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We all have our not so shiny moments. I had one of those yesterday.
Keywords... Walmart, Pizza, Fried Chicken Bucket.
Need I say more? Of course I do. First up, Walmart- the Walmart in our area has just been remodeled and is actually pretty nice now. Target nice? no, but better than it was. I find myself going there when I don't want to end up with $150 tab when all I needed was cough drops.
Walmart with two little kids at lunch time. Mission- Christmas light hooks and butter. Walked by the Deli and saw pizza by the slice... perfect. We ordered a slice and waited, and waited and waited some more... not for a slice but for the box they put them in. Apparently the boxes were seemly in the furthest corner of the walmart universe. Luckily my 2-year old was actually being patient but the lady behind the counter wasn't. She asked if I would mind coming back, in which I replied, yes I would mind walking away after waiting then dealing with an inevitable tantrum. Can we put it in a chicken bucket? Ummm sure... and you know what? it actually worked out pretty well. I tore up the pizza and Jack was happy as a clam with his bucket-o-pizza. Got what I needed and got out without any problems.
Pretty sure that was ghetto-est I've been in quite a while, and I'm ok with it.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Potty Training Part 2
I'm not too proud to admit defeat. Potty 1, Ashley 0.
I blame it on the pull-ups. Those DAMN pull-ups are just too convenient. The "potty-train-in-3-days" method says go everywhere in pants but no diaper or underwear. We decided to use pull ups so we didn't have an accident in public... then we used pull-ups at home... then back to diapers... :::sigh::: - Parenting FAIL
After a double bath with the kiddos, Jack came down stairs naked, me carrying a half dressed, screaming Catie, frantically looking for Mylicon when Jack held his dingle-a-ling and announced he had to go. Luckily the potty was within arms reach and he went like he had never stopped potty training.
Jack knows what to do, we are (more like I AM) too lazy/scared/intimidated of the no diapers thing. Catie is the same size as Jack (she's a whole lotta baby!) its just too easy to put on a diaper. But I have back-up coming in, my mom.
Ok no excuses... potty training part two starts next week!
I blame it on the pull-ups. Those DAMN pull-ups are just too convenient. The "potty-train-in-3-days" method says go everywhere in pants but no diaper or underwear. We decided to use pull ups so we didn't have an accident in public... then we used pull-ups at home... then back to diapers... :::sigh::: - Parenting FAIL
After a double bath with the kiddos, Jack came down stairs naked, me carrying a half dressed, screaming Catie, frantically looking for Mylicon when Jack held his dingle-a-ling and announced he had to go. Luckily the potty was within arms reach and he went like he had never stopped potty training.
Jack knows what to do, we are (more like I AM) too lazy/scared/intimidated of the no diapers thing. Catie is the same size as Jack (she's a whole lotta baby!) its just too easy to put on a diaper. But I have back-up coming in, my mom.
Ok no excuses... potty training part two starts next week!
Easy Chicken Thighs
Oh Cooks Illustrated how I love thee...
This month's issue had a simple, small article called "easy chicken thighs". This little gem could have been completely unacknowledged- I'm so glad I decided to try it. The recipe is all about technique, there are 4 ingredients total- chicken, salt, pepper and cooking spray... that's it! I've made this twice now and it's honestly my favorite chicken dish. The chicken turns out like fried chicken, moist, salty and crispy- but WAY less greasy. You can dress it up with a sauce or compound butter if you want but I like it better plain. Serve with a green salad and a nice wine- a tasty cheese and a baguette to make it amazing or as my friend Kerry would say- super tasty.
Easy Chicken Thighs
8 (6-8oz each) bone-in, skin on chicken thighs
1 1/4 tsp salt
pepper
vegetable oil spray
1. Adjust oven racks to lowest and middle position. Place rimmed baking sheet on lowest rack. Preheat oven (and baking sheet) to 450 degrees
2. While oven is preheating, trim excess skin off chicken and poke the skin 10-12 times with a metal or wooden skewer. Season both sides of thighs with salt and pepper and spray both sides with cooking spray.
