knew them before; not that it would have helped that much. Just reading them made me feel better. Here are a few I found poignant:</span><br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #515151; font-family: adelle, Adelle, Georgia, Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 28.16px;">1. We don't actually get over losses. We absorb them, and they redirect us into a more grounded way of living.</span> </blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #515151; font-family: adelle, Adelle, Georgia, Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 28.16px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #515151; font-family: adelle, Adelle, Georgia, Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 28.16px;">5. There isn’t always a spiritual </span><em style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #515151; font-family: adelle, Adelle, Georgia, Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 28.16px;">aha</em><span style="background-color: white; color: #515151; font-family: adelle, Adelle, Georgia, Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 28.16px;"> moment or a reason. Sometimes, it just is what it is.</span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #515151;"><span style="line-height: 28.16px;"><span style="font-family: adelle, Adelle, Georgia, Cambria, Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: 17.6px;">7. Anger is normal. Feel it. Embrace it. Allow it to work through you. </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">::Big one for me. This was an emotion I didn't expect::</span></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #515151; font-family: adelle, Adelle, Georgia, Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 28.16px;"></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #515151;"><span style="font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 28.16px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #515151; font-family: adelle, Adelle, Georgia, Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 28.16px;">12. There is no such thing as normal when it comes to grieving. Be patient and kind to yourself.</span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #515151; font-family: adelle, Adelle, Georgia, Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 28.16px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #515151; font-family: adelle, Adelle, Georgia, Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 28.16px;">14. You will never go back to being your “old” self.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">**NOTE: The writer of the article lost her childhood dog before writing this piece. That made me giggle.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14184121790015434701noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659208933318943146.post-15887752388085913872015-09-14T09:39:00.000-07:002015-09-14T09:39:09.789-07:00Are you going to eat that? <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since becoming pregnant for the second time, I have noticed a lot of differences from the first go-round. Some of them include: </span><br />
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<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am significantly more tired. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am significantly more hungry. I would like for most of my meals to consist of junk...cinnamon rolls, waffles, pizza, hamburgers, pasta, chicken fingers, french fries, cookies, ice cream, cake. I wouldn't even call them cravings. But I am trying to hold on to my health-eating habits to give the baby the nutrients he needs. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My body hurts. Is it the fact that I am a couple years older, or that the past three years have seen so much change? Like the fact that I don't sit down other than when I am at work or after B has gone to bed. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I tend to forget I am pregnant. Maybe forget is the wrong word, but I don't expect people to treat me differently or notice and comment on my belly. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My belly is bigger and it happened faster. I was in complete denial about this happening to me. I was in better shape before this pregnancy than the first...how is this possible?!? And I have only taken one belly photo. Need to get on that. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wsRiPeoKWAM/VfHMK6R_OII/AAAAAAAABag/0KBDW4FKDIY/s1600/Week%2B23_6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wsRiPeoKWAM/VfHMK6R_OII/AAAAAAAABag/0KBDW4FKDIY/s320/Week%2B23_6.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Week 23 while pregnant with B.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span id="goog_185278091"></span><span id="goog_185278092"></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I forget to mention things about how or what I am feeling, like telling Dad when the baby is kicking so he can enjoy it as well! </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My doctor's appointments are much shorter; there is no laundry list of questions. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I haven't bought anything...not, one, thing. Oh, but we did decide on a nursery theme.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iVbrj805XPg/VfHMgPFJotI/AAAAAAAABao/n3Kd0OcQIGc/s1600/safari%2Banimals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iVbrj805XPg/VfHMgPFJotI/AAAAAAAABao/n3Kd0OcQIGc/s1600/safari%2Banimals.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Something like these will be featured in the nursery, thanks to my talented cousin, Kate!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I actually know EXACTLY what I need to put on a registry. But can I make a registry or is that tacky for baby #2? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I look at B differently. I remember him as a little tiny baby and am astonished at how quickly the time as gone by. I feel so grateful for the infant that he was and the toddler he has become. Sure we had our ups and downs with breastfeeding...and today with real food; he had seemingly senseless crying fits and now has pointless tantrums; he has always been a mommy-leach and is terrible at sharing with other children. These are normal things, nothing crazy, he is such a sweet kid. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x0X0Spc7zfw/Uzsd5yiqZNI/AAAAAAAAAhw/1_TENU2unb4/s1600/photo%2B2%2B%25286%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x0X0Spc7zfw/Uzsd5yiqZNI/AAAAAAAAAhw/1_TENU2unb4/s320/photo%2B2%2B%25286%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet, tiny B with such a serious face. </td></tr>
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</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am excited about giving birth to another child. What is that about?! I actually enjoyed the experience of giving birth the first time around. I am interested to see what is in store for us this time! And now I realize, I never blogged my birth story. That will be coming soon...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AQRGHg2vfYA/UzHAT3oVfsI/AAAAAAAAAU0/yEhK2wq1hZk/s1600/photo%2B1%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AQRGHg2vfYA/UzHAT3oVfsI/AAAAAAAAAU0/yEhK2wq1hZk/s320/photo%2B1%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="234" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the first pictures after delivery.</td></tr>
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</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Seeing the picture above reminds me that I need to pack better PJs and accessories for the hospital. Well, not just pack them, I will have to purchase them first!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have concerns about maternity leave. Last time I was excited and, to be honest, I didn't particularly enjoy maternity leave. I felt <a href="http://theseallife.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-house-is-shrinking.html">trapped (see previous post)</a>, useless and bored. Now that I know what to do with myself, I am anxious to see how this one goes. I am determined to take the full time allotted in the U.S. (12 weeks, which is crap) and to make the most of the time with my new son and expanded family. I am also worried because it will be the DEAD of winter! I had beautiful blue skies and warm temps last time.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I could just really use some wine, damn it.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All food is fair game. No, I don't eat raw sushi on a weekly basis, but I am not going to shy away from it. And that list of fish you aren't supposed to have? Everything in moderation, including a raw oyster or two. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UwqXdYONxw4/VfHk2xm_QbI/AAAAAAAABa8/FrCdeGx4Olo/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UwqXdYONxw4/VfHk2xm_QbI/AAAAAAAABa8/FrCdeGx4Olo/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steak Tartare from <a href="http://www.dorismetropolitan.com/new-orleans/en/index">Doris Metropolitan</a> in NOLA. I couldn't pass that up! </td></tr>
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</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's hard for me to imagine what baby #2 will look like, without picturing B. Now that I have a child that looks a specific (adorable) way, what will the next one look like?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JYnW4IFgvOs/U1U-CqY3oFI/AAAAAAAAApA/v42B_jHuoIA/s1600/photo%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JYnW4IFgvOs/U1U-CqY3oFI/AAAAAAAAApA/v42B_jHuoIA/s320/photo%2B2.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THAT FACE.</td></tr>
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</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I haven't read many pregnancy articles...OK, any. I do have the app that gives me weekly updates on the babies growth and development. I look at it every other week...usually. And we won't do a baby class. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I realized last week that we have little time to do activities just the three of us. So this weekend we went to Auburn to take B to his first football game, just the three of us. Because next year, it will be all four of us!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gV_3qyNHFG4/VfHmWR3IHtI/AAAAAAAABbQ/wozmnZ3fxeI/s1600/IMG_0205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gV_3qyNHFG4/VfHmWR3IHtI/AAAAAAAABbQ/wozmnZ3fxeI/s320/IMG_0205.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tailgating in the fall of 2011.</td></tr>
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</span></li>
