Holiday baking has started! I am a little late getting going this year but I finally started some Christmas baking today. I've always made Christmas cookies and started putting together gift baskets for daycare when Madeleine was born. With the addition of Christopher this year, I realized the number of daycare teachers doubled, so I best get busy.
I was at HyVee Drugstore (I liked when it was called Drugtown better) the other day and they were selling ripe bananas for 75 cents a bag. Perfect. Only needed a day or so before they were overripe and perfect for bread. Yes, I hate bananas with a passion but I've found that banana bread seems to be universally liked.
Only got through one recipe today (realized too late someone used quite a few eggs to make breakfast) but it is cooled and in the freezer. I've made this recipe from Fine Cooking quite often, sometimes subbing milk chocolate or cinnamon chips for the semi-sweet. I made a double batch, so I got 4 mini loaves and one regular sized loaf I'll bring into work tomorrow. I still have about 8 bananas left ... may have to make another double batch when I get some more eggs. Hate to waste food - even bananas!
Chocolate Chip-Banana Bread
Yield: 16 servings
1/2 cup unsalted butter -- softened
10 1/2 oz. all-purpose flour -- (2-1/3 cups)
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. table salt
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 cup mashed banana
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Position a rack in the middle of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F. Lightly butter and flour four mini loaf pans, one 12-cup Bundt pan, or one 9x5-inch metal loaf pan.
Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium mixing bowl. Whisk the ingredients well to combine.
In the bowl of a stand mixer or in a medium mixing bowl, mix the butter on low speed with the stand mixer's paddle attachment or on medium-low speed with a hand mixer until smooth. Add the sugar gradually and continue mixing on low speed until slightly fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until smooth between each addition. Add the bananas, scrape down the sides of the bowl, and mix until blended.
Stop the mixer and add half the flour mixture. Mix on low speed (for either mixer) until the flour drifts are almost gone. Add half the buttermilk. Mix until blended, and then repeat with the remaining flour and buttermilk. Continue mixing until smooth, scraping the bowl to make sure the batter is even. Stir in the chocolate chips by hand.
If using mini loaf pans, divide the batter evenly among the four pans (the pans should be about two-thirds full). If using a Bundt or full-size loaf pan, spread the batter in the pan (again, filling the pan no more than two-thirds full.) Smooth the top of the batter. Bake until the loaves are golden and a skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 40 minutes for mini loaves (60 minutes for a Bundt pan and 60 to 70 minutes for a full-size loaf pan).
Let the loaves cool in the pans on a rack for 10 to 15 minutes to give them time to set and then turn them out onto a rack and flip right side up to cool completely.
Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 222 Calories; 9g Fat (33.9% calories from fat); 4g Protein; 34g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 56mg Cholesterol; 166mg Sodium.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Spending some time in PA
Last Saturday morning at 1 AM we packed up both kids and Sophie and hopped in the car, destination Pittsburgh, PA. David wanted to leave in the middle of the night figuring that both kids would sleep at least the first half of the trip. Once again, the joke was on him. Christopher pretty much slept the whole time (despite coming down with the croup Friday night). Madeleine slept for a whole half hour. Yep, 12 hour ride, 684 miles, left by 2 AM and she slept for 30 minutes.
I figured with the grandparents keeping the kids occupied I'd have more time to blog, but we have been pretty busy. Sunday we went to go see a Rockettes Christmas show. Madeleine really enjoyed herself and was really well behaved, even though she had no nap.
Monday we hit the Children's Museum. At 3, she was just on the cusp of being too old to be with the younger kids in what they called The Nursery. She was also slightly young to be with the older kids in the rest of the museum. She had a good time but I think she was a bit intimidated by some of the older kids, although she did tell one he needed to take turns.
She is having a blast here and we'll have a lot of deprogramming to do when we get home. I have a few pictures to post but the camera batteries are recharging at the moment. Going to do a little bit of shopping tomorrow, but wondering how we are going to get everything home. Downside of the van - the extremely small trunk.
I figured with the grandparents keeping the kids occupied I'd have more time to blog, but we have been pretty busy. Sunday we went to go see a Rockettes Christmas show. Madeleine really enjoyed herself and was really well behaved, even though she had no nap.
Monday we hit the Children's Museum. At 3, she was just on the cusp of being too old to be with the younger kids in what they called The Nursery. She was also slightly young to be with the older kids in the rest of the museum. She had a good time but I think she was a bit intimidated by some of the older kids, although she did tell one he needed to take turns.
She is having a blast here and we'll have a lot of deprogramming to do when we get home. I have a few pictures to post but the camera batteries are recharging at the moment. Going to do a little bit of shopping tomorrow, but wondering how we are going to get everything home. Downside of the van - the extremely small trunk.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Sigh ... 40
I turned 40 at the end of September but kind of forgot about it. Yep, it was that memorable. Actually, that was Christopher's first fever (and a high one at that) and I spent about 4 days with a cranky infant who felt like he was on fire. Trips to the doctor and the ER that weekend.
Truth be told, I don't feel 40, although admittedly I don't know what 40 is supposed to feel like. I spend most of my days yawning but then again I have a 5 month old who doesn't seem to need to sleep.
Perhaps I didn't find it too bad since so many people I know turned 40 this year. Yep, courtesy of Facebook, I am *friends* with about 20 people I graduated high school with and 2 I graduated college with, all who have turned or will be turning 40 this year. Add to that the 4 or 5 *friends* who graduated a year behind me and turn 40 next year ... well everyone seems to be doing it!
So, to put into perspective exactly how long ago 40 years was, here are some notable events of 1969:
Truth be told, I don't feel 40, although admittedly I don't know what 40 is supposed to feel like. I spend most of my days yawning but then again I have a 5 month old who doesn't seem to need to sleep.
Perhaps I didn't find it too bad since so many people I know turned 40 this year. Yep, courtesy of Facebook, I am *friends* with about 20 people I graduated high school with and 2 I graduated college with, all who have turned or will be turning 40 this year. Add to that the 4 or 5 *friends* who graduated a year behind me and turn 40 next year ... well everyone seems to be doing it!
So, to put into perspective exactly how long ago 40 years was, here are some notable events of 1969:
- Richard Nixon Becomes President of the United States
- 250,000 march on Washington in protest at the Vietnam War
- Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin become the first men to walk on the moon
- PBS established (and Sesame Street debuts!)
- Chappaquiddick
- Charles Manson
- Woodstock
- Creation of ARPANET, the predecessor of the Internet
- The Beatles' last public performance
Monday, November 9, 2009
Halloween 2009
So I'm a little late with the Halloween pictures, but my laptop was out for repair and came back with a stuck space bar and a dead battery. Sigh.
I finally found the costume, in stock, online at Target. They only had a 12-18 months, but I figured if it was a little big, that was OK. I was lucky I could zip it shut and he just had pajamas on underneath. There is a reason I call him Tank. :)
It was about 6 o'clock when everyone was dressed and ready to go. Unfortunately, Christopher thinks 6 o'clock is his bedtime:
Of course, he had to wake up right after this picture was taken ...
We've indulged and ordered lobster quite a few times this year. In fact, if you scroll down to the bottom of The Lobster Guys website, you'll see that Madeleine is one of his biggest fans. So it seemed a given that Christopher would be a lobster for Halloween:
I finally found the costume, in stock, online at Target. They only had a 12-18 months, but I figured if it was a little big, that was OK. I was lucky I could zip it shut and he just had pajamas on underneath. There is a reason I call him Tank. :)Madeleine was very receptive to being a chef. She loves helping me in the kitchen, so it wasn't a stretch:
It was about 6 o'clock when everyone was dressed and ready to go. Unfortunately, Christopher thinks 6 o'clock is his bedtime:
Of course, he had to wake up right after this picture was taken ...
I piled them both in the wagon and we went next door and across the street. I had to keep stopping to set him right in the wagon (he was sound asleep and leaning) so we brought him home. Madeleine and I went back out to hit the rest of the houses on our street before going home. She did well - she was the first trick or treater our neighborhood saw, and one of 3 for the night, so at every house we went to (all 7 of them) she got several treats.
As we were walking home, she complained that her bucket was too heavy for her to carry. I offered to carry it for her, but she declined. I don't think she trusted me!!!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
I have my laptop back!!
Now the battery doesn't hold a charge - even when plugged in. Dell is just awesome. All I have time for before I once again lose power ...
Friday, October 2, 2009
Never a dull moment ...
"Mommy, we need tattoos. When can we go get one?"
David (from downstairs): "Madeleine, can you bring me a shirt?"
Madeleine (to me): "I can't bring daddy a shirt. I have to go potty. He is just going to have to deal with it."
Me: "Can't everyone pick up their stuff and stop making more work for me??!?"
