Sunday, March 27, 2011
week 14 belly picture
I allowed Tony to take the pictures, and therefore ended up with a lot of random shots. Here are the best 3.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
learning how to be pregnant
Someone once told me "We must forget what it's like to be pregnant and give birth, otherwise we would never do it again."
I understand this statement even more now.
Despite my nursing school education, short rotation on L&D/MBU during nursing school, and all my friend's stories, nothing prepared me for being pregnant.
Especially the weekend before I found out, when I laid down in the back of the truck to take a nap and woke up more n auseous than I had been since I got the stomach flu on Christmas some 15 years ago. After about 40oz of 7UP I felt better.
BUT- I must put my symptoms into perspective.
1) I eat 3 meals a day with snacks and my weight gain is on track.
2) I have had only 1 big episode where I lost all my breakfast into the toilet, and about 3 hours later I succesfully kept down a snack.
3) I have been SO blessed to find a new job with more regular hours that allows me to get 8 hours of sleep every night
4) NO HOSPITALIZATIONS
5) NO COMPLICATIONS
6) we didn't have ANY difficulty getting pregnant (seriously, it was on the first try)
7) my husband is home to take care of me every night and will be here for the delivery of the baby and at least first year of it's life.
I meet women on a daily basis who do not have many of those things, so while I like to complain, I also need to tell myself to shut up and be grateful.
I have been especially grateful in light of some situations that good friends of mine have been through. Sometimes I wish I could share some of our good luck with them, but I know that each person gets a different hand dealt to them and it's not up to me to change that but just to be as good of a friend as I can.
I also learned that ANY sappy moment on TV WILL make you cry.
So there it is. Everyone always asks how I feel, and I feel, well, pregnant. But overall, things have been good. I consider my experience a middle of the road one. I am experience all the normal symptoms: nausea, fatigue, moodiness, feeling fat, but in moderate amounts. And for that we are grateful.
I understand this statement even more now.
Despite my nursing school education, short rotation on L&D/MBU during nursing school, and all my friend's stories, nothing prepared me for being pregnant.
Especially the weekend before I found out, when I laid down in the back of the truck to take a nap and woke up more n auseous than I had been since I got the stomach flu on Christmas some 15 years ago. After about 40oz of 7UP I felt better.
BUT- I must put my symptoms into perspective.
1) I eat 3 meals a day with snacks and my weight gain is on track.
2) I have had only 1 big episode where I lost all my breakfast into the toilet, and about 3 hours later I succesfully kept down a snack.
3) I have been SO blessed to find a new job with more regular hours that allows me to get 8 hours of sleep every night
4) NO HOSPITALIZATIONS
5) NO COMPLICATIONS
6) we didn't have ANY difficulty getting pregnant (seriously, it was on the first try)
7) my husband is home to take care of me every night and will be here for the delivery of the baby and at least first year of it's life.
I meet women on a daily basis who do not have many of those things, so while I like to complain, I also need to tell myself to shut up and be grateful.
I have been especially grateful in light of some situations that good friends of mine have been through. Sometimes I wish I could share some of our good luck with them, but I know that each person gets a different hand dealt to them and it's not up to me to change that but just to be as good of a friend as I can.
I also learned that ANY sappy moment on TV WILL make you cry.
So there it is. Everyone always asks how I feel, and I feel, well, pregnant. But overall, things have been good. I consider my experience a middle of the road one. I am experience all the normal symptoms: nausea, fatigue, moodiness, feeling fat, but in moderate amounts. And for that we are grateful.
drumroll please.....
After making it safely to this point, Tony and I are excited to announce to all the world through the internet that we are expecting our first child in late September!
We have officially made it to the second trimester with a healthy baby, and are excited to share our good news :]
So far, I have been blessed with relatively harmless symptoms, though they seem pretty life altering to me. My new job at the GI clinic that is M-F 7-4 has been a great help with the fatigue and being able to eat regular meals.
The official due date is September 22, 2011 and we are planning a baby shower mid-summer.
We will most likely find out the sex at week 20 (I am currently in week 14).
Keep checking the blog for updates and pictures!
We have officially made it to the second trimester with a healthy baby, and are excited to share our good news :]
So far, I have been blessed with relatively harmless symptoms, though they seem pretty life altering to me. My new job at the GI clinic that is M-F 7-4 has been a great help with the fatigue and being able to eat regular meals.
The official due date is September 22, 2011 and we are planning a baby shower mid-summer.
