Spaghetti with Sprinkles

2 Months

2012-02-01T22:39:00.000-06:00

Our baby girl is 2 months old today!

This bow did not look quite so HUGE in person...

And, she couldn't be happier about it!

She has changed so much in the last month. As I am going through these pictures, I can't even believe it!

She is such a happy baby, it was so easy to get her smiling in these pictures...believe it or not! I caught her in a really good mood. She definitely has her moments, especially when she is hungry...but for the most part she is either smiling...

She is into sticking her tongue out at us now!

Sleeping...often times with her eyes open...

Or snuggling...

She had quite a busy month. She spent a lot of time playing on her mat...she loves her guitars and stares and smiles at them.

But, the playing usually wares her out and she falls asleep on there...

We have been going on walks...

And, just hanging out!

She also got to meet my best friend Andrea. She flew all the way from Arizona to meet Sawyer and we had such a fun weekend hanging out!

We took a few road trips to visit Cora & Aunt Becky...She is really good in the car and mostly just sleeps. Becky and I even survived a 5 hour road trip to Laredo with both girls...we high fived when we got there - without stopping the whole way!

They had their first slumber party and wore matching PJs. They woke up early to watch Veggie Tales together!

We went to Yoakum to visit too. Sawyer took over Grandpa's chair.

And, hung out with the boys.

We had Sawyer's 2 month check up last week, and she had to get her shots.

But, nothing a little cuddling with daddy can't fix! She did really good, just a little crying!

She is now 22.5 inches (63rd percentile) which mean she has grown over an inch! And, apparently 4 inches since she was born??? I'm not sure that first measurement was right! She weighed 7 lbs, 7 oz (2nd percentile). Her head is 14.75 inches (26th percentile), up .75 inches from her two week appointment. The doctor was a little concerned about her weight so we are currently in operation "fatten Sawyer up!" We have started supplementing with formula to get her some extra calories and we go back on Friday for a weight check...hopefully she has gained a pound! She is still wearing newborn diapers and mostly newborn clothes. There are a couple 0-3 month outfits that fit her, but she is still too skinny for most.

It has been so fun to watch her change over the past month, every time she smiles it just melts my heart. I love that she responds to us now when we kiss her face or make silly noises, she thinks its hilarious...she is so close to laughing, I can't wait to hear her giggle! She is also starting to like books, she lays totally still when I am reading to her - which I guess means she likes them?

She is a great sleeper. She goes to bed around 8. Sometimes she is still awake when we put her down after she eats and rocks for a little bit, but she just falls right to sleep on her own. The biggest change with her sleeping over the past month is that she is now sleeping in her crib all night. She wants nothing to do with it during the day and would much prefer to nap anywhere but there, but has no problem with it at night. I don't get it. She is still waking once or twice every night, but is starting to go longer between feedings. As much as I don't like waking up in the middle of the night, I really love spending that extra time with her.

Barry and I have pretty much adjusted to our new life with Sawyer. She is so easy going and doesn't complain about too much so that makes everything easier. We have gone out for dinner a couple times, which she sleeps through and have finally started to get back into working out.

Annnnd...now I'm rambling...time to go to bed! Gotta sleep when the baby sleeps!

Newborn Necessities

2012-01-29T22:55:00.003-06:00

Having had a newborn for just over 8 weeks now (how did that happen so quickly?!?!), I have discovered a few things that I would not have survived without! This is mostly for my own personal reference for when I have another baby, but maybe someone out there might find this useful!

We use an iPhone app called Baby Connect to track Sawyer's feedings, diapers, weight, length, shots, etc...This app is AMAZING! If it weren't for this I would have know idea when and how much Sawyer was eating...I have zero memory! There are also tons of other things you can track that I don't use it for such as activity, sleep, drop off & pick up times. The best part is that the app syncs between my phone and Barry's. So, whenever I put a feeding or diaper or whatever in, Barry gets a notification on his phone too. It's very helpful and well worth the $5!

The Mama Roo Swing has also been a life saver. Sawyer will nap for hours in it. I realize that she looks very uncomfortable...but we are going on 2 hours of this current nap. It did not come with the fuzzy insert, but she isn't so into the swing without it so I keep it in there. And, it is very easy to wash - if a diaper explosion were to occur in the swing...hypothetically speaking of course...

We love our video monitor. We put Sawyer to bed between 8-9 every night with the hopes of getting some things done in the house and spending some time together, but we spend a lot of that time watching her on the monitor!

A good diaper bag is a must have. As soon as I found out I was pregnant, I decided that I wanted a Petunia Pickle Bottom Bag. I love that it can be carried on your shoulder, or as a backpack - which is super convenient when I am trying to juggle a car seat and anything else in the other hand. And, a built in changing bad is really convenient as well. This is not the pattern I have, but you get the idea!

Since we can't put blankets in Sawyer's crib with her, and she refuses to be swaddled because she sleeps like this...yes, she fell asleep on her changing pad while I was changing her diaper.

Hands over her head, all the time. So we use these sleep sacks to keep her warm.

And her bath chair. She loves taking a bath, and I think it is because of this chair. We put it in the sink and let the warm water run down her back. Its was the perfect size for her when we first brought her home and we should be able to continue to use it for a while too. This is actually Cora's, but we have one pretty similar...it works great in the actual bath tub too.

She loves the bath, but the getting out part...not so much...till we wrap her up in her hoodie towel...another must!

Breast feeding necessities - if this topic bothers you - stop reading now! This might be too much information, but I wish I would have known about these things sooner, so maybe this will help someone out. Breast feeding was really difficult for us at first, painful for me and frustrating for Sawyer - these Lansinoh Soothies kept me sane.

And, I will be going back to work in a few short weeks and would like to continue to breast feed Sawyer as long as possible so I will have to pump. I don't have a hands free pump, but turns out there are about ten million other things I would rather be doing with my hands. So I got this Hand Free Pumping Bra. I will spare you the picture, you can go to the website if you want to see! It allows me to be get caught up on emails on whatnot rather that just sitting there.

Sawyer is such an easy going baby; she is always smiling and will sleep anywhere...(I didn't love the Boppy for breastfeeding, but its great now that she is big enough to do this!)

We feel very blessed to have such a happy baby, but all these things have definitely made the experience go even more smoothly!

Corn, Bacon, Potato Chowder

2012-01-22T19:37:00.000-06:00

This is my 100th post! Who knew I would actually stick with this?? Being pregnant, and now having Sawyer has been pretty good motivation to keep up I guess.

I made this soup last week when it was "cold" - compared to the 75 degree weekend we just had! This was another Pinterest find that turned out really good, originally a weight watchers recipe. I already want to make it again.

I love potato soup and am a pretty big fan of corn. But, I HATE bacon, weird, I know. I tried this recipe despite that - only because it was Canadian bacon and I was feeling adventurous. I think this would also be really good with shredded chicken or left over carved ham. I never know what to do with left over ham after the holidays - this would be perfect!

I was pretty curious how this would turn out since there was no cream in this chowder, but you use the potato to thicken the soup and it worked out great.

You will need:

1 medium sized baking potato
1 large shallot, diced (1/2 large onion would work too)
1-2 stalks of celery, diced (I only used one because I am not a huge fan, but you couldn't taste it)
1 red bell pepper, diced
4 oz (about 4 slices) uncooked Canadian bacon
2 cups of frozen corn (the original recipe called for corn shucked off the cob - I'm far too lazy for that)
Olive oil
2 cups skim milk
Pepper

Start by poking some holes in your potato and place in the microwave for about 8 minutes. Meanwhile, get everything chopped.

Shallot...

Celery...

Bell Pepper...

Canadian bacon...

Once potato is done, remove from the microwave, cool enough to touch it, remove skin and mash with a fork.

In a large sauce pan, combine shallots, celery, bell pepper and corn. Saute for about 5 minutes or so in olive oil.

Add bacon and milk.

Add mashed potato and mix well. Season with pepper to taste. The original recipe also called for hot pepper sauce, something like tabasco I am assuming, but since I don't do spicy I left it out!

Cover and simmer for 10 minutes or so. Make sure it doesn't boil - don't want to burn the milk - it won't be pleasant!

And, a picture of Sawyer hanging out in her car seat. Just because.

ENJOY!

The Boening Genes

2012-01-17T12:29:00.000-06:00

Barry and I went to his parents' house yesterday so Barry could go hunting with his dad and Sawyer and I could hang out with her grandma, Aunt Tammy and Brody & Blake. Barry's mom got out his baby pictures and they look awfully familiar!

Barry and his cousin BJ always joke that their kids would be lucky to get the Boening genes. I think Sawyer got them! How much does she look like her daddy?!?

It's crazy! And just another picture because I think it's sweet...they love each other!!

Ok, one more...Sawyer is full of smiles today! She thinks its hilarious when I kiss her nose...smiles every time, so of course I do it all the time!

Chicken Spinach Pasta Bake

2012-01-13T18:10:00.000-06:00

I know it may seem like I have forgotten how to cook, and blog anything that is not baby related for that matter. But, after 6 weeks of cooking hiatus I have found my way back to the kitchen! This is still kind of baby related though, so I hope you don't mind cute baby pics! I made this on Monday to take over to our friends on Tuesday for dinner. They just had twins so cooking dinner is not high on their list! Remember this?

14 and 19 weeks pregnant

27 and 32 Weeks pregnant. We are still waiting on Kristina's baby Caroline to join us...soon!

Now this!!

Beckham, Lleyton (I think!) & Sawyer

Three very hungry babies unwilling to cooperate with our photo shoot. The boys are exactly three weeks younger than Sawyer...amazing what a difference that and a couple pounds makes! On to the recipe...

I found this one on Pinterest (my new obsession - especially when I am up in the middle of the night feeding Sawyer). I didn't change too much with it, just a couple tweaks. Here is the link to the original recipe... from my Recipe Board on Pinterest.

Gather your ingredients:

1 medium sized onion, chopped
olive oil
8 oz whole wheat pasta (I used Barilla Plus bow tie - high in omega 3s and protein - good for the babies!)
3 medium/large chicken breasts
1 can Italian style diced tomatoes
8 oz chive and onion cream cheese
10 box of frozen spinach, thawed
1/2 tsp pepper
1 1/2 cup low fat mozzarella cheese

Preheat your oven to 375. Place chopped onion in 9x13 casserole dish, drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, boil pasta until tender.

I also boiled my chicken, but you could use precooked or rotisserie chicken to save some time if you want. To shred my chicken I used my mixer - my sister told me about this and it's AMAZING! Such a time saver! The chicken went from this...

Those are whole chicken breasts if you can't tell...

To this...in 30 seconds...

I should have made a New Year's resolution to improve my food photography. Maybe next year.

Once the onions are done, transfer them to a large mixing bowl.

Add the tomatoes, cream cheese, pasta, spinach, and chicken.

Mix together.

Transfer back to casserole dish.

Top with mozzarella cheese.

Don't mind the shadow of my hands...

Bake at 375 for 30 minutes, covered. Uncover and bake for 10-15 more minutes.

And my hands again...geeze.

I made this on Monday and didn't bake it until Tuesday - it worked. So it is a great "make-ahead" recipe. It was also good for lunch the next day!

ENJOY!

1 Month

2012-01-03T19:19:00.000-06:00

As cliche as it sounds, I really can't believe Sawyer has already been with us for a month!

She has already changed so much and is really starting to show her personality.

She loves to take baths...I think. She yawns and nods off during them so I guess she isn't that bothered!

She likes lights. She stares at lamps, windows, ceiling fans...and kind of light really.

She is also starting to like her crib. We have started putting her down in there at night then bringing her into our room when she wakes up...hopefully around midnight. She has even taken a few naps in there, but she much prefers to nap in her swing or bouncy seat.

She is still waking every 3-4 hours at night to eat, but she is pretty good about going right back to sleep in her bassinet.

