Usually around this time I start thinking about Lent. I'm used to it starting in February at some point, so I'm all out of sorts with this year's calendar, and Lent not starting until March 9th.
I remember really struggling with what to give up when I was younger, because my birthday always fell in the middle of it. So I never wanted to give up desserts, or toys, or as I hit college, alcohol, since I knew I'd want to celebrate during it. Luckily, I outgrew most of that, and have started making more thoughtful choices in the last few years.
My goal during Lent is to make sacrifices or add new habits to my life that satisfy four areas of my life - myself, my family (Tyler and the dogs, and soon to be Guinevere), my church, and my community. And often, I'm able to carry on the new additions throughout the year. Last year, I gave up FarmVille (I was ADDICTED to this game on Facebook!) and after Easter, I never went back. I have gained a lot more time for myself and my husband since I never opened the game application again. I also added reading the Bible at nights to my routine, and have made a better effort to reach for it at night.
I'm still trying to figure out this year. The thing that really takes me away from myself and my husband the most is my Android phone. I'm constantly on it - checking blogs, checking forums I frequent, checking emails and texts and instant messages. I use it for GPS directions, or to look up a fact, or to play a game. I'm addicted to my cell phone. And thats why, starting March 9th, I'll only be using it for emergency calls. I'd probably have given those up too since I have an office line and home line, but in light of my pregnancy I think I should have it charged and available, just in case.
My hope is to gain a better perspective. To plan ahead in situations. To pay 100% attention to my family, rather than constantly reaching for my phone. To not let the little things clog my attention when I can focus on so many great things in my life.
I'm still trying to figure out what I should add to my life that will better my relationship with my church and my community. Luckily, I have lots of time to figure it out.
Does anyone else participate in Lent? Have you started thinking yet about what you'd like to do this year?
Monday, January 31, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Dear Anonymous -
St Pauli's Girl makes a non-alcoholic beer. Which is what I had. My "wooo" comment was sarcastic, because there is nothing crazy or exciting about non-alcoholic beer.
The alcohol content is less than 0.5% - from research I've done, it seems like it is closer to 0.3%. Conversely, a Budweiser has 5%. So, I had the equivalent of 1/16th of a normal beer. Since I'm comparing two 12oz beers (since thats what mine was), I had less than one ounce - 3/4 of an ounce to be more specific.
More food for thought? Many mouthwashes contain up to 27% alcohol by volume. Guinevere is in more danger by me cleaning my teeth in the morning.
Please, leave your name and a link to your blog the next time you want to leave nasty comments in the comments section.
The alcohol content is less than 0.5% - from research I've done, it seems like it is closer to 0.3%. Conversely, a Budweiser has 5%. So, I had the equivalent of 1/16th of a normal beer. Since I'm comparing two 12oz beers (since thats what mine was), I had less than one ounce - 3/4 of an ounce to be more specific.
More food for thought? Many mouthwashes contain up to 27% alcohol by volume. Guinevere is in more danger by me cleaning my teeth in the morning.
Please, leave your name and a link to your blog the next time you want to leave nasty comments in the comments section.
20 weeks
How far along: 20 weeks!
Size of our baby: A cantaloupe.
Total weight gain/loss: Total gain: 1lb.
Maternity clothes: Not wearing any today, but thats pretty unusual. Leggings, a long sweater, and a tank top. So, VERY stretchy over my belly :) Otherwise, I'd say 85% of what I wear is maternity now!
Stretch marks: None.
Sleep: I've been super exhausted again, I blame the rough week I've had.
Best moment this week: Getting to see Guinevere on Monday at our 20week Anatomy Scan.
Movement: Yes!
Food cravings/aversions: Cherry slurpees and sugary breakfast cereal like Lucky Charms and Captain Crunch Berries...so bad.
Belly button in or out: Pretty much completely flat now.
What I miss/What I am looking forward to: What I missed? My doctor appointment on Wednesday. I managed to completely forget about it, oops :( Looking forward to February 22nd, when we have our next ultrasound, and peek at Guinevere!
Weekly Wisdom: Baby gulps down several ounces of amniotic fluid every day, both for nutrition and to practice swallowing and digesting. And, these days, those taste buds actually work! Studies show that after birth, babies respond best to tastes they've already had via amniotic fluid. Meaning, think about what you'd like your future child to eat as you prepare your own lunch.
Milestones: Over halfway.
Symptoms: Acid reflux is popping up at the weirdest times, and by the end of the day my back is KILLING me...but thats pretty much it. I have been so lucky.
And a picture from Wednesday:
Size of our baby: A cantaloupe.
Total weight gain/loss: Total gain: 1lb.
Maternity clothes: Not wearing any today, but thats pretty unusual. Leggings, a long sweater, and a tank top. So, VERY stretchy over my belly :) Otherwise, I'd say 85% of what I wear is maternity now!
Stretch marks: None.
Sleep: I've been super exhausted again, I blame the rough week I've had.
Best moment this week: Getting to see Guinevere on Monday at our 20week Anatomy Scan.
Movement: Yes!
Food cravings/aversions: Cherry slurpees and sugary breakfast cereal like Lucky Charms and Captain Crunch Berries...so bad.
Belly button in or out: Pretty much completely flat now.
What I miss/What I am looking forward to: What I missed? My doctor appointment on Wednesday. I managed to completely forget about it, oops :( Looking forward to February 22nd, when we have our next ultrasound, and peek at Guinevere!
Weekly Wisdom: Baby gulps down several ounces of amniotic fluid every day, both for nutrition and to practice swallowing and digesting. And, these days, those taste buds actually work! Studies show that after birth, babies respond best to tastes they've already had via amniotic fluid. Meaning, think about what you'd like your future child to eat as you prepare your own lunch.
Milestones: Over halfway.
Symptoms: Acid reflux is popping up at the weirdest times, and by the end of the day my back is KILLING me...but thats pretty much it. I have been so lucky.
And a picture from Wednesday:
Things you never think will happen to you.
I was born and raised and in the DC area. I'm sure those of you from Minnesota and Vermont and other snowy states find the way our city shuts down over 4" of snow laughable, but you really can't compare it. The problem with the DC metro area is the sheer volume of people. It doesn't matter whether I leave my office at 3:30pm or 7pm - it will take me at least an hour and a half to drive home. On a clear, sunny day. The traffic is unbelievable.
I spend between 3-4 hours every single day just commuting to and from work. And I'm used to it. Sure, it fucking sucks most days, but thats the price I was willing to pay to have a nicer home thats a little farther from the city, and to which I'd be forced to only take main roads. So I think its safe to say that I'm an expert driver. I have above-average patience during long car rides.