</ol>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MsifceuSdbg/Vfb3C1NY0AI/AAAAAAAABcE/A7WrM_Jze4o/s1600/IMG_5198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MsifceuSdbg/Vfb3C1NY0AI/AAAAAAAABcE/A7WrM_Jze4o/s320/IMG_5198.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">B was not impressed by this week's performance. </span></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14184121790015434701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659208933318943146.post-146253071819035082015-09-02T11:41:00.001-07:002015-09-02T11:41:27.370-07:00On the Move: Furniture Shopping<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since moving in to our new house, we do a lot of furniture shopping. Sometimes it's more like furniture perusing considering the amount of items we still need to purchase. Dad and I prefer to shop together because we both need to be involved in the decision, so where Dad and I go, so comes B!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This has been interesting considering the amount of items most furniture stores contain and the fact that many of those items are fragile and don't need toddler snot strewn across them.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AEco3duPQnY/Vec_AsrGMyI/AAAAAAAABZs/_J3U4K9CnjA/s1600/IMG_5129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AEco3duPQnY/Vec_AsrGMyI/AAAAAAAABZs/_J3U4K9CnjA/s320/IMG_5129.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Checking out our new sectional for the basement. Note the snacks on the table.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Luckily, he has been decently behaved and left all furniture in its original state. No scratches, dirt stains, milk, or snack residue left behind. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But furniture shopping is tedious and boring. We have looked at innumerable coffee tables and just can't seem to find the perfect one. This usually comes from a difference of opinion between mom and dad. I usually have something pretty specific in mind, or at least I think I do, until I see the options and become instantly overwhelmed. Dad has a harder time because he can't picture anything in the space unless it looks like what we had previously. He likes to ask about the return policy before any purchase...ya know, just in case. Fortunately, we have yet to return anything! </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qf5iCks9iSo/Vec_AXr3ivI/AAAAAAAABZ0/Kc5i56fzfJc/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qf5iCks9iSo/Vec_AXr3ivI/AAAAAAAABZ0/Kc5i56fzfJc/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://theseallife.blogspot.com/2015/08/updatebetter-later-than-never.html">Seen previously</a>, our new kitchen table from <a href="http://www.furniturewithasoul.com/store.php?location=birmingham">Nadeau</a>. B loves the bench, Dad was super nervous about the "no return" policy.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Otherwise, there is a lot of wandering and staring. And so the convo goes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Well, what do you think? Do you like the color? What about the size...is it too small? Do you think it will fit the other way? What if we moved the other end table over? Could we use the thing in your parents attic? Oh, I have an idea, what do you think about...</i></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is in between chasing B - who discovered bunk beds are AWESOME - and fending off sales people! We clearly won't be getting bunk beds until both boys are old enough to handle them. And we won't be purchasing anything from the saleswoman who asked if he had chocolate on his face. No, it's a boo-boo. <i>What kind of people would we be letting our kid in a furniture store with chocolate on his face?!? </i>She then said, "be sure he doesn't scratch it, they get itchy during the healing process." Which I translated to mean "be sure he doesn't scratch it and get blood on our new furniture...OK, thanks."</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-otFBxJARsqc/Vec_AiXaurI/AAAAAAAABZ8/AkUXUdSv9c8/s1600/IMG_5116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-otFBxJARsqc/Vec_AiXaurI/AAAAAAAABZ8/AkUXUdSv9c8/s320/IMG_5116.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">B found a chair for himself at Nadeau (not on the furniture list). Note the "chocolate" on his lip.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The search continues. The next items on the list include a coffee table, new end tables, recovering chairs (don't want to think about selecting fabric), art for above the couch, nursery decor, and a bedroom suite for B's room (probably coming from Nonna and Poppy's house). </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cN4V6swVifQ/Vec--JpvWAI/AAAAAAAABZg/r-3jCk-5Lfg/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cN4V6swVifQ/Vec--JpvWAI/AAAAAAAABZg/r-3jCk-5Lfg/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Post furniture-shopping fun in the new <a href="https://www.eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com/">ENO</a> from cousins Chris and Debbie!</span></td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14184121790015434701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659208933318943146.post-89016142845096652282015-08-25T12:12:00.001-07:002015-08-25T12:12:29.571-07:00Update...better later than never!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's been a while since I wrote a blog post. It's sort of embarrassing considering how strong I started, but it's hard to keep the momentum and inspiration. I take that back, the inspiration for content is there, the inspiration to sit down and write is not always close behind. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So much has happened in our world since my last post. Let's see...</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">I went to LA for work for 10 days.</b><b> </b>It was such a great professional experience and I hope I get to do it again. Dad came to visit for a couple of nights which was really nice considering I didn't get to see him as much as I would have liked! We got to stay in a beautiful hotel, eat good food, and spend a bit of time together. </span></li>
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<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7lv2GSA3-AE/Vdyf-y_U3vI/AAAAAAAABXU/392nBbPP9_Q/s1600/1560767_10102716212575091_5594401758327172409_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7lv2GSA3-AE/Vdyf-y_U3vI/AAAAAAAABXU/392nBbPP9_Q/s320/1560767_10102716212575091_5594401758327172409_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mini monkey bread for dessert after lunch at <a href="http://www.saltairvenice.com/">Salt Air</a> in Venice. Divine! </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xJkmhnTFHsc/Vdyf8oY-58I/AAAAAAAABW4/lppWki1WhNw/s1600/10941024_10102716993295521_7532396745047157429_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xJkmhnTFHsc/Vdyf8oY-58I/AAAAAAAABW4/lppWki1WhNw/s320/10941024_10102716993295521_7532396745047157429_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">View from my room at the <a href="http://www.fairmont.com/santa-monica/">Fairmont Santa Monica</a>. </span></td></tr>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>We decided to start trying for baby #2. </b>This proved to be a bit more difficult than we had intended, but after a visit to our specialist, Dr. Malizia at <a href="http://www.alabamafertility.com/">Alabama Fertility Specialists</a>, we were able to conceive after only one round of Clomid. On what would have been my mom's 59th birthday, July 14, we found out we were having another little boy! </span></li>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M6VxFEgM1Ic/Vdyf9-8ZFMI/AAAAAAAABXk/AVkLe8OubK4/s1600/11850674_10103159742602361_8288884044403701262_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M6VxFEgM1Ic/Vdyf9-8ZFMI/AAAAAAAABXk/AVkLe8OubK4/s320/11850674_10103159742602361_8288884044403701262_o.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">B is ready for football season.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6yxABtSK94/Vdyf8vQmMhI/AAAAAAAABYA/dzgpxs7hzF8/s1600/11181893_10103159742607351_8063994355710295845_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6yxABtSK94/Vdyf8vQmMhI/AAAAAAAABYA/dzgpxs7hzF8/s320/11181893_10103159742607351_8063994355710295845_o.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I think he gets his sweet tooth from me. Has to eat the icing first!</span></td></tr>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>We put our house on the market, sold it after about four months, and bought a new one!</b> We lived with the fantastic Nonna and Poppy (my in-laws) for three weeks in between and moved in to the new house on July 2. It is HUGE - comparatively - and we will never move again. We have just the space we need and moving is not fun, especially during your first trimester of pregnancy. Big kudos to super Dad for basically doing it all himself, and my MIL who is an expert packer!</span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-teZEkRdvobM/Vdyf_fovI7I/AAAAAAAABXo/_kJAzyYN58o/s1600/1798054_10102741751335211_2612240248291577873_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-teZEkRdvobM/Vdyf_fovI7I/AAAAAAAABXo/_kJAzyYN58o/s320/1798054_10102741751335211_2612240248291577873_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had a ton of people come thru our house. But we found the right buyer with the help of the <a href="http://www.joshvernongroup.com/">Josh Vernon Group</a>! </span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-38ENvlZySvA/Vdyf_mn7d-I/AAAAAAAABX4/-lEIoBYtvr8/s1600/906035_10103110139741891_905094015089466242_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-38ENvlZySvA/Vdyf_mn7d-I/AAAAAAAABX4/-lEIoBYtvr8/s320/906035_10103110139741891_905094015089466242_o.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">B loves the new kitchen table from <a href="http://www.furniturewithasoul.com/">Nadeau</a>! He has breakfast on the bench, and dinner on the end left chair. </span></td></tr>
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</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>We have been on several lovely vacations</b>, including two beach trips to Orange Beach with family and a parent's getaway/Dad's work convention to New Orleans. We also made it to Gulfport for Memorial Day to celebrate Aunt Lala's birthday, and tell the family that we were pregnant! </span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PWfzWfDgNAI/Vdyz20SMvCI/AAAAAAAABYo/XbmiBR6GiX0/s1600/11183451_10155481173170007_598801845934819728_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PWfzWfDgNAI/Vdyz20SMvCI/AAAAAAAABYo/XbmiBR6GiX0/s320/11183451_10155481173170007_598801845934819728_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At <a href="http://www.fishersobm.com/">Fisher's</a> in Orange Beach (April 2015).</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--2BccoUeD_k/Vdyze3fIMEI/AAAAAAAABYg/dtPT6W2xhdo/s1600/Beach_mom%2Band%2Bdad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--2BccoUeD_k/Vdyze3fIMEI/AAAAAAAABYg/dtPT6W2xhdo/s320/Beach_mom%2Band%2Bdad.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In Orange Beach before heading to dinner (July 2015).</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ciq0fKNH7Vw/Vdyf9GjTZDI/AAAAAAAABYM/3sHbDXr2p8Q/s1600/11221621_10103140956809241_4055101288423422014_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ciq0fKNH7Vw/Vdyf9GjTZDI/AAAAAAAABYM/3sHbDXr2p8Q/s320/11221621_10103140956809241_4055101288423422014_o.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Roasted cauliflower and bone marrow at <a href="http://domenicarestaurant.com/">Domenica </a>in NOLA. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pLJSfj7sTww/Vdyf9Q9HzRI/AAAAAAAABX8/Df7ZAh0UK6Y/s1600/11700980_10103137730614561_4934226450137867781_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pLJSfj7sTww/Vdyf9Q9HzRI/AAAAAAAABX8/Df7ZAh0UK6Y/s320/11700980_10103137730614561_4934226450137867781_o.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Muffaletta, salad, pulled pork sandwich and Brussels at <a href="http://www.cochonbutcher.com/">Cochon Butcher</a> in NOLA.</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zbz3YjlvZw0/Vdyf9ynk9DI/AAAAAAAABX0/hVDd_w4Ucq0/s1600/11807796_10103135122261721_8661573022408020635_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zbz3YjlvZw0/Vdyf9ynk9DI/AAAAAAAABX0/hVDd_w4Ucq0/s320/11807796_10103135122261721_8661573022408020635_o.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">French toast, scotch egg, and boudin and grits for brunch at <a href="http://www.angelinenola.com/">Angeline </a>in NOLA.</span></td></tr>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Barrett turned TWO!</b> Life with B has been entertaining and honestly, fun! Several months ago he hit a point where he was very difficult to wrangle. He wanted to touch, pull, grab, push, and hit everything. He is incredibly inquisitive, which I love, but can be maddening at times. Then one day I realized he wasn't so much like that anymore. He seemed more comfortable with his surroundings and aware of what things were, so he was less compelled to investigate every item and/or place. On a daily basis he learns or says something new. I still don't understand what any of the words mean, but they are coming. Family meals are fun because he enjoys them, encouraging us to "sit, mom!" and "sit, dad!" Next step...lose the pacifier at night time (already gone from naps thanks to school!) and upgrade to a twin bed. We will need that crib for when baby #2 gets here in January!