Madeleine: "Welcome to my world mommy."
David (from downstairs): "Madeleine, can you bring me a shirt?"
Madeleine (to me): "I can't bring daddy a shirt. I have to go potty. He is just going to have to deal with it."
Me: "Can't everyone pick up their stuff and stop making more work for me??!?"
Madeleine: "Welcome to my world mommy."
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Remember when ...
Christopher is a very happy baby. He babbles, squeals and gurgles quite freequently, usually starting at 4:30 AM. If left alone, he'll fall back asleep about 6.
Yesterday morning he was pretty vocal, to the point I pulled the plug on the monitor but we could still hear him quite clearly from across the hall. Since their bedrooms share a wall, I wondered if Madeleine heard him too. She came out of her room at 6 and came into our bedroom where I was getting ready.
"Mommy, do you remember when you went to the hospital to get my baby brother or sister"
"I remember."
"Why did you bring home the noisy baby, Mommy? We need a quiet baby at our house."
I guess she heard him.
Yesterday morning he was pretty vocal, to the point I pulled the plug on the monitor but we could still hear him quite clearly from across the hall. Since their bedrooms share a wall, I wondered if Madeleine heard him too. She came out of her room at 6 and came into our bedroom where I was getting ready.
"Mommy, do you remember when you went to the hospital to get my baby brother or sister"
"I remember."
"Why did you bring home the noisy baby, Mommy? We need a quiet baby at our house."
I guess she heard him.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Pasta with Sausage, Tomatoes and Cream
I have been in a huge cooking slump for, oh, I'd say almost a year. It was hard to cook anything the first 4 months I was pregnant since I spent most of the time nauseous. Never really got back into it once the morning sickness passed.
I am back to work and am now faced with the challenge of making sure Madeleine is bathed and in bed by every night by 7:30. I need to get back into the habit of planning meals so it is either ready to go into the oven when we get home or we can reheat leftovers.
The recipe below was really quick and easy. The original from allrecipes was pretty rich as written - I eliminated the olive oil and swapped half and half for the heavy cream and figured it as at least 8 servings instead of 6. I also used basil instead of the parsley called for. Both Madeleine and David ate without comment so I assume it was a hit with them.
Pasta with Sausage, Tomatoes and Cream
16 ounces pasta
1 pound Italian sausage -- casings removed and crumbled
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup diced onion
3 whole garlic cloves -- chopped
28 ounces tomatoes, diced
1 1/2 cups half and half
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons minced fresh basil
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook pasta in boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente; drain.
Spray a large, deep skillet with cooking spray and place over medium heat. Cook sausage and pepper flakes until sausage is evenly brown. Drain. Stir in onion and garlic, and cook until onion is tender. Stir in tomatoes, cream, and salt. Simmer until mixture thickens, 8 to 10 minutes.
Stir cooked pasta into sauce, and heat through. Sprinkle with basil.
I am back to work and am now faced with the challenge of making sure Madeleine is bathed and in bed by every night by 7:30
The recipe below was really quick and easy. The original from allrecipes was pretty rich as written - I eliminated the olive oil and swapped half and half for the heavy cream and figured it as at least 8 servings instead of 6. I also used basil instead of the parsley called for. Both Madeleine and David ate without comment so I assume it was a hit with them.
Pasta with Sausage, Tomatoes and Cream
16 ounces pasta
1 pound Italian sausage -- casings removed and crumbled
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup diced onion
3 whole garlic cloves -- chopped
28 ounces tomatoes, diced
1 1/2 cups half and half
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons minced fresh basil
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook pasta in boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente; drain.
Spray a large, deep skillet with cooking spray and place over medium heat. Cook sausage and pepper flakes until sausage is evenly brown. Drain. Stir in onion and garlic, and cook until onion is tender. Stir in tomatoes, cream, and salt. Simmer until mixture thickens, 8 to 10 minutes.
Stir cooked pasta into sauce, and heat through. Sprinkle with basil.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
My Sister Tracey
David's parents came for a visit a couple of weeks ago. A couple of days before they were to leave, Madeleine came down for breakfast:
"My sister Tracey likes bacon too. We need to save some for her."
"Your what?"
"My sister. Tracey is my sister. She lives with my mommy's mom."
Some of the stuff that comes out of her mouth just amazes me. A sister? Named Tracey - or is that Tracy or Traci? Not exactly a popular name among the kids these days and the only Tracy I can think of that we know here is male.
Talk of Tracey faded after a week or so. I can only imagine what she will come up with next.
"My sister Tracey likes bacon too. We need to save some for her."
"Your what?"
"My sister. Tracey is my sister. She lives with my mommy's mom."
Some of the stuff that comes out of her mouth just amazes me. A sister? Named Tracey - or is that Tracy or Traci? Not exactly a popular name among the kids these days and the only Tracy I can think of that we know here is male.
Talk of Tracey faded after a week or so. I can only imagine what she will come up with next.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Flaming Fish
A year has gone by since I last brought out the planks and tried to grill some salmon. I soaked the planks overnight this time, but as seen in the picture, it still did not work out exactly as planned. At least this time, they waited until the salmon was almost done before they caught fire.I decided that maybe the problem was the planks were too old, so I bought some more. If at first you don't succeed ...
Sunday, August 2, 2009
He told me mommy ...
Madeleine, why does Christopher have princess stickers all over his legs?
He told me he wanted them on mommy.
Why does Christopher have all the cards from Memory with him in the swing?
He told me he wanted to play with me mommy.
Madeleine, why is your brother wearing your sunglasses?
He told me the light is too bright and it hurts his eyes.
Who put all the bibs on your brother?
I did mommy. He told me he wanted them all on so he doesn't get all dirty.
Where are all the pacifiers?
I hid them mommy. He told me he doesn't like them.
Madeleine, why are you resting your head on his chest?
I hugging him mommy. He told me he loves me.
He told me he wanted them on mommy.
Why does Christopher have all the cards from Memory with him in the swing?
He told me he wanted to play with me mommy.
Madeleine, why is your brother wearing your sunglasses?
He told me the light is too bright and it hurts his eyes.
Who put all the bibs on your brother?
I did mommy. He told me he wanted them all on so he doesn't get all dirty.
Where are all the pacifiers?
I hid them mommy. He told me he doesn't like them.
Madeleine, why are you resting your head on his chest?
I hugging him mommy. He told me he loves me.
Monday, July 27, 2009
The Van is HERE!!
I am so excited, I don't know what else to say. Madeleine happily got in the van this morning so daddy could drive her to daycare. I am sure the fact that the van has the Disney Channel (free for a few months) didn't hurt.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
A Day in the Life ...
My maternity leave is slightly more than half over . Just over 4 weeks before I have to be back sitting at my desk ... of course unless someone starts continually sleeping for longer periods of time, one may find me sleeping at my desk.
I warned you ....
So, what exactly do I do all day? Some may say I instigate (or agitate). I like to think of it as interacting.
Close to eating time but sound asleep, not bothering anyone:
What was that? Did I just feel a bug? Did my mommy poke me? What is that bright flash?
Look who woke up!!
Big smile when I see it is my mommy:
OK, enough with the flash. I'm tired. Either feed me or let me sleep.
OK, one more smile and then put the camera away!!
I warned you ....
Friday, July 10, 2009
The Van Saga Continues
I hate Chrylser. Procrastinators drive me crazy. Put the 2 together ...
David ordered his van close to 7 weeks ago. The company in Iowa City that will make the modifications to the van stopped by the house 5 weeks ago and got a check from him for a deposit. Where is the van? Phoenix (actually right around the corner from my old apartment).
All that needed to happen was the transfer of the van from the dealer in Phoenix to a dealer in Nebraska. The dealer in Nebraska would sell it (or whatever) to the mods people in Iowa City, they would add the hand controls change out the seat and David would be all set. Right.
Since Chrysler declared bankruptcy (or whatever happened) all the dealers had to reapply for their financing which means there was no transfer of vehicles between dealers. Van has been sitting on the lot down in Phoenix.
David finally got word yesterday that the van was getting on a truck and headed to Nebraska. Now all we need is for it to get to Iowa City and for the mods to be made, which is estimated to take 3 days.
Dare I dream that he'll have a van by the end of the month and I can sleep in past 6? OK, OK, I am up at 6 AM every morning anyway (Christopher prefers breakfast at 5) but it would REALLY be nice to not have to get up and showered that early. Bonus - not only would I save money on gas but my car seems to be on autopilot through the Starbucks drive thru.
David ordered his van close to 7 weeks ago. The company in Iowa City that will make the modifications to the van stopped by the house 5 weeks ago and got a check from him for a deposit. Where is the van? Phoenix (actually right around the corner from my old apartment).