3. Place thighs on baking sheet, skin side down, back on bottom rack. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until meat registers 160 degrees.
4. Pull chicken out and flip so skin side is up. Preheat broiler to high. Place baking sheet back in the oven on middle rack and broil until skin is golden brown - 3-5 minutes. Remove from oven and place a piece of foil over chicken to rest for 5 minutes. Serve.
Seriously, try this recipe out- it is soooo flipp'n good! Definitely going into the dinner rotation.
This month's issue had a simple, small article called "easy chicken thighs". This little gem could have been completely unacknowledged- I'm so glad I decided to try it. The recipe is all about technique, there are 4 ingredients total- chicken, salt, pepper and cooking spray... that's it! I've made this twice now and it's honestly my favorite chicken dish. The chicken turns out like fried chicken, moist, salty and crispy- but WAY less greasy. You can dress it up with a sauce or compound butter if you want but I like it better plain. Serve with a green salad and a nice wine- a tasty cheese and a baguette to make it amazing or as my friend Kerry would say- super tasty.
Easy Chicken Thighs
8 (6-8oz each) bone-in, skin on chicken thighs
1 1/4 tsp salt
pepper
vegetable oil spray
1. Adjust oven racks to lowest and middle position. Place rimmed baking sheet on lowest rack. Preheat oven (and baking sheet) to 450 degrees
2. While oven is preheating, trim excess skin off chicken and poke the skin 10-12 times with a metal or wooden skewer. Season both sides of thighs with salt and pepper and spray both sides with cooking spray.
3. Place thighs on baking sheet, skin side down, back on bottom rack. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until meat registers 160 degrees.
4. Pull chicken out and flip so skin side is up. Preheat broiler to high. Place baking sheet back in the oven on middle rack and broil until skin is golden brown - 3-5 minutes. Remove from oven and place a piece of foil over chicken to rest for 5 minutes. Serve.
Seriously, try this recipe out- it is soooo flipp'n good! Definitely going into the dinner rotation.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
To be a kid again
Before I had kids, I remember people telling me about having children lets you be a kid again. How right they are! There are several things that I had completely forgotten about that are now favorites. Honestly a lot of things you just can't get away with as a single adult.
Swings- Nothing like that feeling in your stomach when you first get on a swing after a few years. I may have to be the "pusher" now but I get my fill in too!
Bounce Houses- Those vinyl blow up creations are soooo much better than they were when I was a kid. Jack loves the slides and if you wear the right pants you can go FLYING. Although the sound they make when I jump in them makes me feel obese, they are just so much fun!
Goldfish Crackers- Turmeric tinged, slightly spicy and a good amount of salt. gotta love those little crackers that smile back at ya.
Capri-Sun- We bought the Costco size pack for a party earlier this summer. Needless to say, they didn't last long.
Chalk- Honestly don't remember drawing with chalk much as a kid but Jack is obsessed. I find the chalk all over the yard and "drawings" on rocks, chairs, toys and my car. We have so much fun tracing Jack's body and drawing in his face.
Peanut Butter- it makes me sad that so many kids are allergic. I don't know what I'd do without a PBJ at least once a week.
My dad playing in a pile of leaves- I think this may have been his first time playing in them too!
Leaves- OK so after growing up in SoCal, I can't really say I had this experience as a kid but I think everyone gets a little giddy in a big pile of fall leaves.
The Moon- Its pretty sad that I have trouble driving at night because I'm hardly out at night anymore! But lately Jack has become obsessed with moon. We sit out on deck, he sits on my lap and we howl at moon every night. It's at these times I channel my dad and really "cherish the moment".
Halloween- I admit it, I was one of those once a year slut-it-up costumed girls for Halloween (candy striper anyone?). After two c-sections those days are soooo over. Now its about costumes for my kids, "ghosting" the neighborhood and pumpkins.
Today we went to the grocery store as a family and Ryan remembered he loved crumb cake and grape juice as a kid. I think I may have to whip up a batch for him this week.
Swings- Nothing like that feeling in your stomach when you first get on a swing after a few years. I may have to be the "pusher" now but I get my fill in too!