She doesn't really love tummy time. I think if it were up to her she would just do it on her daddy's chest. When I put her on the floor to do it, she just stares at me or falls asleep. And she still has crazy hair...

She also doesn't like to be cold or hungry...who does?!? But, that is really the only time she cries. Or if she wants to be held. She loves to snuggle.

She weighs right about seven pounds. She is still wearing all newborn clothes, a lot of which are still big on her, and newborn diapers - but we don't have to fold them over anymore!

Although the sleeplessness and adjustments of having a newborn have been a challenge at times, I wouldn't change it for the world. I always heard people say the love you have for your kids is something that you can't understand until you have your own - I get it now. We love her so much! And she loves us too...

Sawyer's Newborn Pictures

2012-01-02T14:06:00.000-06:00

We had Sawyer's pictures taken when she was 14 days old. Barry's cousin Kim, who is an awesome photographer, came to our house to do them. We intended to do sweet sleeping newborn photos, but Sawyer was completely uninterested in sleeping - but I think it worked out just fine! She just wanted to show off her big blue eyes! Here are ~~a few~~ a lot of my favorites...

Kim Greater Photography

Christmas 2011

2012-01-01T20:44:00.001-06:00

This Christmas was even more special for us since it was Sawyer's first Christmas. We did a lot of traveling and took her to a lot of new places with a lot of new people and she was such a trooper! We actually had 6 different Christmas celebrations...Sawyer got quite spoiled!

Our Christmas started on the 22nd with our little family Christmas at home. Sawyer bought her daddy a pink bb gun so she can go hunting with him whenever she is ready!

Lori was quite the Scrooge...

We left that night to go to Yoakum. We did Christmas with Barry's parents and sisters on the 23rd...and of course these two!

It was so fun to watch them open gifts and want to play with each of them right then and there.

Sawyer slept through pretty much everything...

I can just picture the three of them playing together next Christmas though! We spent most of Christmas Eve at Grandma & Raymond's house.

Barry's cousin Liz had a baby boy 8 days after Sawyer was born - she is quite out numbered on this side of the family!

Barrett & Sawyer snoozing with their grandmas...

Sawyer slept through most of this day as well...

We spent early Christmas morning at Granny's house.

We were finally able to get a picture of Grandma & Grandpa with all their grandkids...

We then drove to Dripping Springs to spend a few hours at my parents' house.

And Sawyer was still sleeping...

Then we headed to San Antonio to have Christmas with the rest of my family at Wita's house.

I just love the little girls in their fancy Christmas dresses!!

Sawyer also got to meet her cousins from Arkansas for the first time.

Brooke painted this for Sawyer's room...it is sooo perfect...I LOVE it!

And, Christmas wouldn't be complete without a Fernandez family photo session...

A few years ago, or 10, my sisters and I (I helped with one page, so I am giving myself some credit) started a Christmas scrapbook for my parents, starting with my first Christmas. I was about 4 weeks old at my first Christmas, I'm looking forward to comparing pictures every year since my birthday and Sawyer's are only one day apart.

1983...picture of a picture so not that great!

I can't quite figure out who Sawyer looks like yet, a lot of people say Barry, but we definitely have the same crazy old man hair!

Even though it is exhausting traveling and trying to fit everything in, we feel so blessed to have so much family to spend the Holidays with!

Week 2 Update

2011-12-21T13:13:00.001-06:00

I'm a little late with this update - Sawyer is somehow 3 weeks old tomorrow, but I was too busy over the weekend laying in bed doing nothing. We all were.

We have been fortunate enough to have had visitors pretty much every day since Sawyer was born so this was really the first weekend it was just the three of us. We took full advantage of some quality family time!

We took Sawyer to the doctor last Friday for her 2 week check up. She was 6.5 lbs and 21 1/8 inches long. That was a huge jump in height, she is now in about the 75th percentile. She is less than 10 percentile for weight, but the doctor said as long as she is gaining weight, she is happy.

After the doctor, we went by Barry's office...

Since she gained weight we no longer have to wake her to eat. She was doing really well waking up on her own every 3-4 hours day and night, but that stopped today. I started this post while I was up at 4 am last night hanging out with a WIDE awake baby.

She had been awake pretty much all day, would only sleep if I was holding her and woke up as soon as I put her down. Not so fun for mom! Although I am loving all the cuddling, I don't want her to get used to this! But today...she seems to be back to her old self, sleeping in her swing...

Becky & Cora and our friends Kristin & Julia came to visit last week. I didn't get a picture because trying to capture 3 babies is nearly impossible. But, they brought her TONS of their hand me down clothes so we did some dressing up!

Thanks girls! And, Sawyer got a package from my work - she is ready to go to some Cougar games!! How cute are those Nikes???

Sawyer also took her first nap in her crib. She normally sleeps in her bassinet by our bed or her swing or bouncy seat, but I thought I would see how she liked her crib. I think she liked it...even though she looks totally lost!

We also had Sawyer's newborn pictures taken. Barry's cousin Kim came to our house and did an AWESOME job photographing Sawyer.

Barry and I are getting the hang of things. He is more than happy to take over as soon as he gets home so I can get some last minute Christmas errands, wrapping and what not done.

I will post some more of her newborn ones next time - there were so many good ones!

I have not stepped foot in the kitchen since Sawyer was born, when our moms were here they did a lot of cooking for us and some of our friends have brought us dinner recently, which is very much appreciated! I think I might venture back in there tonight though, so hopefully I will have recipes again in the near future!

We are looking forward to spending the weekend with our families for Sawyer's first Christmas. She has lots of relatives to meet still!

I need to go work on my Christmas cards...which are slowly turning into New Year's cards...

Merry Christmas from us and our little Christmas miracle who we are falling more in love with every day...

Sawyer's First Week at Home

2011-12-10T21:54:00.000-06:00

It's hard to believe that this time last week we were bringing Sawyer home from the hospital. This week has flown by...partly because we are sleep deprived, but partly because its been so fun being a mom - even at 3 am. She is already 9 days old!

She has had quite the busy week.

She met her Uncle Adam, Aunt Melissa and her cousin Abigail...

And her great grandma, Mimi (this one is from today - she already looks older to me!)

She had her first trip to the doctor...

She weighed 6 pounds. Almost back up to her birth weight, and the doctor said he color looked good so we didn't have to do another blood test for jaundice - we are just watching her until we go back on Friday.

Had her first bath...

Did some sun bathing...

And LOTS of sleeping. In her swing...

In her bouncy chair...

And on her daddy's chest - her favorite place. The feeling is VERY mutual!

She is such a sweet baby.

She hardly cries, except for when she is cold or hungry. And she smiles all the time! Mostly in her sleep - this is one of my favorite pictures!

She is a great sleeper at night too. We have to wake her every 3-4 hours to feed her.

As for the rest of us, Lori is getting used to everything...

And still wanting all of our attention and being crazy!

I am feeling pretty good. Sawyer and I are working to get the nursing thing down. It has taken us a while. I posted last week that she was doing a good job nursing and using a bottle - I lied. She was getting spoiled by the bottle so we are working on that - but she is getting MUCH better! She hasn't had a bottle in almost 2 days - which means Barry gets to sleep at night! I feel like I am almost back to normal. I even got my old jeans on yesterday - by no means were they buttoned, but they were on! I have taken a couple quick trips to Target and even went to the mall for about an hour today with my mom, sister and grandma. Barry has been great and loves to keep Sawyer by himself so I can have some time to myself. I am itching to start doing some walking and being active again - but its waaaaay too cold to take a newborn outside. Hoping it will warm up a little this week.

All in all I would say our first week has been pretty successful! I just can't believe its already come and gone. Here's to another good week!

Sawyer's Birthday Part 2

2011-12-07T21:40:00.000-06:00

We had quite a party for Sawyer's birthday! Barry and I are so fortunate to live close enough to our families that they were all able to come and visit us in the hospital and meet Sawyer. Friday was filled with lots of visitors for this lucky little girl...

Three of her four great grandmothers came to see her - the fourth is coming to visit her this weekend!

Wita

Granny

Grandma

All of her aunts were there...

Aunt Tammy

Aunt Cara

Aunt Becky

Aunt Brie

And her cousins...

Brody - Blake was asleep in the car so I didn't get a picture

Cora

And her uncles...

Uncle Mike

Uncle Derek

And then there was Friday night. We hung out for a while, just the three of us, for the first time.

And then the nurse came in to tell us that Sawyer had a Coombs positive blood test - which in a nutshell means that she will get jaundice and it will happen quickly. It's not a big deal and is a result of us having different blood types. But it did require treatment that night. So she had to spend the night under phototherapy lights in the NICU. It was so hard leaving her in there. But, Barry went and rented us some movies and bought me some candy (always makes me feel better!) and we settled in for the night.

We were allowed to visit her whenever we wanted to and we could go there or they would bring her to us every 3 hours to feed her. We also had to start supplementing her diet with formula, which has actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Barry is able to feed Sawyer and she is learning to take a bottle as well as nurse - and she is doing great!

After all of her tests came back ok on Saturday morning we were able to take our little girl home!

I have tons of pictures from her first week at home, she has had more visitors and lots of firsts - but I will save those for another post...its cuddle time!

And then there were three...

2011-12-05T21:23:00.000-06:00

This year I got the best belated birthday present I could have ever gotten...Sawyer decided (with a little help from the doctors) to make her grand entrance! So I will start from the beginning.

Barry and I left for the hospital last Wednesday night around 12:30 am. My parents and sister Brie had come up that evening after work, so we left them at our house and made the trip to the hospital. Here are my very last pregnancy pics at 39 weeks - including Lori of course...taken at midnight...hence the super tired look!

It was very surreal knowing that we would be going as two and leaving as three. I was super emotional on the way there...mostly scared of the unknown of what I was about to go through...we said a prayer for our new family and a healthy baby girl and headed in.

It was 3 am by the time we were done getting all settled in and I was hooked up to all the machines so we tried to get some sleep - I was a little bit more successful than Barry was because I had the help of a sleeping pill!

Around 4:30 am the nurse came in and started the Pitocin to get labor started. I slept through most of that too and didn't wake up until about 7:30 when the doctor came in to break my water. And then we waited...

I got an epidural around 8:30 that morning - I got it early because it was then or wait for a while. The anesthesiologist had some schedule c-sections so I needed to get it in between her surgeries. And we waited some more...

There was a little of this...

and some of this...

and visiting with family that had come to see us. How cute is this "I love Sawyer" shirt that Becky made for Cora??

I started pushing around 1:00. Here is the before:

And about 40 minutes later...

The whole thing went so quickly and I didn't feel a thing. It was so much easier and less scary that I had anticipated.

Sawyer Beth Boening was born at 1:39 pm weighing 6 pounds 2 ounces and measuring 18.5 inches in length. She is so perfect!

We spent the next couple hours hanging out as a family and being in awe of the miracle that is our baby girl. She got to meet her grandparents...

Her Aunts Becky and Brie...

And her cousin Cora...who isn't quite sure what to think of her!

So far Sawyer has been a great baby, and Barry is an even better daddy! I couldn't ask for a better dad for my daughter.

I have so many more pictures and the rest of the story of our hospital stay to document. Sawyer is one lucky girl - we had tons of family come to visit us her in the hospital but right now its my turn to snuggle her so they will have to wait until tomorrow!

28 Years & 15 Doctor's Appointments Later

2011-11-30T21:42:00.000-06:00

Today was my 28th birthday. Not that I am trying to announce that to the world, but parts of this day won't make sense without knowing that! My birthday unexpectedly started at 2:30 last night when I was abruptly awaken by the worst pain I can remember being in - cramping and contractions, shivering and sweating. Barry was totally ready to take me to the hospital but I couldn't bear the thought of moving...let along getting out of bed. After two hours of this - the intensity decreased as the time went on - I finally decided I needed to get up and eat some Cheerios. Not sure where that came from, but I was starving!

When I got to the kitchen, this is what I found...