All that needed to happen was the transfer of the van from the dealer in Phoenix to a dealer in Nebraska. The dealer in Nebraska would sell it (or whatever) to the mods people in Iowa City, they would add the hand controls change out the seat and David would be all set. Right.
Since Chrysler declared bankruptcy (or whatever happened) all the dealers had to reapply for their financing which means there was no transfer of vehicles between dealers. Van has been sitting on the lot down in Phoenix.
David finally got word yesterday that the van was getting on a truck and headed to Nebraska. Now all we need is for it to get to Iowa City and for the mods to be made, which is estimated to take 3 days.
Dare I dream that he'll have a van by the end of the month and I can sleep in past 6? OK, OK, I am up at 6 AM every morning anyway (Christopher prefers breakfast at 5) but it would REALLY be nice to not have to get up and showered that early. Bonus - not only would I save money on gas but my car seems to be on autopilot through the Starbucks drive thru.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Strawberry Picking
It was a beautiful, although very windy, day here yesterday. The strawberries that we planted in our yard this year aren't doing much (although I didn't expect that they would) and the ones I have been buying at the grocery store have been very sour. So, Madeleine and I left the boys at home and we headed up to Independence, IA to pick some strawberries at Bagge Strawberries.
Busy picking strawberries:
Independence is about an hour away from where we live. Thirty miles up the highway and then the rest of the drive is through rolling hills complete with farms and farm smells (courtesty of the cows we saw along the way). Granted we live in a small town too (population 900) but at least we are 15 minutes away from 2 somewhat large cities. All Independence seemed to have was a Walmart and a Fareway. and it wasn't that close to a lager city. Where do they shop??!!?
We arrived a little before noon and there were about 15 people already out in the field picking. We stopped at the little building on the edge of the property to find out what exactly we were supposed to be doing. We each got a basket and then were given a ride on a golf cart out to the field.
We were dropped off in the field and led to the row where we would start picking. Basically we could pick in that row for as long as we wanted and we were given a flag so we could mark where we left off. Before he left, Madeleine was told she could taste test as many of the strawberries as she wanted, and I'd say she took that statement to heart. When we left she had red smears all around her mouth.
Busy picking strawberries:
When we were finished we started walking back to get our strawberries weighed and to pay for them. About halfway back we stopped and Madeleine posed with our haul:
Now, what to do with all these strawberries ...
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Welcome Christopher Matthew!!!
OK, so I'm a little behind, but honestly, is anyone surprised??!?!
Please stop disturbing my sleep to take my picture:
My maternity leave started a week early when I went for my weekly doctor appointment and my blood pressure was still creeping up. Add to that a nice weight gain in a week and the doctor decided it was better for me to be home on partial bed rest. We scheduled the induction for June 6 although I was keeping my fingers crossed baby was going to decide to arrive beforehand.
So, Saturday morning arrived and I was still pregnant so off we went to the hospital. After a long, boring day in which I ate more Jell-O and drank more Sprite than I ever have (while David got to eat real food) baby finally decided to arrive at 7:30 Saturday night:
Christopher Matthew
8 pounds, 6.5 ounces
20 inches long
Christopher ended up being a 1/2 ounce lighter and a 1/2 inch shorter than his big sister but I'm guessing he would have been a 9-pounder if he was allowed to come on his own. At first I thought he didn't have any hair but once they brought him over we realized he had a head full of blond hair. Both of us had lighter hair when we were little, but Christopher is as blond as my brother (the only blond) was when he was little. Funny how genetics work.
David's parents had arrived on Madeleine's birthday for about 10 days. It was nice to have the help although a certain someone got pretty spoiled. She also moved to the preschool room in the midst of all of this so going back to daycare this past week was a bit of an adjustment. She wanted to go back to her 'old friends' and then she flat out didn't want to go at all. Hoping next week goes a little more smoothly.
Things are going pretty well though. He is a great eater and a decent sleeper, despite his hatred of the swaddle. With Madeleine, the miracle blanket was the ONLY thing I tried that actually helped her sleep for any amount of time. Christopher manages to break out his arms and legs in no time and then falls asleep with a look on his face like he is taunting 'go ahead mom, swaddle me up again, I dare you'. In other words, he is his father's son.
Here are a few more picture. For those interested, there are more pictures uploaded to myphotoalbum.com (link is on the right). Have to keep the grandparents happy by keeping the photo website updated.
Coming home from the hospital. There are very few cute boy clothes out there, I am discovering.
Please stop disturbing my sleep to take my picture:
Surprise, surprise, sound asleep:
Friday, June 5, 2009
Happy Birthday Madeleine!
Madeleine turned 3 years old yesterday. Hard to believe - time goes by so fast!
We made some cupcakes to take to daycare and tumbling. They are actually cupcakes made in ice cream cones. I though that putting them in the pan with the aluminum foil would help them stay in place. If the city of Cedar Rapids patched potholes, then I think it would have worked:
When we wished her a 'Happy Birthday' in the morning we were informed that her birthday did not start until she put her birthday crown on at daycare:
Blowing out the candles on her birthday cake:
David's parents arrived yesterday too, so between her birthday, tumbling, the presents and all the sugar consumed she was a little wound!
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Miss Independent
This afternoon I was out in the garden trying best I could to plant my vegetables. Not an easy task, planting, when you can't bend over.
I hear the lock click on the sliding door, it opens and out walks Madeleine. She picks up her pail and shovel and starts heading down the hill, waving at me as she goes by. I make a mental note to determine why she is wearing different pants. Door opens again a minute or so later and out comes David, yelling to her. Apparently he didn't know I was out there.
Last I knew she was headed downstairs to play in her playroom while he was working on finishing some plugs in our little storage room. I went outside to plant my vegetables. He asked her to get him a soda, and she did, somehow managing to spill it on her pants. Not a problem in Madeleine's world. She went upstairs, got new pants, put the dirty ones in the washer machine on the 2 hours sanitary cycle (yes, by themselves, no soap). She must have decided she was done playing inside, so she went out. Apparently she knows how to unlock the sliding door in the basement. That can't be a good thing.
Yesterday I was cleaning up after supper to turn around and see her IN the refrigerator. She had pulled up a chair to get some grapes, which I had all washed in a container for her. She always wants to get things for herself, so I try and keep her snacks in easy reach. She saw the yogurt I bought on the top shelf, couldn't reach it and decided that she had to move it down so it was within her reach when she opened the refrigerator. In order to do that though she had to step up on the freezer (we have the freezer in the bottom) and climb up on one of the drawers to pull the yogurt down and move it 'so Ma'line can reach it mommy'.
Are these escapades what I have to look forward to as she turns 3?
I hear the lock click on the sliding door, it opens and out walks Madeleine. She picks up her pail and shovel and starts heading down the hill, waving at me as she goes by. I make a mental note to determine why she is wearing different pants. Door opens again a minute or so later and out comes David, yelling to her. Apparently he didn't know I was out there.
Last I knew she was headed downstairs to play in her playroom while he was working on finishing some plugs in our little storage room. I went outside to plant my vegetables. He asked her to get him a soda, and she did, somehow managing to spill it on her pants. Not a problem in Madeleine's world. She went upstairs, got new pants, put the dirty ones in the washer machine on the 2 hours sanitary cycle (yes, by themselves, no soap). She must have decided she was done playing inside, so she went out. Apparently she knows how to unlock the sliding door in the basement. That can't be a good thing.
Yesterday I was cleaning up after supper to turn around and see her IN the refrigerator. She had pulled up a chair to get some grapes, which I had all washed in a container for her. She always wants to get things for herself, so I try and keep her snacks in easy reach. She saw the yogurt I bought on the top shelf, couldn't reach it and decided that she had to move it down so it was within her reach when she opened the refrigerator. In order to do that though she had to step up on the freezer (we have the freezer in the bottom) and climb up on one of the drawers to pull the yogurt down and move it 'so Ma'line can reach it mommy'.
Are these escapades what I have to look forward to as she turns 3?
Monday, May 4, 2009
One step closer to a van!!
We finally received word that the state was going to pick up the tab for the modifications that David would need to have made to any van he would get - the biggie being the lowering of the floor so he can wheel in. While a truck would be easier for him, he needs to have something he can transport kids in. Huge relief as the cost of the modifications is almost as much as the base price of the van itself.
Frustrating though, since they (being The State) don't tell you everything you need to get together. For example, he needs a doctor's note saying he is OK to drive BUT then he gets another form that the doctor also needs to fill out. Could we not get everything the doctor needed to sign and fill out at the same time to save us a trip or two?
So ... fingers crossed that this all comes together in the next 5 weeks or so. We are supposed to be meeting the guy from The State at the car dealership one day this week to see what is available.