Bounce Houses- Those vinyl blow up creations are soooo much better than they were when I was a kid. Jack loves the slides and if you wear the right pants you can go FLYING. Although the sound they make when I jump in them makes me feel obese, they are just so much fun!
Goldfish Crackers- Turmeric tinged, slightly spicy and a good amount of salt. gotta love those little crackers that smile back at ya.
Capri-Sun- We bought the Costco size pack for a party earlier this summer. Needless to say, they didn't last long.
Chalk- Honestly don't remember drawing with chalk much as a kid but Jack is obsessed. I find the chalk all over the yard and "drawings" on rocks, chairs, toys and my car. We have so much fun tracing Jack's body and drawing in his face.
Peanut Butter- it makes me sad that so many kids are allergic. I don't know what I'd do without a PBJ at least once a week.
Leaves- OK so after growing up in SoCal, I can't really say I had this experience as a kid but I think everyone gets a little giddy in a big pile of fall leaves.
The Moon- Its pretty sad that I have trouble driving at night because I'm hardly out at night anymore! But lately Jack has become obsessed with moon. We sit out on deck, he sits on my lap and we howl at moon every night. It's at these times I channel my dad and really "cherish the moment".
Halloween- I admit it, I was one of those once a year slut-it-up costumed girls for Halloween (candy striper anyone?). After two c-sections those days are soooo over. Now its about costumes for my kids, "ghosting" the neighborhood and pumpkins.
Today we went to the grocery store as a family and Ryan remembered he loved crumb cake and grape juice as a kid. I think I may have to whip up a batch for him this week.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Green
Yesterday, Jack and I were cuddling and enjoying a typical 2 year-old/mommy conversation. We talked about bubbles in the bathtub and spending time with his buddy Jude. He told me he wanted to watch Elmo and I said no, we are not watching Elmo for 3rd time today. Then he started looking into my eyes, in a very serious sort of way. Then he pointed to my eyes and said "Green face!". Oh my heart just melted, "Yes, mommy's eyes are green". My little guy was thinking about me. Then he started trying to poke at my eyes saying "green, yep, greeeeeeeen" Oh boy Jack, you are so sweet- yep mom's eyes are green. Then he stood up picked a piece of broccoli off my forehead.
Green, yep, green.
It's moments like this when you take a step back and stop taking life so seriously.
Green, yep, green.
It's moments like this when you take a step back and stop taking life so seriously.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Silence is Golden...
Ahhh finally, the dishes done, floor swept, laundry folded, kids in bed. Silence. As I enjoyed a little night cap and played around on the computer- I heard Jack thumping away on the wall upstairs. Knowing my little guy was upstairs awake at 8:30 and I was downstairs alone- I couldn't resist checking on him. He was in bed with a sly little grin, wide awake.
So next thing I know- there we sat, popcorn and Popsicles and a new episode of Hoarders. Jack toasted his Popsicle with a "teers" and we cuddled for about 45 minutes. I'm sure Hoarders isn't a kid-friendly show but I don't think Jack minded. That's when it dawned on me- I was lonely, and Jack was my little buddy.
Although I had a really tough day with the kids, this little sliver of Jack time made it all worth it. This is a piece of parenthood that I didn't know about. You always have a child, your child, there to talk to and love unconditionally. The pitter padder of little feet really do make life worth living.
So next thing I know- there we sat, popcorn and Popsicles and a new episode of Hoarders. Jack toasted his Popsicle with a "teers" and we cuddled for about 45 minutes. I'm sure Hoarders isn't a kid-friendly show but I don't think Jack minded. That's when it dawned on me- I was lonely, and Jack was my little buddy.
Although I had a really tough day with the kids, this little sliver of Jack time made it all worth it. This is a piece of parenthood that I didn't know about. You always have a child, your child, there to talk to and love unconditionally. The pitter padder of little feet really do make life worth living.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Let the games begin!
As I mentioned in a post earlier this summer, I have decided to enter my banana bread into the state fair. While registering for the contest, I decided to up the ante by entering a layered bar too- which I will cover in another post coming soon!
