Cookie Swap

Jack and I attend a weekly rotating playgroup. Next week it will be a cookie swap! I have actually never been to a cookie swap but the idea of lots of cookies and an excuse to eat them all is very exciting.

Jack + Oreo 

Now the hard part... what to bake... I don't have a "traditional" treat I make every year so I raked my mind for cookies and candy that have been apart of my family. Even with my gourmet Grandma Marj, nothing comes to mind! My maternal grandmother, GiGi,  made a 50's concoction called minted walnuts- which taste exactly like sound.. minty and walnuty- no thank you.

With the purchase of our first home, Jack old enough to eat cookies, and another little cookie monster on the way- the pressure is on to find a family favorite for the holidays. So I turned to 'ol faithful, The Joy of Cooking. As I browsed the pages I noticed there are ALOT of Christmas cookies. I narrowed my search down to recipes that were A, relatively easy to make B, somewhat festive and C, a little different from the usual. Some of the runners up were Angel Slices, which has a description stating "these are the cakes that St. Peter gives children at the gates of Heaven, to get them over the pangs of homesickness". While at first glance this seems sweet, I realized this is a cookie for dead kids- not exactly a great treat to bring to a playdate. Another bar that peaked my interest was Lebuchen, German Honey Bars. Bars are easy to make, and this recipe includes honey, cardamon and candied citrus peel - the uniqueness I was looking for... but are they festive?

 Lebuchen, one of the oldest forms of cookies... but not festive... sigh... 
www.whatscookingamerica.com

Then I came across chocolate crinkles. I vaguely remember having them at some point in my childhood and that I liked them. They have a dusting of powdered sugar which gives a wintry appearance and they seem relatively easy to make. All I need now is a twist to give them a personal touch. Peanut butter? Chili? Hazelnuts?  Hopefully I will be inspired by Sunday afternoon... I forecast a stop at Penzey's Spices in the near future.

(www.ericasweetooth.com)

Will keep y'all posted on my crinkle progress!

Half way there...

Today I am 20 weeks along in my pregnancy, 20 to go baby.

(not quite the cute pumpkin belly like Bri... more like I swallowed a pot)

As most of you know, I had an ultrasound this week and discovered we are expecting a baby girl. The ultrasound went relatively smoothly. Everything looks great, all the parts are where they are supposed to be and mama is healthy too. But this little one is VERY active and kept moving so the technician couldn't get the right angles. I actually had to do yoga type movements TWICE to get her to move in the right spot.

Due date is still projected for April Fool's day but since I will be doing a repeat C-Section, it will be a week before.... kinda weird to schedule our daughter's birthday!

So far I'm still feeling great, been blessed to have another morning-sickness-free pregnancy. I've been pretty tired still and REALLY hungry but other than that, no complaints! Craving lots of salty foods, this week it was steamed rice and soy sauce and oh god it never tasted so good...

Jack Update...
Jack is doing well, running around like a one year-old should. Luckily he listens (sort of) and I don't have to run after him too much. His latest trick is using everything like a phone- socks, blocks, remotes, whatever. He also started saying "No",  he knows what it means but doesn't use it in the right context. Still signs "all done" and "more" although I think more means eat in his mind.

(Jack "texting")

He really enjoyed the family that has come out to visit in the past few weeks, its been fun enjoying this unusually awesome fall weather with our loved ones.

Looking forward to seeing Auntie Amanda and Uncle David at Thanksgiving and Great Gramps at Christmas.

Autumn

In Southern California, fall consists of one last heat wave, Santa Ana winds followed by wild fires. While this may not sound appealing- it is one of my favorite seasons in Southern California. Wildfires aren't exactly a good thing but the hazy orange sunsets with a creepy red sun are unbelievable. Something about a strong burst of warm wind that almost knocks you off your feet is exhilarating (especially if you accidentally wear a skirt!)

Taken outside of our apartment in 2007

Now that I live in an area where we have an actual autumn season, I really love fall. Instead of wildfire coverage on the news, there is a leaf color report. And if you can find a hill to look over, it looks like the trees are ablaze.

Taken at the Landscape Arboretum of Minnesota


And what other time of the year do you get to take fun pumpkin pic's of your kids?