In baby news, a bit less than 6 weeks to go for me. Doctor appointment today showed that my blood pressure has decided to climb up a bit. They hooked me up for a non-stress test and all looked good with the baby so I got sent home (or back to work). Rather than go every other week, I have now earned myself an appointment and a non-stress test every week for the duration. Despite the fact I am ready to be done, this little one does need to stay put for a few more weeks until the lungs are fully developed. Of course, I still have a gazillion things to do before its' arrival!
Frustrating though, since they (being The State) don't tell you everything you need to get together. For example, he needs a doctor's note saying he is OK to drive BUT then he gets another form that the doctor also needs to fill out. Could we not get everything the doctor needed to sign and fill out at the same time to save us a trip or two?
So ... fingers crossed that this all comes together in the next 5 weeks or so. We are supposed to be meeting the guy from The State at the car dealership one day this week to see what is available.
In baby news, a bit less than 6 weeks to go for me. Doctor appointment today showed that my blood pressure has decided to climb up a bit. They hooked me up for a non-stress test and all looked good with the baby so I got sent home (or back to work). Rather than go every other week, I have now earned myself an appointment and a non-stress test every week for the duration. Despite the fact I am ready to be done, this little one does need to stay put for a few more weeks until the lungs are fully developed. Of course, I still have a gazillion things to do before its' arrival!
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Cream cheese fanatic
Madeleine loves her cream cheese, that's for sure.
We went grocery shopping this morning. I usually go on Friday after work (i.e., ALONE) but I've been working late all week and didn't want to deal with it. So, I went this morning and somehow ended up taking Madeleine with me.
Our grocery store has those carts that look like cars. I HATE them. They are hard to steer and you can't fit all that much in the basket. If you get the wrong bagger, they won't let you take it out to the parking lot (although we always bring them back). Many a time I have been left with a 2 yr old and all my bags w/ no cart (they don't seem to think you need a replacement).
So ... after an uneventful run through the store we were in the checkout lane. We didn't buy all that much and the cashier rang up everything pretty quickly. I was getting ready to swipe my debit card when the bagger said:
"Ma'am, are you going to pay for your cream cheese?"
I pointed to the tub that was sitting on the end of the belt, "I did. It already went through."
"No," he said, "I mean the cream cheese that your daughter has."
I walk to the front of the cart and look in. There sits Madeleine with 3 boxes of cream cheese, trying to wrap them all up in the piece of wax paper she got her slice of cheese in from the deli.
"Madeleine, what are you doing?"
"We NEED cream cheese mommy. We have no more."
I wonder if we would have be detained for shoplifting if we had made it out the front door of the store.
We went grocery shopping this morning. I usually go on Friday after work (i.e., ALONE) but I've been working late all week and didn't want to deal with it. So, I went this morning and somehow ended up taking Madeleine with me.
Our grocery store has those carts that look like cars. I HATE them. They are hard to steer and you can't fit all that much in the basket. If you get the wrong bagger, they won't let you take it out to the parking lot (although we always bring them back). Many a time I have been left with a 2 yr old and all my bags w/ no cart (they don't seem to think you need a replacement).
So ... after an uneventful run through the store we were in the checkout lane. We didn't buy all that much and the cashier rang up everything pretty quickly. I was getting ready to swipe my debit card when the bagger said:
"Ma'am, are you going to pay for your cream cheese?"
I pointed to the tub that was sitting on the end of the belt, "I did. It already went through."
"No," he said, "I mean the cream cheese that your daughter has."
I walk to the front of the cart and look in. There sits Madeleine with 3 boxes of cream cheese, trying to wrap them all up in the piece of wax paper she got her slice of cheese in from the deli.
"Madeleine, what are you doing?"
"We NEED cream cheese mommy. We have no more."
I wonder if we would have be detained for shoplifting if we had made it out the front door of the store.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Easter Weekend Fun
I was reading through the newspaper this week and saw many advertisements for Easter Egg Hunts for yesterday. There were several ones for free in local parks, but I saw that the Amana Heritage Society held an anuual one that you needed to register for and it was $3 per child. I figured that an almost 3 year old might have better luck coming home with something at an event that seemed a bit more organized.
We got there at 8:30 (it was a little chilly) and got to meet the Easter Bunny. Madeleine wasn't too sure what she thought of him at first, but later wanted to go back and see him again.
They even had some live rabbits that the children could pet.
They gave those under 5 a head start and off they went searching for their Easter 'nests'. Bonus - every child went home with a nest. There were 5 that had special 'glitter eggs' in them that meant the child won an extra prize. We didn't bother looking for any of the special ones - I think the older kids had that part covered.
Madeleine with her Easter 'nest'. Each nest had the usualy jelly beans, a chocolate lollipop, pencil, some other assorted candy and 3 Amana eggs. The eggs are hard-boiled and then painted and dipped in some sort of glue. They are supposed to last for years.
We finished the weekend off by making a chocolate bunny cake. Note for next year: since you have to frost a cake that has been cut, go with a white cake. The crumbs will be less obvious! Madeleine decorating the cake:
The finished product. Note the unibrow (Easter Bunny needs eyebrows mommy) and his green 'arm'.
We got there at 8:30 (it was a little chilly) and got to meet the Easter Bunny. Madeleine wasn't too sure what she thought of him at first, but later wanted to go back and see him again.
They even had some live rabbits that the children could pet.
They gave those under 5 a head start and off they went searching for their Easter 'nests'. Bonus - every child went home with a nest. There were 5 that had special 'glitter eggs' in them that meant the child won an extra prize. We didn't bother looking for any of the special ones - I think the older kids had that part covered.Madeleine with her Easter 'nest'. Each nest had the usualy jelly beans, a chocolate lollipop, pencil, some other assorted candy and 3 Amana eggs. The eggs are hard-boiled and then painted and dipped in some sort of glue. They are supposed to last for years.
We finished the weekend off by making a chocolate bunny cake. Note for next year: since you have to frost a cake that has been cut, go with a white cake. The crumbs will be less obvious! Madeleine decorating the cake:
The finished product. Note the unibrow (Easter Bunny needs eyebrows mommy) and his green 'arm'.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Madeleine-ism's
I was going to post some pictures from the Easter Egg Hunt this morning but then discovered that the front of the camera was left open, so it is charging. Instead, here are some of the latest 'Madeleine-ism's' that can be heard around our house.
"Mommy, I need help with my jammies. The sleeve is upside out" (inside out)
"When we take daddy to the doctor, we get to ride on the alligator" (elevator)
While watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse "I see the ariel Mickey. I see the ariel" (arrow)
"Mommy, I need help with my jammies. The sleeve is upside out" (inside out)
"When we take daddy to the doctor, we get to ride on the alligator" (elevator)
While watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse "I see the ariel Mickey. I see the ariel" (arrow)
Friday, April 10, 2009
The Disappearance of the Basic Jelly Bean
I obviously must feel strongly about this issue if I felt the need to blog about it.
At lunch yesterday I went to Target to pick up a few things for Madeleine for her Easter basket. A little chocolate, some jelly beans and a couple of small toys. They had a ton of chocolate but I went back up and down the aisles looking for regular ole jelly beans. They had Starburst Jelly Beans, Jolly Rancher Jelly Beans, Sweet Tart Jelly Beans, some sugar coated sour ones and Nerds Bumpy Jelly Beans. Seriously, bumpy jelly beans? Soft, sour jelly beans? Were are the bags of the NORMAL jelly beans?
I ended up going to the local grocery store and to my delight I found bags upon bags upon bags of Brach's jelly beans. REAL jelly beans. Even better, HyVee already started marking down their Easter candy and they were 50 cents a bag. Note to self: go to HyVee for easter candy a few days before Easter and most of it will already be 1/2 price. A few extra bags may have leapt into my cart.
On a side note, I could only find one kind of Easter grass at Target. EDIBLE Easter grass. Who eats Easter grass .... anyone??
At lunch yesterday I went to Target to pick up a few things for Madeleine for her Easter basket. A little chocolate, some jelly beans and a couple of small toys. They had a ton of chocolate but I went back up and down the aisles looking for regular ole jelly beans. They had Starburst Jelly Beans, Jolly Rancher Jelly Beans, Sweet Tart Jelly Beans, some sugar coated sour ones and Nerds Bumpy Jelly Beans. Seriously, bumpy jelly beans? Soft, sour jelly beans? Were are the bags of the NORMAL jelly beans?
I ended up going to the local grocery store and to my delight I found bags upon bags upon bags of Brach's jelly beans. REAL jelly beans. Even better, HyVee already started marking down their Easter candy and they were 50 cents a bag. Note to self: go to HyVee for easter candy a few days before Easter and most of it will already be 1/2 price. A few extra bags may have leapt into my cart.