Wednesday, DC experienced what they are calling "ThunderSnow", and I didn't get home until 1:30am. If I never sit in my car again, it will be too soon.
1pm: Check local weather reports for storm. These things are always hit or miss, and since my SUV has 4WD and handled last years 2' storms like a champ, I wasn't worried.
3pm: Tyler calls. He just left his office, and its hailing, sleeting, and thundering. He asks me to leave work immediately.
Knowing that the roads could be rough in the morning, and Tyler would need to take my car to work since I'm able to work from home, I started making sure I had all files and tasks I needed to be able to work from home the next day. I made some calls, checked in with my managers, shut down my machines and packed up my stuff, and hit up the vending machine on my way out the door.
4pm: I get in my car, fill up my gas tank at the Texaco in the same shopping center as my office, and hit the road. The roads are already slushy, and the snow is coming down fast and furious. I crank up an audio book, and settle in for a longer commute.
5pm: I'm two blocks from my office. I can see my office in my rearview window. I have 30 miles left in my commute. Fuck, this might be worse than I thought. I check Facebook on my cell, since I'm not going anywhere.
5:05pm: I discover thanks to my Facebook newsfeed that my co-worker and best friend Jessie is two cars in front of me, and we're both outside a hole in the wall Mexican restaurant. We both pull off and head into the bar to wait out the traffic.
7pm: We're making friends in the bar, everyone is swapping stories about how far they have to go and how far they've come. Which isn't far. The chips and salsa are yummy, the company is fun, I even go a little crazy and order a St Pauli's Girl. Woooo.
7:10pm: Bar loses power.
7:12pm: Power is back on.
Repeat this cycle six times over the next half hour.
Finally, power is back on and stays on.
8:15pm: Cars appear to be moving outside, so Jessie and I decide to head home. We say our goodbyes to all our new friends.
8:30pm: Cleaning off our cars. Jessie is in tights and flats, and I'm in skinny jeans and flats. Both of us are soaked and frozen, trying to knock off 6" of snow from our SUVs. We finally get on the road.
9pm: Roads are worse than we thought. Its basically a giant obstacle course of weaving in between cars that are stuck, broken down, or completely abandoned by their owners.
10pm: Some fellow cars on the road want to roll down their windows and have friendly chats. Others are actually being jerks enough to try to cut you off, even though no one is going anywhere. I can't help but laugh at all the tiny cars that try to be macho and take shoulders and side roads, and immediately get stuck. Suckerrrr.
Oh, and my audio book is over, I didn't have a back up, and now I'm listening to local news radio. Shockingly, they have nothing optimistic to say.
11pm: I have to pee. Badly. I decide I don't care who sees, I'm 5 months pregnant and I'm going to die. I half-hop out of the car into a knee high puddle of frozen slushy ice. Fuck this. I get back in the car.
11:05pm: I'm shivering and my leg is miserable in my wet jeans. I find a pile of clothes in the trunk that needed to go to the dry cleaners, drape a cocktail dress over my lap, and take my pants off. Sorry, mom. Definitely not one of my finer moments. I hang my jeans in front of the vents, hoping to dry them.
11:15pm: We haven't moved, and now Guinevere is actually kicking what feels like my bladder, and I'm convinced the gates are about to burst open. I crawl in the back seat, looking for a discarded McDs cup, or anything I can use...finally find a tupperware bowl from yesterday's lunch. Gross.
11:15pm: Figure out how to completely cover myself, sit up, and pee into a bowl on the driver's seat. I have to dump it out the window twice. So gross. Thank god for a purse stocked with tissues and hand sanitizer. I almost toss the bowl out too, but save it for "just in case". I will say, peeing in the car is much easier when you're not wearing pants. They still haven't dried.
12am: Finally get on Route 66, and it appears to be wide open. I turn on my almost-dead cell, and call Tyler to tell him that I should be home soon - roads look empty. Turn phone back off.
12:20am: Back in gridlock traffic. Every single exit ramp appears to be shut down, and so no one can get off the roads.
I'm so exhausted, that I'm actually falling asleep at the wheel. I can't call anyone cuz my phone is dead, so I roll down the windows and crank up the radio. That works for a bit, until I start freezing. Windows back up.
12:30am: I made it to the exit for Route 28, and cars are stopped to the point that people are out walking around. I have now invented my own lane, and am chugging through the untouched shoulders. A Jetta tries to follow my lead, and gets stuck. Idiot.
12:40am: I made it to the exit for Route 29, and now curiosity gets the better of me. I roll down my window to ask people walking around how long they've been stuck trying to get off. Apparently a sand truck got stuck on the exit, so no one can get out. THREE HOURS and counting. Yikes. I veer back over to my shoulder, and keep moving.
A few more cars try to follow my lead on the shoulder, and none keep up. I'm assuming they're all getting stuck. Sucks.
1:35am: I pull into my neighborhood. My back hurts so badly that I feel like Quasimodo. I have to pee again. I'm bone tired.
1:40am: I finally make it into my driveway. I sorta thought when Tyler said he shoveled that he meant after the snow stopped around 9pm. No such luck, my driveway and steps are a danger zone. I quickly pull on my pants, and head into the house. I promptly fall on my ass. Super. Finally make it in the house, fit for a fight, and Tyler tells me that if I'd just left an hour earlier when he told me to, I would have been home for hours.
Debate strangling him, and realize I don't have the energy. Pass out.
Worst night ever? You be the judge.
I spend between 3-4 hours every single day just commuting to and from work. And I'm used to it. Sure, it fucking sucks most days, but thats the price I was willing to pay to have a nicer home thats a little farther from the city, and to which I'd be forced to only take main roads. So I think its safe to say that I'm an expert driver. I have above-average patience during long car rides.
Wednesday, DC experienced what they are calling "ThunderSnow", and I didn't get home until 1:30am. If I never sit in my car again, it will be too soon.
Wednesday's Timeline:
1pm: Check local weather reports for storm. These things are always hit or miss, and since my SUV has 4WD and handled last years 2' storms like a champ, I wasn't worried.
3pm: Tyler calls. He just left his office, and its hailing, sleeting, and thundering. He asks me to leave work immediately.
Knowing that the roads could be rough in the morning, and Tyler would need to take my car to work since I'm able to work from home, I started making sure I had all files and tasks I needed to be able to work from home the next day. I made some calls, checked in with my managers, shut down my machines and packed up my stuff, and hit up the vending machine on my way out the door.
4pm: I get in my car, fill up my gas tank at the Texaco in the same shopping center as my office, and hit the road. The roads are already slushy, and the snow is coming down fast and furious. I crank up an audio book, and settle in for a longer commute.