The Banana Bread
The recipe I used is an old one from my Grandmother Marjorie. I knew it was a keeper when I saw that she wrote "good one" on it, not to mention the card is FILTHY- always a good sign for a recipe. The reason this recipe works is because there is a specified amount of mashed bananas rather than a quantity of whole bananas as I have seen in other recipes. For the fair, I took Aunt Ellen's advice and roasted the bananas to deepen the flavor, but this is optional and the bread still turns out great without this step. Another adjustment I made for the fair was a cinnamon streusel. I've heard the judges want something -ahem- "sexy". Not sure if a streusel is considered erotic but I'm hoping it will at least give me some sort of edge.
I tried a few different types, some more successful than others.
Banana split bread- added chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips. It was OK, nothing special.
Reese's peanut butter cup- added a cup of chopped peanut butter cups- the peanut butter cup really didn't come through the way I envisioned. I think if I did this one over I would add some peanut butter to the batter and sprinkle a good amount on top of the batter before baking.
Chocolate Marble- I took 1/3 of the batter and added 1/4 cup of coco powder and 1/2 cup of chocolate chips and layered the chocolate batter in with the regular then swirled it. It was very tasty and was a keeper. Perhaps next years submission?
Now for the recipe, I decided to put down the original recipe with the extra steps later on.
Grandma Marge's Banana Bread
2 cups mashed bananas
3 eggs
1 c oil
1 tbsp vanilla
2 c flour
1 c sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
Preheat oven 350
Butter loaf pan (doesn't matter 8x5 or 9x5*) or butter muffin pan for 16 muffins
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, soda and salt.
In a large bowl whisk together bananas, eggs, oil and vanilla
Sprinkle dry ingredients over banana mixture and gently stir until combined
pour into pan and bake for 55 minutes for 9x5 pan or 65-70 minutes for 8x5 pan or 25 minutes for muffins or until toothpick comes out clean
* don't scrape the bowl too thoroughly for 8x5, sometimes it does cook over
Ok so here is where my twists come in...
Allow to cool in pan for 30 minutes, remove from pan and cool completely. Wrap in plastic wrap AND foil and allow to sit overnight. Enjoy!
Cinnamon Streusel Layer
1/4 c flour
1/4 c packed brown sugar (I like dark)
1 tsp cinnamon
3 tbsp COLD butter, cubed
good pinch of salt
Combine all ingredients into a medium bowl
Use a pastry blender or fork to cut butter into the rest of the ingredients until butter is not longer visible and small pea sized crumbs appear.
Pour half the banana bread batter into pan, sprinkle half the streusel over batter, cover with remaining batter and sprinkle with remaining streusel.
To roast bananas
preheat oven to 400
line a baking sheet with foil (optional but easier clean up)
place bananas- peel on- and bake for 10-15 minutes or until dark
allow to rest for 10 minutes before mashing
And now for my mistakes....
1. leave the peel on the bananas to roast- otherwise the banana flesh gets nasty
2. If using a wooden skewer to test doneness, make sure you put it safely in the trash. I learned this the hard way resulting in a skewer "impaled" in my arm when taking out the trash. A trip to urgent care later, I have learned my lesson. Fun Fun.
3. line bottom of oven with foil, thank goodness for self cleaning ovens.
The Banana Bread
The recipe I used is an old one from my Grandmother Marjorie. I knew it was a keeper when I saw that she wrote "good one" on it, not to mention the card is FILTHY- always a good sign for a recipe. The reason this recipe works is because there is a specified amount of mashed bananas rather than a quantity of whole bananas as I have seen in other recipes. For the fair, I took Aunt Ellen's advice and roasted the bananas to deepen the flavor, but this is optional and the bread still turns out great without this step. Another adjustment I made for the fair was a cinnamon streusel. I've heard the judges want something -ahem- "sexy". Not sure if a streusel is considered erotic but I'm hoping it will at least give me some sort of edge.
I tried a few different types, some more successful than others.
Banana split bread- added chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips. It was OK, nothing special.