A chocolate cake with chocolate icing and sprinkles...my FAVORITE!! Barry had stayed up late after I went to bed last night and baked me this for my birthday. He also wrote me the nicest note - I cried - and bought me Sawyer some December birthstone earrings that I will keep safe for her...on my ears...until she gets her ears pierced.

So I ate my bowl of Cheerios (I ate the cake for breakfast #2) and finally was able to go back to sleep for an hour or so before enjoying my cake and heading to work.

Since we had a doctor's appointment today I only worked part of the day. I came home for a quick lunch, ran by the nail place for a quick manicure (if you haven't tried the Shellack (sp?) you need to!), then it was off to the doctor.

We had talked last week about possible inducing on December 1st, but decided that we would wait until our appointment this week to make that decision. I was really hoping to not have to make the decision at all, but that was not the case. We were faced with the decision to induce or not to induce. When the doctor walked out of the room, I was totally emotional and indecisive (which is my MO these days). After a few minutes of crying and "I don't know what I want's" we decided to go ahead and do it. We are ready to meet our baby girl.

We left the doctor and I went and wandered the mall in a total fog for an hour or so while Barry went to finish up some things at work until it was time to go for our dinner reservation. We enjoyed a nice dinner...just the two of us.

So we are heading to the hospital at midnight tonight. I am totally overwhelmed with emotions - very excited, scared out of my mind, nervous and already exhausted. I am thinking I will remain in this state for the next couple of days, or weeks more likely, but I am 100% certain that I have the best person by my side to go through this with.

I have enjoyed my time being pregnant - some days more than others. But, feel very thankful to have had a fairly easy pregnancy with no complications - praying delivery will go the same way!

I am planning to update hopefully sometime this weekend - mostly for my own selfish benefit. I want to write down all the details and remember every little thing about the next couple of days.

Off to enjoy one more piece of cake...

Thankful to be 38 Weeks Pregnant

2011-11-27T19:06:00.000-06:00

Kind of...its been a rough couple of days, but I am trying to keep in mind that the longer I am pregnant the better off Sawyer is. It wouldn't be so bad except for this ridiculous cold I somehow caught which has made breathing and sleeping nearly impossible! But we have had a great Thanksgiving break none the less!

I feel like this should post should probably be broken up into multiples since our weekend pretty much started on Wednesday, but instead its just going to be a reeeeeeally long one =)

My mom and sister Brie got to our house Wednesday before we got home from the doctor. We went and did a little shopping at Walmart since I had zero fall decorations so that we could spruce things up before Thanksgiving. I'd say we did a pretty good job considering it was the night before Thanksgiving at Walmart!

Thursday was great! Brie and I went to the airport to pick up my grandma and when we got home, everything was done! My kind of party hosting! The day was filled with food...

Yes, it took 4 people to prepare the yams!

Family...

Not sure what was going on with my phone in this picture...

Should have taken this at the beginning of the day...I look exhausted...and I did nothing all day!

And napping...

We are so thankful that everyone was able to spend the day in Houston. Definitely beat our original plan of turkey sandwiches by ourselves since we can't go anywhere!

Friday, Barry and my mom got all our the Christmas decorations down from the attic. We started the day with two Christmas trees and ended the day with none. The first one was Becky's from college - not sure how I ended up with it - but none of the lights worked so we decided it had served its purpose! The second one, also a hand me down, looked like this...

Disaster. I did do some shopping on Friday to pick up a few random things, including this new bed for Lori...which she loves and won't get out of. Her Christmas toys came down from the attic and she loves those too!

We went for a long walk Friday evening, watched some movies and wrapped Christmas gifts. Here are my pics at 38 weeks 1 day - taken right after a walk and no make up....looks great!

Saturday, Barry's mom, his sister Cara and her husband Derek came to visit us. It was pouring down rain all day, but we still managed to get some shopping done. I was on a mission to find a new Christmas tree, but no such luck. We were able to find some other Christmas decorations though. And, Barry's mom bought me an oak tree for out backyard for my birthday - I can't wait to have it in the yard! We have no trees and even less shade so it will be a welcome addition!!

After going on our second long walk of the day, we met up with our friends Matt & Hollie for dinner - we went for Mexican food - trying everything to get labor started to no avail!

But, we kept trying today. After church, we ran a few errands - and finally found a tree! - walked two laps around Katy Mills and played some pretty intense games at the arcade. Since I beat Barry at SkiBall and Basketball, I let him use the last of our credits for car racing.

All this walking and nothing to show for it, except a backache! I started to decorate the tree tonight, but I am exhausted so it will have to wait for another day!

Now we are sitting by the fire very impatiently awaiting the arrival of our baby girl! The contractions have picked up in intensity, but not frequency so it looks like we will be waiting at least a few days longer. In the meantime, we are just enjoying our time together before we become a family of 3!

Doctor's Appointment #14

2011-11-23T19:42:00.000-06:00

This might be our last one! We had an appointment this afternoon and we are making some progress toward labor =) So, it was a good one. I think Sawyer was sleeping because her heart beat was only 131. But, my blood pressure was low and I didn't gain any weight since last week.

I am 1.5 centimeters dilated (is that TMI to put on the internet?!?) which means that we now have the option to induce next week if we choose to. Our doctor asked if we wanted to have a baby next Thursday and it totally freaked me out!!

We decided to wait to decide until after our appointment next Wednesday to make any decisions. If I am dilated any more, we may go ahead and induce. But, if nothing changes we will just keep on waiting! I don't want to induce if there is no further progress because there is no need to put myself through a longer labor if I don't have to. But, I do want to induce so all of our families can be here when Sawyer is born since they are all at least 2 hours away. So, we will see! We have a week or so to think about it - unless something happens before then!

Luckily our doctor is on call this weekend. When we were leaving he told us he would see us next week unless we meet him at the hospital before then! It could happen any time now - I got a manicure and pedicure yesterday and got my hair cut today so I am ready when she is! =)

Pumpkin Muffins

2011-11-22T20:49:00.000-06:00

I made these muffins tonight in preparation for our company that is coming tomorrow - I thought they might make a quick and easy breakfast or snack. And, let's be honest...I am obsessed with all things pumpkin. Especially pie. I can't wait to be eating it in less than 48 hours - yes, I am counting down.

I found this recipe on Livestrong and made one small change. I tried this recipe last year in a loaf pan, but decided to go with muffins this year. I liked this recipe because it uses whole wheat flour, olive oil and yogurt - a much healthier twist on baking!

You will need...

1 egg
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 15 oz can of pumpkin
1 3/4 cup Splenda (you could also use regular sugar if you don't have Splenda on hand)
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
6 oz non fat plain yogurt (the original recipe called for vanilla, but I used plain & added extract - less sugar)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350. Beat together egg, oil, pumpkin, sugars, yogurt and vanilla.

In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder & cinnamon.

Slowly add dry mixture to pumpkin mixture and blend together.

Once combined, evenly distribute into greased or paper lined muffin tins.

Bake for about 25 minutes. Takes about 30 minutes in a 9x13 cake pan and closer to 40 or longer in a loaf pan.

ENJOY!

Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving! I have tons to be thankful for this year, especially for a husband who just vacuumed and mopped the house!!

37 Weeks

2011-11-20T19:21:00.000-06:00

We are getting down to the wire! Less than 3 weeks left to go...

Barry and I spent this weekend doing more stuff to get our house ready to bring Sawyer home...who knew there was so much to be done!! Although, if you have a never ending to do list of things like cleaning out closets and organizing cabinets - having a baby is one way to get yourself going!

We also finished most of our Christmas shopping this weekend - such a great feeling - I intend to try this "not procrastinating to the last minute" thing again next year.

Here are my pics from 37 Weeks + 1 day...

Saturday, my friend Emily and her husband Dan were in town for a baby shower. They are having a baby girl a few weeks after us. Emily and I were roommates in college for a couple years. We haven't seen each other in over a year - somehow - so we met for dinner and had a great time!

I can't wait for Sawyer & Charlotte to have a play date!

Looking forward to a short week of work this week, we are hosting Thanksgiving at our house this year. My mom just called and we are having 17 people here!!! But, she won't let me do anything but sit on the couch so it should be a fun & relaxing day hanging out with family =)

We go back to the doctor on Thursday this week - will update then. I have a few recipes to put up too, hopefully I will at least get one done this week!

Doctor's Appointment #13

2011-11-17T14:28:00.000-06:00

Back to the doctor again today...nothing new to report - except that I am now officially at full term. There was no progress as far as labor in the last week, and our doctor doesn't think there will be for the next week either. I was a little disappointed in that news because I am ready for Sawyer to be here, but I am trying to keep in mind that it is still 3 weeks early.

She had the hiccups when we were listening to her heart beat today, which is always funny to hear. Her heart beat was really strong today and fast - 156. My blood pressure was still low and my weight is still climbing!

We also talked about possible plans for induction if need be, but hopefully it won't come down to that! We go back next Wednesday afternoon - right before I gain another 5 pounds on Thanksgiving =)

36 Weeks & Sawyer's Room is DONE!

2011-11-13T20:10:00.001-06:00

We finally got the nursery done...with 4 weeks to spare! And not even a full 4 weeks - I can't even believe my due date is in 3 weeks and 4 days!!

Another great weekend in the books...this was a long one for me. I took the day off of work Friday to get some things done at the house - carpets cleaned, water softener fixed, washer fixed, touch up paint, cable fixed - fun things like that!

I also wanted to get some cooking done before Sawyer gets here since I am not thinking I will have as much time to cook. Barry and I bought a deep freezer last week so I needed to fill it! Our inside freezer isn't very big so between Barry's hunting, my cooking, and hopefully having some breast milk reserves - it is stuffed!

I spent about 7 hours in the kitchen on Friday and this was the result...

I made spaghetti sauce, a pot of beans, Gus's Casserole, Cheesy Chicken & Spinach, Cindy's Casserole, 5 Ingredient Low Carb Casserole, and "Sour Cream" Enchiladas. It was quite the productive day!

Saturday my mom came down to help me finish up Sawyer's room and get everything organized because it was a major disaster! We got everything washed, hung, folded and put away. She was the HUGEST help all weekend - THANKS MOM! We also ran some errands to get some odds and ends I still needed.

Another perk of being pregnant...close parking!

Barry and I totally forgot to take my pictures on Friday before he left town to go hunting so my mom took them for me before we went to dinner on Saturday. 36 Weeks & 2 days...

Sawyer is now the size of a watermelon...a fruit that makes sense! I am still feeling really good and sleeping fairly well, some nights better than others, but it's not so bad. I am pretty hungry most of the time, and still getting contractions quite often - usually at night. She moves around a lot in the evenings when I finally sit down...its crazy to see my stomach moving around so much!

We had an AWESOME dinner down town Saturday night with some family that was visiting town and some that already lives here. My dad's cousin Monica was in town working on a job and found this delicious seafood restaurant...I will definitely be going there again!

Today, my friend Laura Lynn invited my mom and I to go to the Nutcracker Holiday Market with her and our other friend Lindsey. It was a really LONG day, but the shopping was great and I can't wait to go back next year. We picked up some Christmas gifts and I got this super cute plaque made for Sawyer's room...

How perfect is that verse for her bird themed room?!? Speaking of her room...IT'S DONE! I still need to print some pictures to fill the frames, but other than that, it's ready to go.

View from the doorway

Someone snuck in this picture...what a creeper! The painting that my cousin is doing will go right above the crib.

We bought those pictures on our trip to Key West and Barry made the headboard...he's so handy!

So there it is...I am really happy with the way it turned out. We can't wait to bring Sawyer home...it's very surreal that we will be holding her in that chair in no time!

Doctor's Appointment #12

2011-11-10T13:41:00.000-06:00

We went back to the doctor this morning for our 36 week appointment. Cannot believe we are at 36 weeks!! I gained 2 more pounds - about 20 total now - blood pressure was good and Sawyer's heart beat was 139. That was the slowest we have ever heard it, but they said it was still good! Our doctor guessed, based on feeling my stomach, that she is about 6.5-7 pounds which is on the smaller size of average - and I am TOTALLY okay with that!! For my own selfish delivery reasons...