On a side note, I could only find one kind of Easter grass at Target. EDIBLE Easter grass. Who eats Easter grass .... anyone??
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
A book by so many names ....
Last week we had to trek back down to the U of I hospital to have David's cast taken off and the stitches removed from his surgery (he found a bunch they missed when we got home but that is another story).
Madeleine has develpoed a dislike for loud noises, so when they brought out the saw to remove the cast she and I left the room and headed for one of the kid play areas. She went to check out the bookcase.
"Mommy, mommy look! Mac and cheese! Mac and cheese!"
Mac and cheese? She held up the book - Green Eggs and Ham.
Madeleine has develpoed a dislike for loud noises, so when they brought out the saw to remove the cast she and I left the room and headed for one of the kid play areas. She went to check out the bookcase.
"Mommy, mommy look! Mac and cheese! Mac and cheese!"
Mac and cheese? She held up the book - Green Eggs and Ham.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Are YOU potty trained mommy?
Let me start off by saying Madeleine went to bed at 8 PM and not a sound was heard until 7:30 AM. Ahhh ....
I heard her call me once and I was debating calling to her or hauling myself out of bed. I heard her dresser draw slam and the bedroom drawer open. I closed my eyes and sensed her in the doorway then I heard her go into our bathroom. Heard the ripping of the diaper tapes (yes, I am still afraid to give up the night time diaper) and the slamming of the toilet lid. After a couple of minutes I got up to check on her.
"What a good girl Madeleine. You got up and went to the bathroom all by yourself"
I got what I can only think of as The Look I will be seeing a lot of in the future.
"Yes, I did. I a big girl mommy. I potty trained. Are YOU potty trained mommy?"
I heard her call me once and I was debating calling to her or hauling myself out of bed. I heard her dresser draw slam and the bedroom drawer open. I closed my eyes and sensed her in the doorway then I heard her go into our bathroom. Heard the ripping of the diaper tapes (yes, I am still afraid to give up the night time diaper) and the slamming of the toilet lid. After a couple of minutes I got up to check on her.
"What a good girl Madeleine. You got up and went to the bathroom all by yourself"
I got what I can only think of as The Look I will be seeing a lot of in the future.
"Yes, I did. I a big girl mommy. I potty trained. Are YOU potty trained mommy?"
Friday, April 3, 2009
Sleep Sleep Sleep Sleep Sleep
It has been a rough week of sleep in this house. I should rephrase that - this has been a week of little sleep.
Madeleine is not all that fond of sleeping this week and we can't really figure out what the issue is. She is either up singing to herself for hours (and then is a little bear in the morning) or she is waking in the middle of the night.
Tonight she went to bed right away and we did not hear the usual medley of nursery rhymes, ABC's and other toddler songs (there are always five monkeys jumping on the bed so the song NEVER ends). All we heard was .... silence.
I'm not dumb, I'm going to sleep. Her falling asleep is only half the battle. I like to think she is preparing us for having a newborn in the house again. Unfortunately, I have a feeling we are headed for Three. I hear Three is worse than the Terrible Two's. :(
Madeleine is not all that fond of sleeping this week and we can't really figure out what the issue is. She is either up singing to herself for hours (and then is a little bear in the morning) or she is waking in the middle of the night.
Tonight she went to bed right away and we did not hear the usual medley of nursery rhymes, ABC's and other toddler songs (there are always five monkeys jumping on the bed so the song NEVER ends). All we heard was .... silence.
I'm not dumb, I'm going to sleep. Her falling asleep is only half the battle. I like to think she is preparing us for having a newborn in the house again. Unfortunately, I have a feeling we are headed for Three. I hear Three is worse than the Terrible Two's. :(
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Spring, where are you????
I knew the weather warm up was too good to be true. All week it has been dropping in temperature and this morning I woke up to find some ice pellets on the balcony outside of our bedroom. They are predicting 1-2 inches of snow for later today.
Madeleine and I were up and about early this morning. I am a little short on iron these days (failed my test last week) so in addition to the iron supplement I am now taking, I am looking for more iron-rich foods to eat. Grocery store had bags of fresh spinach on sale for 99 cents this week (instead of the usual $3) so I picked up a couple of bags. Madeleine and I made one of my favorite breakfast recipes, Spinach-Cheese Bake. I use real eggs instead of the egg substitute. Good thing I bought an extra dozen eggs yesterday at the store as 2 mysteriously hit the floor when my back was turned (SPLAT! Uh oh, Sophie. That NOT nice).
Spinach-Cheese Bake
1 tablespoon butter, melted
Cooking spray
2 (6-ounce) packages fresh baby spinach
1 1/4 cups (5 ounces) shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour (about 5 3/4 ounces)
1 1/2 cups fat-free milk
1 cup egg substitute
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
Preheat oven to 350°.
Pour the butter into the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray; tilt dish to coat. Place spinach evenly in bottom of dish; sprinkle evenly with cheeses.
Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour and remaining ingredients in a medium bowl; stir with a whisk until blended. Pour milk mixture over cheese. Bake at 350° for 40 minutes or until lightly browned. Serve immediately.Yield: 12 servings
CALORIES 157 (34% from fat); FAT 6g (sat 3.7g,mono 1.7g,poly 0.4g); IRON 2.6mg; CHOLESTEROL 18mg; CALCIUM 263mg; CARBOHYDRATE 15.1g; SODIUM 494mg; PROTEIN 10.8g; FIBER 1.6g
I was also looking through the cabinet and found a 1/2 empty box of Cocoa Krispies and a bag of chocolate marshmallows (impulse buy). We made some Rice Krispie treats. I was short a cup of cereal, so I use 5 cups and placed them in a 8 inch square pan instead of a bigger one. Haven't tried them yet and I am hoping they are not too chocolaty. Not a huge fan of chocolate these days.
Madeleine and I were up and about early this morning. I am a little short on iron these days (failed my test last week) so in addition to the iron supplement I am now taking, I am looking for more iron-rich foods to eat. Grocery store had bags of fresh spinach on sale for 99 cents this week (instead of the usual $3) so I picked up a couple of bags. Madeleine and I made one of my favorite breakfast recipes, Spinach-Cheese Bake. I use real eggs instead of the egg substitute. Good thing I bought an extra dozen eggs yesterday at the store as 2 mysteriously hit the floor when my back was turned (SPLAT! Uh oh, Sophie. That NOT nice).
Spinach-Cheese Bake
1 tablespoon butter, melted
Cooking spray
2 (6-ounce) packages fresh baby spinach
1 1/4 cups (5 ounces) shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour (about 5 3/4 ounces)
1 1/2 cups fat-free milk
1 cup egg substitute
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
Preheat oven to 350°.
Pour the butter into the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray; tilt dish to coat. Place spinach evenly in bottom of dish; sprinkle evenly with cheeses.
Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour and remaining ingredients in a medium bowl; stir with a whisk until blended. Pour milk mixture over cheese. Bake at 350° for 40 minutes or until lightly browned. Serve immediately.Yield: 12 servings
CALORIES 157 (34% from fat); FAT 6g (sat 3.7g,mono 1.7g,poly 0.4g); IRON 2.6mg; CHOLESTEROL 18mg; CALCIUM 263mg; CARBOHYDRATE 15.1g; SODIUM 494mg; PROTEIN 10.8g; FIBER 1.6g
I was also looking through the cabinet and found a 1/2 empty box of Cocoa Krispies and a bag of chocolate marshmallows (impulse buy). We made some Rice Krispie treats. I was short a cup of cereal, so I use 5 cups and placed them in a 8 inch square pan instead of a bigger one. Haven't tried them yet and I am hoping they are not too chocolaty. Not a huge fan of chocolate these days.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
The MOTY Award goes to ....
I am feeling like Mother of the Year. Madeleine got a rash on Sunday on her back and I was debating taking her to the doctor or not. They had one appointment left for today so I took it. Turns out the rash is scarlet something-or-other (long name) and is a sign of a throat infection. She actually has tonsillitis. She has no fever and never complained of a sore throat although the doctor says her tonsils are quite red and inflammed.
In other news, looks like our camera decided that would start working again. Need to get busy taking pictures.
In other news, looks like our camera decided that would start working again. Need to get busy taking pictures.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
I Losing Patience Elmo
Madeleine was standing in the bathtub putting her bath toys away while I waited with her towel. She was trying to hang them all back up, but the Elmo cup kept falling back in the tub.
"I losing patience Elmo. You behave."
Hmmm ... words spoken often at daycare, perhaps?
"I losing patience Elmo. You behave."
Hmmm ... words spoken often at daycare, perhaps?
Penne with Chicken, Arugula, Roasted Tomatoes, and Feta
Admittedly for the last few months, if it wasn't for Madeleine, I'd be existing on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and David would be fending for himself. Usually I cook big on the weekends and we have leftovers to choose from as well as some meals from the freezer. My cooking on the weekends was getting to be a rare thing.