</span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2ANUx3mvQ30/Vdyf8k0e2UI/AAAAAAAABXI/1-EhpiJntP0/s1600/11017451_10103184874358121_7529064345945112541_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="287" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2ANUx3mvQ30/Vdyf8k0e2UI/AAAAAAAABXI/1-EhpiJntP0/s320/11017451_10103184874358121_7529064345945112541_o.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Blowing out his birthday candles!</span></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14184121790015434701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659208933318943146.post-1568126803126536342015-01-21T09:32:00.004-08:002015-01-21T09:33:50.400-08:00Right on track<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This past weekend was a nice mix of quiet time, productive activities, friends and family. Friday night Dad and I made pizza and hung with B - who is cutting teeth and didn't nap all day...it was a touch-and-go evening. Saturday we cleaned out the master closet in preparation to put our house on the market then went to a surprise anniversary party for one of our best friend's parents. Sunday I packed for my 10 day trip to LA and my dad, sister and brother-in-law came over to watch football. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While at dinner Saturday night I was chatting with a BFF about her New Year's resolutions. On that list was the resolution to stop comparing her 10-month-old son to other children and not obsessing over his developmental progression.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8BdoFUd4DXk/VL_f1jtAfxI/AAAAAAAABSU/mh6GyYJsMnA/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8BdoFUd4DXk/VL_f1jtAfxI/AAAAAAAABSU/mh6GyYJsMnA/s1600/image.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Technologically advanced?</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have all been there. From the moment they are born you wait for the first poop, wet diaper, smile, laugh, etc. You read the development books, download the accompanying apps, consult with your pediatrician, ask your parents for reference and interrogate friends with babies remotely comparable in age. And then there is social media...</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IL0K0LgP7SY/VL_f2GLbZVI/AAAAAAAABSY/8uvqzr5B0Gw/s1600/image_2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IL0K0LgP7SY/VL_f2GLbZVI/AAAAAAAABSY/8uvqzr5B0Gw/s1600/image_2.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had several walkers that really helped him learn to walk.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's hard not to focus all your attention on this with the research indicating that 1 in 200 children are autistic...or wait, is it 1 in 90 now?! I can't keep up. And I did and do all of this. It took me a while to realize that the precious creature I birthed is fine and, honestly, not particularly exceptional. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He sat up by himself at around 7 months, crawled a little after 9 months, walked about two weeks after his first birthday. I cannot understand a single thing he says besides Mama and Dada. He prefers french fries, chicken fingers and fish sticks to grilled chicken, veggies and fruits. He has an attitude, he has hit me in the face (and laughed), he likes to throw things and whines incessantly if he doesn't get his way.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T-aMV5MOEqE/VL_f2j5frtI/AAAAAAAABSw/9R8aBmDe7-4/s1600/image_3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T-aMV5MOEqE/VL_f2j5frtI/AAAAAAAABSw/9R8aBmDe7-4/s1600/image_3.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sometimes the pacifier and blanket have to brought out before nap/bed time.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now for the typical mommy-blogger wrap up...I love him, can't imagine life without him, and he has changed my world for the better. DUH, he is my child. I carried him for 37 weeks, bore him without the help of drugs, milked myself like a cow for his nutritional benefit and think about him at every waking moment.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yR51nho4ilo/VL_f29R7f0I/AAAAAAAABSk/EUxG7Je24dI/s1600/image_4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yR51nho4ilo/VL_f29R7f0I/AAAAAAAABSk/EUxG7Je24dI/s1600/image_4.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just loading up the spoon with oatmeal.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And he is normal and I couldn't ask for more. So like my friend I am going to make an effort to relax and let him progress at his own pace. We will see how I do when he brings home his first report card, starts playing sports, or takes up a musical instrument.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UpHjEWWNtpQ/VL_f3OQgJ7I/AAAAAAAABSo/55EQC22z2eE/s1600/image_5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UpHjEWWNtpQ/VL_f3OQgJ7I/AAAAAAAABSo/55EQC22z2eE/s1600/image_5.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Or forget the spoon, the oatmeal tastes better on my fingers!</span></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14184121790015434701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659208933318943146.post-55232197794448030222015-01-13T08:04:00.002-08:002015-01-13T08:04:48.241-08:00It could be worse...<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"It could be worse," said Dad on day two of our recent vacation to Turks and Caicos. I quickly responded with, "It couldn't be much better." To which he chimed back, "...but it could be worse." </span><br />
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We were both right. It could have been worse...we could have been at work back in Alabama where the weather was around 40 degrees. But it really couldn't have been much better. I mean, this conversation took place here:</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Te57HZAhViA/VLRYgaUo-SI/AAAAAAAABL8/G9FczuXuDo8/s1600/photo%2B2%2B(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Te57HZAhViA/VLRYgaUo-SI/AAAAAAAABL8/G9FczuXuDo8/s1600/photo%2B2%2B(1).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The most clear water and softest sand ever. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> See what I mean? </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NN2446fvB9U/VLRYkPUwUtI/AAAAAAAABMQ/PEPB9sZicq8/s1600/photo%2B4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NN2446fvB9U/VLRYkPUwUtI/AAAAAAAABMQ/PEPB9sZicq8/s1600/photo%2B4.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From the edge of the pool, overlooking a dining patio and then the beach.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This was our first vacation alone since Mr. B arrived. I missed him every day, especially when I saw the other kiddos that were staying at our resort. But let me be honest, while I missed him I was glad he wasn't there. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zA_Bk6I0YiY/VLQ7fNqoDGI/AAAAAAAABLU/4v_RlVhCywY/s1600/image_8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zA_Bk6I0YiY/VLQ7fNqoDGI/AAAAAAAABLU/4v_RlVhCywY/s1600/image_8.jpeg" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have arrived!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We slept in, enjoyed a leisurely breakfast, sat on the beach watching the turquoise water roll in, took long walks in the velvety sand, sipped on adult beverages over an extended lunch, napped by the pool, toasted ourselves at the hotel bar before venturing out for dinner, noshed on local grilled lobster, slipped on the bedroom slippers left for us by the turn down service before enjoying the chocolate placed on the bed. Repeat that for five days and you will feel like a new person. And even appreciate your opinionated and rapidly growing toddler for the amazing little human that he is. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VMBOt1zFT5g/VLRYjjL9fYI/AAAAAAAABMI/6J_liXehB3s/s1600/photo%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VMBOt1zFT5g/VLRYjjL9fYI/AAAAAAAABMI/6J_liXehB3s/s1600/photo%2B1.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Beach bar at its best.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kkXVYCUymtY/VLQ7n48rz7I/AAAAAAAABLc/kKmx-mSjeiI/s1600/image_20.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kkXVYCUymtY/VLQ7n48rz7I/AAAAAAAABLc/kKmx-mSjeiI/s1600/image_20.jpeg" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our favorite lunch spot - The Somewhere Cafe</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Most importantly, Dad and I got to spend some uninterrupted time together and make memories. I won't say that we needed it, we are lucky to have a fantastic support system of family members who actually ask to babysit so we can have date night. But it was really great to have. Whether we were talking about how life has changed in the past year, debating whether to have a pina colada or gin and tonic, or sitting in silence staring at the scenery, it was a nice reminder that we have each other and are in it together. And we are fortunate enough to <i>really</i> like it that way. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4-03nQds2rU/VLRYjqhrLnI/AAAAAAAABMM/Y15lIVrQ228/s1600/photo%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4-03nQds2rU/VLRYjqhrLnI/AAAAAAAABMM/Y15lIVrQ228/s1600/photo%2B3.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The other side of the pool from the water-side bed.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7mwv0nk93kQ/VLRYjlTdliI/AAAAAAAABME/bmq_w8N7HVc/s1600/photo%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7mwv0nk93kQ/VLRYjlTdliI/AAAAAAAABME/bmq_w8N7HVc/s1600/photo%2B2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The resort was beautiful at night, complete with Christmas lights!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yILNLTYx6A4/VLQ7XpwLnfI/AAAAAAAABLM/1sAn5hTwbFg/s1600/image_18.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yILNLTYx6A4/VLQ7XpwLnfI/AAAAAAAABLM/1sAn5hTwbFg/s1600/image_18.jpeg" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After a trek to lunch, enjoying the walk and the company. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Location: Turks and Caicos</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Resort: <a href="http://www.regentpalmstci.com/">The Regent Palms</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Favorite Restaurants:</span></div>