They gave us a history of all of the measurements/info from our prenatal appointments to take to the hospital with us. We are on the lookout for contractions that are 5 minutes apart before we head that way. My contractions are definitely coming more frequently and much more intense, but are no where near 5 minutes apart.

We start going every week now, and will hopefully have an ultrasound next week! 36 week update coming soon...which will hopefully include the final pictures of her nursery. My mom is coming this weekend to help me get everything organized and ready!

35 Weeks & Baby Shower #4 (Yes, 4!)

2011-11-06T18:56:00.001-06:00

The countdown is down to one hand! We are definitely ready for Sawyer to join us, but its very surreal that it could happen at any time now.

She is still the size of a super large cantaloupe, but I feel like she is quickly out growing her space...especially when she kicks me in the ribs or elbows me in the bladder! But, as long as she is growing I can't complain! I am going to complain about my swollen hands and feet though...it finally happened. =( So, my wedding ring is now hanging out in the safe for the next month or so. On the bright side, my eyes are back to cooperating and I don't have to wear my glasses anymore, which is GREAT!

Barry and I took our last trip out of town this weekend - we went to Dripping Springs Friday after work to stay the weekend at my parents' house and for a shower that my family was hosting for us Saturday evening. Here are my 35 week pictures after a 4 hour car ride that should have been 2.5 hours...I definitely look the part of an 8 month pregnant woman who just sat in the car for 4 hours!!

Not cute. Barry and my Dad headed out for the deer lease as soon as we got there since it was opening weekend of deer season. They came back in time for the shower, but went back as soon as it was over! My mom, grandma and I spent the day shopping in Wimberley on Saturday while my sisters, cousins and aunt got ready for our book themed shower.

The invitation requested that all the guests bring their favorite child hood book - we got so many great books to read to our little girl! My mom saved all of our books from when we were little so they were the decorations - it was so fun going through all the books we used to love - and even more fun when some of them ended up being presents for Sawyer!

The shower was awesome...I still can't get over the fact that we have had 4 amazing showers! It was a couples' shower with great food, family and college football! I somehow forgot to take a picture with all the hosts, but here are a few pics from the evening...

Everyone wrote a note to Sawyer on these book tags and put it in their book - so cute!

Cupcakes by Brittney & Cake Balls by Brie

Barry & me in front of the Sawyer banner that Becky made

Abigail & me

Barry & Brody

My grandma still had this book from when I was little - it was one of my favorites!

And, now we are home washing Sawyer's new wardrobe! We go back to the doctor on Thursday, then every week after that so I will update soon. Off to put my fat feet up........

Shepherd's Pie

2011-10-31T22:39:00.001-05:00

This is a food I never thought I would have liked, but I tried it last week and was not disappointed! The undergraduate nutrition program at U of H has a commercial food lab that they turn into a restaurant once a week. They feature a different dish each time. I went there for lunch last week with some of the nutrition professors and shepherd's pie was on the menu.

I decided that it couldn't be that hard to make, and I could even make it healthier. I looked at a few recipes and made a few changes and came up with dinner for tonight!

1 box instant mashed potatoes (you need about 4 cups)
1 pound lean ground beef
2 tablespoons corn starch
3/4 cup fat free, low sodium beef broth
2 tablespoons ketchup
12-16 oz bag of frozen mixed vegetables
paprika (optional)

Prepare mashed potatoes according to directions on box. I used light butter and skim milk to lessen the fat content. You could use real or left over mashed potatoes - but, I'm lazy and there are never left over mashed potatoes in my house.

Meanwhile, brown ground beef until no longer pink. I would have like to have added some onion here, but I didn't have any - just for some extra veggies.

Drain off any fat. Add corn starch and cook for about 1 minute longer. Add beef broth, ketchup and mixed vegetables.

Cook for about 5 or so minutes - until veggies begin to soften. I put them in straight out of the freezer, but thawed would work too. Pour meat mixture into a 9x13 casserole dish.

Spread mashed potatoes on top. Ideally they would cover the meat mixture, but I waited too long to spread the potatoes and they had slightly cooled so they didn't spread as well and it didn't look as pretty! Add a few dashes of paprika to the top for some extra color.

I made this last night and put it in the fridge over night so it needed to cook a little bit longer to warm - about 30 minutes at 350. If you are putting it straight in the over, 20 minutes should be good.

Looks just like it did before it went in...should be good for lunch tomorrow too!

And...I'll leave you with some cute Halloween pictures of our niece and nephews in their Halloween costumes! Can't wait to dress Sawyer up next year =)

Brody & Blake as little Reveilles

Cora the owl - clearly related to me going after that second box of Nerds!!

ENJOY!

34 Weeks

2011-10-30T19:04:00.000-05:00

I didn't really know what to call this post because so much went on this weekend! Finally a weekend that didn't fly by way too fast...it was so nice!

I went to Dripping Springs on Friday afternoon to go watch Brie's pep rally and be there for Senior Night at the football game.

I will miss watching her cheer, but I will not miss watching her be a flyer...it makes me soooo nervous!!

Since they made the playoffs they still have more to play, but after next weekend we won't be traveling anymore...so this was my last chance!! Becky took my pictures for me right before we left to go the game...

Sawyer is now apparently the size of a 19 inch cantaloupe - last week she was a pineapple (which actually made sense) - but now we are back the weird produce again! In other pregnancy news, now that it has cooled off I have worn my boots a couple of times and I cannot take them off by myself anymore! However, if I can't take my own boots off, I certainly can't paint my own toe nails so I HAVE to get pedicures...often...major perk!! I also can't seem to wear my contacts either - they say your eyes change when you are pregnant and it has finally happened to me...hopefully they will change back soon and I won't have to spend the next 4-5 weeks wearing my glasses because I am totally over it!

I seriously can't believe Brie is a senior...makes me feel REALLY old!!

All the Seniors

I came back home on Saturday. Barry spent the day fixing the fence and Lori's house and I worked around the house. We went out for dinner at a new restaurant by our house with intentions of going to a movie after, but went and walked around the mall and ordered a movie at home instead.

Today was Barry's birthday!! We celebrated with chocolate cake for breakfast, church, Mexican food for lunch, left overs for dinner and a whole lot of this in between...

We did manage to ~~barely~~ get in the Halloween spirit and carve a pumpkin!

We were going to carve Sawyer's initials into it, but decided that a "B" was a little bit too ambitious for our pumpkin carving abilities...so we went with the lopsided "S" instead! I roasted the seeds for delicious snack! Pumpkin seeds, spray butter, salt, garlic salt - roasted for 25 minutes at 350 degrees...YUM!

Happy Halloween and Happy Birthday to my super fabulous husband!!

Doctor's Appointment #11

2011-10-28T09:48:00.000-05:00

Who knew I could ever be so excited about going to the doctor?? We had another appointment yesterday, nothing new to report though. Just a normal check of weight, blood pressure and Sawyer's heart beat - 150 this time. I am up about 17-18 pounds...depending on which scale I use...and blood pressure is still in check, so all is well. We go back in two weeks, then every week after that.

Our doctor said that although they would like her to wait a few more weeks, we shouldn't be concerned if she were to come now - there wouldn't be any major risk at this point. How crazy that we could have a baby any time now?!? Let's hope she waits a little longer just to be sure...and so I can finish her room! =)

We have 2 more weekends of traveling, then I will get all the finishing touches done...and get our bags packed and ready to go!

I am headed to Austin for the night to be there for Brie's Senior Night at the high school football game...I remember everything about the day she was born and can't believe she is graduating this year! Hopefully the day Sawyer is born won't be quite as eventful as Brie's birthday...which happened on the day of a huge earthquake in California - where we lived at the time. Then I'm coming back home Saturday to celebrate Barry's birthday with him...he will probably be mad that I am putting that on here...but I think it's important!

Have a good weekend!

33 Weeks & Shower #3

2011-10-23T20:23:00.001-05:00

We are getting closer & closer...and I am getting bigger and bigger! Thankfully I am still feeling really good, just get pretty tired at night after carrying around this little girl all day, but I still feel really blessed to have had a fairly easy pregnancy thus far.

Barry was out of town Friday so we had to take my pictures Saturday when I got home from my friend Kristina's baby shower. 33 Weeks & 2 days:

It's been a while since Lori made an appearance, but she wasn't about to miss out on anything this week!

After the shower Saturday afternoon, Barry and I headed downtown to go the the U of H football game...7-0!! It's been pretty exciting around work lately. We only stayed for half the game though because we had dinner plans with this little one...

Cora very much enjoyed her sweet potatoes & pureed chicken...the rest of us ate some steaks Barry cooked on the grill. The Paweleks came down Saturday night so Becky and Cora could attend the baby shower that some of my Houston friends were hosting for us on Sunday.

When I first moved to Houston, I wasn't sure that I was ever going to make friends (ok, so maybe it was a dramatic thought, but its hard in a new city!). But, we have made some great friends over the past year and a half that I am very thankful for!

Sawyer (and Barry & I, for that matter) has been so spoiled by everyone's generosity. She is going to be one stylish little girl!

The shower today was hosted by my friends Laura Lynn and Emily and everything was so wonderful!!

Thank you friends!!

We are headed back to the doctor on Thursday so I will update then...hopefully with a final nursery update too, still have a few things to hang...I can't seem to make a decision about where to put things so I am procrastinating!

Off to wash all of Sawyers new things and watch the Rangers win (hopefully!).

32 Weeks

2011-10-16T17:39:00.003-05:00

10...9...8...she's coming quickly! I still can't believe how fast this is going by...when I look back, it feels like I have been pregnant forever, but then I remember I have less than 8 weeks left and I can't figure out where the time has gone!

And, I especially can't figure out where the heck you would find a 19 inch honeydew melon - that's how big my daughter (ha! I'm trying to get used to saying that...not there yet!) is this week. Here are my pics from Friday...32 weeks & 1 day:

Getting pretty big!! Friday night, after dinner with Barry's parents and a service at church we headed up to College Station to see Cora...and for the game.

Don't let the confused look on her face deceive you...she really does love me! We spent all day Saturday tailgating/eating and hanging out with my family. I didn't go to the game, I was pretty sure I wouldn't be able to comfortably sit there, so Barry and my cousin Adam went with my parents. I was perfectly happy sitting at the tailgate hanging out!

My dad had this sign made a few years ago, he has to get a new one every year because the list of all the graduates in the family keeps growing! Awesome photography...I know.

cutest little Aggie fans...to be added to the sign someday!

Aaron came by for a while and our friends Blake and Lindsey came by to say hi too! It was so good to see them...it had been FOREVER!

I love their matching outfits!

We came home Saturday night because I needed to get ready for the baby shower I was hosting with some other friends at my house today. My friends, Emily & Lindsey, and I threw a shower for our friend Laura Lynn who is pregnant with twins! Yup...same dress, different day...when I find something that fits, I stick with it!

Emily, me, Laura Lynn, Lindsey

We are all in the same home team for church and I have really enjoyed getting to know these girls! Kristina, who is also in our group is pregnant too...it's baby central!!

Laura Lynn is 27 weeks pregnant with "the boys," Lleyton & Beckham, and Kristina is 25 weeks pregnant with little Caroline! I can't wait to watch all of our kids grow up together!

It's been a fun weekend, but I am ready for some quality time with my couch! We didn't get around to making the headboard this weekend, so I didn't take any pictures of Sawyer's room yet...we'll get it done eventually!