I was at Sam's Club on Friday and they had a big display of grape tomatoes. Got me thinking about a recipe I discovered from a friend last summer and have made several times since then - Penne with Chicken, Arugula, Roasted Tomatoes, and Feta, originally from Bon Apetit magazine. I am not a huge fan of arugula so I use spinach instead. Using a chicken from Sam's makes it super simple to put together. I cut back on the oil and often use rosemary when I roast the tomatoes (unless I have fresh basil from the garden - then I mix it in the tomatoes after they roast). I have also used blue cheese crumbles in place of the feta with good results.
Best part - Madeleine always gobbles it up.
Penne with Chicken, Arugula, Roasted Tomatoes, and Feta
Yield: Makes 4 servings
3 12-ounce bags cherry tomatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
5 large garlic cloves, chopped
3/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
2 cups shredded roasted chicken breasts without skin (from purchased roast chicken)
8 ounces penne pasta
6 cups arugula leaves
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (about 3 ounces)
Preheat oven to 475°F. Mix cherry tomatoes, oil, garlic, and crushed red pepper on rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake until tomatoes are soft and beginning to brown in spots, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes. Transfer tomato mixture, including any juices, from sheet to large skillet. Add chicken to skillet and simmer until heated through, about 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Ladle out 1/4 cup pasta cooking water and reserve. Drain pasta; return to pot.
Add tomato mixture, arugula, and reserved 1/4 cup pasta cooking water to pasta; toss over medium heat just until arugula begins to wilt, about 30 seconds. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer pasta to bowl. Sprinkle with feta cheese and serve.
I was at Sam's Club on Friday and they had a big display of grape tomatoes. Got me thinking about a recipe I discovered from a friend last summer and have made several times since then - Penne with Chicken, Arugula, Roasted Tomatoes, and Feta, originally from Bon Apetit magazine. I am not a huge fan of arugula so I use spinach instead. Using a chicken from Sam's makes it super simple to put together. I cut back on the oil and often use rosemary when I roast the tomatoes (unless I have fresh basil from the garden - then I mix it in the tomatoes after they roast). I have also used blue cheese crumbles in place of the feta with good results.
Best part - Madeleine always gobbles it up.
Penne with Chicken, Arugula, Roasted Tomatoes, and Feta
Yield: Makes 4 servings
3 12-ounce bags cherry tomatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
5 large garlic cloves, chopped
3/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
2 cups shredded roasted chicken breasts without skin (from purchased roast chicken)
8 ounces penne pasta
6 cups arugula leaves
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (about 3 ounces)
Preheat oven to 475°F. Mix cherry tomatoes, oil, garlic, and crushed red pepper on rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake until tomatoes are soft and beginning to brown in spots, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes. Transfer tomato mixture, including any juices, from sheet to large skillet. Add chicken to skillet and simmer until heated through, about 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Ladle out 1/4 cup pasta cooking water and reserve. Drain pasta; return to pot.
Add tomato mixture, arugula, and reserved 1/4 cup pasta cooking water to pasta; toss over medium heat just until arugula begins to wilt, about 30 seconds. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer pasta to bowl. Sprinkle with feta cheese and serve.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Living with the Manners Police
As any good parent would do, we are working to make sure Madeleine says 'please', 'thank you', 'excuse me' and all that good stuff. It has all started to click and I must say I am pretty proud that she now will say 'please' and 'thank you' without any coaching.
She has now moved beyond that though, and now coaches David and I. 'What do you say mommy?' and 'What do you say daddy' are heard quite often in the house, especially around supper time.
Yesterday we were going into daycare and I held the door open for a man who was carrying in his infant in a carrier. He just walked through the door without a word. Mind you I'm 6 months pregnant and was carrying my own 32 lb child.
"Mommy, that man is not nice. He didn't say thank you."
He glanced over his shoulder at me and then at Madeleine, almost as if he was expecting that I correct her or something and just kept on walking.
I think Madeleine was a pretty good judge of character on that one.
She has now moved beyond that though, and now coaches David and I. 'What do you say mommy?' and 'What do you say daddy' are heard quite often in the house, especially around supper time.
Yesterday we were going into daycare and I held the door open for a man who was carrying in his infant in a carrier. He just walked through the door without a word. Mind you I'm 6 months pregnant and was carrying my own 32 lb child.
"Mommy, that man is not nice. He didn't say thank you."
He glanced over his shoulder at me and then at Madeleine, almost as if he was expecting that I correct her or something and just kept on walking.
I think Madeleine was a pretty good judge of character on that one.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
A Day at the Hospital
David had surgery today to remove the rod and all the bolts they inserted into his leg last year. Surgery was scheduled for 7:15 so we were told to be there at 6 ... which meant we needed to leave the house at 5:15 at the latest. With Madeleine. Good times.
So I waited until the last minute to wake the little bear and we left with Elmo backpack packed. Dropped David off and went into the kid's waiting room since it is more Madeleine friendly than the adult waiting room ... of course this later caused problems even though I told the nurse where we would be AND I had a buzzer.
So by 8:30 we had breakfast, admired the fish in the fish tank, watched Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, played Memory, colored, put the train tracks together with another little boy and read about 20 books. By 9 o'clock the ONE snack David had packed in the backpack (and a fruit snack at that) was gone. Seriously, who packs a lousy fruit snack for an almost 3 year old and a 6 month pregnant woman, knowing we had at least 5 hours at the hospital. David lost snack packing privileges at that point (which was probably his intent). All in all, a good time.
Nurse came out at 9:00 ... and told us the anesthesiologist called in sick and David went in more than an hour late. 10:00 Madeleine melted down.
Anyway, the surgery was successful. Took out all the hardware (the rod was green, which I found interesting for some reason) and they said all the tissue looked healthy. They took samples to make sure the MRSA was gone. It was close to 12:30 when we finally got out of there and headed home. Madeleine and I then took a 3.5 hour nap :)
Interestingly enough, David is in a lot of pain. With all the surgeries he had last year he never had any pain - only a dull ache. A sign that maybe there was some more nerves healing in his spine?
So I waited until the last minute to wake the little bear and we left with Elmo backpack packed. Dropped David off and went into the kid's waiting room since it is more Madeleine friendly than the adult waiting room ... of course this later caused problems even though I told the nurse where we would be AND I had a buzzer.
So by 8:30 we had breakfast, admired the fish in the fish tank, watched Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, played Memory, colored, put the train tracks together with another little boy and read about 20 books. By 9 o'clock the ONE snack David had packed in the backpack (and a fruit snack at that) was gone. Seriously, who packs a lousy fruit snack for an almost 3 year old and a 6 month pregnant woman, knowing we had at least 5 hours at the hospital. David lost snack packing privileges at that point (which was probably his intent). All in all, a good time.
Nurse came out at 9:00 ... and told us the anesthesiologist called in sick and David went in more than an hour late. 10:00 Madeleine melted down.
Anyway, the surgery was successful. Took out all the hardware (the rod was green, which I found interesting for some reason) and they said all the tissue looked healthy. They took samples to make sure the MRSA was gone. It was close to 12:30 when we finally got out of there and headed home. Madeleine and I then took a 3.5 hour nap :)
Interestingly enough, David is in a lot of pain. With all the surgeries he had last year he never had any pain - only a dull ache. A sign that maybe there was some more nerves healing in his spine?
Monday, March 9, 2009
I am addicted
I am addicted to Lexulous on Facebook.
I love Scrabble and David refuses to play with me (because he always loses). I have discovered that in a matter of minutes I can have as many games as I want going at once, with people all over the world.
Admitting you have a problem is the first step in recovery - no?
I'd delve into this a little deeper, but Diane L. in CO is waiting for me to take my turn.
I love Scrabble and David refuses to play with me (because he always loses). I have discovered that in a matter of minutes I can have as many games as I want going at once, with people all over the world.
Admitting you have a problem is the first step in recovery - no?
I'd delve into this a little deeper, but Diane L. in CO is waiting for me to take my turn.
Friday, March 6, 2009
I have to eat the strawberries MYSELF
Local grocery store had strawberries on sale and while I figured they wouldn't be all that good, thought they at least LOOKED good. I washed and stemmed some and put them on the table. Madeleine pulled the bowl towards her.
"I have to eat the strawberries MYSELF mommy. You can't have any."
"You aren't going to share with me?"
"You can't eat them mommy. Your belly hurts cause the baby kicks you."
She better not try and pull that with chocolate. :)
"I have to eat the strawberries MYSELF mommy. You can't have any."
"You aren't going to share with me?"
"You can't eat them mommy. Your belly hurts cause the baby kicks you."