We will most likely find out the sex at week 20 (I am currently in week 14).
Keep checking the blog for updates and pictures!
 |
| It's positive! January 18, 2011 |
 |
| Our first ultrasound :] |
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Bannana Muffins
Today I made some delicious Bannana Muffins from a recipie I found on Heather Lilly's blog (http://chrisheatherlilly.com/). Thanks for such a delicious recipie!
Here it is:
Ingredients
•1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
•1 teaspoon baking soda
•1 teaspoon baking powder
•1/2 teaspoon salt
•5 bananas, mashed
•1/3 cup organic Greek yogurt
•3/4 cup white sugar
•1 egg, lightly beaten
•1/3 cup butter, melted
•1/3 cup packed brown sugar
•2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
•1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
•1 tablespoon butter
Directions
1.Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease 10 muffin cups, or line with muffin papers.
2.In a large bowl, mix together 1 1/2 cups flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. In another bowl, beat together bananas, Greek yogurt, sugar, egg and melted butter. Stir the banana mixture into the flour mixture just until moistened. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups (fill to the very top of the mufin cup/paper).
3.In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour and cinnamon. Cut in 1 tablespoon butter until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal. Sprinkle topping over muffins (generously- cover the entire top of the muffin with a good layer).
4.Bake in preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of a muffin comes out clean.
Makes about 12 regular sized muffins
Thanks again Heather!!!!
Here it is:
Ingredients
•1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
•1 teaspoon baking soda
•1 teaspoon baking powder
•1/2 teaspoon salt
•5 bananas, mashed
•1/3 cup organic Greek yogurt
•3/4 cup white sugar
•1 egg, lightly beaten
•1/3 cup butter, melted
•1/3 cup packed brown sugar
•2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
•1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
•1 tablespoon butter
Directions
1.Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease 10 muffin cups, or line with muffin papers.
2.In a large bowl, mix together 1 1/2 cups flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. In another bowl, beat together bananas, Greek yogurt, sugar, egg and melted butter. Stir the banana mixture into the flour mixture just until moistened. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups (fill to the very top of the mufin cup/paper).
3.In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour and cinnamon. Cut in 1 tablespoon butter until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal. Sprinkle topping over muffins (generously- cover the entire top of the muffin with a good layer).
4.Bake in preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of a muffin comes out clean.
Makes about 12 regular sized muffins
meals for the week of 3/7
Meal planning went great last week, except for one night when I caved and got pizza :[ tony was sick, the house was a mess, and it was an extra long day at work. We can't all be perfect :]
Up next this week is:
-Crockpot italian beef stew (thanks to Heather Lilly for the recipie from her blog!!!! http://chrisheatherlilly.com/)
- Teriyaki chicken and green beans
-pork and broccoli (that's the meal we were supposed to have, but had pizza instead)
-chili
the weekends are for left overs, plus I take left overs for lunch and Tony comes home for lunch every day to eat left overs. Hopefully we will find a good balance!!!!
Up next this week is:
-Crockpot italian beef stew (thanks to Heather Lilly for the recipie from her blog!!!! http://chrisheatherlilly.com/)
- Teriyaki chicken and green beans
-pork and broccoli (that's the meal we were supposed to have, but had pizza instead)
-chili
the weekends are for left overs, plus I take left overs for lunch and Tony comes home for lunch every day to eat left overs. Hopefully we will find a good balance!!!!
Sunday, February 27, 2011
meal planning
As I start my new job and embark on having a normal schedule of M-F 7-4, I am striving to meal plan so I can make a home cooked meal EVERY night.
Here's what I've got for this week.
-beef stroganoff
-lemon chicken and green bean
-ginger/garlic/soy sauce pork and brocolli stir fry
- spaghetti and salad
-macaroni and cheese with peas
- left overs
here's to the wholesome goodness of home cooked dinners!
suggestions alwasy welcome!
Here's what I've got for this week.
-beef stroganoff
-lemon chicken and green bean
-ginger/garlic/soy sauce pork and brocolli stir fry
- spaghetti and salad
-macaroni and cheese with peas
- left overs
here's to the wholesome goodness of home cooked dinners!
suggestions alwasy welcome!
Monday, February 7, 2011
Friday, February 4, 2011
Lake Dillon all frozen over
Instead of skiing last weekend, I enjoyed a relaxing Saturday swimming, resting, and walking by beautiful Lake Dillon on a surprisingly warm day in the mountains.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
life changes
As I am about to start a new job, with a drastically different schedule, and somewhat different knowledge set, I reflect on the fact that the "20s" is FILLED with life changes.