Doctor's Appointment #10

2011-10-13T12:49:00.001-05:00

It was a quick one today! But, everything went well. Gained 2 more pounds, good blood pressure and Sawyer's heart beat was 147. I was still measuring on the small side, but my doctor said that is probably just the way it's going to be since she looked good on the ultrasound last time. He said I probably have about 6 weeks left...what?!?! That's so soon. Barry had a meeting down town today so wasn't able to go with me, but, when I told him that, he said we should pack our bags tonight! Other than that, nothing else to report. Back in 2 weeks.

Still planning to post an update on the nursery, but I haven't taken any pictures yet. We are making a headboard in the next couple of days so I am waiting on that. Buuuut...we did get our glider in!


He needed a break after moving it in by himself...its heavier than it looks!!

Looking forward to the weekend...we get to hang out with this little munchkin on Saturday...

And I am having a baby shower at my house for a friend on Sunday...should be a fun one!!

Skillet Lasagna

2011-10-12T16:20:00.001-05:00

I made this for dinner sometime last week, clearly into skillet meals lately (I hate doing the dishes), and was pretty surprised that it actually tasted like lasagna! I was a little leery because it called for cottage cheese instead of ricotta...and I am not a fan of cottage cheese - AT ALL! Although I wish I was, its super high in protein and low in carbs, but I just can't make myself do it.

1 cup Regular (whole milk) Ricotta Cheese - what you normally use to make lasagna:

428 calories, 32 grams of fat, 7 grams carbohydrate, 28 grams protein

1 cup Low Fat (2%) Cottage Cheese

180 calories, 5 grams fat, 8 grams carbohydrate, 28 grams protein

Just a warning, I made this in my big pot instead of a skillet like the recipe said...it never would have fit in a skillet, so don't try it! Other things I changed: extra lean ground beef instead of lean, low sodium canned ingredients, extra veggies.

1 pound extra lean ground beef

1/2 large onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 can low sodium diced tomatoes, undrained

1 1/4 cup water

8 oz low sodium tomato sauce

1 tbsp parsley

1 tsp basil

1 tsp salt

2 1/2 cups whole wheat noodles broken into pieces (recipe called for whole wheat lasagna noodles, but I couldn't find them - I used a mixture of what I had in the pantry)

1 cup low fat cottage cheese

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

1 egg

Low fat mozzarella cheese for topping

Brown ground beef in large pot with onion and garlic until no longer pink. Drain.

Add tomatoes, water, tomato sauce, parsley, basil & salt.

Stir in uncooked pasta. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until pasta is cooked - about 20 minutes. You may need to add in some extra water at this point to make sure the noodles are actually boiling in liquid. I think I added an extra cup or so. I also added 1-2 cups of steamed zucchini and squash that I had left over from the night before when the pasta was done cooking - totally optional!

Meanwhile, combine cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg and pepper to taste in small mixing bowl.

The recipe then said to drop the cheese mixture by spoonfuls on top of the pasta, cover and cook for 5 more minutes, sprinkle mozzarella on top, then serve. But this is how that looked after 5 minutes of cooking...

Gross. And, with mozzarella sprinkled on top...

Still gross. So, I stirred it all together and it made a creamy tomato sauce.

Much better! This recipe made a ton...after feeding both of us for dinner and putting away some for lunches the next day I still had enough to freeze...which we will be having for dinner again next week!

ENJOY!

31 Weeks & Baby Shower #2

2011-10-09T22:12:00.001-05:00

The countdown is now in single digits!! As of last Thursday...we have 9 weeks left to go! Barry and I spent the weekend in Yoakum this weekend. We had originally planned to just go in for Sunday for a baby shower that was being thrown for us, but when we looked at our calendars, we are running out of weekends to go visit his family. So, we decided to spend the whole weekend there - and it was great! I'm pretty sure I gained about 10 pounds from eating so much and doing so little! Here I am at 31 weeks 1 day.

Sawyer is the size of an 18 inch head of lettuce (does that even exist?!?) for the second week in a row. It feels like she is running out of room in my belly - I don't feel her kicking as much, more so just moving - if that makes any sense. I don't think she has room for much kicking anymore. I am starting to get pretty uncomfortable, especially sleeping - but that's pretty much my only complaint so I consider myself blessed! Well, that and I get out of breath doing anything - stairs, talking, walking...everything.

After a very lazy Saturday watching football ALL day, we had a very exciting Sunday! Barry's two sisters, Tammy & Cara, and two of our good friends, Kristi & Kirstyn, hosted a shower for us at Barry's parents house.

I cannot get over the generosity of everyone. So many people came and we got so many wonderful and thoughtful gifts. I wish I could take picture of every single thing - a necklace with Sawyer's birth stone, super cute clothes, a carseat, jogging stroller, nursery decor, bath stuff, a monitor, just to name a few. After showing everything to Barry tonight, he thinks we need a new house!

A few more pics from the shower...

Barry's mom made this SUPER cute & delicious cake

Wita, Mom, Cindy & Me

Barry's cousin Liz won the "guess my belly size" game - she is due the day after me with a little boy!

Born To Be An Aggie Christmas ornament

With Sawyer's Grandmas

2 of her Great Grandmas

Sawyer's Aunt Cara & Aunt Tammy

Abigail!

All the Yoakum girls

Super cute diaper wreath Kirstyn and Kristi made!

Such a fun afternoon! Barry spent the afternoon hanging out with these two monkeys...

Unfortunately, this was the only picture I got of them...they move too much!

We go back to the doctor on Thursday this week. And, I have actually made some progress in the nursery this week so I will post an update later this week. With a recipe thrown in sometime too...hopefully!

Mexican Skillet

2011-10-04T20:43:00.001-05:00

In honor of National Taco Day, we had this Mexican skillet meal for dinner. But...maybe it was just a coincidence. Barry said it wasn't really a taco since there was no tortilla - I guess it was more of a burrito bowl. A burrito bowl full of veggies and fiber!

I found this recipe on Pinterest (which you should all join if you haven't!). It was originally a vegetarian dish, but I added some lean ground beef for some added protein and iron. And, and also added some extra vegetables and changed the white rice to brown. It just called for a zucchini and 1/2 cup of green bell pepper; by adding a squash, onion and extra bell pepper the nutrient content goes way up - the more colors the better!

You will need:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium sized green bell pepper, diced
1/2 large onion, diced
1 yellow squash, quartered lengthwise
1 zucchini, quartered lengthwise
1 pound lean ground beef, browned

1 can no sodium black beans, drained
1 can fire roasted diced tomatoes with garlic, undrained
3/4 cup water
1 cup instant brown rice (I like Minute brand myself)
1/2 cup low fat shredded Mexican blend cheese

Start by browning ground beef until no longer pink.

Barry's contribution to dinner!

Meanwhile, sauté bell pepper, onion, squash & zucchini in olive oil for about 5-8 minutes - until softened.

Once softened, add beans, tomatoes and water.

Stir and bring to a boil. Add rice to skillet, cover and remove from heat.

Let stand for 7-10 minutes, until all liquid is absorbed.

Stir in ground beef.

Top with shredded cheese.

ENJOY!

30 Weeks & My First Shower

2011-10-02T19:52:00.001-05:00

30 Weeks! Holy moly...I can count the weeks left on both hands. I took my pictures at work on Friday, Barry left for work earlier than I cared to be picture ready by so my friend Sasha stepped in as photographer! Again with the wind...

After work on Friday, I flew up to Dallas for my first baby shower. My grandma picked me up and we did some shopping at Northpark...best mall ever. We ordered dinner in and watched a movie on the couch, so nice!

Saturday we slept in and watched part of the Aggie game before getting ready for the shower. My mom bought Sawyer this cute little Aggie outfit a while back and it was supposed to be her bowl game watching outfit, but after the last two weeks.........

I need to get her a bowl watching outfit for the Cougars!

My mom drove in Saturday morning. She drove all the way from Austin for the day - so nice! I know it was a long day for her, but she had to go back because her and my dad left early this morning for a trip to San Francisco and Napa for their 30th anniversary, and my dad has lots of surprises planned! So, I don't feel that bad for her... =)

The shower was Saturday afternoon at my friend Kim's house. It was hosted by all of my high school girlfriends. Hard to believe we have been friends for almost 15 years! I don't get to see everyone as often as I would like since we live far, but I always have a great time with everyone when we do get together. I would love for any of them to come down and visit anytime...HINT HINT friends!!!

This is of us, and some other friends, 10 years ago...

And, this is us Saturday...

My friend Regan came too, I met her the very first night I lived in College Station and we ended up living together for a couple years through out college and grad school. A lot of the girls mom's were there too which was fun, we pretty much all lived at each others houses in high school and were all close with everyones families. I am so thankful for all of these friendships!

The shower was so nice, everyone was ridiculously generous, but it is very much appreciated! Babies need so much stuff!!! Just a few pics from the shower...

Awesome diaper cake Jill's mom, Jan, made

Sawyer's play mat

Michelle, Jill, Kim

Regan, Hilary & Callie

The Mom's & Mimi

Mary Anne, Sherry & Brynn

love this one!

Mom, Me & Mimi

Ok, more than a few...its been a great weekend! I have to get back to being a bum on the couch now...I haven't moved much all day...but its been pretty relaxing. Headed back to Houston early in the morning for a long day at work, have a good night!

Dear Sawyer...

2011-09-30T17:45:00.002-05:00

I am writing this post while I am flying to Dallas for my first baby shower! I am really excited for the shower, but also to see all my Dallas friends. I haven’t been up there since March - its been waaaaay too long! I decided to write this now because I HATE flying so this is a great distraction...this and Sawyer nailing me in the ribs.

When I got on the plane and the anxiety set in, the first thing I thought was - I hope Sawyer doesn’t inherit this fear from me...because it stinks! So I started thinking about all the things I hope for her. I hope she gets my brains and sense of humor...obviously! But, in all seriousness...

I hope she gets her dad’s extreme attention to detail...something I seriously lack most of the time, that and patience - which I also hope she gets from Barry. I think she would be better off without my stubborn need to always be right no matter what.

I hope she likes to sleep like I do - quite unlike her daddy! And, I hope she is a good eater - open-minded as my mom always used to tell me to be, because I usually wasn’t. I hope she loves to learn new things like I do, and knows how to do everything like her dad does. He has more hobbies and random knowledge of how things work...I’m still finding out about some things! I hope she plays an instrument like him.

I hope she is creative like her Aunt Becky, passionate about her beliefs like her Aunt Brie, a book worm like her Aunt Tammy and cares for others like her Aunt Cara. I pray every day that she has amazing relationships with her grandmothers well into her adult life, one of the things in my life I am most thankful for. I’ve always wanted so badly for my kids to have their grandfathers in their lives - Barry and I both lost both of our grandfathers too soon - so I am excited she will be have them both. And four great-grandmothers - I hope they spoil her rotten (I only say that because I know they will!) =)

I hope she loves to go hunting and fishing with her dad and go shopping do girly things with me. I hope she has enough self control to walk in and out of Target without buying something every time - unlike her mother! I hope she is strong in her faith and confident in herself.

I hope she is best friends with her cousins and loves her siblings, no matter how crazy they might make her! I hope she has lots of girlfriends to have slumber parties with and stay up all night giggling. And some day, far far away, I hope she meets a boy that is a gentleman just like her daddy.

Most of all, I hope she is happy that God chose us to be her parents. We feel so blessed that He chose her for us.

Doctor's Appointments #8 & #9

2011-09-29T20:04:00.000-05:00

Yup, we went to the doctor twice today. We had our regular appointment this morning, and things went fairly well. I gained 2 pounds, up 14 now, blood pressure was good and Sawyer's heart beat was really strong - 146. Then our doctor went to measure my stomach...I only measured 27 weeks. So he ordered an ultrasound so we could just double check that baby girl is growing properly and everything looks ok. But, they couldn't see us until 4:45 this afternoon so we had to wait alllllllllll day at work...it went by so slow!

When we went back this afternoon for the ultrasound everything looked great! Apparently the way she was positioned this morning when he measured just made me seem smaller...no big deal. And, we got to see our little girl one extra time. She was curled up in a ball yawning at us =) She weights 3 pounds 2 ounces and is measuring right on track. We have yet to get a really good ultrasound pic, but better than nothing I guess! Back in two weeks...