She better not try and pull that with chocolate. :)
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
I told you so ...
I swear, David has been waiting the last seven years to be able to say those words.
I have had a 'cold' for the last week or so that moved down to my chest over the weekend. Since I am pretty much unable to take anything for it, I figured it was lingering due to lack of drugs. After having to listen to him for the last couple of days, I finally made an appointment for this morning.
Well, I have 'walking pneumonia' and am out of work for the next 3 days (gee, is that why I was getting winded walking). I have a nice little supply of antibiotics and an inhaler, which I cannot figure out how to use. I don't think I have gotten a dose in yet.
So, I sit here up in bed and am listening to the 2 of them talk while they are eating supper. Pretty cute ... she is telling him he needs to be careful when touching a cactus or he'll hurt himself. We don't have a cactus in the house.
Hmmm ... now she is coming up the stairs babbling about taking a shower in the basement bathroom. Should I investigate why she has gotten a swim diaper and her bathing suit for what is supposed to be her nightly bath?
Nah, I think I'll just stay up here, oblivious to the whole thing. Obviously daddy has the whole situation under control.
I have had a 'cold' for the last week or so that moved down to my chest over the weekend. Since I am pretty much unable to take anything for it, I figured it was lingering due to lack of drugs. After having to listen to him for the last couple of days, I finally made an appointment for this morning.
Well, I have 'walking pneumonia' and am out of work for the next 3 days (gee, is that why I was getting winded walking). I have a nice little supply of antibiotics and an inhaler, which I cannot figure out how to use. I don't think I have gotten a dose in yet.
So, I sit here up in bed and am listening to the 2 of them talk while they are eating supper. Pretty cute ... she is telling him he needs to be careful when touching a cactus or he'll hurt himself. We don't have a cactus in the house.
Hmmm ... now she is coming up the stairs babbling about taking a shower in the basement bathroom. Should I investigate why she has gotten a swim diaper and her bathing suit for what is supposed to be her nightly bath?
Nah, I think I'll just stay up here, oblivious to the whole thing. Obviously daddy has the whole situation under control.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
My belly hurts
"Mommy, I think I need to go to the doctor."
"Why?"
"My belly hurts. My baby keeps kicking me in the belly."
"Why?"
"My belly hurts. My baby keeps kicking me in the belly."
Saturday, February 21, 2009
A Chef in the Making
I've pretty much given up on being allowed to put together a meal on my own .... even including toasting a bagel. Madeleine seems to have this sixth sense about when it is time to start cooking supper. I've tried sneaking upstairs (or downstairs) as the case may be to cook, but I turn around and there she is, dragging the chair after me and grabbing whatever utensils she deems appropriate. I suppose I should embrace the help before she decides it is work she doesn't want to do or I've decided that my love of cooking come from both grandmother's as my mom made it pretty clear while we were growing up that cooking was not on her list of favorite things to do. My Italian grandmother always seemed to have a cake in the pantry for guests to snack on. Every weekend there was homemade sauce and meatballs on some sort of pasta.
My Polish grandmother was the same way. She was always cooking something. This Tuesday is Paczki ("Poonch-key") Day, which means this weekend would have been a VERY busy weekend in the kitchen. My aunt has carried on the tradition as I know several of my first cousins are getting together this weekend to make them. I have seen them for sale here at the grocery store and was lured into trying them. Once. It was nothing more than a jelly donut. So disappointing. But I digress.
Last weekend my holper and I decided we were going to make a heart-shaped cake for Valentine's Day. One of my favorite (and quickest) cakes to put together is this Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake from Cooking Light. I make a few modifications to the original recipe as I am not a huge fat of the fat free products (OK, I don't like all the chemicals added when fat is removed ... seriously, HFCS is needed in sour cream ... but again, I digress). Here is our finished product:
Chocolate-Chip Bundt Cake
1 cup sour cream (I discovered yogurt works well when your sour cream is fuzzy)
3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon warm water
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 teaspoons instant espresso or 4 teaspoons instant coffee granules
4 whole eggs
1 (18.25-ounce) package devil's food cake mix (without pudding in the mix)
1 (3.9-ounce) package chocolate instant pudding mix
3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon warm water
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 teaspoons instant espresso or 4 teaspoons instant coffee granules
4 whole eggs
1 (18.25-ounce) package devil's food cake mix (without pudding in the mix)
1 (3.9-ounce) package chocolate instant pudding mix
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips (um, more like a cup)
1 tablespoon powdered sugar
Preheat oven to 350°.
Coat a 12-cup Bundt pan with cooking spray, and dust with flour; set aside.
Combine the sour cream and next 6 ingredients (sour cream through chocolate pudding mix) in a large bowl, and beat mixture at medium speed of a mixer for 3 minutes. Add the chocolate chips, and beat the mixture for 30 seconds.
Spoon the cake batter into the prepared Bundt pan. Bake cake at 350° for 1 hour or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool cake in pan 10 minutes on a wire rack. Invert cake onto a wire rack, and cool completely. Sprinkle cake with powdered sugar.
We used a basic white frosting recipe off of recipezaar.com but as I look at it I realize that I didn't really follow the recipe at all. Huh, imagine that. Must have been busy trying to prevent someone from adding pumpkin pie spice (the one she always grabs) to the bowl. :)
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
That not nice baby!
Lil Stinker has started moving more and more and now you can feel the kicks on the outside.
"Madeleine, come here and put your hand on mommy's belly. You can feel the baby kick."
She comes running over and starts pointing her finger at my stomach.
"That NOT NICE baby. Don't kick mommy!"
I now ask if she wants to feel the baby move.
"Madeleine, come here and put your hand on mommy's belly. You can feel the baby kick."
She comes running over and starts pointing her finger at my stomach.
"That NOT NICE baby. Don't kick mommy!"
I now ask if she wants to feel the baby move.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Out of my control!!
I haven't posted in a while because the motherboard in my laptop decided to stop working .... again. Booted it up one night and I got an error message that the adaptor was not compatible with my laptop and it wasn't going to charge. Guess what - it didn't!
On the plus side, I am 2 years into my 3 year warranty. On the flip side, this is the second time this has happened to me. Last year about this time the same thing happened. When I was talking with Dell's customer service, they told me they have issues with the XPS laptops and their motherboards. Ya think?
Even though the morning sickness has passed, I am still not all that enthused with cooking. It isn't that I'm not hungry, but I seriously could eat bagels and cream cheese with bacon OR fruit topped with yogurt all day. Honestly. Haven't gotten tired of either but I have a feeling others in the house would rebel if they kept seeing one of the two on the table every night.
So, I dug arund in the freezer out in the garage and came up with a package of bone-in chicken breasts and after some searching, decided to try Spicy Chicken Cacciatore. Upon unwrapping the chicken, I discovered that when I asked for 2 chicken breasts, they gave me 2. Whole breasts. Each still in one huge piece. Note to self the next time I get checken at Fareway, ask for ONE and ask them to cut it for me. Since I wasn't up for losing any fingers, I opted to not try and cut them in half myself. So, rather than follow the directions and simmer for a short time, I let the ginormous chicken breasts simmer for and hour and a half - until they fell off the bone. Came out pretty good, if not a tad bland. I think it needed some fresh basil.
Madeleine and I also amused ourselves (OK, we amused David) with making some Banana Bread this morning. Recipe claims it is the best ever, but I can't attest to that. Bananas are the one food that I absolutely cannot stand to eat, even when disguised in bread. Both Madeleine and David seemed to enjoy the piece they shared for snack this afternoon, so I'll consider it a success.
On the plus side, I am 2 years into my 3 year warranty. On the flip side, this is the second time this has happened to me. Last year about this time the same thing happened. When I was talking with Dell's customer service, they told me they have issues with the XPS laptops and their motherboards. Ya think?
Even though the morning sickness has passed, I am still not all that enthused with cooking. It isn't that I'm not hungry, but I seriously could eat bagels and cream cheese with bacon OR fruit topped with yogurt all day. Honestly. Haven't gotten tired of either but I have a feeling others in the house would rebel if they kept seeing one of the two on the table every night.
So, I dug arund in the freezer out in the garage and came up with a package of bone-in chicken breasts and after some searching, decided to try Spicy Chicken Cacciatore. Upon unwrapping the chicken, I discovered that when I asked for 2 chicken breasts, they gave me 2. Whole breasts. Each still in one huge piece. Note to self the next time I get checken at Fareway, ask for ONE and ask them to cut it for me. Since I wasn't up for losing any fingers, I opted to not try and cut them in half myself. So, rather than follow the directions and simmer for a short time, I let the ginormous chicken breasts simmer for and hour and a half - until they fell off the bone. Came out pretty good, if not a tad bland. I think it needed some fresh basil.
