Catching up - Part 2: And then it was Christmas!

We are just now catching our breath from the whirlwind fall. Actually, I find I'm always trying to catch my breath. There's this big baby - and I don't use the term big lightly - in my belly taking up all my lung room. Then there's this active boy - and I don't use the term active lightly - in my house who keeps me on my toes, on my knees, outside, inside, up, down, round and round... You get the picture? Just thinking about it leaves me taking big, deep breaths again!

December was unforgettable. We kicked off the month with a huge community Cantata. I served as assistant director and even got to direct one of the songs. Standing in front of a 70 voice adult choir was amazing. Something I'll never forget. I also was the director for the children's choir. I had 50 kids sing in the choir this year. Almost double as previous years. I didn't realize we had 50 kids signed up until dress rehearsal. I then realized why I'd been so tired every Thursday night after the kids' rehearsals!

(Photos courtesy of Stacy Ideus. Visit her blog here.)

A couple days before the huge show I caught the stomach flu and ended up in the ER. I became extremely ill and got dehydrated very quickly. Preggos are usually just one glass of water away from dehydration, according to my OB. My blood pressure plummeted and my heart rate became tyachacardic - really fast. So, the ER doc pumped me full of fluids and drugs and send me home feeling much better. By the performance day I was feeling pretty good! Nothing was going to keep me from performance day.

(Photos courtesy of Stacy Ideus. Visit her blog here.)

We performed in the brand spankin' new Wahoo Learning-Arts Center - an amazing theatre for such a small town. The kids were fantastic. Cute. Ornery. But as soon as those lights came on and the curtain opened - they were pros. They smiled and followed my flailing directing arms. I was so proud!

The next weekend, my brother and his girlfriend flew in from California to celebrate Christmas. Luke's lady is named Cara. And I love her. I hope they are together forever and they come visit us more. I somehow conned Cara into making a huge Christmas dinner for our family and my inlaws. She was such a trooper and never cussed directly at me even though I kept saying, "Just one more dish..."

We decided to have a blended family Christmas this year, combining my family and Andy's family. There's only so many days we all get to be together now that everyone is spread out. And it was way easier on this mama.

Little did Cara know - we would be making: Lobster Stuffed Beef Tenderloin with Bearnaise Sauce
Real Creamed Corn Pudding
Broccolini with Pecan Brown Butter
Spiced, Glazed Carrots with Sherry and Citrus
Mushroom Potato Gratin
Libby's Pumpkin Pie
Pecan Pie
(Click on the dish and it will take you to the link!)

Dinner was so good. So special. So special to have most of our family gathered around our table. We sure missed those who couldn't be there though.

Christmas was kinda lost on Adam. He enjoyed the tissue paper and gift bags for awhile. He really appreciated Santa who didn't wrap his toys and just assembled them and set them by the tree. Santa brought him some art supplies, a bubble blower lawn mower, and a car that he can ride in while mom and dad push. He loves them! He also got a potty chair and is learning potty signs. We're not ready to potty train just yet but we're making it familiar and he definitely is getting the hang of it!

The rest of December was a fun blur of family get togethers and then a not so fun blur as several members of the family got sick. Including my husband. Who got the flu. The real flu. The kind the flu shot prevents. I know someone who will be getting their freaking flu shot next year. Anyway. This is a happy post!

Now we are on to the doldrums of winter. Its been amazingly nice out and we've still managed to keep up our long circus walks with our neighbor. But with this baby due in less than 3 months - my walking is turning to waddling. We're starting to nest like crazy people. Well, I am starting to and Andy is helping me along and keeping very busy with his new wood workshop hobby.

I hope you all are having a good 2012!

"She's a recording artist."

This is how my neighbor and good friend, Stacy, introduces me to people. I love it! I toss my hair a bit, square my shoulders, and reply, "Pleased to meet you!"

Recently, I was interviewed by the fabulously talented photographer. Read about it and see some CUTE pictures of Adam!

http://stacyideusphotography.com/blog/?p=1719

Then visit her other posts and website and drool!

Catching Up Part I

Twas the day after Christmas and all through the house - not a creature is stirring... Because the hubster took the toddler to Lowe's and left this pregnant mom alone all morning to do nothing but lie in bed, sip tea, watch HGTV, and browse pinterest.

Can you hear the angels singing???