29 Weeks

2011-09-25T18:31:00.001-05:00

Another week done! This week flew by especially fast because Barry was out of town all week so I was working late and finding other things to do to pass the time.

He was down in Argentina practicing his scare tactics for Sawyer's future boyfriends!

Or dove hunting. But, needless to say, I am happy to have him home!

We didn't take my pictures until Saturday morning when he got home. This is my "it's Saturday morning and I don't feel like putting make-up on or doing my hair" look.

Not too much to update on Sawyer this week. She has grown to the size of a butternut squash now; sometimes I feel like she is bigger than I have room for!

We spent Saturday watching football and doing some things around the house. And, I finally bought some maternity jeans that aren't too long on me so I don't have to cuff my jeans every time I want to wear them!

After church this morning, we went over to the hospital where Sawyer will be born and took a tour of the maternity floor and pre-registered. We are getting closer to being ready for her to be here! If only I could say the same about her nursery...maybe this week I will get back to that...

We are going to spend the rest of the night cleaning off the DVR. Barry missed an entire week of TV so we have a lot to catch up on!

Our next doctor's appointment is Thursday so I will update again then, if not before.

28 Weeks...and ANOTHER wedding

2011-09-18T16:21:00.002-05:00

My doctor confirmed last week that 28 weeks is actually the official start of the third trimester...so my app was wrong. But, it did tell me this week that Sawyer is as long as a 17 inch head of cabbage, weighs around 3 pounds, is starting to develop some more body fat now and is moving like crazy...which is no lie! She is constantly moving, kicking and punching and who knows what else, but its always reassuring to feel her...even if that means feeling her pushed up against my ribs so I can't get comfortable...I'll take it!

Speaking of uncomfortable...its has begun. Sleeping is not quite as easy, nor is sitting for too long, but if that's my only complaint, I consider myself pretty lucky. I have started having a few contractions, they don't really hurt, but its a strange feeling!

Here I am at 28 weeks...we were in Tomball for the weekend and the hotel parking lot was as scenic as we could get!

We went to Tomball for our friends Matt & Hollie's wedding. Matt (far left) was one of Barry's groomsmen in our wedding...

They worked together for a couple years when Barry used to work down on the ranch and have been great friends ever since. Matt ended up moving to Houston about the same time we did so now we see him a little more often. Matt and Hollie were married on Saturday at a super cute venue in Magnolia, we had a great time being able to celebrate with them!

Barry and me at the reception

Matt & Barry

Hollie & I

Yup...same dress, different wedding. My wardrobe is slim pickings these days!

Have a good Sunday evening!

Doctor's Appointment #7

2011-09-15T21:48:00.002-05:00

I'm starting to lose count now that we are going so often! We had a REALLY long appointment today...2 1/2 hours to be exact...not because we were doing anything, but because we were sitting in the waiting room. The doctor had a delivery this morning so he was running pretty far behind. But, our time will come, at some point we will me making someone else wait so I guess it's only fair!

Everything went well today though. Sawyer's heart beat was 148, and we heard her hiccuping through the doppler so that was pretty funny! And cute =) My belly measured right on target for 28 weeks. I gained 1 more pound and my blood pressure was good.

The only thing different that we did today was a shot. I had to get a Rhogam shot because I have a negative blood type. Mostly it's to protect my next baby, I haven't even had the first and we are already preparing for the second! But it was no big deal. If Sawyer has a positive blood type, which is a possibility if Barry is positive, but we don't know that, then I will have to get another one after she is born.

We go back again in 2 weeks, for hopefully a much shorter appointment. 28 week update coming soon! Have a good weekend.

Chicken, Broccoli & Rice Casserole...for Becky

2011-09-14T20:33:00.000-05:00

Becky found this recipe online and asked if I would make it healthier because it was one of her favorites. I have been looking for some new recipes to try, so I was up for the challenge!

The original recipe called for 8 oz of Velveeta cheese, which I just can't do, white rice, margarine
and regular cream soups. It also called for 2 cups of chicken broth (sodium city!); I bought low sodium/fat free broth, but accidentally forgot to add it - and I think it turned out well. I'll try it next time, but this time I saved some sodium...which is good for someone who is trying not to have swollen hands and feet!

So here is what you need:

1 pound cooked shredded chicken
1 3/4 cups uncooked brown rice (I used Minute rice)
2 10 oz packages of frozen chopped broccoli
1/2 large onion, chopped
1 medium sized green bell pepper, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cups low fat cheddar cheese (instead of Velveeta)
1 can Healthy Request cream of chicken soup
1 can Healthy Request cream of mushroom soup

It also called for 1 cup of chopped celery and a 3 oz can of mushrooms, but I don't like celery and Barry doesn't like fungus in his food, so I left those two things out.

Boil & shred chicken. Cook rice and broccoli according to package directions. Saute onion and bell pepper in olive oil until tender, about 8-10 minutes or so.

Add soups to sauteed vegetables.

Add cheese to pot.

Stir in cooked, shredded chicken.

Drain and add broccoli.

And finally, stir in rice.

This recipe was intended to be a make and freeze casserole, but we ate it right then. If you do want to make ahead and freeze it, just bake at 350 for about 30 minutes.

Off to watch the new season of Survivor, does anyone else still watch that??? My mom thinks Barry and I are the only ones in the world that watch it!

ENJOY!

27 Weeks

2011-09-11T18:21:00.001-05:00

I am officially in my 3rd trimester. And, Sawyer is officially the size of a head of cauliflower. All according to my app, so I don't know how official any of that really is! The last two weeks have not been the easiest part of my pregnancy. My back started bothering me a lot a, so I got one of those pregnancy body pillows and started doing some prenatal yoga...seems to be doing the trick. The this past week I have not been feeling well at all and had to go to the doctor, but silver lining - I got to hear Sawyer's heart beat an extra time and she is doing good!

Here I am at 27 Weeks...

We had a pretty uneventful weekend, spent Friday night at home doing some work in the nursery, I'll post more pics soon...still have a few more things to do. Saturday I spent most of the day on the couch, Barry went to New Braunfels to celebrate our friends Aaron, who was Barry's best man, & Kristi getting engaged! They caught the bouquet & garter at our wedding...it may or may not have been planned that way...but we are so excited for them!

Today we went to church, lunch with some friends and then I got a new computer! I feel like my blogging will happen more often now that I have my own computer to use, maybe...

Off to enjoy a spaghetti dinner and a Cowboys win!

26 Weeks...football & spicy pretzels!

2011-09-05T21:39:00.001-05:00

I'm sure I have said this before, but football season is by far my favoritetime of year! I love the game, I love the tailgating, I love how often I get tosee my family, and I love the food! It also doesn't hurt that my birthday,Barry's birthday and now Sawyer's birthday are during football season too =)

Speaking of Sawyer, I am now past 26 weeks and she is now the length of acucumber. I don't know about you, but I have never seen a 15 inch cucumber, butthats what my app says! She is moving ALL the time, especially early in themorning and in the evenings. Barry wakes up at 5 every morning for some reason,which is also when Sawyer has been waking up, so he gets to feel her movingaround every morning...doesn't wake me up though! So much for her sleepingin...that was too good to be true!

Here I am at 26 weeks...Lori wanted to sit by me, but was not interested inlooking at the camera at all!

Quite a brat. Huge difference from when I was wearing this same shirt, different color, in my 6 week pictures!

After some shopping on Friday and a night at home we kickedoff our football filled weekend on Saturday. We headed downtown, went to lunchand walked around some stores before heading to the UH vs UCLA game. This wasthe first non-Aggie game Barry and I had ever been too, but we had a good timeand the game was great...we won!! It was too windy to take any pics (lameexcuse) and Barry said his clothes were too wrinkled (lamer excuse), so thiswas all I got...

After that game, we came home, showered, packed and headed to CollegeStation. We tailgated in the CRAZY wind all day Sunday (no pics again) and ateWAAAAAY too much. Barry ended up going to the game with my Dad, Michael andBrie, I hung out with my mom and a few other family members at the tailgateduring the game. Sitting in a comfy chair with my feet up...yes please! Theytexted me quite a few pictures of the Barry & Brie photo shoot that went onduring the game, but will spare Brie the embarrassment this week!

I think they had a good time...at least my Dad said he did because no one botheredhim the whole game since the boys were busy driving Brie crazy!

One last thing...here is the recipe for the snack I took to the tailgatethis week. I made it when we went to the beach over the summer and it was a hitthen, and again this weekend. I got this recipe from Barry's mom so I can takeno credit for the spicy pretzels!

1 large bag of pretzels
3/4 cup oil (I use canola...healthier thanvegetable)
1 package dry Ranch dressing mix
3/4 tsp cayenne pepper
2 tsp garlic powder

Whisk oil and seasonings together, pour overpretzels and coat well. (I dump the pretzels into a large tupperware, pour theoil mixture on top, cover the container and tumble until all the pretzels arecoated.)

Spread the pretzels onto a baking sheet and bakeat 200 degrees for 2 hours stirring every 30 minutes or so.
ENJOY!

Doctor's Appointment #6

2011-09-01T22:15:00.000-05:00

Look who is excited to meet their new cousin!

And equally as excited about the new addition...

Ok, so maybe it was the popcorn Barry was eating that she was wanting?? I don't know.

We had another pretty uneventful (the way I like it!) appointment today. I had to do my gestational diabetes test, which definitely wasn't the highlight of my day, but it wasn't so bad...I guess. I'm glad its over! But other than that nothing new. I have gained 11 pounds, blood pressure was good and Sawyer's heart beat was 149. Now we have to start going to the doctor every two weeks...it's getting close!!

We received Sawyer's bedding in the mail last week and wanted to get her bed ready so went ahead and started her laundry so we could wash the bedding too. Barry couldn't get over how tiny everything is...especially her little socks that barely fit over his thumb!

So, now her bed is ready and she has tons of clothes waiting on her!

I did get a new recipe together this week, but haven't had a chance to post yet...maybe tomorrow. So glad it's Friday! We are looking forward to a football filled weekend! 27 week update to come soon...

25 Weeks + another Wedding!

2011-08-28T22:58:00.001-05:00

Another week gone by...this one went by especially fast because we had a long weekend. My cousin, Eric got married this past weekend and Brie cheered at the first football game of her senior year (tear!) Thursday night so we made the rounds and got to see everyone! Thursday was a REALLY long day so my eyes were pretty much closed at this point...

Friday, I took my grandma to see my mom's new school and then we headed to San Antonio to get ready for the rehearsal dinner. I took my 25 week pics at my aunt Cindy's house in her fabulous backyard...

She is still about the size of an eggplant this week, but is starting to get some body fat now...her and I both!! I am starting to get really tired again, and sleeping isn't quite as easy as it used to be but I am managing...staying busy helps.

Some pics from the rehearsal and the dinner we had a Maggianos...I can't figure out how to arrange them any other way but one after another, so its gonna be a long one!

Abigal and Cindy - Mother of the Groom

Britt & her Dad

Bride & Groom!

Wita & Eric

Abigail & Wita

Barry & I

Cora, always the life of the party

This is my favorite picture of the night, Wita & Richard with all the grandkids...all my first cousins. This was the first time in a while we had all been together so we had a great time at the "kids' table."

Saturday morning started off with a Bridal Luncheon...

Us with the Bride

She stayed awake for this party! =)

Brooke, Holly & Brie

Getting ready & Pre-wedding...

Holly & Mom

Brooke, Brie & Lisa

Hair before...

AMAZING hair after!

Britt & I

House party

Flower Girl

The Paweleks

And...the reception...

Mom & Mimi

Mr & Mrs Udell!

The other Udell family

Cake table...they were DELISH!

Eric, Barry & Forrest

Tia Sylvia & Tio Bullie...Saturday was their 51st anniversary!!!