Reese's peanut butter cup- added a cup of chopped peanut butter cups- the peanut butter cup really didn't come through the way I envisioned. I think if I did this one over I would add some peanut butter to the batter and sprinkle a good amount on top of the batter before baking.
Chocolate Marble- I took 1/3 of the batter and added 1/4 cup of coco powder and 1/2 cup of chocolate chips and layered the chocolate batter in with the regular then swirled it. It was very tasty and was a keeper. Perhaps next years submission?
Now for the recipe, I decided to put down the original recipe with the extra steps later on.
Grandma Marge's Banana Bread
2 cups mashed bananas
3 eggs
1 c oil
1 tbsp vanilla
2 c flour
1 c sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
Preheat oven 350
Butter loaf pan (doesn't matter 8x5 or 9x5*) or butter muffin pan for 16 muffins
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, soda and salt.
In a large bowl whisk together bananas, eggs, oil and vanilla
Sprinkle dry ingredients over banana mixture and gently stir until combined
pour into pan and bake for 55 minutes for 9x5 pan or 65-70 minutes for 8x5 pan or 25 minutes for muffins or until toothpick comes out clean
* don't scrape the bowl too thoroughly for 8x5, sometimes it does cook over
Ok so here is where my twists come in...
Allow to cool in pan for 30 minutes, remove from pan and cool completely. Wrap in plastic wrap AND foil and allow to sit overnight. Enjoy!
Cinnamon Streusel Layer
1/4 c flour
1/4 c packed brown sugar (I like dark)
1 tsp cinnamon
3 tbsp COLD butter, cubed
good pinch of salt
Combine all ingredients into a medium bowl
Use a pastry blender or fork to cut butter into the rest of the ingredients until butter is not longer visible and small pea sized crumbs appear.
Pour half the banana bread batter into pan, sprinkle half the streusel over batter, cover with remaining batter and sprinkle with remaining streusel.
To roast bananas
preheat oven to 400
line a baking sheet with foil (optional but easier clean up)
place bananas- peel on- and bake for 10-15 minutes or until dark
allow to rest for 10 minutes before mashing
And now for my mistakes....
1. leave the peel on the bananas to roast- otherwise the banana flesh gets nasty
2. If using a wooden skewer to test doneness, make sure you put it safely in the trash. I learned this the hard way resulting in a skewer "impaled" in my arm when taking out the trash. A trip to urgent care later, I have learned my lesson. Fun Fun.
3. line bottom of oven with foil, thank goodness for self cleaning ovens.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Potty Boot Camp
Earlier this spring Ryan and I decided it was time we thought about potty training. Jack seemed ready but we decided to wait until family visits and trips were over and we had several weeks to focus on the messy job.
Now how to do it? I looked to babycenter.com for help. Although it looked tough, we've heard good things about the 3-day plan by Julie Fellom and felt confident we could do it. Here's the link Potty Trained in 3 days or less.
I had to psych myself up do this but we set the date and there was no turning back... time for potty training boot camp.
Night before
Pulled out the potty and put it in the bathroom
Put towels on the couch
Put sippy cups with water all over the living room to encourage more "opportunities for success"
Day One
After Jack woke up, I showed him the potty in the bathroom and explained what it was for, then stripped him down and watched him like a hawk. Fellom suggests bringing the kid in every time anyone in the house has to go and giving lots of positive reinforcement with a "potty dance" or a treat. So this may sound lame but I couldn't come up with a good dance! I ended up going to the store for M&Ms by noon- classic bribery parenting. We had several accidents before our first success around 2pm, after that we had about a 30% success rate for number 1 and 0% for number two. BUT most of the accidents were in his booster seat which looks very much like a potty (at least that's what I'm telling myself). At the end of the day, Ryan and I were both exhausted from non-stop Jack supervision and major clean up at the end of the day. I'll be honest, I wasn't so sure I wanted to go on with Day Two but we're not a family of quitters (a nod to my dad)
Day Two
Something must have clicked while he slept because Jack was on his A-game from the get go. He would go a little then realize it and run to the potty, he even started emptying the tray into the toilet! Fellom suggests going out for one hour, making him go before you leave, and having the child diaperless with loose fitting pants on. We did this and Jack was fine. We got home and let him play in his kiddie pool, which he prompted peed in, but he didn't wet his pants! Ryan took him out later in the day and he said "potty" went when he got home- no accidents while they were out. At the end of the day Jack had a 70% rate for number one and 0% again for number two.