Ever wondered what they do with these pumpkins? Here's one idea...

 Or have you ever seen a corn pit? Yes, a pit full of corn (dried thanks goodness!)- I thought it was fun... don't think Jack felt the same way...

Fall is definitely my favorite season. Pulling out the sweaters and scarfs, brushing off the pumpkin bread recipes and enjoying the bug free weather is just what we need before a long winter.

Happy Fall everyone!

Apple Jack Party

Jack's turning one and we're doing it Minnesota style.

I have no idea where I got the idea for an Apple Jack party but as soon I heard it, it stuck. There is a huge apple harvest in Minnesota in September, perfect for my Johnny Appleseed.

The hunt for all things apples started in August, when we moved into our new house. Michael's had some super cute apple gear I scooped up at the dollar spot, including his invitations.

Here is the house all decked out for apple fun.


For the itty bitty ones, I made these little apple hats- yes they look like some sort of elementary school project but I couldn't help myself. Jack wasn't a fan...

We had an apple tasting station for guests to try the popular varietals of Minnesotan apples.

We used caramel apples for the favors with more of those darn cute stickers from Michaels.

Jack's highchair...

With my oven out of order, I had to go ahead and order Jack's cake last minute. I got this cake from Byerly's (similar to Bristol Farms for my CA friends). They gave us the round cake for free for his first birthday- Woohoo!

 

and the apple cake... yes it's cheesy- but I couldn't think of anything better to write :P

Jack's big present? A Radioflyer wagon which he enjoyed getting rides around the lawn in. His favorite gift? Tickle Me Elmo- he went CRAZY for it!

(whats cuter than a baby in a wagon? two! Jack and his buddy Jude)

Jack had a great time at his party. Full of smiles, laughter and a few steps too! Thanks to everyone who came to share this special day with our little guy.

A movie with Jack's cake demolition and Tickle Me Elmo fun will be posted on FB soon!

Here we go again

I'm pregnant... again.

On the third night of living under our new roof, it occurred to me - I had missed something... something that was now 2 weeks late. 2 weeks you might ask? Yes, 2 weeks of packing, cleaning, purging out all the junk one accumulates over time. 2 weeks that included not one, but TWO negative pregnancy tests. So while I was unpacking our bathroom and stumbled upon a pregnancy test and took it (always buy the multipack!). It turned positive instantly. In slight disbelief I went into the other room and told Ryan. His expression was priceless, he was so genuinely happy.

quite similar to this... The day Jack was born

I, on the other hand, had several different emotions and thoughts overcome me. Yes, of course I was excited, what a true blessing! But also shocked and a little scared. The thought of having 2 under 2 floored me. Two sizes of diapers, two carseats and double strollers filled my mind. It didn't seem real-I can't be pregnant can I? Then it all started to click, the 3 hour naps, that 3 pounds that just won't budge, the tears during an Oreo commercial, the random cravings for beans and rice... oh baby I'M PREGNANT

L

Look what I did!

At my first doctors appointment a week later, they did what I've heard is called a "bean-scan"- looking for the little bean of a baby- sure enough there it was, little heart beating like crazy. All my doubts and anxiety melted away instantly. There was my beautiful beanie baby!

source: (www.jellybelly.com)

Mostly, I've been feeling great- a little tired, a little moody- ok A LOT moody but hanging in there. And one of my favorite parts of pregnancy has already started, the cravings- from broccoli nachos (yes, chips, cheese, and the green stuff) to chocolate donuts to Olive Garden, I want it all! Good thing the doctor gave me to OK to continue exercising!

Baby #2 is due 4/1/11 so Jack and beanie baby will be 18 months apart. Someone told me it's good to have them so close together because they won't know life without eachother- I like that.

Advenutres of Captain Jack

Captain Jack has been very busy.

On Monday, he made an innocent teddy walk the plank...

He went exploring in uncharted territory, reaping havoc along the way.

Stopped to rest during his travels but not for long...

What will Jack be up to next? Stay tuned....

One small step for man....

Jack took three steps Monday! Mind you it was in about 1 foot of water... where my timid little Virgo can fall safely without getting hurt- but they were still steps! However, that was all of the unsupported walking he has done this week...