Madeleine and I also amused ourselves (OK, we amused David) with making some Banana Bread this morning. Recipe claims it is the best ever, but I can't attest to that. Bananas are the one food that I absolutely cannot stand to eat, even when disguised in bread. Both Madeleine and David seemed to enjoy the piece they shared for snack this afternoon, so I'll consider it a success.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
I don't want a baby brother or sister
We had one of those moments last week where something Madeleine said just left us speechless.
We were on the way home from work and we were stuck sitting in traffic. There was an accident up ahead, just past our exit. Madeleine was sitting in the back seat, munching on some cereal.
"I don't want a baby brother or sister. I want a black baby."
Hmmm ... I didn't think that children this young noticed racial differences (at least that is what I have read) but I guess that is not the case. I really wonder what goes through that little mind sometimes.
We were on the way home from work and we were stuck sitting in traffic. There was an accident up ahead, just past our exit. Madeleine was sitting in the back seat, munching on some cereal.
"I don't want a baby brother or sister. I want a black baby."
Hmmm ... I didn't think that children this young noticed racial differences (at least that is what I have read) but I guess that is not the case. I really wonder what goes through that little mind sometimes.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Where is Ham and Cheese????
"I can't find Ham and Cheese. Where is Ham and Cheese?"
These were the shouts we heard from Madeleine's bedroom last night. Ham and Cheese. What is she talking about? She went in there looking for a story ...
She comes back crying, "Can't find it mommy. Can't find Ham and Cheese with Eggs".
Ah .... she was looking for Green Eggs and Ham. Daddy to the rescue - he found it in the laundry basket (don't ask).
These were the shouts we heard from Madeleine's bedroom last night. Ham and Cheese. What is she talking about? She went in there looking for a story ...
She comes back crying, "Can't find it mommy. Can't find Ham and Cheese with Eggs".
Ah .... she was looking for Green Eggs and Ham. Daddy to the rescue - he found it in the laundry basket (don't ask).
Friday, January 9, 2009
A. A. A. A. A. A. A. A. A.
A new cookbook that I purchased on Amazon arrived today. I wasn't quick enough to hide it, so now *someone* is waiting for me to get rid of one. That stupid "buy a cookbook, get rid of a cookbook' rule that David came up with. Pfft. I can fit it in the cabinet, but I digress.
Madeleine and I were upstairs chilling out before she went to bed. She brought in Green Eggs and Ham to read but when she saw my new cookbook, she wanted to read that instead. A girl after my own heart.
She put it on her lap and looked at the cover. Then she traced over the words with her finger and every time she got to an 'A', she stopped and said 'A'. Hmmm. Gave her Green Eggs and Ham and asked her to pick out the A's on the cover. She did. In fact, she entertained herself for a good 15 minutes picking the A's off the pages of her book. I'll admit it, I was happy to have a night off from Green Eggs and Ham.
One letter down, 25 to go!
Madeleine and I were upstairs chilling out before she went to bed. She brought in Green Eggs and Ham to read but when she saw my new cookbook, she wanted to read that instead. A girl after my own heart.
She put it on her lap and looked at the cover. Then she traced over the words with her finger and every time she got to an 'A', she stopped and said 'A'. Hmmm. Gave her Green Eggs and Ham and asked her to pick out the A's on the cover. She did. In fact, she entertained herself for a good 15 minutes picking the A's off the pages of her book. I'll admit it, I was happy to have a night off from Green Eggs and Ham.
One letter down, 25 to go!
Sunday, January 4, 2009
It was bound to happen one day ....
I have a vague memory of laughing at my friend Carrie's story about how her son locked her out of the house. Well guess what happened tonight.
I ran out to the garage and grabbed some pulled pork out of the freezer to defrost for supper and realized I forgot the homemade barbecue sauce. I went back out to the garage and turned around in time to see the door close. No big deal, I thought, as I hunted in the freezer.
"I locked the door mommy!" Madeleine squeals from the other side of the door.
No way. I flew to the door and tried to open it up. Sure enough, she had locked the door on me.
I tried to get her to unlock the door. "I can't mommy. It needs to be locked."
I sent her downstairs to get David (Mr. Oblivious) to come up and unlock the door. I heard her playing in the kitchen, I heard her talking to Sophie and I finally heard her going downstairs. I waited and waited and waited.
I started pounding on the door, yelling for him. Nothing. Madeleine comes back up stairs. "You making noise mommy." YOU THINK.
"Madeleine, please unlock the door so mommy can come back in."
"I can't mommy. Too hard"
"Please go downstairs and tell daddy that mommy is stuck in the garage."
"OK"
I waited and waited and waited. I thought about going around the back of the house to the basement door and just scaring the crap out of David, but the stone steps leading around the side of the house were icy before the ice storm last night and I was only wearing slippers. I figured if I opened the garage door and rang the front door they'd both ignore it, figuring I'd get it. I started pounding on the door again. Madeleine came back upstairs.
"Is daddy coming upstairs to unlock the door?"
"No. He is watching football." NICE.
I finally got her to twist the lock so I could get the door opened. I went downstairs.
David looks up, "Why were you banging up there?"
"Didn't she tell you she locked me in the garage?"
"She told me mommy was stuck in the garage but I didn't know what she meant. You were making a lot of noise."
Seriously dude. Our neighbor across the street is getting a key ASAP.
I ran out to the garage and grabbed some pulled pork out of the freezer to defrost for supper and realized I forgot the homemade barbecue sauce. I went back out to the garage and turned around in time to see the door close. No big deal, I thought, as I hunted in the freezer.
"I locked the door mommy!" Madeleine squeals from the other side of the door.
No way. I flew to the door and tried to open it up. Sure enough, she had locked the door on me.
I tried to get her to unlock the door. "I can't mommy. It needs to be locked."
I sent her downstairs to get David (Mr. Oblivious) to come up and unlock the door. I heard her playing in the kitchen, I heard her talking to Sophie and I finally heard her going downstairs. I waited and waited and waited.
I started pounding on the door, yelling for him. Nothing. Madeleine comes back up stairs. "You making noise mommy." YOU THINK.
"Madeleine, please unlock the door so mommy can come back in."
"I can't mommy. Too hard"
"Please go downstairs and tell daddy that mommy is stuck in the garage."
"OK"
I waited and waited and waited. I thought about going around the back of the house to the basement door and just scaring the crap out of David, but the stone steps leading around the side of the house were icy before the ice storm last night and I was only wearing slippers. I figured if I opened the garage door and rang the front door they'd both ignore it, figuring I'd get it. I started pounding on the door again. Madeleine came back upstairs.
"Is daddy coming upstairs to unlock the door?"
"No. He is watching football." NICE.
I finally got her to twist the lock so I could get the door opened. I went downstairs.
David looks up, "Why were you banging up there?"
"Didn't she tell you she locked me in the garage?"
"She told me mommy was stuck in the garage but I didn't know what she meant. You were making a lot of noise."
Seriously dude. Our neighbor across the street is getting a key ASAP.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Happy New Year to all!! One of my goals for 2009 is to be more organized and I am hoping that means more frequent blogging. :)
Between a few vacation days and work closing down over the holidays we've had a glorious two weeks home. Alone. Together. Two weeks. I am amazed at how quickly Madeleine can tear through the house and leave destruction behind her.
Madeleine is also big into being a 'holper' and has learned she call pull a chair up to the counter to reach what she wants. If the chair doesn't get her close enough she has also figured out climbing on the counter will ger her where she wants to co. I am contemplating chaining the chairs to the table so she can't move them anymore. I've already been told I can't nail the chairs to the floor.
Wishing everyone a happy and healthy 2009. We are looking forward to the new addition to our family in June. Madeleine had been wanting a baby brother but this week she claimed she wants a baby sister instead. Whether we are blessed with a boy or a girl, she has already made it clear she will NOT be sharing Baby Tad with the baby. "MY Baby Tad mommy. Not the baby".
Between a few vacation days and work closing down over the holidays we've had a glorious two weeks home. Alone. Together. Two weeks. I am amazed at how quickly Madeleine can tear through the house and leave destruction behind her.
Madeleine is also big into being a 'holper' and has learned she call pull a chair up to the counter to reach what she wants. If the chair doesn't get her close enough she has also figured out climbing on the counter will ger her where she wants to co. I am contemplating chaining the chairs to the table so she can't move them anymore. I've already been told I can't nail the chairs to the floor.
Wishing everyone a happy and healthy 2009. We are looking forward to the new addition to our family in June. Madeleine had been wanting a baby brother but this week she claimed she wants a baby sister instead. Whether we are blessed with a boy or a girl, she has already made it clear she will NOT be sharing Baby Tad with the baby. "MY Baby Tad mommy. Not the baby".
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)