5pm: I'm two blocks from my office. I can see my office in my rearview window. I have 30 miles left in my commute. Fuck, this might be worse than I thought. I check Facebook on my cell, since I'm not going anywhere.
5:05pm: I discover thanks to my Facebook newsfeed that my co-worker and best friend Jessie is two cars in front of me, and we're both outside a hole in the wall Mexican restaurant. We both pull off and head into the bar to wait out the traffic.
7pm: We're making friends in the bar, everyone is swapping stories about how far they have to go and how far they've come. Which isn't far. The chips and salsa are yummy, the company is fun, I even go a little crazy and order a St Pauli's Girl. Woooo.
7:10pm: Bar loses power.
7:12pm: Power is back on.
Repeat this cycle six times over the next half hour.
Finally, power is back on and stays on.
8:15pm: Cars appear to be moving outside, so Jessie and I decide to head home. We say our goodbyes to all our new friends.
8:30pm: Cleaning off our cars. Jessie is in tights and flats, and I'm in skinny jeans and flats. Both of us are soaked and frozen, trying to knock off 6" of snow from our SUVs. We finally get on the road.
9pm: Roads are worse than we thought. Its basically a giant obstacle course of weaving in between cars that are stuck, broken down, or completely abandoned by their owners.
10pm: Some fellow cars on the road want to roll down their windows and have friendly chats. Others are actually being jerks enough to try to cut you off, even though no one is going anywhere. I can't help but laugh at all the tiny cars that try to be macho and take shoulders and side roads, and immediately get stuck. Suckerrrr.
Oh, and my audio book is over, I didn't have a back up, and now I'm listening to local news radio. Shockingly, they have nothing optimistic to say.
11pm: I have to pee. Badly. I decide I don't care who sees, I'm 5 months pregnant and I'm going to die. I half-hop out of the car into a knee high puddle of frozen slushy ice. Fuck this. I get back in the car.
11:05pm: I'm shivering and my leg is miserable in my wet jeans. I find a pile of clothes in the trunk that needed to go to the dry cleaners, drape a cocktail dress over my lap, and take my pants off. Sorry, mom. Definitely not one of my finer moments. I hang my jeans in front of the vents, hoping to dry them.
11:15pm: We haven't moved, and now Guinevere is actually kicking what feels like my bladder, and I'm convinced the gates are about to burst open. I crawl in the back seat, looking for a discarded McDs cup, or anything I can use...finally find a tupperware bowl from yesterday's lunch. Gross.
11:15pm: Figure out how to completely cover myself, sit up, and pee into a bowl on the driver's seat. I have to dump it out the window twice. So gross. Thank god for a purse stocked with tissues and hand sanitizer. I almost toss the bowl out too, but save it for "just in case". I will say, peeing in the car is much easier when you're not wearing pants. They still haven't dried.
12am: Finally get on Route 66, and it appears to be wide open. I turn on my almost-dead cell, and call Tyler to tell him that I should be home soon - roads look empty. Turn phone back off.
12:20am: Back in gridlock traffic. Every single exit ramp appears to be shut down, and so no one can get off the roads.
I'm so exhausted, that I'm actually falling asleep at the wheel. I can't call anyone cuz my phone is dead, so I roll down the windows and crank up the radio. That works for a bit, until I start freezing. Windows back up.
12:30am: I made it to the exit for Route 28, and cars are stopped to the point that people are out walking around. I have now invented my own lane, and am chugging through the untouched shoulders. A Jetta tries to follow my lead, and gets stuck. Idiot.
12:40am: I made it to the exit for Route 29, and now curiosity gets the better of me. I roll down my window to ask people walking around how long they've been stuck trying to get off. Apparently a sand truck got stuck on the exit, so no one can get out. THREE HOURS and counting. Yikes. I veer back over to my shoulder, and keep moving.
A few more cars try to follow my lead on the shoulder, and none keep up. I'm assuming they're all getting stuck. Sucks.
1:35am: I pull into my neighborhood. My back hurts so badly that I feel like Quasimodo. I have to pee again. I'm bone tired.
1:40am: I finally make it into my driveway. I sorta thought when Tyler said he shoveled that he meant after the snow stopped around 9pm. No such luck, my driveway and steps are a danger zone. I quickly pull on my pants, and head into the house. I promptly fall on my ass. Super. Finally make it in the house, fit for a fight, and Tyler tells me that if I'd just left an hour earlier when he told me to, I would have been home for hours.
Debate strangling him, and realize I don't have the energy. Pass out.
Worst night ever? You be the judge.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Getting started on the nursery
The nursery is something that I've been dreaming about for years. I love decorating our house, and I love the excuse to spend money to remodel an entire room :) When we had the whole house painted last summer, we had them skip the nursery - I didn't want to touch that room until I was pregnant. Now that I finally am, I'm so excited to begin!
The layout of the room, and how I would arrange furniture:
The door to the room is in the lower right corner. The closet is built in, with bi-fold doors, and there are two windows in the upper left corner - the rocker would be sort of nestled in between them. And that tiny child size rocker that will go by the door? Its mine from when I was little :)
With a little girl, I decided that I wanted all white furniture, and so I decided on:
The layout of the room, and how I would arrange furniture:
The door to the room is in the lower right corner. The closet is built in, with bi-fold doors, and there are two windows in the upper left corner - the rocker would be sort of nestled in between them. And that tiny child size rocker that will go by the door? Its mine from when I was little :)
With a little girl, I decided that I wanted all white furniture, and so I decided on:
Dresser and bookcase: Ikea.
Crib: JCPenneys
Rocker and Ottoman Frame: Walmart
I love the Pottery Barn Baby rockers, but can't justify the price tag. I was thrilled to find this Walmart version, for only $169. Some reviews said the padding wasn't very comfortable, but since I plan to reupholster it anyway to match the crib bedding, I figured we could just replace or add to the existing padding.
So how did we pick our theme? If you've never noticed in my pictures, Tyler has full sleeve tattoos. And huge tattoos on his back, and now he's working on his legs. He is an artist, and has many beautiful drawings and paintings from when he dedicated more time to it, and his eye for the beautiful has really translated well to his tattoos - they are works of art.
 |
| Halloween 2008, before he started his leg tattoos. |
Well, maybe except his leg, which features Thor the Avenger, and will soon have many other comic book characters :-P But while not traditional "art", they are still so well done. My favorite is his right sleeve - they are images and inspirations from Alphonse Mucha, an artist with a heavy art nouveau influence.
When planning our wedding, I was dying to get married at a local ballroom with a fabulous art deco/art nouveau style, and when that didn't work, we decided to use that style in our study. Since we can't find furniture that fits the theme AND the space, I thought it would look lovely in a nursery.