So, while the house is so quiet - I thought I might update you all on October and November.

I'm having trouble remembering the fall... I know it was here. I know we did stuff, lots of stuff. But its all a blur! Somewhere in there we packed up our house into two suitcases and loaded our carry ons with baby gear and headed to Phoenix to watch Andy's sister get married.

Have you traveled with a toddler? Oh, my. First Andy and I packed as light as possible into one suitcase and Adam got his very own suitcase. Lots of outfits, sleepers, diapers (cloth), sleep sacks, bottles, pacifiers, toys, books, the partridge in a pear tree. Then Andy had a carry on - a diaper bag - full of diapers for the trip, extra outfits, milk for the plane, snacks, two turtle doves. And I had a carry on - an additional diaper bag packed full of entertainment for the plane ride including three french hens. Add to that a stroller that we gate checked and stroller bag to protect the outrageously expensive but totally worth it Orbit stroller gear and four calling birds. Lastly, we somehow managed to get Adam, our two carry ons, my purse, and his convertible car seat, plus five golden rings on the plane. Thank God for Aunt Julie who flew down with us and Grandpa Lyle who flew back and helped as best they could!

We were so grateful to be able to see Hannah and Will get married... But after Adam developed an ear infection on our second day, a trip to urgent care and two exhausted parents boarded the plane to come home - we decided we'd put traveling off for awhile! 

Not long after we arrived home - it was time to trick or treat!

Andy as the milk man and me as the knocked up 50s housewife off to a neighbors bash!

Let's see - Halloween! That was fun! Adam was a monkey. But he found the whole event rather emotional and so we only trick or treated at two houses before turning around for home. In fact, we were rather lame this Halloween. We set an ORANGE bowl out on the door step and hung a sign that said, "RING THE DOOR BELL AND DIE! BABY SLEEPING!" Ok - maybe it was bit nicer than that but not much... Andy and I watched a movie and we called it a night!

You might notice I have pink in my hair. After 11 years, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer again. This was a big blow for her and all those who love her. Things seemed to move at a snail pace as she navigated through treatment options. Luckily, the cancer was noninvasive. But because our family history is so strong in the breast cancer department, and because this was a second cancer for my mom, she and her doctors decided to proceed with a total mastectomy. This would allow her to escape radiation and other long term drug therapies that carry enormous side effects and risk.  After the mastectomy, the pathology results came back showing an additional cancer that the mammogram hadn't found. This additional cancer was an invasive cancer and reassured mom that she had made the right decision. Because the lymph nodes came back negative for any cancer, mom is now cancer free and not needing any further treatment. Just rest and serenity!

I have to tell you how amazing my church family was through all this. They supported my little family here which helped me support my mom and dad there. There were tons of prayers said and I know they worked. Mom is still recovering 6 weeks later but doing great and going back to work full time this week!

My mom is brave. And strong. And ate a lot of patience pie. I love my mom.

A couple weeks after her surgery it was time for Thanksgiving! Last year I had double stuffed oreos for Thanksgiving dinner because I was nursing an MSPI child - and oreos have nothing real in them - making them safe for me to eat! So this year, I went nuts. I went pyscho cooking crazy.

THE MENU! 

 

 

I set the table on Monday and started prepping as much as could on Tuesday and Wednesday. 

My final menu included: Alton Brown's Brined Turkey

Bon Appetit's Spinach-Porcini Stuffing which I made gluten free

 Sue's cornbread stuffing

 My Grandpa's Sweet Potatoes

 Gravy with Cognac (made from the turkey stock simmering on the stove all day)

Mashed Potatoes

 Sue's cranberries (Sue is a chef with a fabulous blog and I make her recipes all the time.)

Libby's Pumpkin Pie 

Vision's of Sugar Plum's Pecan pie with homemade pastry crusts

 Freshly Whipped Cream

 Bon Appetit's Real Creamed Corn Pudding  which was a new recipe I tried out

 Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Crispy Prosciutto and Golden Raisins again from Sue

 and Roasted Green Beans with Shitake Mushrooms. 

(Click on the dish and the link will take you to the original recipe!)

PLUS my mom brought her famous oyster stuffing and some rolls and a family friend, Mary, brought cranberry fluff. 

After we feasted, we reheated, loaded the car - twice - and then headed up the road to Andy's Grandparents house where we feasted again. 

I miss Thanksgiving already. 