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<a href="http://somewherecafeandlounge.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Somewhere Cafe & Lounge</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/MrGroupersRestaurant"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mr. Grouper's Restaurant</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/LeBouchonDuVillage"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Le Bouchon</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://mangoreef.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mango Reef</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.sibonne.com/grace-bay-bistro/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bay Bistro</span></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14184121790015434701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659208933318943146.post-4169565320896770702014-08-20T11:33:00.005-07:002014-08-20T11:34:51.158-07:00The Attack of Beige Food<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh hey, remember this post - <a href="http://theseallife.blogspot.com/2014/05/tidbit-tuesday-baby-food-recipes.html">Baby Food Recipes</a> - the one with all the fancy baby food recipes? Those were the days...the ones when B would eat anything off a spoon and trusted mom and dad to feed him. As of a few weeks ago, those are gone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He now refuses to eat off of any utensil and prefers beige food, mainly chicken. This has led me to extreme frustration and, honestly, some hurt feelings. Not the proudest of mommy-moments.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-93crX0Rwy44/U_TlPiDopOI/AAAAAAAABGM/RwnfQEx5sYE/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-93crX0Rwy44/U_TlPiDopOI/AAAAAAAABGM/RwnfQEx5sYE/s1600/image.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Waffles are beige...<br />B will have that, hold the eggs and oranges.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M1XqQHJ6IpQ/U_TlQfF0tbI/AAAAAAAABFk/ZCFK1K6MmLo/s1600/image_3_1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M1XqQHJ6IpQ/U_TlQfF0tbI/AAAAAAAABFk/ZCFK1K6MmLo/s1600/image_3_1.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Something beige in hand...<br />get that pouch out of here.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I tried for about two weeks to basically force feed him. Pinning him to the high chair and putting food in his mouth when we would open it to cry. This sounds terrible, but most of the time he would stop crying and gobble it up. Then one day he didn't stop crying and it felt like I was torturing him. So I had to stop, or dad begged me to stop...that's besides the point.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the meantime, I got creative researching recipes with hidden vegetables and strategically placed fruits. Some attempts worked (for a day or two), others failed immediately. I am still finalizing my plan of attack and luckily some of his hesitations have diminished. He got over a little case of hand, foot and mouth and has two new teeth. I have some recipes and tips that I will stick with and even more left to try.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He has decided he will eat out of a pouch, but only when he decides he is ready. He likes to feed other people, and will maybe take food out of your hand after close inspection. Then some times, he will gobble up anything on his tray regardless of color or texture. I am at a loss but will not give up.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So far we have tested... </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://blog.homemade-baby-food-recipes.com/vegeta-balls-for-baby-the-finger-food-thats-packed-with-nutrition/"><b>Vegeta-balls:</b></a> Savory and packed with lentils, celery, sweet potatoes and mushrooms. BIG HIT and easy to make.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.superhealthykids.com/healthy-kids-recipes/banana-date-carrot-muffins-gluten-free-no-sugar-added.php"><b>Banana-Apple-Carrot Muffins:</b> </a>Recipe calls for dates, but I used some apple chunks instead. B likes these about half the time, but would prefer other things given the option.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Sweet potato sticks:</b> Cut sweet potatoes into french fry shape, toss in olive oil, and roast in the oven on 450 for about 15-20 minutes. Sometimes B will chew on these, depends on the day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Chicken: </b>The favorite...chicken any way he can get it so I just give him whatever we are having. BBQ, Asian, grilled with our favorite seasoning, rotisserie, etc.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Waffles:</b> No Eggo's here. B likes <a href="http://www.vansfoods.com/our-products-waffles#Ancient-Grains-Original-Waffles-36">Van's Ancient Grains</a> (I swear they taste like carrot cake, Dad disagrees) and we are trying <a href="http://us.naturespath.com/product/buckwheat-wildberry-frozen-waffle">Nature's Path Buckwheat</a> Wildberry next.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Multi-Grain bread:</b> He likes it plain or with peanut butter, love the fresh stuff at <a href="http://www.publix.com/Home.do">Publix </a>made with peanuts only! I recently topped the peanut butter with some wheat germ for added nutrients and he didn't mind.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Grilled Cheese:</b> I pureed chicken and broccoli together with some fresh shredded cheddar, slathered that on multi-grain bread then topped it with another thin layer of cheddar. Toasted it up and tore in to pieces. He liked this a few times, but wised up quickly...much to my dismay.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AnitUGVnZ6A/U_TlPikIk5I/AAAAAAAABFc/HMwaOBCholE/s1600/image_1_2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AnitUGVnZ6A/U_TlPikIk5I/AAAAAAAABFc/HMwaOBCholE/s1600/image_1_2.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The chicken/broccoli grilled cheese. <br />He liked this the first two times, not so much the third.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://blog.homemade-baby-food-recipes.com/cheesy-eggy-triangles-tasty-toast-for-babies/">Cheesy Eggy Triangles</a>:</b> I made these twice, first time he loved it, second time not so much. I will try again though because it was easy and eggs are super nutritious!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.plumorganics.com/products/fruit-shredz-berrylicious">Fruit Shredz</a>:</b> He loves these, the shape and texture are perfect for him. I like them because they seem healthier than the puffs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Veggie Burgers/Patties:</b> I got the Publix brand veggie burgers and B seemed to enjoy those. Next we are trying the <a href="http://www.bocaburger.com/originalproducts.html">Boca Burgers</a> to see what he thinks.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ia6UNZHSzkY/U_TlPin_RbI/AAAAAAAABFg/qQ0TjJMuZUE/s1600/image_2_1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ia6UNZHSzkY/U_TlPin_RbI/AAAAAAAABFg/qQ0TjJMuZUE/s1600/image_2_1.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Pizza, where have you been all my life?!" - B</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So those are just a few things I have tried to get him through the teething and beige food stages. He seems to have moved on, although his preference for bread and chicken has not gone away...he is just more willing to select other things as well. This will do for now. And he has decided to sample some of my homemade concoctions from the pouches I make with the <a href="https://www.kiinde.com/foodii_starter_kit_product.php">Kiinde system</a>. This has been great! He actually prefers these to the store bought ones, so that makes me a happy mom!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VIpdfk8Wcmk/U_TlQwq1-mI/AAAAAAAABFw/rbhhRonWRtM/s1600/image_4_1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VIpdfk8Wcmk/U_TlQwq1-mI/AAAAAAAABFw/rbhhRonWRtM/s1600/image_4_1.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Banana/Apple/Carrot Muffin and a homemade pouch <br />with blueberry, apple, banana, oats and spinach.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iW9LkeZfO0w/U_TlRek2inI/AAAAAAAABF4/mg8GaGy59wM/s1600/image_5_1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iW9LkeZfO0w/U_TlRek2inI/AAAAAAAABF4/mg8GaGy59wM/s1600/image_5_1.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">B's lunch on Wednesday.<br />Top: Vegeta-ball, roasted red pepper, chicken<br />Bottom: Strawberries and watermelon pieces</span></td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14184121790015434701noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659208933318943146.post-1766494107469092962014-08-18T13:47:00.004-07:002014-08-18T14:26:04.427-07:00One Year Later...This morning at 5:11 a.m. I was half way through the squat track during a <a href="http://www.lesmills.com/workouts/fitness-classes/bodypump/">Body Pump</a> class at <a href="http://24efitness.com/locations/trussville/">24e</a> thinking to myself:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>I might not make it to the end of this...I think I added too much weight. My legs may give out. Is my quad supposed to burn like that? Oh man, I drank too much wine last night. And that bread pudding might not have been worth it.</i></blockquote>
Then I realized that exactly one year ago I was experiencing the worst pain of my life, followed by indescribable, surreal joy...followed up with more pain, then back to joy.<br />
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Barrett William Seal graced us with his presence at 5:11 a.m. on August 18, 2013. He was three weeks early, but fully developed and ready for the world. Mom and Dad were extremely naive and thought we were prepared. Needless to say, we have learned a lot in the past year and I am sure B has MUCH more to teach us.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sCDVEEd-2VI/U_JjoEShlJI/AAAAAAAABEg/ExAzAlvnksc/s1600/1235190_10101619728762441_763524014_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sCDVEEd-2VI/U_JjoEShlJI/AAAAAAAABEg/ExAzAlvnksc/s1600/1235190_10101619728762441_763524014_n.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">B at two days old, still in the hospital.</td></tr>
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I made it through the squat track and the rest of the workout because I kept thinking of the one, all-encompassing phrase that sums up the past year.<br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">"This too shall pass."</span></b></i></blockquote>
From sleepless nights, endless feedings, seemingly pointless crying fits and miserable car rides, to runny noses and countless pediatrician visits...all the hard times dissolve into warm snuggle sessions, toothless grins, first words and baby laughter. The thing mom and dad have to remember is that all these times pass just as quickly as the others; being aware and present in the good and bad times is equally important. Knowing that B won't only eat beige food forever and will eventually stop teething is hard to comprehend in the moment. At the same time, while he is jabbering to himself, peacefully playing with his toys (or the remote) we have to take the time to adore the preciousness that is our sweet B.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ake_Xe11kwY/U_Jjpd4MT4I/AAAAAAAABEo/NW-I_RehCVc/s1600/10419392_10102146885855401_5351330081077391086_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ake_Xe11kwY/U_Jjpd4MT4I/AAAAAAAABEo/NW-I_RehCVc/s1600/10419392_10102146885855401_5351330081077391086_n.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dad is seriously hysterical! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2-OJpIT-mRo/U_Jlr09MlcI/AAAAAAAABEw/-GMZUrW_OLA/s1600/10550146_10102317652108461_7970214239090405701_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2-OJpIT-mRo/U_Jlr09MlcI/AAAAAAAABEw/-GMZUrW_OLA/s1600/10550146_10102317652108461_7970214239090405701_o.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Ma, it's pizza...it's beige and I like it." - B</td></tr>