Everything will be gold, bronze and white, with crystal accents. Our inspiration:
But first, our To Do list is pretty extensive:
- Replace all baseboards
- Install crown molding
- Install a faux tray ceiling (using above art nouveau molding)
- Add wood trim around windows and replace window aprons
- Install a ceiling rough in, to have a power source for the chandelier
- Paint the ceiling
- Install a ceiling medallion
- Install the chandelier
- Paint the walls, trim and molding
- Apply stencil to walls
- Install a closet organizer
- Install a light dimmer (for nighttime feedings)
- Replace all light switch plates and outlet covers
- Replace floor vent
- Install CO2 detector
Whew! Then, once the furniture is in, we still have to:
- Replace knobs on dresser, closet door and bookcase
- Install white wood blinds
- Hang curtain rod/curtains
- Paint childhood rocker white
- Replace doorknob
I also want to DIY a flower wreath to hang above the changing table, for Guinevere to look up at, sort of like this:
And frame my family's baptismal gown (in such a way future generations can still use it of course!) sort of like this:
And while I love the nursery's with wooden letters in the room to spell out the child's name, none of the fonts would really work in our space. So I was so excited to see a post at Kelly's Korner that showed mirrors with vinyl monograms on them. I plan to do this, only to spell out "Guinevere Ann" with a large "G" in the background, in an era-appropriate font.
And most ambitiously? My mom and I are sewing the bedding ourselves. I can't find the perfect ivory set, so we're making it on our own - changing pad cover, crib sheets, bumpers (decoration only, of course), and a super ruffle-y crib skirt - full, almost like a ball gown!
We're also going to make a slipcover for the rocker to coordinate, and a cover for the ottoman - which will also be super ruffle-y and full, to match the crib skirt. Lastly, drapes for the windows.
Were you exhausted just reading this post? I'M exhausted thinking about it! My goal is to have everything complete before we leave for Puerto Rico in April, when I'm 31 weeks, and I have faith we can do it!
My mom and sister are coming over on February 5th to help knock some of the "To Dos" out, and hopefully by that point Tyler and I will have made some progress on some of the molding and trim. I can't wait to see it all come together :)
Do you Rue?
Rue La La that is. I feel like everyone belongs to it, but I haven't really used it much before. I like peeking at sales for my favorite designers, but either A) what I want is sold out or B) the price still isn't good enough to motivate me to buy.
But my dear friend Mrs G in DC bought a W Hotel mattress from Rue La La last year, and has been raving about it ever since. Tyler saw her post on Facebook about the upcoming sale, and we decided that we absolutely, positively, had to order a mattress.
Our current King mattress was a hand-me-down from the in laws, and has been much appreciated for 6 years. But it had been in their house as long as Tyler can remember, and he thinks its like 30 years old. Tyler doesn't sleep well, I don't sleep well, and now that I'm pregnant and my back is killing me, I REALLY don't sleep well. We need a new mattress.
The sale started this morning, and I was ready to pounce the second it opened. $999 for a King mattress and box spring with a plush top? That they not only deliver and carry up to my bed, but they take away the old mattress and box spring? AND, only $9 shipping charges (but I had a credit, so FREE shipping?!) Yes, please!
If you are in the market for a new mattress, this is definitely a sale worth looking into. If you don't have a Rue La La account now, you can sign up here: http://www.ruelala.com/invite/mrsintraining
Please let me know if you bought one, too! Or, tell me your favorite Rue La La purchase. I can't wait to hear :)
But my dear friend Mrs G in DC bought a W Hotel mattress from Rue La La last year, and has been raving about it ever since. Tyler saw her post on Facebook about the upcoming sale, and we decided that we absolutely, positively, had to order a mattress.
Our current King mattress was a hand-me-down from the in laws, and has been much appreciated for 6 years. But it had been in their house as long as Tyler can remember, and he thinks its like 30 years old. Tyler doesn't sleep well, I don't sleep well, and now that I'm pregnant and my back is killing me, I REALLY don't sleep well. We need a new mattress.
The sale started this morning, and I was ready to pounce the second it opened. $999 for a King mattress and box spring with a plush top? That they not only deliver and carry up to my bed, but they take away the old mattress and box spring? AND, only $9 shipping charges (but I had a credit, so FREE shipping?!) Yes, please!
If you are in the market for a new mattress, this is definitely a sale worth looking into. If you don't have a Rue La La account now, you can sign up here: http://www.ruelala.com/invite/mrsintraining
Please let me know if you bought one, too! Or, tell me your favorite Rue La La purchase. I can't wait to hear :)
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Weekend grocery shopping.
My least favorite chore = grocery shopping.
Tyler's least favorite chore = grocery shopping with me.
Unfortunately, we were out and about yesterday, realized we had no food, and were forced to stop at Giant on the way home. It ended up being quite fun. Part of our "out and about" involved four tall beers for Tyler at Buffalo Wild Wings, so he was in a jovial mood, and kept me laughing the whole time. Its the little things, the little moments, that make me cherish our marriage so much. Grocery shopping, on a Saturday afternoon, with nine million other people (Tyler and I both hate other people crowds), an incompetent cashier, and we still had so much fun doing something we HATE doing. Just because we were together. I love that.
While in the produce section though, I made sure to get Tyler to take a picture of me and a mango, aka the size of Guinevere. We got some super crazy looks, but I don't care, I thought it was cute :)
Although now I'm a little baffled, because according to my Bump ticker, on Thursday she will be the size of a cantaloupe. Thats a lot of growing this week. See?
Keep growing, little girl. I'm not sure how much more room there is for you (my yellow coat is officially stretching out the last one button I can pull together) but take up all you need. xoxo.
Tyler's least favorite chore = grocery shopping with me.
Unfortunately, we were out and about yesterday, realized we had no food, and were forced to stop at Giant on the way home. It ended up being quite fun. Part of our "out and about" involved four tall beers for Tyler at Buffalo Wild Wings, so he was in a jovial mood, and kept me laughing the whole time. Its the little things, the little moments, that make me cherish our marriage so much. Grocery shopping, on a Saturday afternoon, with nine million other people (Tyler and I both hate other people crowds), an incompetent cashier, and we still had so much fun doing something we HATE doing. Just because we were together. I love that.
While in the produce section though, I made sure to get Tyler to take a picture of me and a mango, aka the size of Guinevere. We got some super crazy looks, but I don't care, I thought it was cute :)
Although now I'm a little baffled, because according to my Bump ticker, on Thursday she will be the size of a cantaloupe. Thats a lot of growing this week. See?