1. start college (ok that is actually in the late teens)
2. decide on a major (what holy crap?!?!)
3. GRADUATE college (wow you did it) and contemplate going on (what? more loans?!?!?!)
4. get a J-O-B. or C-A-R-E-E-R. harder than you think. especially to find something you actually LIKE. oh yea and by the way you might get a new one like 10 times
5. provide roof and nourishment for self with minimal to no help from parents
6. get more bills, including the dreaded student loans, by buying things you need and/or want
7. get married- oh yea. tie the knot. don't lie, you love it.
8. have kids. yes. you are now going to be responsible for another human life
I mean holy moly that is a lot of stuff going on. Geez. And let me just tell you, it's not exactly a walk in the park.
BUT. every day does bring exciting new changes.
Hm.
Food for thought.
1. start college (ok that is actually in the late teens)
2. decide on a major (what holy crap?!?!)
3. GRADUATE college (wow you did it) and contemplate going on (what? more loans?!?!?!)
4. get a J-O-B. or C-A-R-E-E-R. harder than you think. especially to find something you actually LIKE. oh yea and by the way you might get a new one like 10 times
5. provide roof and nourishment for self with minimal to no help from parents
6. get more bills, including the dreaded student loans, by buying things you need and/or want
7. get married- oh yea. tie the knot. don't lie, you love it.
8. have kids. yes. you are now going to be responsible for another human life
I mean holy moly that is a lot of stuff going on. Geez. And let me just tell you, it's not exactly a walk in the park.
BUT. every day does bring exciting new changes.
Hm.
Food for thought.
Friday, January 28, 2011
USING ONLY ONE WORD
Not as easy as you might think! Now forward, change the answers to suit you and pass it on. It's really hard to only use one word answers. Do not use my answers. Be sure to send back to the person you received it from
Not as easy as you might think! Now forward, change the answers to suit you and pass it on. It's really hard to only use one word answers. Do not use my answers. Be sure to send back to the person you received it from
pilot
blue
soliciters
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Day 30- January 18
Day 30 – A picture of someone you miss.
my grandma and grandpa :[ I always wished we lived closer to them.
Day 28- January 16
Day 28 – A picture of something you’re afraid of.
heights! like this road- where you can easily fall to your death off the side!!!!
heights! like this road- where you can easily fall to your death off the side!!!!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Day 25- January 13
Day 25 – A picture of you last year and how you’ve changed since then
my birthday in 2010. My hair has gone through a few evolutions since then, but that's about it. I continue to work hard, and enjoy my family, friends..... and cake.
Day 24- January 12
Day 24 – A picture of something you wish you could change
hungry children in the USA.
hungry children in the USA.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Day 23- January 11
Day 23 – A picture of your favorite book.
if I have to pick JUST ONE
and my copy shows all the love I have given to it :]
if I have to pick JUST ONE
and my copy shows all the love I have given to it :]
Monday, January 10, 2011
last night's dinner adventure
After our visit to Glen Eyrie's Madrigal dinner and tasting the most amazing butternut squash soup, I had been wanting to try my hand at it. This is not the best recipe I found, but the one that I already had the ingredients for.
I also scored and got butternut squash a few weeks ago on sale at Albertsons.
Creamy Butternut Squash Soup
(courtesy of GMA's website)
Ingredients
-2 lbs butternut squash, peeled and cut into chunks (about 1 medium to large squash)
- 4 cups rich chicken stock, or other stock
- 1 1/4 cups sour cream, creme fraiche, or heavy cream (I used sour cream since it was on hand)
- salt and freshly ground pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, or to taste (I didn't have any, so I threw in a pinch of chili powder)
- about 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
- several chives, cut into 1 inch pieces
Directions
1. combine squash and stock in a saucepan and bring to boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the squash is very tender
2. Cool a bit for safety's sake, then puree the mixture in a blender. (You may prepare the recipe in advance up to this point, refrigerate in a covered container for up to 2 days)
3. Return the puree to the saucepan and turn the heat to medium-low. Stir in the sour cream/creme fraiche/cream, butter, salt and pepper to taste, and cayenne. Cook, stirring, heating through (do not boil), then taste and add sugar and more seasoning if necessary. Keep warm on low heat.
4. Serve the soup with a few cooked shrimp or mushrooms if you like, and chives.
- I used sour cream and it was a bit tart, I will use cream next time I think.