Then it was December. That's when all heck brook loose. 

To be continued... 

It Was the Best of Times...

I remember these days... I think.... Well, at least I think I remember these days... 

Just hours old. Not one of us knows what we're really in store for. What came was a baby with severe reflux, food allergies, terrible nurser, triple feedings... but so sweet and so beautiful.

Somehow we manage to survive and thrive though only sleeping for 2-3 hours total a night. And that's not in a row.

Merry Christmas Baby! Nursing pro and sleeping 5 hours straight almost every night. Food allergies have been identified and the mspi diet is in full swing. 

6 months old! So happy. Such a busy baby! 

9 months old. Swinging at the park. And a smile for everyone!

My beautiful boys. 

11 months. Sitting, standing, cruising. Always on a mission. 

And then the big day!

First Birthday! We had a Little Man theme complete with mustaches, bow ties, pretzel cigars, and lots of cake!

Almost everyone liked the cake!

The cake made one little boy a bit nervous...

FOUR generations. How blessed are we!

Granddad and Adam 

Mommy's Little Man

Happy Birthday baby! 

We had such a special day! Andy put together a video capturing Adam's first year. It was so special. We were overwhelmed with family and friends who came to celebrate Adam's first year with us. Adam is loved by so many!

Barefoot, Pregnant, and Enchiladas

On a whim, I decided to make enchiladas for dinner tonight. Easy for the picky husband to eat. And easy for the toddler to gum.

Getting to the kitchen was the most challenging part of the recipe. Said toddler had taken every last tupperware and tupperware lid out of the tupperware cabinet and strewn them about in an almost impossible, genius obstacle course. He is a genius, you know.

Adam had his first year check up with the pediatrician last night. It was the usual weight, length, head check, chit chat, and............ shots.  Adam weighs 21 lbs 5 oz now which is about the 20% for weight on the CDC growth chart. He is about the 70th% for length. 

But his head. 

His genius head. 

92%. Need I say more? 

I tripped over the intricate, deliberate maze that my genius child expertly constructed making sure to put any pieces I disturbed back in place so that Adam's daddy could share in the proud moment.  It was only fair. 

Really, though, this is a post about enchiladas. 

Growing up,  our big family get togethers almost always included a Mexican Enchilada night. The recipe is quite easy and quite delicious. 

You'll need: 

2 T Oil. (I used safflower. Canola, Veg would also work, but not Olive oil.) 

2 T Flour. 

1 - 12oz Can of Tomato Sauce.  

Palmful of Cumin. 

Half Palmful of Chili Powder. 

Garlic Salt.  

1/4 t Oregano.  

Dash of Crushed Red Pepper. 

Whatever other spices you can find in your pantry that sound appealing.  

Tortillas.  

Cheese (Jack, Cheddar, whatever) freshly shredded is best.  

Diced Onion (red is best)

Beef or pulled chicken, or whatever meat you want.

I browned Ground Bison and seasoned it with Kosher salt, pepper, cumin, crushed red pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, etc. Then I set it aside. 

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. 

In a large skillet, heat the oil over med. high heat. Add the flour and whisk until the flour is starting to brown. Pour in the tomato sauce. Use the left over can of tomato sauce to add a can full of water to the pan. Whisk until smooth. Fill the can once more and set to the aside in case the sauce gets too thick. Which it will. 

Add the spices. Taste for seasoning. A TINY dash of cinnamon could be yummy! But don't over do it.

Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10 min. stirring occasionally. Add some more water as it cooks to thin out slightly. 

If you are married to my husband - skip this next step. In a bowl, combine the freshly shredded cheese and diced onion, reserving a bit to sprinkle on top. 

Butter a couple 9X13 baking dishes. I take a dinner plate and set it near the enchilada sauce. Take a tortilla dip both sides in the sauce then set on the plate. Put the desired meat in the tortilla leaving a little room at each end and sprinkle some cheese/onion mixture. Roll the tortilla up and place seam side down in the dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas. Keep adding water one tablespoon at a time to thin out the sauce as needed to finish the job. I thinned it out after every couple tortillas with just a bit of water. I ended up with 9 or so enchiladas.

Top with remaining sauce (if there is any) and remaining cheese. Cover and bake for 15 minutes. Uncover and crank the oven to 425 and bake for additional 5 minutes or until cheese just starts to brown. Let it rest on the counter for 10 minutes before serving.