Day Three
Ryan went to work so I was on solo potty-duty most of the day. Jack did great... until I ventured out with him. I thought a quick trip to Target and the mall playground might be possible. I got what I thought was everything I needed- extra pants, portable potty, Lysol wipes and took out his usual diapers. Following the Fellom program, he went commando with sweatpants. Target was fine, then I took him to the family restroom at the mall to show him the little toilet. He didn't go, but also hadn't had anything to drink so a quick trip to the playground was next. He went wild (as usual) but then kept coming over to me, then after about 10 minutes I saw the classic pee silhouette. I grabbed him before any damage had been done (or so I thought). Only to find I had left my little kit on the kitchen table- ugh! In a mad dash for the car, I managed to get covered in pee and bump into a friend (Hi Stacy!) who luckily understood the urgency of the situation and didn't get offended as I rudely continued to run/drag/carry 2 screaming kids without a chat. Besides our little adventure Jack's potty stats were 100% for number one (minus the mall disaster) and N/A for number two- he only went in his diaper at nap time.
After one week of the program, I feel pretty confident at home, although number two has still been tricky. We have gone out successfully a few times but we aren't as busy as we usually are. I wouldn't say Jack is fully potty trained but is getting there.
(batch of bare-bottom cookies coming right up!)
Afterthoughts
-This weekend was exhausting. We kept the TV mostly off the whole weekend so he could focus on getting to know when he had to go. Keeping the TV off meant keeping Jack entertained. Although I love playing with my little guy, singing the ABCs gets pretty old after about 5th time.
-Glad we waited until Catie isn't so needy. She can be content hanging out on the floor for longer periods of time. We didn't have any major issues with her while were in the bathroom with Jack... we must have lucked out. There was only one time Jack had to go at the same time I was feeding her and had an accident- that was on the first day.
- Summer is a good time for this method, Jack has been naked pretty much the entire week, and if we stick to the Fellom program- he will be in the nude for the next 3 months
Now how to do it? I looked to babycenter.com for help. Although it looked tough, we've heard good things about the 3-day plan by Julie Fellom and felt confident we could do it. Here's the link Potty Trained in 3 days or less.
I had to psych myself up do this but we set the date and there was no turning back... time for potty training boot camp.
Night before
Pulled out the potty and put it in the bathroom
Put towels on the couch
Put sippy cups with water all over the living room to encourage more "opportunities for success"
Day One
After Jack woke up, I showed him the potty in the bathroom and explained what it was for, then stripped him down and watched him like a hawk. Fellom suggests bringing the kid in every time anyone in the house has to go and giving lots of positive reinforcement with a "potty dance" or a treat. So this may sound lame but I couldn't come up with a good dance! I ended up going to the store for M&Ms by noon- classic bribery parenting. We had several accidents before our first success around 2pm, after that we had about a 30% success rate for number 1 and 0% for number two. BUT most of the accidents were in his booster seat which looks very much like a potty (at least that's what I'm telling myself). At the end of the day, Ryan and I were both exhausted from non-stop Jack supervision and major clean up at the end of the day. I'll be honest, I wasn't so sure I wanted to go on with Day Two but we're not a family of quitters (a nod to my dad)
Day Two
Something must have clicked while he slept because Jack was on his A-game from the get go. He would go a little then realize it and run to the potty, he even started emptying the tray into the toilet! Fellom suggests going out for one hour, making him go before you leave, and having the child diaperless with loose fitting pants on. We did this and Jack was fine. We got home and let him play in his kiddie pool, which he prompted peed in, but he didn't wet his pants! Ryan took him out later in the day and he said "potty" went when he got home- no accidents while they were out. At the end of the day Jack had a 70% rate for number one and 0% again for number two.