Keep growing, little girl. I'm not sure how much more room there is for you (my yellow coat is officially stretching out the last one button I can pull together) but take up all you need. xoxo.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Chicken Stir-Fry
I'm all about quick and easy meals these days. So is Tyler. Especially when, at 5pm and he wanders in the kitchen, I explain that I'm working on a huge deliverable for work, and probably won't be to bed til after midnight, and dinner is on him. I handed him the recipe I'd planned on making, and he threw it together like a champ. God bless him.
3/4 bottle Simply Enjoy sesame garlic Asian Sauce
2 Tbsp. soy sauce
1/4 tsp. each ground ginger, garlic powder, crushed red pepper
Chicken Stir-Fry
Ingredients
One package of frozen steam-in-bag broccoli
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts3/4 bottle Simply Enjoy sesame garlic Asian Sauce
2 Tbsp. soy sauce
1/4 tsp. each ground ginger, garlic powder, crushed red pepper
Basmati Rice
Directions
We make rice in a rice cooker, but you can also prepare it anyway you'd like. Go ahead and get this started first.
Microwave the broccoli according to instructions. Meanwhile, pound the chicken so it is all approximately the same thickness, and cut into pieces.
Spray a skillet with cooking oil and add the chicken. Cook through, about 8 minutes. Add 3/4 of a bottle of Simply Enjoy Sesame Garlic Asian Sauce (found at Giant Food). Its ~12oz. bottle, so you could also substitute 8oz of a similar sauce. Also add the broccoli, soy sauce, ginger, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper.
Simmer for 5 minutes until heated through. Serve over basmati rice.
Also, the sauce, for anyone interested:
We both loved this. It had a great kick to it, and tasted wonderful. We'll definitely be making this again.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
19 weeks!
How far along: 19 weeks!
Size of our baby: A mango.
Total weight gain/loss: 0 pounds - after losing weight after getting pregnant, I'm right back at my starting point.
Maternity clothes: Down to very few pre-pregnancy clothes. Two pairs of pants still work (With a Bella Band) and a few tops. Otherwise...all maternity.
Stretch marks: None.
Sleep: Back to normal!
Best moment this week: The dogs had Tyler up all night - they wanted to go out at 9, then again at 1, then again at 4. When he finally got up with them at 4:30am, he made a comment about all his girls being up. And I realized, yes, ALL his girls were up - I could feel Guinevere rolling around. This was the first time I'd felt her early in the morning (I thought she liked sleep like her momma), but it was a sweet feeling to wake up to :)
Movement: Yes!
Food cravings/aversions: Cherry slurpees and sugary breakfast cereal like Lucky Charms and Captain Crunch Berries...so bad.
Belly button in or out: In, but ever so barely. Its about to burst out any second.
What I miss/What I am looking forward to: Can't wait to get started on the nursery. Hopefully next week. Also, we get to see our sweet girl again at our appointment on Monday morning. I just love ultrasound days :)
Weekly Wisdom: Vernix caseosa, a greasy white substance made of lanugo, oil, and dead skin cells (yum) now coats baby's skin, shielding it from the amniotic fluid. (Picture yourself after a nine-month bath, and the need for protection makes sense.) You might get to see the vernix at birth, especially if baby is premature.
Milestones: Can't believe I'm in my 20th week already. This is flying by.
Symptoms: Acid reflux is popping up at the weirdest times, and by the end of the day my back is KILLING me...but thats pretty much it. I have been so lucky.
Size of our baby: A mango.
Total weight gain/loss: 0 pounds - after losing weight after getting pregnant, I'm right back at my starting point.
Maternity clothes: Down to very few pre-pregnancy clothes. Two pairs of pants still work (With a Bella Band) and a few tops. Otherwise...all maternity.
Stretch marks: None.
Sleep: Back to normal!
Best moment this week: The dogs had Tyler up all night - they wanted to go out at 9, then again at 1, then again at 4. When he finally got up with them at 4:30am, he made a comment about all his girls being up. And I realized, yes, ALL his girls were up - I could feel Guinevere rolling around. This was the first time I'd felt her early in the morning (I thought she liked sleep like her momma), but it was a sweet feeling to wake up to :)
Movement: Yes!
Food cravings/aversions: Cherry slurpees and sugary breakfast cereal like Lucky Charms and Captain Crunch Berries...so bad.
Belly button in or out: In, but ever so barely. Its about to burst out any second.
What I miss/What I am looking forward to: Can't wait to get started on the nursery. Hopefully next week. Also, we get to see our sweet girl again at our appointment on Monday morning. I just love ultrasound days :)
Weekly Wisdom: Vernix caseosa, a greasy white substance made of lanugo, oil, and dead skin cells (yum) now coats baby's skin, shielding it from the amniotic fluid. (Picture yourself after a nine-month bath, and the need for protection makes sense.) You might get to see the vernix at birth, especially if baby is premature.
Milestones: Can't believe I'm in my 20th week already. This is flying by.
Symptoms: Acid reflux is popping up at the weirdest times, and by the end of the day my back is KILLING me...but thats pretty much it. I have been so lucky.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Not entirely hideous Maternity Clothes
I love clothes and shopping, and wearing cute clothes that I buy while shopping, so dealing with clothing a rather awkward and ever-changing body has been...a challenge, to say the least. Especially since, I hate the idea of spending money on clothes I can only wear for a few more months since *gasp* Guinevere will be an only child. I know, I know, more on that later.
But, if I were more amendable to spending money on cute maternity clothes, perhaps I'd buy some of these:
Most likely, I'll keep making do with my Old Navy skinny jeggings (love), Liz Lange tees, dresses from Asos, and squeezing into some pre-pregnancy tops. We'll see how it goes ;)
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Follow Up
I guess I sort of left everyone hanging after my big announcement. Ooops.
I kept a pretty private blog when I first started fertility treatments, and invited regular blog readers and family to read it. Then, when I got pregnant, I was shocked, but so cautious that I decided to make the whole thing private until I was ready to share the news. But, I posted moderately regularly. At least weekly updates, and some other milestones. I decided it would be easiest to merge that blog with this one, so hopefully everyone's Google Readers haven't gone nuts with 59 new posts from me.
If you're interested, you can click over to my blog, and read through the beginning - any post labeled "Infertility", or the weekly updates - labeled "Weekly Baby Updates". The rest are all just "Baby".
To summarize, and save you the trouble of scanning through...Tyler and I are expecting a little girl, named Guinevere Ann. Tyler came up with the name from his favorite novel, "The Once and Future King". She's incredibly healthy, we've started feeling her move, and we're so excited about everything about pregnancy so far.