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Parenting is hard. Harder than the squats I did this morning, fighting traffic, or managing challenges at work. Seeing his sweet face, hearing him mumble "ma-ma-ma," and even waking up in the middle of the night puts everything in to perspective.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PqW9YCb-_ts/U_Iu9fiGBCI/AAAAAAAABCs/_RixR4hC-UI/s1600/image_11.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PqW9YCb-_ts/U_Iu9fiGBCI/AAAAAAAABCs/_RixR4hC-UI/s1600/image_11.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for Auburn Gameday!</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14184121790015434701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659208933318943146.post-1293618226894961512014-08-14T12:01:00.003-07:002014-08-14T12:02:40.697-07:00Missing Mr. B<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When B was eight weeks old I went back to work. I was ready to get out of the house and back to a routine. I didn't cry when we left him at daycare, but I was beyond excited to see him by the time I got home. School is great for Mr. B and the routine is good for Mom and Dad.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That being said, sometimes making it through the work day is ridiculously difficult knowing B is doing important things without me. Teething, crawling, eating, napping, babbling, and walking attempts are the most essential things in life at the moment. While I am at work attempting to be a productive member of the team, I keep reminders of B everywhere.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In front of me.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bd74Y89EzLU/U-0AwxNkvBI/AAAAAAAABCI/bgq9H9aEo_A/s1600/photo%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bd74Y89EzLU/U-0AwxNkvBI/AAAAAAAABCI/bgq9H9aEo_A/s1600/photo%2B2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Above me.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To the left.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-urnp7Tiyzz8/U-0AxsQMLuI/AAAAAAAABB0/_kKoaaTg4wM/s1600/photo%2B4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-urnp7Tiyzz8/U-0AxsQMLuI/AAAAAAAABB0/_kKoaaTg4wM/s1600/photo%2B4.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Behind me.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a3e1RJ2Z-fM/U-0AyCHi5qI/AAAAAAAABB8/n6S3pvBSoZ0/s1600/photo%2B5.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a3e1RJ2Z-fM/U-0AyCHi5qI/AAAAAAAABB8/n6S3pvBSoZ0/s1600/photo%2B5.PNG" height="320" width="180" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On the go.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These pictures help throughout the day because I remember the exact moment all of them were taken. I feel happy to have such special memories and beautiful images, but am also a little sad that I can't squeeze B at this exact moment. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I won't lie and tell you I miss him every moment...sometimes mom needs a break, whether it is work or a solo trip to the grocery store. I know that I enjoy working because it helps me to fully enjoy the time I have with B. I only occasionally envy my stay-at-home-mom friends, ya know, once or twice a weekday and every other hour on Sundays. </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14184121790015434701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659208933318943146.post-2076635934073903562014-06-30T08:59:00.003-07:002014-06-30T09:00:10.435-07:00The Rise of Super Dad<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was raised by two wonderful, hands-on, loving parents. My mom stayed at home after my younger sister was born while my dad worked hard to support the family. My dad changed diapers, got up in the middle of the night, and held us at dinner so my mom could enjoy her meal. My dad went to swim meets, piano recitals, dance recitals, gymnastics meets and everything in between. This is what I was used to and this is what I expected from Adam (now Dad). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What I didn't expect was the unique dynamic that comes with a new baby. The past year has been a process that has changed our lives and relationship more than I imagined. For me, becoming a mother happened instantly. The second I saw B lying on my chest, looking all squishy and gross, I knew what I needed to do. When I didn't know what to do, I moved forward acting like I did. This is just kind of how I do most things in life...personally and professionally. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e_FIP1eu0to/U7GBBZTuIaI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/VB3aIF_GaZE/s1600/photo+1+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e_FIP1eu0to/U7GBBZTuIaI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/VB3aIF_GaZE/s1600/photo+1+(2).JPG" height="320" width="234" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About an hour after B's arrival. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I feel like for men things happen differently. The foreign object that was just removed from the body of their significant other is now screaming and flailing attempting to comprehend the sensory overload that has just taken place. Nurses are scurrying about tending to Mom and Baby while Dad is left trying to get a glimpse of the new life he helped create. What ensues in the following months is difficult to describe and, I would imagine, differs wildly from one father to the next. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P9i_VCvknUA/U7GHgS8ETGI/AAAAAAAAA_g/qi7NPhvGZ34/s1600/1237070_10101619727689591_1132672729_n+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P9i_VCvknUA/U7GHgS8ETGI/AAAAAAAAA_g/qi7NPhvGZ34/s1600/1237070_10101619727689591_1132672729_n+(1).jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfecting the football hold. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WhwMpQoE21Q/U7GHk0S8QqI/AAAAAAAAA_w/gWZWFZkK2K8/s1600/1235222_10101619729570821_330981825_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WhwMpQoE21Q/U7GHk0S8QqI/AAAAAAAAA_w/gWZWFZkK2K8/s1600/1235222_10101619729570821_330981825_n.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at that sweet face.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our journey into parenthood has had its ups and downs. But the one thing I never doubted was Dad's ability. Three months after B was born, I had to travel to L.A. for work. Dad handled B just fine, despite his own nerves. Most every morning, we pack up B and Dad gets him to daycare. Most every night, Dad washes and prepares B's bottles for the next day, after he washes our dishes from dinner; he then cleans the entire kitchen and picks up the toys strewn throughout the house. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aMVgSypxQ78/U7GHkzkH0FI/AAAAAAAAA_s/T6er9zCxaXc/s1600/534342_10101619732739471_2098769994_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aMVgSypxQ78/U7GHkzkH0FI/AAAAAAAAA_s/T6er9zCxaXc/s1600/534342_10101619732739471_2098769994_n.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closely supervising tummy time.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This weekend I attended my sister's bachelorette party. Dad and B had a boys weekend - dinner with Grandpa Friday night, Dad got to golf with friends on Saturday thanks to my brave girl friends who managed three babies, B and Dad washed up then headed to a dinner with friends on Saturday night, then brunch on Sunday before I got home. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GpjQe7v2yLg/U7GItxnqaTI/AAAAAAAABAE/WpKba06H4z0/s1600/10380280_524903417616166_4366325373970344157_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GpjQe7v2yLg/U7GItxnqaTI/AAAAAAAABAE/WpKba06H4z0/s1600/10380280_524903417616166_4366325373970344157_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Super Dads and their boys before golf.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">By the time I got home, B and Dad were waiting and everyone was happy. Dad didn't seem frazzled, there were no weekend mishaps, and we enjoyed a nice evening and early bed time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I don't want to provide a false sense of ease...life is not always easy. We have had our ups and downs as parents, but we have grown, adapted and overcome. Dad is amazing; he has the desire and ability to make B a happy, well-adjusted child. More importantly, Dad has the desire and ability to make me the happiest Mom and wife. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--VzA41DJNUs/U7GHk-HStWI/AAAAAAAAA_o/OaDunvrp1p4/s1600/10419392_10102146885855401_5351330081077391086_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--VzA41DJNUs/U7GHk-HStWI/AAAAAAAAA_o/OaDunvrp1p4/s1600/10419392_10102146885855401_5351330081077391086_n.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let's be honest, Dad is MUCH funnier than Mom.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cheers to all the Super Dads who change diapers in the car because there is no changing table, who eat cold food because the baby decided the high chair was no longer comfy, and who strap on the diaper bag and sport that burp cloth. But let's not forget the private times when you let us cry on your shoulder, bring us a glass of wine in the bath, and remove our hair from the fist of a handsy infant. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14184121790015434701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659208933318943146.post-15923175692088871662014-06-27T08:59:00.000-07:002014-06-27T08:59:02.127-07:00Bikini vs. One Piece<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bathing suit season has never particularly bothered me. I was a lifeguard for several years and sitting nearly naked on an elevated lifeguard tower gets you accustomed to being in a bathing suit...in front of people...while sitting on an 8 foot pedestal.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Want to know what is NOT fun about bathing suit season this year? Trying to hold, feed, corral and apply sunscreen to a rowdy infant who thinks the sand is amazing, beer cans are toys, and anything on the beach is edible. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I decided before our first beach trip back in April that a one piece suit was necessary. The thought of having to bend over, play with and hold Barrett seemed less than desirable while sporting a midriff-bearing bikini. Bikinis are made for leisurely beach trips were tanning and drinking are rampant and flipping from back to stomach is the only stress of the day. And you can focus on sucking in and keeping everything in place. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is not how I would describe a beach trip with a baby. The only time I considered my tan lines was when he was napping. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The plus side to all this? I found the cutest one piece (that cost a small fortune), Mr. B is a beach bum in the making, and has Mom's skin tone which equals tan! He has no fear of the sand or water and carried on about his routine as if we were at home. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fwegW2r8hOw/U62GTz9bXVI/AAAAAAAAA3E/nANN5mRISOU/s1600/beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fwegW2r8hOw/U62GTz9bXVI/AAAAAAAAA3E/nANN5mRISOU/s1600/beach.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cute and functional one piece. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here are some of the essentials we packed for the beach:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sunscreen - apply to naked baby, pre beach time for best initial coverage.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Baby swim t-shirt for additional sun coverage </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Shade in the form of umbrellas or tent (preferably the latter b/c of standing room)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Back up pacifier (sand really sticks to these)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Portable, battery operated fan</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pouched baby food (anything that is hands free for everyone b/c of the sand)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cooler (for baby food, of course)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Low, plastic beach chairs (metal gets HOT)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Inflatable baby raft</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Inflatable baby pool</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Blanket or sheet for putting over the sand and under the shade</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wagon with good wheels that will roll on sand</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Towels, and extra towels</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bath toys (after all they are made for the water)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wipes (not just for diaper changing, but for getting sand off everything)</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Napkins, paper towels, or something of the sort</span></li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p5V4UNp0F3g/U62P-VmCCmI/AAAAAAAAA-E/K5OBDTvl8A8/s1600/IMG_2803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p5V4UNp0F3g/U62P-VmCCmI/AAAAAAAAA-E/K5OBDTvl8A8/s1600/IMG_2803.