Day Three
Ryan went to work so I was on solo potty-duty most of the day. Jack did great... until I ventured out with him. I thought a quick trip to Target and the mall playground might be possible. I got what I thought was everything I needed- extra pants, portable potty, Lysol wipes and took out his usual diapers. Following the Fellom program, he went commando with sweatpants. Target was fine, then I took him to the family restroom at the mall to show him the little toilet. He didn't go, but also hadn't had anything to drink so a quick trip to the playground was next. He went wild (as usual) but then kept coming over to me, then after about 10 minutes I saw the classic pee silhouette. I grabbed him before any damage had been done (or so I thought). Only to find I had left my little kit on the kitchen table- ugh! In a mad dash for the car, I managed to get covered in pee and bump into a friend (Hi Stacy!) who luckily understood the urgency of the situation and didn't get offended as I rudely continued to run/drag/carry 2 screaming kids without a chat. Besides our little adventure Jack's potty stats were 100% for number one (minus the mall disaster) and N/A for number two- he only went in his diaper at nap time.
After one week of the program, I feel pretty confident at home, although number two has still been tricky. We have gone out successfully a few times but we aren't as busy as we usually are. I wouldn't say Jack is fully potty trained but is getting there.
Afterthoughts
-This weekend was exhausting. We kept the TV mostly off the whole weekend so he could focus on getting to know when he had to go. Keeping the TV off meant keeping Jack entertained. Although I love playing with my little guy, singing the ABCs gets pretty old after about 5th time.
-Glad we waited until Catie isn't so needy. She can be content hanging out on the floor for longer periods of time. We didn't have any major issues with her while were in the bathroom with Jack... we must have lucked out. There was only one time Jack had to go at the same time I was feeding her and had an accident- that was on the first day.
- Summer is a good time for this method, Jack has been naked pretty much the entire week, and if we stick to the Fellom program- he will be in the nude for the next 3 months
Sunday, May 29, 2011
30 minute meal?
So now that all of us have had a lot more sleep, I'm getting back into my groove. Decided to pull out a few of my under-used cookbooks and see if anything peaked my interest. Since evenings typically involve cluster feeding, the witching hour and a mad dash to get Jack fed, bathed and happy- something quick or no-fuss slow cooked would be best.
Ah ha... my old friend Rachael Ray! I LOVE her first cookbook but have barely use the 365: NO REPEATS.
Stumbled upon the recipe for Spanish pork chops in a roasted red pepper sauce with green beans... GAME ON
Time start: 6:50
Time Finished: 7:15.... wait... UNDER 30 MINUTES???
Oh and it turned out really good!
Rachael Ray's Spanish-Style Pork Chops with Chorizo and Roasted Red Pepper Sauce and Green Beans
Definitely will be taking another look at this book again!
Ah ha... my old friend Rachael Ray! I LOVE her first cookbook but have barely use the 365: NO REPEATS.
Time start: 6:50
Time Finished: 7:15.... wait... UNDER 30 MINUTES???
Oh and it turned out really good!
Rachael Ray's Spanish-Style Pork Chops with Chorizo and Roasted Red Pepper Sauce and Green Beans
Definitely will be taking another look at this book again!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Family Update 5/26
Hi Everyone, its been a LONG time since I blogged... well its been a long time since I've had TIME to blog. Right now both kids are sleeping and this mama is sipping coffee in peace :)
So to catch everyone up to speed...
BIG CAT
Catie is doing great. Sleeping well at night and starting to smile and coo. She is such a little sister. Everytime Jack tries to "hug" her, she has that "moooooooommmmmm he hit me!" sort of cry- you know the trembling lower lip, sad eyes. It shouldn't make smile but it does. 2 month check up went great- except for her peeing all over the baby scale- 11 lbs 8 oz and 23'' so she is in 75th percentile for both- atta girl!
JACK ATTACK
Jack is full speed ahead but is that anything new? His molars are coming in so he has been pretty grumpy the last 2 weeks (yes WEEKS!) He is learning new words all the time and even started singing. You all saw the video of him climbs a ladder at the playground... well he decided to climb the REAL one at home while Ryan was cleaning the gutters... he almost got to the top and I almost had a heart attack.