Adam, Eric, Barry & Michael

Udell girls...Abigail was quite the party animal!

Brie, Cindy, Holly & Brooke

Adam & Holly

Macarena!

Eric & all his girl cousins!

Love this one!

Mom & I

doing the cupid shuffle...Becky embarrassing Holly!

Dad & I

Bad picture of their last dance

And the after party...(sorry, Brie...your brother-in-law made me do it!)

What a great weekend! I am so thankful for my wonderful, huge family and that we are all so close and have such a fun time together...looking forward to the next time!

Sawyer update to come later this week, we have another doctor's appointment on Thursday...and hopefully at least a recipe or two this week!

24 Weeks & Nursery Update!

2011-08-21T19:40:00.003-05:00

Time is flying! 24 weeks have gone by already...

We had big plans to go out on a date Friday night since it was almost the end of preseason camps, and we are able to eat dinners together again...but pizza on the couch sounded like a much better plan at the end of a 12 hour day! I may or may not have been asleep on the couch before taking these.............

Barry went to a conference last week and picked up all sorts of goodies - TONS of pens for me, a beach toy for Sawyer, and Lori even got a new toy...which she wanted to show off in the pics and did not put down all night.

Sawyer the eggplant is growing quickly! I am hoping working normal hours now that preseason is over will help with my super tiredness, but I'm not holding my breath.

Barry's parents and sister, Tammy, came to visit us Saturday and Sawyer now has a mattress for her bed =) Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa! We had a really nice, quick visit with them...did some nursery shopping and went to a nice dinner Saturday night, church and lunch Sunday morning. Sawyer was going CRAZY during church this morning...not sure if that is good or bad?? Was she excited to be there, or will she be the kid screaming during service??? I'm hoping for option A.

I feel like we have finally made some progress for the nursery. I ordered some fabric swatches that I am going to have the bedding and curtains made out of.

Bedskirt from the one on top, sheet and part of the curtains with the one on the bottom. I ordered this rocking chair and ottoman...

But, it will be in this blue color to match the fabric...

I also picked up some random things here and there for her room...

I am going to use that planter to display a few books in...not flowers. And, I am doing bird accents...hence the bird cage and bird frame. My super talented cousin Brooke is going to paint a canvas or two for the walls with birds...I can't wait to see what she comes up with!

Lori has moved on from her confusion about what is going on in our house and is now just bored with us.

She has such a rough life. Off to watch the Cowboys...football is BACK! My favorite time of year =)

Gus's Casserole

2011-08-16T19:23:00.001-05:00

This is one of my mom's recipes that she got from my grandma (maybe?) so I have zero part in making this original besides my usual substitutions (lean meat, low sodium ingredients). But, it is something that we like to eat and every time I want to make it I have to call my mom for the recipe because I always forget...so I am writing it down! Why I can't remember this super easy recipe, I don't know...I'll blame it on being pregnant =)

I am not sure where the name came from, but that's what my mom calls it. I guess it's a fav of my dad's, or maybe it was my grandfather?

I also didn't take pictures of the whole process because I made it late one night last week and I was too tired! And, Barry had done the noodles for me and there really isn't much else to it!

So...grab the following...

1 bag of egg noodles (I only had about 3/4 of a bag which worked just fine)

1 pound of lean ground beef (90/10 at least)

1 can Healthy Request Cream of Mushroom Soup

1 cup low fat sour cream (Greek Yogurt would work too)

1 can low sodium/no salt added corn

1 small jar of pimientos (I can't remember how big, they are mostly just for color anyways)

Preheat the oven to 350. Boil the noodles. Brown and drain the ground beef. Combine all the ingredients together in a casserole dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Done.

I topped mine with some Panko break crumbs just for kicks, but not necessary!

As much as I am enjoying the marching band practicing outside my office (yes, my office is inside), I think that's my cue to go out to practice!

ENJOY!

23 Weeks

2011-08-13T10:41:00.001-05:00

This week has flown by!! 14 hour work days will do that to you I guess! As exhausting as it is, its been a really fun week...I have never been more thankful for my job. I am feeling pretty good, just tired...to be expected. But the constant eating all day is keeping me going for sure! People have started to ask if I am pregnant and when I am due and all that...which I am actually pretty excited about because maybe that means I am looking more than just a little chubby now. I think some of the athletes are relieved to know that their dietitian isn't just packing on the pounds for no reason =) I am almost to the 10 pound mark...moving up quickly with all these ~~food~~ desserts around (I sort of feel like its my job to sample everything...maybe?)...but trying to keep the weight gain as slow as possible so I am getting my veggies and cardio in every day. And speaking of veggies, Sawyer is the size of an ear of corn this week...whatever that means. She is about 8.5 inches long, gaining about 6 oz a week and kicking me ALL the time!

I had my intern take my pictures at work today (she probably thinks I am a total weirdo!) because Barry left before I got up yesterday to go out of town, so they are one day late. I am also very thankful for interns so I could get an extra hour or two of sleep!

That is my shirt wrinkled...not my belly button sticking out =)

Off to the stadium...we have our first scrimmage today. This will be my first non-Aggie "game" and I'm pretty excited about it! Then a bachelorette party tonight and off to a team retreat with volleyball tomorrow (the location is still a secret to the team, but I know where we are going and I am EXCITED!)...oh August...

I hope to get back to cooking again soon, one more week of preseason camps left. I did manage to make Barry dinner one night this week so I will post that recipe when I get back in town Tuesday, hopefully!

22 Weeks

2011-08-06T13:17:00.001-05:00

22 down, 18 to go! I am blogging from work this weekend...football and soccer started a couple days ago so it's lots of long days for me over the next few weeks...but so far so good...I am loving my job! As is Sawyer, with 2 teams up here eating 3-4 times a day each, there is plenty of food to go around. We will be adding volleyball on Monday so there will be even more to choose from! I expect our papaya sized baby will be growing a lot in August! Her weight is supposed to double over the next four weeks according to my phone app...just doing my part to help her out...

Here are my 22 week pictures...and of course "Nosy Nancy" had to be included:

That smudge on my camera really accentuates my belly!

That's all for now...back to work! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Doctor's Appointment #5

2011-08-04T18:13:00.002-05:00

We had another doctor's appointment this morning and all went well! We got to hear Sawyer's heart beat, 146, which is the slowest we have heard it, but it was before her 10 am wake up call! Our doctor confirmed that everything looked good from the anatomy scan we had a couple weeks ago and said that Sawyer was a little bit smaller than average, but that was probably in my favor! Nothing to be concerned about. I still don't like the scale at the doctor's office, but weight and blood pressure were all good. We go back in 1 month for our next appointment and to do the diabetes test...yuck.

In other news, Cora has started accessorizing on her own...

Lori is confused about a baby being in our bed...

AND....

Sawyer has a bed!

And a dresser!

All of which Lori is even more confused about...

22 week update to come soon! Have a great weekend...I will be working all weekend and couldn't be more excited about it...Cougar Football has begun!! And volleyball and soccer too =)

21 Weeks!

2011-07-31T21:05:00.000-05:00

We're on the downhill slide now...and getting ready for Sawyer in full swing. We Barry and my Dad spent the weekend doing projects around the house...new cabinets, ceiling fans, light fixtures...fun things like that! My Mom and I spent the weekend shopping for her...equally as important! We scoped out baby furniture, bought a few things for her room and our baby girl is aquiring quite the wardrobe of comfy PJs from her grandma and a camo dress and bloomers from her grandpa!

We are so thankful to my parents for helping us so much this weekend, and treating us to some great meals too! Here are my 21 week pictures from Friday...

I am finally starting to feel like I look pregnant, instead of just chubby! Sawyer is the size of a spaghetti squash this week and weighs about a pound. I feel her moving ALL the time, which is really fun! Although, I usually don't feel her until about 9-10 in the morning, I'm hoping she continues that late sleeping habit...like mother, like daughter...I hope...

Off to enjoy this evening watching a movie with my hubs! We go back to the doctor on Thursday so I will update again then...have a good week!!

20 Weeks & Our "Babymoon"

2011-07-25T20:02:00.002-05:00

Half way done...hard to believe it! Shortly after we found out we were having a baby, Barry and I decided that we wanted to take one last trip...just the two of us. We realize we will be able to travel once we have kids, but it will just be different. We wanted somewhere tropical and since my passport is expired and there wasn't enough time to get a new one, we decided on Key West...and it didn't dissapoint!

We were totally surprised by the crazy nightlife that goes on there, we had no idea!! It was wild...apparently...we didn't do anything too crazy, 3 days of relaxing was plenty excitement for us! Since we didn't receive one of our suitcases whenever we first got there, the one that had all of Barry's swimsuits, we were kind of limited on our first day there, Friday. Can't have much of a beach vacation without a swimsuit! So we decided to spend the day exploring the island and doing some shopping. Here are my pics from Friday...20 weeks!!!!!

Now get ready for the Tara & Barry show...full of akward self portraits and pictures of each of us by ourselves! While we were out shopping, we looked everywhere to find a keychain or license plate or something with Sawyer's name on it...we wanted a unique name and mission accomplished! All we found was this building...which is way better than a cheesy key chain anyways!

Us, walking around...there was this beautiful private island with some awesome houses in the background.

Barry hanging out with the creepy card playing statues at our hotel...

The suitcase finally arrived when we got back that afternoon so we were able to get ready for dinner that night, we found a great Italian restaurant right by our hotel.

The extent of our night life was going to a movie that night! Saturday started out like this...

Followed by a couples' massage on the beach...amazing!! The hotel had these super elaborate sand castles that had been there for 3 months with barely any damage to them...pretty cool.

And the rest of the day was spend doing this...

Here...

Until we got ready for dinner that night. We took the recommendations from some of the waitresses we talked to that day and headed to Commodores for a nice seafood dinner on the harbor.

And dessert was of course Key Lime Pie...when in Rome...

We walked back to our hotel that night and relaxed on the beach. Sunday was....interesting. We had booked an offshore fishing trip which we were both very excited about doing...I even bought a new cute fishing shirt for the excursion =)

And that is the last picture you will see of me because I spend the entire 4 hour trip with my head hanging over the side of the boat getting rid of my breakfast. It was a long 4 hours for me! I have never been one to get motion sickness at all, but pregnancy does weird things to you!

Right before we left...

Barry's big catch of the day...

So that was that. I instantly felt better when we got off the boat so we grabbed lunch and walked back to our hotel stopping in some stores on the way to find a souvenier...we ended up with some cool paintings that we are going to hang in Sawyer's room!

We decided to pick up some sandwiches and have a picnic at the pool Sunday night, which was so relaxing and we spend the rest of the night laying on the private beach our hotel had talking about our baby girl!

It was a great trip...We have already started talking about where the three of us can go next summer! This is quickly turning into my virtual scrapbook, which was not my intention when I started this blog, but turns out I am way better at keeping up with this. Plus, I like this a lot more than actually scrapbooking...so thanks for reading all my rambling!

Have a great week!

It's A...........

2011-07-22T11:36:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was the big day! We were able to find out the gender of our baby! We decided that we wanted to do something fun to tell our parents but were stumped because we left for our vacation yesterday so we wouldn't be able to see our families...or keep the secret until we came back so we cooked up a plan!

We started telling everyone that we were going to have the doctor's office write down boy or girl and seal it in an envelope and we were going to wait to open it until we got on the plane, which we originally planned to do, but changed our minds. So we decided to let everyone else think that was our plan anyways. We called the florist and cookie cake delivery store and placed an order. We explained to them that we were going to reveal the gender to our parents with their deliveries so we would be calling Thursday morning with the color to send over to them. We ordered flowers for my mom and Barry's parents and a cookie cake for my dad.