(completely unrelated picture, but they both are so cute!)

Will he be walking by his first birthday? You can contact Ryan with any bets.

Molé

Having a baby makes it easy to neglect the fury members of the family. Our poor Molé never saw it coming when we picked her up at the Agoura Hills animal shelter 3 years ago. We had stopped in "just to look" - something I'm sure that shelter hears a lot- and fell in love with a little runt of cat. She's been with us through all of our life changes, definitely not by choice.

"This place ain't big enough for the two of us"

Originally named Daisy, we decided this little kitty needed a name with attitude. It took us a week to decide on a name but it came to us driving home from a day at Olvera Street in Los Angeles. It sounded like a good name at the time but after moving to Minnesota, I think I may resort to calling her kitty- molé isn't exactly popular out here (google it or ask me to make it for you!) When we take her to the vet, they call out a few different words... mole, mole? molly? mule?  ummmm Ashley Young?

"Mole"

After going through a flight across country (on my lap, with one hand in the carrier, 8 months pregnant), a new baby brother and a Minnesota winter- dear Molé, your patience has been rewarded. You now have a new house with a big yard and a gentlemen caller across the way (whom we call Big Orange). I hope you are as happy as we are watching you enjoy your new territory.

FML OMG it's HFMD

Something has come over Jack and it ain't pretty. From cute cuddly little baby hitchin' a ride with Kermit...

To this, overnight, nonstop.

Jack has what's known as Hand Foot Mouth Disease, a very common enterovirus that- according to our pediatrician is spreading like wildfire this summer. The main diagnostic symptom are red bumps on- you guessed it- hands, feet and mouth area, here they are on Jack little drumsticks... It reminds me a lot of chicken pox.

(best I could do with a crappy camera and wiggly baby)

Accompanied by a slight fever, sore throat, and exhausted parents covered in drool and snot, HFMD is not for the faint of heart. This is Jack's first real illness, we've been through colds and coughs but nothing like this. It takes 3-5 days for the virus to run its course and we're only on day one. Our pediatrician instructed us to alternate Tylenol and Ibuprofen and make sure he gets plenty of fluids. I'm sure there's some sort of holistic alternative out there but we are DESPERATE- so Walgreen's it is, and it really really helps, and I mean really really.

All I can say is thank God Ryan is home this week or else I might have be mistaken as a psych patient by the end of the weekend. If your little one contracts this, God bless you. Get ready to do A LOT of laundry, make a lot of coffee, and spend even more time holding your munchkin than you thought possible.

For more information on HFMD click here

Making friends

It's almost been one year since we've moved to Minneapolis, and I've learned A LOT. One of the most important lessons is how to reach out and make friends. Moving across country where you don't know ANYONE while you're 9 months pregnant is really scary! (duh)

 (Me about to pop in the Lake Harriet Rose Garden, stay away from the thorns!)

I knew I needed a support system, and I needed it fast. I researched different clubs and groups, even going to a baby group while I was still pregnant. Three moms groups later and wondered why I didn't click with anyone. Then I met Erin and Luann.

The first people I really made a connection with. I went to a Newcomer's Club welcome coffee and Erin made a bee-line for me. The spirited, red-headed southerner caught me off guard when she immediately scheduled to get together later on in the week... as in date, time, place oh and I need your phone number too. Uhhhhh woa there, I'm from the land of "I'll call you"- on the spot scheduling is almost foreign! But it worked- we got together for coffee, then lunch, and continued on every week after. Both Erin and Luann had also recently moved to the area from out of state so we shared our new-found Minnesotan experiences. I welcomed the company with open arms.

I started to think- out of all the clubs I went to, why Erin and Luann? Then it occurred to me. Erin took the initiative in order to get together again. People kind of wait for something to happen, so sometimes you have to make the first move.

Then Jack was born.

 (this picture of him makes me want another one!)