RYAN
Ryan has been really busy with work the past few weeks. Still loves his 10 minute commute, which gets him home with plenty of time to mow our giant lawn. He has been growing hops for his home brewing and they are really coming along... this whole gardening thing is kind of fun! Looking forward to celebrating his birthday next week. Birthday dinner menu includes chicken kiev and whoopie pies- yum!
MAMA BEAR
I have been coping with the new family dynamic fairly well. It was pretty scary at first but I just figured it out. I just finished a class for second time moms that was a life saver and introduced me to a great group of moms. Finally able to start to hit the gym again- training for a 5K. Did my first last night.. 42 minutes- not exactly great but I'm proud that I finished it. Also will be starting a beginners drawing class in June- never considered myself an artist but what the heck.
ETC
After making yet another awesome banana bread, I've decided to enter the state fair competition. I think I may try a few variations to see if it can be improved. My Grandma Marj knew what she was doing...
So to catch everyone up to speed...
BIG CAT
Catie is doing great. Sleeping well at night and starting to smile and coo. She is such a little sister. Everytime Jack tries to "hug" her, she has that "moooooooommmmmm he hit me!" sort of cry- you know the trembling lower lip, sad eyes. It shouldn't make smile but it does. 2 month check up went great- except for her peeing all over the baby scale- 11 lbs 8 oz and 23'' so she is in 75th percentile for both- atta girl!
JACK ATTACK
Jack is full speed ahead but is that anything new? His molars are coming in so he has been pretty grumpy the last 2 weeks (yes WEEKS!) He is learning new words all the time and even started singing. You all saw the video of him climbs a ladder at the playground... well he decided to climb the REAL one at home while Ryan was cleaning the gutters... he almost got to the top and I almost had a heart attack.
RYAN
Ryan has been really busy with work the past few weeks. Still loves his 10 minute commute, which gets him home with plenty of time to mow our giant lawn. He has been growing hops for his home brewing and they are really coming along... this whole gardening thing is kind of fun! Looking forward to celebrating his birthday next week. Birthday dinner menu includes chicken kiev and whoopie pies- yum!
MAMA BEAR
I have been coping with the new family dynamic fairly well. It was pretty scary at first but I just figured it out. I just finished a class for second time moms that was a life saver and introduced me to a great group of moms. Finally able to start to hit the gym again- training for a 5K. Did my first last night.. 42 minutes- not exactly great but I'm proud that I finished it. Also will be starting a beginners drawing class in June- never considered myself an artist but what the heck.
ETC
After making yet another awesome banana bread, I've decided to enter the state fair competition. I think I may try a few variations to see if it can be improved. My Grandma Marj knew what she was doing...
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Year Two
Two years ago today, this is what Ryan and I were up to...
Photography by eight20photography.com
Not sure I would have imagined that we would be here two years later, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
Seven and half months pregnant!
We had a wonderful second anniversary painting our second child's nursery. Our first major home improvement project in our first house. Because we have awesome friends who were able to keep an eye on Jack, we were able to spend the afternoon focused on the room, no TV, phones or computers. This project really reminded me of why Ryan and I work so well together, we are a great team. Yes we were able to go out to a nice dinner but I had more fun painting!
Before:
Couldn't resist the Home Depot hats :)
After:
Not sure I would have imagined that we would be here two years later, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
We had a wonderful second anniversary painting our second child's nursery. Our first major home improvement project in our first house. Because we have awesome friends who were able to keep an eye on Jack, we were able to spend the afternoon focused on the room, no TV, phones or computers. This project really reminded me of why Ryan and I work so well together, we are a great team. Yes we were able to go out to a nice dinner but I had more fun painting!
Before:
Mole trying to ummm help
After:
I'd like to get some letters on the wall to spell Catherine and maybe a mirror but other than, we're done!
And if you were wondering about Jackster...
Wish I had a better pic of him, but he doesn't sit still long enough!
This is his new big-boy room, painting done by Grandpa Ron
All there's left to do in his room is hang his window valance.
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