I've had no symptoms - never had any morning sickness, or nausea. I still haven't even actually gained any weight, but since Guinevere is right on track, the doctors aren't concerned. Pregnancy has been incredibly kind to me - no horrible breakouts, no mood swings. Since everyone's first question is "how are you feeling?" and I never have anything to say, I started joking about how Guinevere is sure to have colic or something else to make the first few weeks challenging, since pregnancy has really been such a joy. Then a good friend quietly reminded me what I went through to get here, and said that I went through enough...this is my time for peace. Bless her for always saying the right thing.
I have lots of non-baby posts coming, as soon as I find my camera battery charger. I've remodeled my office, and its purple, glamorous, and super fabulous. I also want to show case the rest of the new paint colors downstairs, talk about nursery plans, and feature some new recipes. So stay tuned ;)
I kept a pretty private blog when I first started fertility treatments, and invited regular blog readers and family to read it. Then, when I got pregnant, I was shocked, but so cautious that I decided to make the whole thing private until I was ready to share the news. But, I posted moderately regularly. At least weekly updates, and some other milestones. I decided it would be easiest to merge that blog with this one, so hopefully everyone's Google Readers haven't gone nuts with 59 new posts from me.
If you're interested, you can click over to my blog, and read through the beginning - any post labeled "Infertility", or the weekly updates - labeled "Weekly Baby Updates". The rest are all just "Baby".
To summarize, and save you the trouble of scanning through...Tyler and I are expecting a little girl, named Guinevere Ann. Tyler came up with the name from his favorite novel, "The Once and Future King". She's incredibly healthy, we've started feeling her move, and we're so excited about everything about pregnancy so far.
I've had no symptoms - never had any morning sickness, or nausea. I still haven't even actually gained any weight, but since Guinevere is right on track, the doctors aren't concerned. Pregnancy has been incredibly kind to me - no horrible breakouts, no mood swings. Since everyone's first question is "how are you feeling?" and I never have anything to say, I started joking about how Guinevere is sure to have colic or something else to make the first few weeks challenging, since pregnancy has really been such a joy. Then a good friend quietly reminded me what I went through to get here, and said that I went through enough...this is my time for peace. Bless her for always saying the right thing.
I have lots of non-baby posts coming, as soon as I find my camera battery charger. I've remodeled my office, and its purple, glamorous, and super fabulous. I also want to show case the rest of the new paint colors downstairs, talk about nursery plans, and feature some new recipes. So stay tuned ;)
Monday, January 17, 2011
Sports?
Dear Guinevere,
Last night, Daddy and I had a talk about what sports we'd love to see you play. Obviously when you're older, we'll let you choose, but lets face it, once you turn four, we get to pick at least the first few.
I'd love for you to take up dance. I always wanted to be a dancer, and I can't think of anything cuter than a 3 year old in a tutu. Your daddy is less sold on dance, however. But we agree, if you love it, you will be allowed to dance.
We both nixed swimming. Assuming you take it up competitively, we know those practices are before school at like 6am. Which means we'd be up at 5am to drive you. Everyday. And that sounds terrible. So we think we'll get you started with some lessons, and pray your interest ends there.
Soccer sounds fun to watch, and so does Tennis. Once you get older, we both think Field Hockey or Lacrosse would be neat as well. Selfishly, we both find Softball and Basketball boring. Don't get us wrong, we'll be your biggest fans, but I can't be held responsible if my Kindle sneaks out in between plays.
Since I used to run cross-country and pole vault, I'd LOVE to see you follow my footsteps, and take it up as well. Since your daddy has gotten more into running as well, we think it may be something you'll see us doing over the years, and learn to love as well.
And once Daddy threw out Cheerleading, we both agreed that would be the perfect combination of dance for me, and watching football games too.
Whatever you decide, you go for it. We're just excited to be along for the ride, and see where your passions grow over the next 18 or so years.
Love,
Mommy
Last night, Daddy and I had a talk about what sports we'd love to see you play. Obviously when you're older, we'll let you choose, but lets face it, once you turn four, we get to pick at least the first few.
I'd love for you to take up dance. I always wanted to be a dancer, and I can't think of anything cuter than a 3 year old in a tutu. Your daddy is less sold on dance, however. But we agree, if you love it, you will be allowed to dance.
We both nixed swimming. Assuming you take it up competitively, we know those practices are before school at like 6am. Which means we'd be up at 5am to drive you. Everyday. And that sounds terrible. So we think we'll get you started with some lessons, and pray your interest ends there.
Soccer sounds fun to watch, and so does Tennis. Once you get older, we both think Field Hockey or Lacrosse would be neat as well. Selfishly, we both find Softball and Basketball boring. Don't get us wrong, we'll be your biggest fans, but I can't be held responsible if my Kindle sneaks out in between plays.
Since I used to run cross-country and pole vault, I'd LOVE to see you follow my footsteps, and take it up as well. Since your daddy has gotten more into running as well, we think it may be something you'll see us doing over the years, and learn to love as well.
And once Daddy threw out Cheerleading, we both agreed that would be the perfect combination of dance for me, and watching football games too.
Whatever you decide, you go for it. We're just excited to be along for the ride, and see where your passions grow over the next 18 or so years.
Love,
Mommy
Shopping Fail
I got a $100 gift card to a local mall for Christmas, so thought I'd try to go spend it yesterday. What an epic disaster.
First off, said mall had no maternity-specific stores - they had a small section in Baby Gap, and then small sections in department stores. No luck in any of them. Maternity clothes are really, really not attractive when you're 27 years old. Most are designed for 50 year old women - who are not likely getting pregnant. So I tried to wander around for accessories, but kept getting drawn in by cute regular clothes...that don't fit.
I struck out at MAC because they were out of foundation in my shade, and refused to buy anything else there, and Best Buy mobile was sold out of Kindle covers. I'm redecorating both my office and the nursery, but the only furniture stores were Pottery Barn and Pottery Barn kids, and both had a lame selection.
I left buying Tyler new jeans, undershirts and boxers. Most depressing shopping trip ever.
Worst of all? I went out in my favorite, always super comfy, 5.5" heeled clogs from Alloy:
First off, said mall had no maternity-specific stores - they had a small section in Baby Gap, and then small sections in department stores. No luck in any of them. Maternity clothes are really, really not attractive when you're 27 years old. Most are designed for 50 year old women - who are not likely getting pregnant. So I tried to wander around for accessories, but kept getting drawn in by cute regular clothes...that don't fit.
I struck out at MAC because they were out of foundation in my shade, and refused to buy anything else there, and Best Buy mobile was sold out of Kindle covers. I'm redecorating both my office and the nursery, but the only furniture stores were Pottery Barn and Pottery Barn kids, and both had a lame selection.