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom car loaded up, down, and sideways.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-skNpIvOMcCk/U62P80pN-KI/AAAAAAAAA9g/XDqIBEX85Rs/s1600/IMG_2713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-skNpIvOMcCk/U62P80pN-KI/AAAAAAAAA9g/XDqIBEX85Rs/s1600/IMG_2713.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our travel companion snoozing away.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DnMYerdfNyI/U62P87gXS7I/AAAAAAAAA9k/_Dt3VavQJL0/s1600/IMG_2716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DnMYerdfNyI/U62P87gXS7I/AAAAAAAAA9k/_Dt3VavQJL0/s1600/IMG_2716.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beer at Eddy Teach's first. Check in later.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-etMN33ffqEg/U62P9oCBa4I/AAAAAAAAA9s/qh7ehbR_Gho/s1600/IMG_2722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-etMN33ffqEg/U62P9oCBa4I/AAAAAAAAA9s/qh7ehbR_Gho/s1600/IMG_2722.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pool time with Dad!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--2upLeU7weA/U62P-Ca-8WI/AAAAAAAAA9w/arGORouERZI/s1600/IMG_2802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--2upLeU7weA/U62P-Ca-8WI/AAAAAAAAA9w/arGORouERZI/s1600/IMG_2802.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"How does my hair look?" -B</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--XSgmoRUmRw/U62P_I5KNRI/AAAAAAAAA-A/d8uEjosnHZ8/s1600/IMG_2804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--XSgmoRUmRw/U62P_I5KNRI/AAAAAAAAA-A/d8uEjosnHZ8/s1600/IMG_2804.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nap time in the pop up shark tent. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xOoXEwIw3o8/U62QANylWPI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/JXm08SIQQzg/s1600/IMG_2805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xOoXEwIw3o8/U62QANylWPI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/JXm08SIQQzg/s1600/IMG_2805.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Or nap time on mom. Bikini was a bad idea. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iq-Ijc2DR8Q/U62QAddcHfI/AAAAAAAAA-U/ajyrMQdf4yo/s1600/IMG_2806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iq-Ijc2DR8Q/U62QAddcHfI/AAAAAAAAA-U/ajyrMQdf4yo/s1600/IMG_2806.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nap time under the umbrella. See cooler, wagon and stuff. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b_Ih-wnzGXw/U62QAWZHnBI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/31Uei731Xwo/s1600/IMG_2807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b_Ih-wnzGXw/U62QAWZHnBI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/31Uei731Xwo/s1600/IMG_2807.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Play time at the house, in the drawers with whatever is accessible. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XdqBo-fx54o/U62QBOevmuI/AAAAAAAAA-k/nBvtyks9h-8/s1600/IMG_2808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XdqBo-fx54o/U62QBOevmuI/AAAAAAAAA-k/nBvtyks9h-8/s1600/IMG_2808.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boating!</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14184121790015434701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659208933318943146.post-10465332629012707432014-05-30T14:11:00.004-07:002014-05-30T14:11:36.065-07:00The Photoshoot<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Recently, I began stalking a local photographer. The lighting, editing and composition of her photos are beautiful. It doesn't hurt that her little boy resembles our sweet B. When I saw <a href="http://blog.asunnyphoto.com/">Sunny Jones</a> was offering Mommy and Me mini-sessions the weekend of Mother's Day, I jumped at the chance! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After I booked I was immediately nervous about the time frame - only 30 minutes - and our attire. Here come the rolling questions:</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Will B be in a good mood? Was a noon start time the most preferable time? Will he get a good nap that morning? Would he need a bottle before or after? What if he <a href="http://theseallife.blogspot.com/2014/05/a-well-of-emotions.html">gets sick</a> in the next two weeks? What if he falls and scratches his face? What would he wear? What should I wear? Will 30 minutes really be enough time? What if he freaks out and refuses to smile?</span></i></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The morning of was typical for me...wait until the last minute and rush out of the door, only to go back in to the house to grab the four things I forgot while Dad and B wait impatiently in the car. Luckily, B took a bottle and napped in the car. We arrived just in time for our noon session. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then the magic happened...</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bCfJw-JdX4g/U4jZACvzAAI/AAAAAAAAA0M/z6jkEHIb2rk/s1600/pajamaminis'14-498.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bCfJw-JdX4g/U4jZACvzAAI/AAAAAAAAA0M/z6jkEHIb2rk/s1600/pajamaminis'14-498.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I put him on the pallet in Sunny's studio and he started smiling and posing like he was made for this. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lmOSg9UqV-4/U4jY5KZhS5I/AAAAAAAAAyY/MAKWq07JdYc/s1600/pajamaminis%252714-517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lmOSg9UqV-4/U4jY5KZhS5I/AAAAAAAAAyY/MAKWq07JdYc/s1600/pajamaminis%252714-517.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm sorry...is this the same kid that produced <a href="http://theseallife.blogspot.com/2014/04/the-monthly-photo-shoot.html">these little gems</a> from a previous monthly shoot at home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let us not forget these other <a href="http://theseallife.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-peoples-eyebrow.html">quality photos</a> that will make it in his wedding slideshow. But the cuteness doesn't stop here...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Those eyes...that pose...he was adorable on set but these photos are amazing! </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yUzjtYZp7oU/U4jY7AQUJfI/AAAAAAAAAzM/aZf2e4wYmN8/s1600/pajamaminis%252714-537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yUzjtYZp7oU/U4jY7AQUJfI/AAAAAAAAAzM/aZf2e4wYmN8/s1600/pajamaminis%252714-537.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The book adds the perfect touch of reality; <i>DUH</i>, this is how we read books at home. Oh and let me know if you have a contact at <a href="http://www.luvsdiapers.com/">Luvs Diapers</a>. They are welcome to pay me royalties on the following pictures...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's safe to say, the next time you visit our house, it will be disgustingly overwrought with pictures of our beautiful baby boy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A huge THANK YOU to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sunny-Jones-Photography/104951436214000">Sunny</a> for capturing these images. I can't help but smile, giggle a little, and shed a tear when I look at them. </span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14184121790015434701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659208933318943146.post-52088724684277479542014-05-27T08:16:00.002-07:002014-05-27T13:44:36.887-07:00Tidbit Tuesday: Baby Food Recipes <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">B was two months old when he breastfed for the last time. I will tell you that I quit because my supply couldn't meet his demand or that anything I ate seemed to upset his stomach. But the truth is, I didn't like breastfeeding. This was tough for me to admit because I thought I would breastfeed until he was at least a year old. Realizing that not everything works the way you want it to is frustrating, especially when it comes to your baby. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What Dad and I realized was that we were all happier with formula. It smells terrible, is a pain to mix, but it makes B's stomach happy, lets Dad connect with B during feedings and gives mom a break. We consider this a win/win/win. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So I told myself after switching to formula, that when it came to baby food, it would only be the good stuff. So far so good! He has had some minimally processed foods, only the occasional food from a pouch and no french fries. Of course as he gets older and experiences new foods he will inevitably come across preservatives and highly processed snacks. But for now, I am going to keep him healthy with some of the following concoctions: </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Sweet potatoes</b> - steamed with cinnamon and ginger, or roasted with savory spices</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Peas</b> - steamed and blended with olive oil, or served whole as finger food (which B hasn't quite mastered)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Corn</b> - sauteed with cumin and/or garlic powder, blended with olive oil</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Brussels Sprouts</b> - steamed and blended with olive oil</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Zucchini</b> - steamed and blended with olive oil and garlic powder</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Yellow Squash</b> - steamed and blended with infused olive oil</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Green beans</b> - steamed and blended with olive oil and garlic powder</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Lima beans</b> - steamed and blended with olive oil</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Spinach</b> - steamed and blended with infused olive oil</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Asparagus - </b>roasted in the oven and mashed</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Apples and Blueberries</b> - 3 small green apples (peeled) with one cup frozen blueberries, steamed and blended</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Peaches - </strong>fresh or frozen, blended and served with oats</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Bananas</strong> - blended or mashed with cinnamon and/or ginger</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Strawberries</b> - chopped and blended, served with oats</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Cantaloupe</b> - cut and blended, served with oats</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Mango</b> - cut and mashed</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Barley - </b>cooked according to package directions and served with veggies</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Bulgur wheat - </b>cooked according to package directions and served with veggies or fruit</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Steel cut oats</b> - cooked according to package directions (plus about a tablespoon of <a href="http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/coconut-oil-and-health">coconut oil</a> when making 4 servings) and add to fruit </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Chicken</b> - grilled or baked with a variety of spices (Asian, Italian and Mexican, to name a few)</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">B first ate chicken at about 8 months old. I can't bring myself to blend meat, so he gets small bites. </span></li>
</ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/truth-about-chia">Chia Seeds</a> - </b>I started adding these to thicken some of the fruit. Great nutrients and they absorb liquid to help with digestion. I add these to my own greek yogurt and oatmeal. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I use a <a href="http://www.cuisinart.com/products/food_processors/dlc-2009chb.html">Cuisinart food processor</a> to blend and ice cube trays to freeze the food. I like to make baby food on a weekly basis, but usually only get to it every other week. Each night I get together his breakfast and lunch for the day to go to school. At first I blended the food so it was very smooth. Now, as he is exploring new textures, I like to leave it a little chunkier. He typically gets fruit and oats for breakfast and veggies for lunch and dinner. Sometimes he gets more fruit as dessert. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to freeze - Blueberry/Apple, Banana and Spinach</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So far he has been incredibly receptive to all types of food and spices! He definitely has weeks when he prefers fruits to veggies, but we try to mix it up so he doesn't get bored. And he has an extremely fickle appetite. I also like to be sure we eat meals together so at night we sit at the dinner table, turn off the TV and enjoy our dinner as a family.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Wzl7rHaoBQ/U4SmtE49XOI/AAAAAAAAAxc/o2M05oCGbhY/s1600/IMG_1935.MOV" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Wzl7rHaoBQ/U4SmtE49XOI/AAAAAAAAAxc/o2M05oCGbhY/s1600/IMG_1935.MOV" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">B enjoying his first taste of rice cereal at 4.5 months.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LIKlVPiWlug/U4SnS9x6mFI/AAAAAAAAAxk/GCK28AaRsJE/s1600/image(6).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LIKlVPiWlug/U4SnS9x6mFI/AAAAAAAAAxk/GCK28AaRsJE/s1600/image(6).jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying some sweet potatoes on the go! </td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14184121790015434701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659208933318943146.post-82756274628115939342014-05-19T08:16:00.002-07:002014-05-19T08:16:34.843-07:00A Well of Emotions<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You know that feeling you get when you are rocking your precious baby to sleep and he is calm, adorable and smells like heaven? It starts in your belly and creeps up through your chest to the bottom of your throat where it collects into a ball that you just can't swallow until you start crying because you are so overwhelmed with love for this human being you have created.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-spVpzNfs1Po/U3odoSl5VQI/AAAAAAAAAvg/N6Sg9izTJJ8/s1600/photo+(22).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-spVpzNfs1Po/U3odoSl5VQI/AAAAAAAAAvg/N6Sg9izTJJ8/s1600/photo+(22).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Precious sleeping B. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is a beautiful, scary feeling. You want to do everything you can for this child and be the best parent the world has ever seen. Of course, at this moment, the sweetly sleeping baby is awoken by your sobs and you have to collect yourself to get the little terror back to sleep. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is just the beginning of the well of emotions I have experienced as a new mom. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then there is the time when the tears of joy are replaced with sheer terror and dread. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I get this feeling when I think B may be getting sick. Like when he vomits an entire bottle of formula or when he wakes up with a stream of green snot stuck to his upper lip and side of his face. The pit of my stomach that holds so much joy and love for my beautiful, blue-eyed baby boy is replaced with a gut-wrenching mix of anger and distress. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Will the snot stay green throughout the day? Do we have any boogie wipes? Will I ever not smell like formula vomit? Will I vomit the next time it happens? Will the couch smell like vomit? Is there enough Febreeze in the world to combat the stench? Will he sleep at all? Will I sleep at all? How much baby Motrin can you give a child? Should I call the doctor? OMG, what if he needs antibiotics?! (see <a href="http://theseallife.blogspot.com/2014/03/patience-savedfor-now.html">post from March</a>)</i></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let me tell you, this kid can see the snot sucker from across the room and it sends him into a fit with arms flailing and head shaking. He hates having his nose and face wiped, acting as if his hand is being cut off. Sometimes when I see he has boogers in his nose, I leave them for a while. What does a little booger hurt? He could certainly care less.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But when I am rocking him to sleep, with or without a fever, it makes all of the terrible smells and snot-wiping well worth it. And in true B fashion, he is happy even when he is isn't feeling his best.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kwVrIXECxZA/U3odtXnhYJI/AAAAAAAAAvo/hOwglYzqGvA/s1600/photo+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kwVrIXECxZA/U3odtXnhYJI/AAAAAAAAAvo/hOwglYzqGvA/s1600/photo+(4).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">B at 4.5 months. Diagnosed with RSV three days later.</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14184121790015434701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659208933318943146.post-90003254662168733252014-05-11T07:30:00.001-07:002014-05-11T07:30:07.094-07:00My Momma's Wisdom<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My momma left me with the knowledge I need to thrive in this life. She had 30 years to teach me everything she could, so by the time she passed away on February 17, 2014, I was ready. And I know that I am ready, not that it makes her physical absence any easier. Even throughout her battle with Alzheimer's she showed us all how strong a person can be and how much a mother can care for her family. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q-IbONyfwYk/U21JIrgya9I/AAAAAAAAAuc/1oyf9KxRx9w/s1600/Momma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q-IbONyfwYk/U21JIrgya9I/AAAAAAAAAuc/1oyf9KxRx9w/s1600/Momma.jpg" height="218" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Linda Masden Steiner (1956-2014)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For my first Mother's Day, I want to share some of the tidbits my momma left with me. This is just a start and these are not things she necessarily said explicitly, more what I gleaned from her actions and admirable character. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mshm85nPBn8/U21MeTlrhXI/AAAAAAAAAvE/kKfXhDSERrc/s1600/Dance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mshm85nPBn8/U21MeTlrhXI/AAAAAAAAAvE/kKfXhDSERrc/s1600/Dance.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The one and only dance recital I performed in.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you never met my momma, I am truly sorry. If you would like to get to know her better, we should hang out...I am trying to be more like her every day because she was amazing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>My Momma's Wisdom </b>(1 thru 25)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
<ol>
<li>Do what makes you happy.</li>
<li>Racism and racial slurs are unacceptable. Everyone is equal and should be treated with respect.</li>
<li>Eat dessert. Or have seconds, but eat what you want.</li>
<li>Mourn death and then accept it.</li>
<li>Wear less makeup and comfortable shoes.</li>
<li>Marry your best friend.</li>
<li>Smile.</li>
<li>The kitchen is the best place in the house.</li>
<li>Offer to buy homeless people food or give them your leftovers. If spare change is what you have, get it to them.</li>
<li>Walk.</li>
<li>Be nice to everyone. Hear their story if they want to share.</li>
<li>Be confident.</li>
<li>Sit at the table for family dinner.</li>
<li>Good posture is important.</li>
<li>Enjoy the beach.</li>
<li>Spend time with family.</li>
<li>Be a mother who is not always a best friend. </li>
<li>Don’t go to work or school sick. Perfect attendance isn’t worth it.</li>
<li>Education is essential and good grades matter.</li>
<li>No matter what you might think, it is not all about you. So get over yourself.</li>
<li>Try not to judge others.</li>
<li>Material things are not what matter.</li>
<li>Birthdays are meant to be celebrated. </li>
<li>Encourage your children to try new things, but don't force them.</li>
<li>Dinner should be enjoyed with music, not TV. </li>
</ol>
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1-U51I2UAqY/U21JLIsa30I/AAAAAAAAAug/Upr5ASTYoNk/s1600/M&D+wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1-U51I2UAqY/U21JLIsa30I/AAAAAAAAAug/Upr5ASTYoNk/s1600/M&D+wedding.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Momma and Daddy on their wedding day (1981). </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I miss her but find comfort in knowing that she would be so proud. Happy Mother's Day. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_SUIja7BN28/U21JLGGJiGI/AAAAAAAAAu4/AKmQkI_fMxE/s1600/M+and+B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_SUIja7BN28/U21JLGGJiGI/AAAAAAAAAu4/AKmQkI_fMxE/s1600/M+and+B.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Momma meeting B at 6 days old. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14184121790015434701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659208933318943146.post-2474717667283430362014-05-08T13:30:00.003-07:002014-05-08T13:30:49.584-07:00Justice for the Sweet Potato<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since when do people not like sweet potatoes? As a Thanksgiving side, sweet potatoes are boiled to mush, drowned in butter and sugar, then topped with cinnamon and marshmallows. While this sounds like a perfectly lovely dessert, the sweet potato gets no justice here! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I say...JUSTICE FOR THE SWEET POTATO. They are good and nutritious and easy and cheap. We have sweet potatoes at least once a week. Here is a vague overview of how I cook them. Let's call it an "unrecipe."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ingredients</span></b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sweet potatoes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Olive oil</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Spice (s) of choice - <a href="http://www.vgourmet.com/herbes-de-provence">Herbs de Provence</a>; <a href="http://www.daksspices.com/original-red-d/">DAKs Original Red</a>; salt, pepper and garlic; BBQ type seasoning; balsamic vinegar and honey; etc. etc.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">More spices! Don't be shy, spices are good!</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Preparation</span></b><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Or 450 if you have something else to do at the that temp.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wash and pat dry. Cube sweet potatoes <i>leaving the skins intact</i>. However large or small you prefer, it is best to get them close to the same size. This is not my forte.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cover a baking sheet with aluminum foil, pour some olive oil on it, throw the potatoes on top, sprinkle on the spice of your choice. Toss the potatoes with the oil and spices. <i>*Be sure the potatoes have adequate space or they won't cook well.</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Put the potatoes in the oven for 20-25 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes and temp of your oven. And also how you like your potatoes. </span></li>