Nothing like a baby to throw you in the deep end. I had no idea what to do with this little larva. Even though I had my mom and Ryan's mom there to help me, those first few months are hard. With Ryan's encouragement, I signed up for a new-mama's class at Amma Maternity. I was able to connect with other new first time moms. Copying Erin's technique, I organized lunches with my new-mama's and began to make real connections with people. When the class ended, we still got together for a few months after for "Mom's Night Out" on occasion.

awwww I love babies btw Jack's in the Mickey sweater

Although the entire group doesn't get together anymore, I still hang out with one of the moms on a regular basis, my friend Kerry. Both stay-at-home moms and with babies close in age, naturally we have a lot in common but we also share the love of cooking and eating. We go on baby-friendly adventures about once a week including a horribly failed attempt to make homemade donuts, a failed attempt to go to the gay pride parade, and semi-failed picnic club (K, we need to schedule another one soon!)

 Kerry and her little snugglepuss Jude

Now that Jack is on the move and much less portable, I took yet another mom-class sponsored by the state of Minnesota called Early Child and Family Education, or ECFE. I was able to meet even more friends in this class and they are my new summer crew. We share info on kid-friendly events around town and meet up at the pool, go to free summer concerts or my favorite- BYO Baby Happy Hours. Its been a lot of fun but I also think its good for Jack to have exposure to other little people.

J

Jack and Jude, baby buddies

(

Loungin' at the pool 

Meeting new people can be scary, if you let it be. With a little research and a little courage it wasn't that difficult to make a circle of friends within a year.

So, to all my new found friends, thank you for the much needed companonship and support during my first year in the Twin Cities, I don't know what I would have done without you! And to EB, you probably didn't know you made this impression on me but you did and thank you.

Just when you think it won't happen to you

It does.

Last of the jarred baby food- prunes to be exact. Prunes that have been sitting innocently in the pantry for a few months. Prunes that turned into tug-a-war with the spoon which turned to catapult-prune-bomb all over my face. Prunes that turned into a big mess, and will be another big prune mess in a few hours- bleh.

You can tell Jack feels really bad about the whole thing.

Its finger foods for now on kid.

Weekend of accomplishments!

Wow- what a weekend! Our little famliy unit was super busy. First and most importantly- Jack started walking (with assistance)! So exciting but I have to say I am a little bit nervous about this new talent.
Friday rolls around and Ryan rolls in an almost brand spanking new BBQ! He scouted out Craigslist for the past few weeks and stumbled upon a deal he couldn't pass up. Brand new gas-powered Weber grill STILL IN THE BOX for $200??? Gotta love Craigslist. Could Ry wait until we moved to assembled it? I think not...

But at least he resisted the urge to fire it up. There's just something about putting a jug of propane on a moving truck that makes me just a little uncomfortable... BUT Can't wait to use it!

Friday night we tried out a new recipe that will definitely go into our meal rotation- Green Chili Burgers YUM. Combination of anahiem and jalapenos gave the burgers a great south-west flavor and a good but not overpowering spice-although I think I would minus one jalapeno if I was making this for company. We used the recipe from Cook's Country magazine by America's Test Kitchen and Cook's Illustrated- my favorite magazine! Here is the picture from the website- ours looked pretty much the same :)

Saturday I finally got a chance to volunteer. After noticing all I talk about is Jack, I started to look around for volunteering opportunities. I found a perfect fit- an environmental health sampling crew. I signed up, went to training and as luck would have it Ryan was put on a project where he travels and of course the sampling days are all during the week- bummer... So after a month of sampling the team went to the lab to identify and count what they found- I was actually able to go woohoo! Never realized spending 4 hours with a macroscope could be so refreshing... snails, leeches, beetles oh my!
That evening we headed over to a friends house for an awesome dinner, a few games of pool and watching weather channel for tornado warnings- you know the usual Minnesota cook out. Oh did I mention this is our weather man??? Of course we love the weather channel. I heart Sven.

 (Image source: Citypages)

OK drum roll.... Sunday! I finally ran my 5 mile race. 52:32. Not my goal of 50 minutes but its the fastest I've run it so far so I'm happy with it. Go me!

Sunday dinner- Huli Huli chicken- recipe also from Cooks Country. It was a lot of dirty dishes but turned out oh-so-good. Ryan and I make a great grill'n team.

 

Oh and did I mention throughout all of that- we (as in Ryan) packed the guest room, his closet and miscellanous kitchen stuff? I feel so much better about moving now that we are starting the packing now :) And of course I will end this post with a Jack fix- I love my little joobers.