I left buying Tyler new jeans, undershirts and boxers. Most depressing shopping trip ever.
Worst of all? I went out in my favorite, always super comfy, 5.5" heeled clogs from Alloy:
And after 3 hours, I wanted to cry in agony. What have I become? Not only is pregnancy the least attractive I've ever felt (expanding midsection, changing breasts, hair that would prefer to be highlighted MUCH more frequently), but I have to battle ugly clothes that are ridiculously overpriced, AND, I have to give up my high heels?!
Looks like I'll only be shopping online from now on. I'm not willing to spend 20 more weeks in just flats.
And for the bump-picture beggars, this is from the fitting room at Macys. Since the clothes they had were terrible, figured I'd at least take advantage of the mirror to grab a quick shot of my belly.
Tee: Liz Lange Maternity
Jeggings: Old Navy Maternity Full Panel
Jeggings: Old Navy Maternity Full Panel
Coat: Old Navy
Clogs: Alloy
Thursday, January 13, 2011
18 weeks!
How far along: 18 weeks
Size of our baby: A sweet potato
Total weight gain/loss: Officially back at my weight when I got pregnant - 130lbs.
Maternity clothes: Down to very few pre-pregnancy clothes. Two pairs of pants still work, and a few tops. Otherwise...all maternity.
Stretch marks: None.
Sleep: Back to normal!
Best moment this week: Feeling Guinevere move :)
Movement: Yes!
Food cravings/aversions: Cherry slurpees and sugary breakfast cereal like Lucky Charms and Captain Crunch Berries...so bad.
Belly button in or out: In, but ever so barely. Its about to burst out any second.
What I miss/What I am looking forward to: Starting our little girl's nursery :)
Weekly Wisdom: Baby's become amazingly mobile (compared to you, at least), passing the hours yawning, hiccupping, rolling, twisting, kicking, punching, sucking, and swallowing. And baby is finally big enough that you'll soon be able to feel her movements.
Milestones: Almost half way!
Symptoms: Back is hurting, and had two bouts of acid reflux this week...yuck.
Size of our baby: A sweet potato
Total weight gain/loss: Officially back at my weight when I got pregnant - 130lbs.
Maternity clothes: Down to very few pre-pregnancy clothes. Two pairs of pants still work, and a few tops. Otherwise...all maternity.
Stretch marks: None.
Sleep: Back to normal!
Best moment this week: Feeling Guinevere move :)
Movement: Yes!
Food cravings/aversions: Cherry slurpees and sugary breakfast cereal like Lucky Charms and Captain Crunch Berries...so bad.
Belly button in or out: In, but ever so barely. Its about to burst out any second.
What I miss/What I am looking forward to: Starting our little girl's nursery :)
Weekly Wisdom: Baby's become amazingly mobile (compared to you, at least), passing the hours yawning, hiccupping, rolling, twisting, kicking, punching, sucking, and swallowing. And baby is finally big enough that you'll soon be able to feel her movements.
Milestones: Almost half way!
Symptoms: Back is hurting, and had two bouts of acid reflux this week...yuck.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
The Once and Future King
I've mentioned before that Tyler picked out Guinevere's name. It came from the book "The Once and Future King" by TH White, which is his favorite book. TH White is sorta a crazy nutso author, and takes VERY creative liberties with spelling...most words. Last night we came across "villain" as "villein". Yep, can't tame creative genius. Ha.
Anyway, in the novel, he spells her name as "Guenever". We were originally pretty set on spelling it that way - after all, thats more true to the novel from which it came. But after talking about it, we decided if she's going to be the only Guinevere probably anyone will ever meet, we might as well spell it the normal way. And so, Guinevere Ann came to be :)
Anyway, since we've recently hit the milestone where Guinevere can hear us, Tyler has decided to read to us from The Once and Future King before bed every night. He has a wonderful reading voice, and while I struggled through this book back in high school, I find myself really enjoying it this time around.
Guinevere is most active at night. I blame the glass of orange juice I have before bed, but as as soon as I lay down, we can both feel her wriggling and rolling. I like to think she's showing appreciation to her daddy.
These little moments, curled up in bed with my three girls (Guinevere, Holly and Kimchi), all of us listening to Tyler, are the moments that I live for. I hope one day when Guinevere reads this in many years, she knows just how loved she was long before we even met her. And I hope she appreciates this novel just as much as her father does.
Anyway, in the novel, he spells her name as "Guenever". We were originally pretty set on spelling it that way - after all, thats more true to the novel from which it came. But after talking about it, we decided if she's going to be the only Guinevere probably anyone will ever meet, we might as well spell it the normal way. And so, Guinevere Ann came to be :)
Anyway, since we've recently hit the milestone where Guinevere can hear us, Tyler has decided to read to us from The Once and Future King before bed every night. He has a wonderful reading voice, and while I struggled through this book back in high school, I find myself really enjoying it this time around.
Guinevere is most active at night. I blame the glass of orange juice I have before bed, but as as soon as I lay down, we can both feel her wriggling and rolling. I like to think she's showing appreciation to her daddy.
These little moments, curled up in bed with my three girls (Guinevere, Holly and Kimchi), all of us listening to Tyler, are the moments that I live for. I hope one day when Guinevere reads this in many years, she knows just how loved she was long before we even met her. And I hope she appreciates this novel just as much as her father does.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Maybe? Baby!
We've been feeling the same "movement" feeling every night now, and finally looked up online to see what all is in that general area. I found this website very cool (and a little freaky) showing how everything inside me is moving around to make room for baby.
And? We discovered that I don't have any more intestines down there. Just Guinevere! So the movement that Tyler and I have been feeling is definitely her! I'm glad that we figured it out, and I'm even more glad that the first time I felt her, so did Ty! I know normal women would feel it inside for maybe weeks before their husband could feel, and I'm glad we got to share this.
Can't wait til we get to meet her!
And? We discovered that I don't have any more intestines down there. Just Guinevere! So the movement that Tyler and I have been feeling is definitely her! I'm glad that we figured it out, and I'm even more glad that the first time I felt her, so did Ty! I know normal women would feel it inside for maybe weeks before their husband could feel, and I'm glad we got to share this.
Can't wait til we get to meet her!
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Could it be?
Lately, Tyler and I have been talking about how I SHOULD be feeling something by now, but haven't. I haven't felt any flutters or taps or anything that remotely feels like a goldfish in my belly, the way other moms describe it.