- reheating on medium to medium low took a while, but it depends on how long you let it cool before pureeing.
- overall it was a hit, very filling. less veggies and more cream that I would have liked, but maybe I'll try one with a little more seasoning and a little less cream next time
To add something to the soup, I googled roasted chicken breast and this is what I decided one:
Lemon Roasted Chicken Breast
Ingredients:
-4-6 chicken breasts
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp seasoning salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 lemons/juice of 2 lemons
- 2 Tbs olive oil
Directions:
-preheat oven the 350 degrees
-combine the seasonings and set aside
- rub chicken breasts well with olive oil and lemon juice, and then sprinkle both sides with the seasoning mix. Place in a 9X13" baking dish, bake for about 30min.
-they ended up moist, but a little lacking on flavor all the way through, but a little fresh lemon juice on the plate to dip the breast in, made it all right
-next time I might infuse some more lemon juice and seasonings inside the breast somehow to make it more flavorful all the way through
Overall a pretty delicious dinner. One more step to becoming a great cook :]
I also scored and got butternut squash a few weeks ago on sale at Albertsons.
Creamy Butternut Squash Soup
(courtesy of GMA's website)
Ingredients
-2 lbs butternut squash, peeled and cut into chunks (about 1 medium to large squash)
- 4 cups rich chicken stock, or other stock
- 1 1/4 cups sour cream, creme fraiche, or heavy cream (I used sour cream since it was on hand)
- salt and freshly ground pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, or to taste (I didn't have any, so I threw in a pinch of chili powder)
- about 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
- several chives, cut into 1 inch pieces
Directions
1. combine squash and stock in a saucepan and bring to boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the squash is very tender
2. Cool a bit for safety's sake, then puree the mixture in a blender. (You may prepare the recipe in advance up to this point, refrigerate in a covered container for up to 2 days)
3. Return the puree to the saucepan and turn the heat to medium-low. Stir in the sour cream/creme fraiche/cream, butter, salt and pepper to taste, and cayenne. Cook, stirring, heating through (do not boil), then taste and add sugar and more seasoning if necessary. Keep warm on low heat.
4. Serve the soup with a few cooked shrimp or mushrooms if you like, and chives.
- I used sour cream and it was a bit tart, I will use cream next time I think.
- reheating on medium to medium low took a while, but it depends on how long you let it cool before pureeing.
- overall it was a hit, very filling. less veggies and more cream that I would have liked, but maybe I'll try one with a little more seasoning and a little less cream next time
To add something to the soup, I googled roasted chicken breast and this is what I decided one:
Lemon Roasted Chicken Breast
Ingredients:
-4-6 chicken breasts
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp seasoning salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 lemons/juice of 2 lemons
- 2 Tbs olive oil
Directions:
-preheat oven the 350 degrees
-combine the seasonings and set aside
- rub chicken breasts well with olive oil and lemon juice, and then sprinkle both sides with the seasoning mix. Place in a 9X13" baking dish, bake for about 30min.
-they ended up moist, but a little lacking on flavor all the way through, but a little fresh lemon juice on the plate to dip the breast in, made it all right
-next time I might infuse some more lemon juice and seasonings inside the breast somehow to make it more flavorful all the way through
Overall a pretty delicious dinner. One more step to becoming a great cook :]
Day 22- January 10
Day 22 – A picture of something you wish you were better at
cooking delicious and healthy meals for myself, and Tony.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Day 21- January 9
Day 21 – A picture of something you wish you could forget.
nothing. If I forgot something that I did or that happened to me, I wouldn't be the person I am today. Plus, I forget enough things on my own.
nothing. If I forgot something that I did or that happened to me, I wouldn't be the person I am today. Plus, I forget enough things on my own.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Day 20- January 8
Day 20 – A picture of somewhere you’d love to travel.
It was hard to pick just one... but:
Is a place both Tony and I want to go to someday
It was hard to pick just one... but:
Is a place both Tony and I want to go to someday
Friday, January 7, 2011
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Day 17- January 5
Day 17 – A picture of your biggest insecurity.
being worried about my weight and appearance are unfortunately always on my mind.
being worried about my weight and appearance are unfortunately always on my mind.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Day 16- January 4
Day 16 – A picture of someone you’ve been friends with the longest and still feel connected to
my buddy Erin :]
Day 14- January 2
Day 14 – A picture of your favorite pastime.
I love to kiss my husband, and overall just be with him. that's my main pastime these days :]
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Saturday, January 1, 2011
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