Thursday, February 26, 2009

A little pregnancy humor

Some of the ways having a second and third child differs from having
your first.....I'm not even sure where I fit into these category's on my 4th!

Your Clothes:
1st Baby: You begin wearing maternity clothes as soon as your
OB/GYN confirms your pregnancy.
2nd Baby: You wear your regular clothes for as long as possible.
3rd Baby: Your maternity clothes ARE your regular clothes.

The Baby's Name:
1st Baby: You pour over baby name books and practice pronouncing
and writing combinations of all your favorites.
2nd Baby: Someone has to name his or her kid after great-aunt
Mavis, right? It might as well be you.
3rd Baby: You open a name book, close your eyes, and see where
>your finger points.

Preparing for the Birth:
1st Baby: You practice your breathing religiously.
2nd Baby: You don't bother practicing because you remember that
last time, breathing didn't do a thing.
3rd Baby: You ask for an epidural in your 8th month.

The Layette:
1st Baby: You prewash your newborn's clothes, color coordinate
them, and fold them neatly in the baby's little bureau.
2nd Baby: You check to make sure that the clothes are clean, and
only discard the ones with the darkest stains.
3rd Baby: Boys can wear pink, can't they?

Going Out:
1st Baby; The first time you leave your baby with a sitter, you
call home 5 times.
2nd Baby: Just before you walk out the door, you remember to leave
a number where you can be reached.
3rd Baby: You leave instructions for the sitter to call only if
she sees blood.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

An inspirational Meet

Yesterday I had the privilege of meeting someone. Someone who is known for her inspiring words of motherhood on NieNie Dialogues (www,nieniedialogues.blogspot.com) If you recognize those words, then you know who I'm talking about. My little family and I enjoyed a rather delicious lunch and were in need of a much needed walk to get things digesting. We went down to a pathway by Utah Lake and were in search of ducks to feed. The weather was brisk, but much warmer than it has been as I only had a sweatshirt on. As we were walking, I recognized a man from way back when walking with his daughter. As he approached me, I instantly knew who he was and of course I said, "Hey, I know you" Background: years ago, we lived in area of Provo called the tree streets and The Clark family lived 3 houses over from us. Stephanie was maybe 2 when i lived there, but I do remember her brothers who were my age.
My mother is a well known retired school teacher in the area, and everyone seems to know her--so of course he knew who my mom was and I'm sure my mom taught many of their children--maybe even Stephanie. So, I met Stephanie Nielsen as she was walking, trying to stretch her skin grafts. She was so sweet and so upbeat that I couldn't help but think how inspiring she is and how many lives she has touched. I told her that I know many people who have been touched by her inspiring words on her blog--people that have never met her. I don't know if she realizes how many people have followed her recovery and have been so touched and inspired. I truly feel honored that I was able to meet her--I mean she's practically a celebrity here in Utah--i think she was even nominated for Mormon of the year. I wonder if she ever got that? She inspires me more for her courage and words of wisdom, and know that she will be able to pick up the pieces of her life and things will be the same again soon.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

What's for Dinner?

If you're like me, you get really tired of cooking the same ol things and are always on the lookout for a new good recipe. Owen gave me a subscription to cooks country for my birthday last year, and with it came a book of recipes from Americas test kitchen that are under 30 minutes. In the last month or so, I've probably made 15 or so from the book and 14 out of 15 have been FABULOUS!!!! I am not kidding here! It's almost unreal and I sometimes call myself a genius for creating such an amazing dinner!' I thought I would share some of them and I'll probably post one or two every week or so. You must try--this is a no fail dinner for your family--super easy and sooooooo good--trust me. And my kids have loved everything I've made, and they are picky! If you do make it, you must comment on my blog so I can get some feedback!!!

Mexican Chicken Soup (similar but different to white chicken chile, but better and more tomatoeee)

6 Cups low sodium Chicken broth
6 boneless chicken thighs about 1 1/2 lbs. trimmed (I'm lazy and used an herb rotiseree chicken)
1 Large onion quartered
4 garlic cloves peeled
Cilantro
salt
1 (14.5-oz ) can whole tomatoes
1 TBSP vegetable Oil
2 cups Frozen White kernel corn
1 can kidney and 1 can great northern beans drained and rinsed
2 Tbsp lime juice
Freshly ground pepper
1 can chipotle chile plus 1 Tbsp adobe sauce (I don't do spicy, so I used 1 can mild chile)
1/2 jalapeno chile--seeds and ribs removed (I omited this because of the spice factor)

1. Bring 4 cups of broth, chicken 2 onion quarters, 2 garlic cloves, large bunch of chopped cilantro, and 1/2 tsp salt in large pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Cover and cook over low heat until chicken is cooked through (Or if you have a precooked chicken like I used, I cooked it for about 10 minutes.
2. Puree Canned tomatoes, remaining 2 onion quarters, remaining 2 garlic cloves, jalapeno(if you use one) and chile in blender or food processor until smooth.
3. Heat oil in large stock pot until shimmering. Add tomato mixture and 1/8 tsp salt and cook until darkened in color, 8-10 min. Strain broth directly into pot with tomato mixture (discard onion and garlic pieces) Add, remaining 2 cups chicken broth, corn and beans, and simmer to blend flavors about 5 min. Shred chicken if haven't already and add to soup. Stir in lime juice and season with salt and pepper. Serve and garnish with fresh cilantro--(a MUST!), a dollop of sour cream, shredded monterey Jack cheese, and diced avocado. umm, umm,umm--so, so good!

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Life in Utah

Today we woke up to this

Yes, snow.....again. I'm really ok with it, but man, it has been a really snowey winter this season! When I lived in Philly, we mostly had really cold days, with freezing ice rain and an occasional snow storm,(ok, we did have a few big ones that canceled church a few times, but overall, nothing like it is here.) It really is beautiful though, and I guess I can tolerate it for another month --but no longer than that!
Pregnancy update--23 weeks and counting. I have decided that I really do enjoy being pregnant. That first trimester is so exciting, even though I felt like crap. The second trimester is so nice. I really am proud of my bump and have no shame in showing everyone that I'm pregnant. I even have a shirt that says "baby makes the belly go round" Maybe I like it, because it's a good excuse to have a big belly. Lately I've even had thoughts that i could do this one more time---ask me in 10 weeks when I'm miserable and complaining about how I can't go another day. And then at 40 weeks, you swear that this is it and you'll never do this again! Right??? I am just so excited to hold my babe--girl or boy which ever it may be.--It really is such an incredible feeling to hold your babe for the first time.--man, I think these hormones are getting to me! The great thing is that when the baby is born, we will be moving to Vegas right after that. I'm due June 10th, and Owen will start his pedo residency on July 1--so we're really excited to be reunited together as a family for good this time. So, I think the next 17 weeks are going to be hectic with everything that comes with moving and finding a place to live, and trying to get things squared away with UNLV, and the new baby. Talk to me then, and I'll let you know if I'm still sane.