While we were laying there watching TV last night, I had my hands on my lower belly, and realized that I could feel something! I grabbed Tyler's hand, and sure enough, he could feel it too. I was excited to think that it might be Guinevere, but we decided since I haven't felt anything from the inside that it must just be digestion from dinner.
Intestines hard at work or not, I kept my hand there...it was thrilling to think that soon, I'll really be able to feel her there.
While we were laying there watching TV last night, I had my hands on my lower belly, and realized that I could feel something! I grabbed Tyler's hand, and sure enough, he could feel it too. I was excited to think that it might be Guinevere, but we decided since I haven't felt anything from the inside that it must just be digestion from dinner.
Intestines hard at work or not, I kept my hand there...it was thrilling to think that soon, I'll really be able to feel her there.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
17 weeks
How far along: 17 weeks
Size of our baby: An onion
Total weight gain/loss: 128lbs
Maternity clothes: Maternity jeans and leggings. Most normal tops.
Stretch marks: None.
Sleep: Back to normal!
Best moment this week: Finding out that we're having a GIRL!
Movement: Not yet.
Food cravings/aversions: Still just cherry slurpees :)
Belly button in or out: In.
What I miss/What I am looking forward to: Starting our little girl's nursery :)
Weekly Wisdom: Baby's skeleton is hardening, changing from rubbery cartilage to bone, and fat is finally accumulating around it. His umbilical cord is getting thicker and stronger, and those little fingers and toes now feature one-of-a-kind prints.
Milestones: Almost half way!
Symptoms: My back is starting to bother me...by the end of the day, its pretty sore.
Size of our baby: An onion
Total weight gain/loss: 128lbs
Maternity clothes: Maternity jeans and leggings. Most normal tops.
Stretch marks: None.
Sleep: Back to normal!
Best moment this week: Finding out that we're having a GIRL!
Movement: Not yet.
Food cravings/aversions: Still just cherry slurpees :)
Belly button in or out: In.
What I miss/What I am looking forward to: Starting our little girl's nursery :)
Weekly Wisdom: Baby's skeleton is hardening, changing from rubbery cartilage to bone, and fat is finally accumulating around it. His umbilical cord is getting thicker and stronger, and those little fingers and toes now feature one-of-a-kind prints.
Milestones: Almost half way!
Symptoms: My back is starting to bother me...by the end of the day, its pretty sore.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Crispy Baked Chicken with Teriyaki Sauce
I haven't been doing much cooking lately (thank goodness for a husband who comes home before I do, and handles dinner!) But, I've had this recipe bookmarked for awhile from Annie's Eats, and decided to make it.
A little unusual for me, but I followed her recipe exactly:
A little unusual for me, but I followed her recipe exactly:
Crispy Baked Chicken with Citrus Teriyaki Sauce
Ingredients:
For the sauce:
3 tbsp. soy sauce
3 tbsp. freshly squeezed orange juice
3 tbsp. sake
3 tbsp. sugar
3 tbsp. mirin
For the sauce:
3 tbsp. soy sauce
3 tbsp. freshly squeezed orange juice
3 tbsp. sake
3 tbsp. sugar
3 tbsp. mirin
For the chicken:
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ tsp. garlic powder
2 tsp. salt
½ tsp. pepper
2 large eggs
1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2-3)
Nonstick cooking spray
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ tsp. garlic powder
2 tsp. salt
½ tsp. pepper
2 large eggs
1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2-3)
Nonstick cooking spray
Directions:
To make the sauce, combine the soy sauce, orange juice, sake, sugar and mirin in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low and let simmer for 6 minutes, until slightly thickened. Remove from the heat and set aside.
To make the sauce, combine the soy sauce, orange juice, sake, sugar and mirin in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low and let simmer for 6 minutes, until slightly thickened. Remove from the heat and set aside.
Preheat the oven to 475˚ F. In a shallow bowl or pie plate, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, salt and pepper. In a second bowl, lightly beat the eggs together. Place the panko in a third shallow bowl or pie plate. Place a wire rack over a baking sheet and spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray.
Butterfly the chicken breasts into halves so that you have 4-6 pieces total. Lightly season both sides of the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Using tongs and working with one piece of chicken at a time, dredge the chicken in the flour mixture to coat both sides. Shake lightly to remove any excess. Then dip into the eggs and shake gently to remove any excess. Finally place in the panko, turning to coat well. Transfer to the prepared wire rack. Repeat with the remaining chicken pieces. Once all the chicken pieces are in place, spray lightly with cooking spray.
Bake for 15 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the bread crumbs are golden. Let rest a few minutes before slicing and serving. Serve with the teriyaki dipping sauce.
I liked the crispy crust on the chicken, although the chicken alone was VERY bland. You would definitely need the sauce for this meal. And I liked the sauce, but it was a little too much orange for me, and next time I think I'll leave that out completely. I'll definitely try making this again, though!
Monday, January 3, 2011
More tears!
Last night, Tyler and I were laying on the couch, watching Law & Order - SVU. Its one of our favorite shows. I had my head on a pillow in his lap, Kimchi was on the back of the couch behind Tyler, and Holly was laying on top of me.
During a commercial, Tyler commented, "Can you believe how good we have it? How good this is?" I immediately agreed - it was a simple snapshot, a moment in time in our lives, and I was SO happy.
We started talking about Guinevere - what she'll be like as a teenager, what she might do for college. We love talking about how things might be in our future as a family.
Then Tyler says, "I wish she were here with us now. I just can't wait to meet her."
Tyler and I have been together for 11 years. We have an incredibly solid relationship, based on love, respect, and genuine interest in each other. I was always confident that after our baby was here, he and I would have the same wonderful marriage that we do now.
I was wrong. I thought I knew him inside and out, but every day, I grow to know my husband a little more as a father. And the feelings I have towards him now - they've managed to double. I didn't think it was possible to love him more, but he proves me wrong everyday.
I can't wait to see him holding our little girl for the first time.
During a commercial, Tyler commented, "Can you believe how good we have it? How good this is?" I immediately agreed - it was a simple snapshot, a moment in time in our lives, and I was SO happy.
We started talking about Guinevere - what she'll be like as a teenager, what she might do for college. We love talking about how things might be in our future as a family.
Then Tyler says, "I wish she were here with us now. I just can't wait to meet her."
Tyler and I have been together for 11 years. We have an incredibly solid relationship, based on love, respect, and genuine interest in each other. I was always confident that after our baby was here, he and I would have the same wonderful marriage that we do now.
I was wrong. I thought I knew him inside and out, but every day, I grow to know my husband a little more as a father. And the feelings I have towards him now - they've managed to double. I didn't think it was possible to love him more, but he proves me wrong everyday.
I can't wait to see him holding our little girl for the first time.
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