After a restless Wednesday night, it was finally time for our appointment. They took tons of measurements and looked closely at the organs and spine and FINALLY told us the gender. The lady asked what I thought it was, and I said I thought it was boy, but I didn't see anything there! She had just captured an image that would tell us boy or girl...and she said I was right...nothing! A GIRL! But most importantly a healthy girl! There were no concerns from the doctor as far as the baby or me...no indicators for disability or preterm labor. I was totally shocked that we were having a girl! But, we are very excited. She weights 11 oz and is about the size of a Barbie doll...which I like better than the fruit of the week...large banana.

We hadn't really decided on a name up to that point but as soon as the lady stepped out to get the doctor it was just like we knew what her name was going to be all along...and it was something we hadn't even talked about! And the best part is that her daddy picked it out =)

We left the doctor, called about our deliveries and did some shopping around town while we waited for the phone calls to roll in! One of our stops was a baby store - I asked Barry if he was going to get mad when I put big, rediculous bows on our little girl and he said no, as long as I don't get mad when he dresses her in camo (which she will obviously be wearing a bow with). Deal.

My mom was the first to call, she got a new job last week and was kind of bouncing around this week so I had to enlist the help of Brie. Brie went and picked up the flowers since I wasn't sure where to have them delivered. She called me when she was walking into my mom's office so I was able to hear her reaction, which was fun..."You little sneaks!!" But also very excited!

My dad was the next one to call, we had a cookie cake delivered to his office...

Congrats Grandpa...It's ANOTHER girl!

We hoped that Barry's parents would receive theirs before we got on the plane...but no such luck! We had about a 20 minute layover in Atlanta so we were able to talk the them and call the rest of our families and friends as well.

I didn't plan to spend my vacation on the computer, but when we arrived in Key West last night...one of our suitcases didn't. So we are stuck waiting around for it right now for a few hours and had to reschedule our fishing trip...but no big deal because it is raining anyways!

We didn't really get any good pictures yesterday, this is about as good as it gets! It snapped it in the car before we left so its blurry...its a profile view with her foot over her head...kinda hard to tell.

Meet...

Sawyer Beth

That was a long one, but I want to remember all the details of such a great day! Off to enjoy the vacation with my hubby! 20 week (HALFWAY DONE!) pictures to come soon.

Smothered Steaks

2011-07-18T20:11:00.001-05:00

My cooking buddy and I whipped up a delicious dinner tonight...if I do say so myself!

This is where she always sits when I'm cooking dinner, and stares at me like a weirdo...she won't cross the line into the kitchen for some reason, nothing that we have taught her...unless she sees something fall!

I decided on smothered hamburger steaks for dinner because this is one of Barry's favorites. He orders it often when we go out to eat, and as someone who cares very much for her husband's heart health (I am 100% certain they are not using lean ground beef and low sodium ingredients!) I decided to give it a healthier go! So gather up your ingredients:

For the steaks:
1 pound lean or extra lean ground beef
1 tablespoon low fat, olive oil based mayo (for a binder since the beef is lean, I normally would have used an egg, but we were out)
Garlic Salt
Onion Powder
Pepper

For the gravy:
1 can healthy request cream of mushroom soup
1 packet low sodium brown gravy mix
1 cup water
1/2 large onion, cut into "strings" (I'm sure there is a more official term, but I don't know!)

Start by preparing the meat. In a mixing bowl, combine meat, mayo and seasonings to your liking...a few dashes of each will do.

Form 4 roughly even patties.

While you prepare the gravy and onion, go ahead and start to heat a large skillet over high heat on the stove. To make the gravy, whisk the soup, gravy packet and water together in a small mixing bowl and...

cut the onion into strings.

When your skillet is nice and hot, sear each patty for about 5-10 seconds on each side. They should be pretty brown on each side, but raw in the middle.

Reduce heat to medium/low and pour gravy mixture over meat.

Add the onions inn.

Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes. Remove lid and simmer for about 10 more minutes - until meat is cooked through and onions are tender.

And that's it!

Next time I post it will be about our ultrasound Thursday...what do you think?? Boy or Girl?!?

ENJOY!

19 Weeks

2011-07-16T10:32:00.002-05:00

It's so nice to be blogging from home this weekend! I am loving blogging in my PJ's while my hubby cooks us breakfast. After practically two months of traveling, we have both really been looking forward to this weekend. We went to the Astros game last night with some friends, but are planning to spend the rest of the weekend at home CLEANING and organizing. Only about 4 1/2 months until our little one is here so we have a lot to do! Here I am at 19 weeks...

This is my friend Laura Lynn and I at the game last night. Me at 19 weeks 1 day, and her at 14 weeks 1 day...except she is due about a week after me because she is having TWINS!

I'm really enjoying some of my close friends being pregnant at the same time as me...it's always nice to have people to talk to who are also experiencing all the weird things that come along with pregnancy.

Baby B is growing from the size of a mango to a small canteloupe this week! I am sure now that what I thought might have been some movement last weekend definitely was! I really started feeling the baby move on Monday and Barry was able to feel some small kicks on Thursday night so that was really exciting. 4 more days until we find out the gender...I was pretty sure (for no reason at all) that we were going to have a boy but I have had dreams two nights in a row that it's a girl, so now I'm confused! We will be thrilled with whatever and are just hoping for a healthy baby...which they will be screening for on Thursday as well so I'm anxious for multiple reasons.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Oven-Fried Fish

2011-07-15T13:03:00.001-05:00

The other day, someone at work asked me if Luby's was healthy and a few days later I was in another conversation about Luby's with someone else...weird, right? Well, ever since then I have had Luby's fried fish on the brain...the only reason anyone goes there! That and the desserts. So, this is my attempt at recreating a healthier version, and I think it was fairly successful. I think I used a little too much Italian seasoning, but other that that it was great!

The best part about it is that it is much improved nutritionally. 1 filet of Luby's fried fish will cost you about 400 calories and 20 grams of fat. My version was about 150 calories and no fat...except for maybe a trivial amount from cooking spray. I chose to use Italian seasoning, paprika and garlic salt to season mine, but whatever you have will work. Next time I think I will try ranch powder, and if I liked spicy things I would try a Cajun seasoning...but I'm a wimp. This doesn't really take any precise measuring so I just eye-balled everything.

Two 4 oz (roughly checkbook sized) tilapia filets

1/2 - 1 cup whole wheat flour

1-2 tsp Italian seasoning

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp garlic salt

1/2 - 1 cup skim milk

1/2 - 1 cup Panko Japanese bread crumbs

cooking spray

Preheat oven to 400. Start by preparing 3 bowls to dredge your fish in. As someone who is not experienced in frying things, the order of this seemed off to me, but everything I read said flour, milk/egg, breadcrumbs. I chose to use whole wheat flour (more fiber & protein) and skim milk (no fat) to coat my fish. So anyways, in first bowl - flour and seasonings. Second bowl - milk. Third bowl - bread crumbs.

Then dip your fish into each bowl, coating thoroughly. Flour, milk, bread crumbs. I didn't take pictures of the whole process because I didn't have enough hands!

Place on baking sheet coated with cooking spray.

Bake for 20-25 minutes. I put my oven on broil for the last 3-5 minutes to brown the tops a little more, but not necessary. The fish is done when it is white all the way through and flakes easily.

I promise to work on my food photography someday. We served this up with some of Barry's specialty - mac and cheese - and some steamed broccoli...which Cora enjoyed for dinner last night too!

Have a good weekend...we are very excited to spend our weekend at home doing NOTHING! Baby B update coming soon!

ENJOY!

18 weeks on the beach!

2011-07-11T12:40:00.002-05:00

This is gonna be a long one! My favorite weekend of the year has come and gone! Every year my dad's side of the family heads down to Port Aransas for a long weekend and it is my favorite place in the world.

We have been doing this every summer for as long as I can remember and I have so many great memories. Our group seems to grow every year. This was everyone back in 2009...this year there were 51 of us...and we were missing a few!

I'm the one in the back in the orange hat that looks like a boy!

I am so thankful to have such a huge, wonderful family. Unfortunately this is the only time of the year some of us see each other, but we make the most of the time together...not much sleeping going on! My favorite memory of the coast is when Barry and I got engaged 3 years ago. I couldn't have asked for a better proposal!

We went on an early morning walk this year just like when we got engaged...but there were no diamonds involved this time...maybe next year, I will keep trying =) My favorite memory of this year was that I think I felt the baby move for the first time...I think. Here I am at 18 weeks.

I think I looked way more pregnant two weeks ago than I do now...I'm blaming it on Cora. I have a ton of pics from the weekend so here they come!

First day at the beach:


cousins

Cora and Holly...the best babysitter ever!

Barry, Dad and Michael

Cora and her grandma!

Abigail the fish

Brooke, Brie and Cora

Every year we have a birthday party for the July birthdays...since Brooke's birthday was on Friday this year we did it that night.


The birthday girls! Brooke, Abigail, Brittney & Holly

She had her first taste of cake...didn't love it. Must not be related to me!


Barry playing referee!

soon to be Mr & Mrs!!!

Saturday at the beach:


Girl first cousins! Minus Cora...


Excuse my lion mane...it was humid

so cute!

Saturday night we took family pics

All of us!

The Paweleks

Cora munching on her outfit

The Boenings

And that's it! I can't believe this is my 50th post...who knew I would actually stick with this and LOVE doing it! Thanks for reading!!

Doctor's Appointment #4

2011-07-07T15:04:00.000-05:00

Not much to report today! We had our 4th doctors appointment this morning and all went well. We got to hear the heartbeat, which is always a great relief for me...it was a strong 153...and ask a few questions we had thought of over the last few weeks. I gained plenty of weight...I still think their scale is wrong! And my blood pressure was good :) I am so thankful that Barry can/wants to go the all the appointments with me...I can't imagine doing this by myself. We will find out the gender two weeks from today then return to our regular doctor in 4 weeks!

Off to the beach we go...have a great weekend!

Happy 4th of July...and 17 Weeks!

2011-07-05T10:51:00.002-05:00

Hope everyone had a great holiday weekend! All this traveling is starting to wear on me, but I can't complain because it is all fun stuff and it is making time FLY by! I can't believe we are almost half way done! I took my 17 week pics this week in Galveston, we rented a house on the canals in Jamaica Beach and had a great time!

The baby is growing to the size of a sweet potato this week...I am hoping to feel something pretty soon...everything I have read says this is about the time! I am still feeling pretty good, minus some stomach pains here and there which I am attributing to growing...but we go to the doctor on Thursday so I will ask him about it just in case. But we are looking forward to hearing the heart beat again...its very surreal and reassuring at the same time.

Just so you know...there was a strict dress code of red white and blue only...hence the outfits...

How great was our view?? We were really happy with the location of our house, and would totally go back to this area again. We had a great breeze on the balcony and were able to hang out and fish on the deck below. Plus we were about a 2 minute drive from the beach. We pretty much hung out at the house all weekend and ate. The doctor should be pleased with my weight gain this week! ;)

I took a few pictures over the weekend, mostly of the little girls because they were so cute in their patriotic outfits! This was Abigail's first time at the beach and she LOVED it...she couldn't get enough of the water. Every time Adam or Melissa would bring her back she would grab their hand and lead them back to the waves. Cora has already had her first beach trip, her excitement level wasn't quite as high as Abigail's, but she seemed pretty content being there!

Ready to go!

Hurry Mom!

I LOVE this picture!


Such a happy baby

Barry and I...in our patriotic beach chairs

Cora's first 4th!

no words.

its exhausting sitting at the beach!

she wasn't scared of him this weekend!!

she may have even liked him!

We were watching the guys float in the canal and she couldn't stand it!! she kept reaching over there wanting to get in with them!

All the guys...minus Adam, he was cooking us some delicious burgers

Becky and Abigail...right before Becky scared the heck out of her!!!

All the girls!

What a fun weekend! It's a short week for us because we are headed to the beach again next weekend for the annual Fernandez Family vacation...can't wait!!

Check out Becky's Blog for lots more cute pics!

I will update again after we go to the doctor this week =)