</ol>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-thYBiPrNcOg/U2vfOQ7E1zI/AAAAAAAAAtk/_fiqaF4zom0/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-thYBiPrNcOg/U2vfOQ7E1zI/AAAAAAAAAtk/_fiqaF4zom0/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cubing sweet potatoes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iLTu3LweR38/U2vfOfTYq2I/AAAAAAAAAtw/mruT5Qr2jUc/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iLTu3LweR38/U2vfOfTYq2I/AAAAAAAAAtw/mruT5Qr2jUc/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweets tossed in oil and spices.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As you can see, there is no real science to this process. Dad's favorite spice is the <a href="http://www.vgourmet.com/herbes-de-provence">Herbs de Provence</a> purchased from TJ Maxx, of all places. Then there is <a href="http://www.daksspices.com/original-red-d/">DAKs</a>, a local company that produces a line of salt free spices. The original red is great for anything, but goes really well with the sweet potatoes for a spicy, smoky kick. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here are some tips: </span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sweet potatoes go GREAT with BBQ and spicy foods. The day </span><a href="http://www.jimnnicks.com/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jim 'N Nicks</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> starts offering sweet potatoes bakers, I may never cook again. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They look beautiful on a plate with their rich orange coloring. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I like adding leftover sweet potatoes to my salads; they add texture and so much flavor. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you have a fussy newborn and are trying to cook dinner, get a </span><a href="http://www.babyktan.com/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">K'tan</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> baby wrap. Just be careful around hot surfaces (duh).</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vA3TfY4smME/U2vfOVoAwXI/AAAAAAAAAto/BxOIXrQwcpY/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vA3TfY4smME/U2vfOVoAwXI/AAAAAAAAAto/BxOIXrQwcpY/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">B at 5 weeks with zombie Mom.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14184121790015434701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659208933318943146.post-75680291812562353632014-05-06T14:46:00.001-07:002014-05-06T14:47:02.787-07:00Hangers Won't Start the Car<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last week I almost walked out of the house with hangers instead of my purse. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mornings at the Seal household are usually pretty smooth where B is involved. We have a routine and it works. After Dad shuttles B off to daycare I get up to 45 minutes alone in the morning...and it's kind of amazing. But for some reason I often find myself wandering around the house, haphazardly trying to straighten things up, put dishes away, contain the baby toys, or clean off the table. Half of the time I end up staring at myself in the mirror in the fourth outfit I have tried on, rummaging through laundry to try to find a specific shirt, or staring in the fridge trying to figure out what to pack for lunch. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v7-YgbguN-M/U2lVJwiSgoI/AAAAAAAAAtE/2aqpU9R1jAs/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v7-YgbguN-M/U2lVJwiSgoI/AAAAAAAAAtE/2aqpU9R1jAs/s1600/photo.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting patiently while Dad gets ready.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">By the time I find an outfit and lunch, there are clothes all over the bed. I attempt to straighten those up, then fold up B's blanket and toys, finish my hair, put on jewelry, unplug my flat iron, put other clothes in the hamper, collect the excess hangers, rinse B's morning bottle and leave it in the sink, grab baby items from the table and put them in his room, straighten up the changing table and his glider, shut the nursery door, grab my lunch then...you see the problem? </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I never stopped to put the hangers in the laundry room! </i><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yMldm6iv62k/U2lWccrwyWI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/v7--aJCNsjM/s1600/photo+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yMldm6iv62k/U2lWccrwyWI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/v7--aJCNsjM/s1600/photo+(1).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">B at 4 months. Always happy in the morning.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dad witnessed my strange morning drill a few weeks ago. After I walked in and out of the living three times in five minutes, he asked, "What are you doing?" My response, "I have no idea." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I consider myself a very lucky person to have someone like Dad because we make such a great team and work together to be sure sweet B is happy on his way to school. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14184121790015434701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659208933318943146.post-56161505313615541792014-04-28T13:16:00.001-07:002014-04-28T13:51:55.039-07:00Mmmmm...soup<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Remember that "Friends" episode when Joey has the audition for a soup commercial? Every time I think of soup, that scene plays in my head. </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And something about rainy weather makes me want soup. Yes, it's April and, yes, it may be 75 degrees. But rain makes me want to curl up on the couch in my Auburn sweatshirt with a warm bowl of soup. </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let's be honest, I won't be doing that. Between the threat of severe weather and entertaining the swift-crawling baby, we will be in our "place of safety" and/or closely watching Mr. B. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If I get the chance to make soup tonight, it will be this one - 25 minute broccoli cheddar soup. It's simple and yummy, and relatively healthy, as long as you watch your portion. Have it with a heaping pile of mixed greens topped with tomatoes and maybe some carrots or cucumber. Go light on the dressing or skip it all together and use a squeeze of lemon. Don't top your soup or salad with croutons, they are a calorie suck, have too much sodium, and are highly processed. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6is6TXdN-_A/U163BsQmvNI/AAAAAAAAAsk/xkygn_99WKM/s640/blogger-image-1048494816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6is6TXdN-_A/U163BsQmvNI/AAAAAAAAAsk/xkygn_99WKM/s320/blogger-image-1048494816.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<section class="ingredients" style="margin: 0px 0px 30px; padding: 0px;"><h3 style="margin-bottom: 15px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">From</span>: <a href="http://parade.condenast.com/170098/broccoli-cheese-chicken-soup-parade/" style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: normal;">http://parade.condenast.com/170098/broccoli-cheese-chicken-soup-parade/</a></span></h3>
<h3 style="margin-bottom: 15px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">INGREDIENTS</span></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" rel="v:ingredient" style="margin: 0px 0px 4px;" typeof="v:Ingredient"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="amount" itemprop="amount" property="v:amount">1 Tbsp </span><span class="name" itemprop="name" property="v:name">extra virgin olive oil</span></span></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" rel="v:ingredient" style="margin: 0px 0px 4px;" typeof="v:Ingredient"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="amount" itemprop="amount" property="v:amount">1 lb </span><span class="name" itemprop="name" property="v:name">boneless skinless chicken breast</span></span></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" rel="v:ingredient" style="margin: 0px 0px 4px;" typeof="v:Ingredient"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="amount" itemprop="amount" property="v:amount">½ tsp </span><span class="name" itemprop="name" property="v:name">ground black pepper</span></span></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" rel="v:ingredient" style="margin: 0px 0px 4px;" typeof="v:Ingredient"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="amount" itemprop="amount" property="v:amount">½ tsp </span><span class="name" itemprop="name" property="v:name">smoked paprika (I used regular)</span></span></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" rel="v:ingredient" style="margin: 0px 0px 4px;" typeof="v:Ingredient"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="amount" itemprop="amount" property="v:amount">6 cup </span><span class="name" itemprop="name" property="v:name">chicken broth (reduced sodium)</span></span></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" rel="v:ingredient" style="margin: 0px 0px 4px;" typeof="v:Ingredient"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="amount" itemprop="amount" property="v:amount">1 cup </span><span class="name" itemprop="name" property="v:name">jasmine rice (I used brown rice) </span></span></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" rel="v:ingredient" style="margin: 0px 0px 4px;" typeof="v:Ingredient"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="amount" itemprop="amount" property="v:amount">1 </span><span class="name" itemprop="name" property="v:name">(14-oz) bag broccoli florets, frozen or fresh (I added this close to last so it didn't get too mushy) </span></span></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" rel="v:ingredient" style="margin: 0px 0px 4px;" typeof="v:Ingredient"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="amount" itemprop="amount" property="v:amount">2 Tbsp </span><span class="name" itemprop="name" property="v:name">unsalted butter</span></span></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" rel="v:ingredient" style="margin: 0px 0px 4px;" typeof="v:Ingredient"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="amount" itemprop="amount" property="v:amount">2 Tbsp </span><span class="name" itemprop="name" property="v:name">flour</span></span></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" rel="v:ingredient" style="margin: 0px 0px 4px;" typeof="v:Ingredient"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="amount" itemprop="amount" property="v:amount">8-oz </span><span class="name" itemprop="name" property="v:name">shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)</span></span></li>
</ul>
</section><section class="directions" style="margin: 0px 0px 30px; padding: 0px;"><h3 style="margin-bottom: 15px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">DIRECTIONS</span></h3>
<ol class="instructions" itemprop="instructions" property="v:instructions" style="font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding-left: 30px;">
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Heat an 8 quart pot over medium high heat. Dice chicken into bite size pieces.</span></div>
</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Add olive oil and chicken to pot. Sprinkle pepper and paprika on chicken. Stir. Cook chicken until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add chicken broth and cover. Bring to a boil.</span></div>
</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Add rice and broccoli. Replace cover. Cook until rice is almost tender (al dente), about 8-10 minutes.</span></div>
</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Meanwhile, combine butter and flour in a small bowl. Mash with fork until completely combined. Add flour mixture to soup. Stir to combine. Add cheese. Stir and reduce to simmer. Let soup warm while you set the table, about 5 minutes. Soup will thicken while it sits.</span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>**to reduce some calories use half the butter, flour and cheese to see how you like the taste and consistency. Add more if necessary! </i></span><ol class="instructions" itemprop="instructions" property="v:instructions" style="font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding-left: 30px;">
</ol>
</section></div>
</div>
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