They were delicious! Andy said the best ever. He said that AFTER he interrogated me on my use of onions in the recipe. If I wasn't pregnant and wasn't exhausted and was in a good mood, I would have grated some onion or pureed it in the food processor to trick him. As my readers know, I'm not above tricking (lying) to my husband while in the kitchen. We're really in trouble. I heard that tricking your husband into eating foods he thinks he doesn't like is the 4th leading cause of divorce.  You can read about my first trick here. (Click on the word "here".) 

I made some rice to go along with the enchiladas. (en-chee-la-das) This was another classic recipe that my mom always made during the big family get togethers or special birthday dinners. Also very easy and tasty. 

You'll need: 

2 T. Oil

Diced onion

1 C rice (I used brown basmati) 

Just under 2 C water, broth, or combo. (I used a leftover container of vegetable broth I had in my fridge.) 

2 T hot sauce

salt/pepper

Half palmful of cumin

1 T Chili powder

Garlic powder

In a heavy bottomed sauce pan with a tight fitting lid, heat oil over med. high heat. Add rice and onion and stir while the rice toasts. Add the water or broth or combo, hot sauce, and seasonings. Add a generous sprinkling of garlic powder. Bring to a boil. Cover. Reduce to low. And let it cook according to the package directions. Mine took 50 minutes. Well, that's a lie. My stove sucks. I hate it. And it doesn't know what low means. So mine took way longer because after 50 minutes I realized that my oven thought low meant off. So, if you have a pyscho oven like mine - give yourself some extra time. 

It was a delicious dinner. Even my toddler enjoyed it. He didn't enjoy it enough to swallow his bites. But he did open his mouth wide like a fish and take every bite. He even chewed it. Then he spit it out and looked at me with the strangely familiar twinkle in his right eye. I know that twinkle. It means, "Whatcha gonna do about it, huh mom?" 

But I know better than to mess with him. After all, you can't mess with a genius.

Just when we thought we had it all figured out...

You know, things have been nice lately. We're getting sleep! Like long stretches of uninterrupted sleep! 

We have a nice routine with two naps a day, play time, eat time, clean up time, walks in the stroller, giggle time.

We can even start to see light at the end of the diaper tunnel. 

Food allergies have become a distant memory.

Tantrums are easily dissolved by bursting into random song while dancing like a chicken with its head cut off. 

Things are nice. Predictable (as they can be with a toddler). Smooth sailing. Fun. Always interesting.

Its like Andy and I decided that we were getting too much sleep. Saving too much money. Enjoying too much free time. That's what I thought the first time anyway... 

Well, we did it again!!!

We're expecting Baby Dokulil the Second to arrive in the very beginning of April! We're all thrilled and looking forward to a bit of chaos again! There's a bit of calmness surrounding this pregnancy. I'm not a "rookie" this time as my doctor called me the first time. I will go hours (ok, maybe ONE hour) before dashing to the bathroom where I somehow lose my cookies and then remember that Oh! That's RIGHT! I'm pregnant! AGAIN! 

Things are so different this time around! When I was expecting Adam, Andy would rush in every morning with a chef's coat on and a delicious 3 course breakfast fit for a Queen of a small country.  He rubbed my feet, rubbed my back, he held my hand when I felt a little funny. He would proudly announce to people that "WE" were pregnant. Then he'd get this evil stare from me and soon he started telling people that "I" was pregnant. 

Now, he stands in the door way and tosses me my Zofran and progesterone before he rushes down the hall to pick Adam up from his crib, change his diaper, get him dressed (which is still a major source of contention because Andy lacks fashion sense which I hear is the 3rd leading cause of divorce), get him fed, prepare his oatmeal, and get to work before the office closes for the day. 

So, all alone, I drag myself out of bed and head for the nearest place I can toss my cookies. Splash some water on my face. Gag my way to the oatmeal. Eat a few bites. Make a face at the toddler who thinks me gagging and running from room to room is hilarious. And wave goodbye to Andy as he squeals his tires to freedom. 

Then our day starts! And its non stop and go-go and never a dull moment. No more laying in bed all day. Or being pampered all day. Now its a non stop cycle of diaper duty and chicken dances. 

And I have to say, I love it. 

Don't Rock the Boat, Baby!

Isn't she purty?