TERM!!!! 38 weeks

(Somehow, long post ahead...warning!)  Well, I made it through work.  Friday was my LAST DAY of work until baby comes.  Can I tell you how excited I was.  SO excited!  I had been nervous that I wouldn't make it but I did.  When I was leaving one of the nurses said "Don't look too excited."  Sorry!  I just couldn't help it!  I celebrated by going to kickboxing that afternoon and then out to eat with my mom, David and Kate. 

We went to a local restaurant and got some turnip green bites.  They were actually really good...of course, they were fried and filled with cheese, so.....

Anyway, not too much exciting happened during the week.  I did have a meeting on Tuesday at work that made me late for getting Kate to dance class.  It was a non-issue but stressed me out nonetheless.  Alas!  It's how I roll.  Wednesday the baby bedding came in.  Friday, David and my mom straightened and rearranged the nursery.  Things aren't in their final location and I have a project to do, but here is a preview!  I am so excited!!!  The closet appears messy but it is really organized. 

The diapers are stacked by size, nursing/feeding stuff is together, and toys are together.  We are looking for a changing table/display table but haven't gotten one yet.  I'd probably put it by the chair and move the bookcase to by the closet. 

Still need to add art, etc.  We might move the dresser and bed around some, but the whole room is useable and cute!  Ready for baby.  :-)

Thursday, my mom came to have a party with her friends for her birthday.  She picked Kate up from daycare, which made Kate happy.  Then Friday, she was able to go to the school at eat with Kate.  That afternoon, I was SO tired but we went to get a pedicure.  I picked out a super cute color called...."Moving Out!" 

I figured that was super appropriate.  :-)  Unfortunately, when I took my socks off after kickbox, my socks had damaged the color.  Alas!  It was still fun.

Saturday, I had lots of fun stuff planned; so, despite making it through the work week, I really wanted to make it through Saturday as well.   Success!!!! 

We went to a picnic for the residency program where Kate had a blast playing on the playground and wallering in the sandbox while I took pictures and David played kickball.  I'm not sure those shorts will survive!  And the attendings won.  Woo hoo!!!!  After that, I went to a local painting place with Sarah to do this painting we have wanted to do for a long time.  Christmas in September?  Sure!!!! 

Then, after a little time with David and Kate, I went to the Mississippi College football game to record the tackles.  Unfortunately, we have moved divisions and haven't quite gotten up to the same level as some of the teams.  We lost 58-0.  It was a busy but fun day....then came Saturday night.....

I was having NO problems.  No concerns.  Minimal contractions.  Until I woke up around 330 am on Sunday morning.  At 230, no problems.  330, I was having a painful sensation in my low abdomen.  This was accompanying the typical "tightening" I've had around the upper abdomen.  Hmmm, what was going on.  After not being able to fall asleep, I finally started tracking these sensations at about 415.  Yep, I was having them about 5 minutes apart.  If I was lying down, that painful sensation continued.  If I stood up or turned to my back it didn't hurt.  I lay there for 3 hours.  When David woke up I told him what had been going on and he encouraged me to call my doctor's office. 

Of course, I'm thinking, this can't be labor and I really don't want to go to the hospital and be sent home OR be stuck admitted when I'm not ready.  Thankfully, the nurse suggested taking a Tylenol, a warm bath and drinking a PITCHER of water within an hour.  I complied and was still having some tightening but no painful sensations....then I fell asleep while David and Kate were at church.  I think I slept for about 5 hours yesterday.  By 5pm I felt back to normal.  Who knows what it was but it wasn't labor.  I know baby should be ready and fine, but I just wasn't "ready," probably because it was so unexpected.  We'll see how I'm doing at the appointment on Tuesday.  Last week there were no indications of progress.

Last night, David let me watch the Miss America pageant.  We (well, I) were so excited that Miss Mississippi did so well.  I think that she should have definitely been in the top 5 but the judges didn't ask me.  I actually thought that the talents and interview responses were better than they have been in recent years.  Miss Mississippi ROCKED it!  Piano players was GREAT!  Miss Arkansas had a pleasant voice.  Miss New York had a good voice and was cute but I was just too distracted by the cup to enjoy it.  Sorry!  At the end, I wasn't in agreement with the judges...but rarely am I.  I think the last time I was excited was when Heather Whitestone won...that was a LONG time ago.  Hopefully, I'll be able to start watching with Kate.  I hate that they moved it to Sunday night because she just cannot stay up that late on a school night.  Oh well!

Today, I'm just hanging out at home resting, cleaning, organizing, and cooking.  Maybe we should say nesting?!  :-)

Due Date: September 25, 2014  
How Far Along: 38 weeks 4 days
Fruit/Veggie: Spaghetti squash, Leek  - 19-21 inches, 6.5-7 pounds
Gender: It's a BOY!  
Exercise: Still exercising almost daily...but took a little break this weekend.  As mentioned above, I had an interesting Sunday.  Did kickboxing on Friday and it was quite difficult to do any kicks in front of my body - can we say belly?!  I did start the class with plank jacks and end the class with 100 jumping jacks.  OH YEAH!

Sleep: I'm pretty much waking up every 2 hours but can get to sleep quickly.  I can handle that.  Saturday night was obviously AWFUL...slept for about 2.5 hours, got up, 1 hour and then was awake for the rest of the night.

Cravings:  Anything fried sounds good.  Guess baby boy like fat?!  I still also really still want cold, sweet stuff.

What I love: Feeling and watching the baby move! I'm SO going to miss that.  I seriously think about that every time he moves around these days.  That was have the nursery organized and somewhat set up.  Still need to determine a final location of stuff and get a changing table/display cabinet.  That I am ON maternity leave!!!  Watching Miss America with David.  Football season!

What I miss: turning over in bed easily, sleeping, being able to pick things up off the floor (I seriously make a sound whenever I pick something up off the floor!)

What I'm looking forward to:  meeting baby!!!!  Y'all it's almost here!  Hopefully talking to Kate's class about being a doctor.

What I'm thankful for:  Getting to spend time with David, David's understanding of my need to just rest yesterday, Kate LOVING church and learning all about God's Word and His love for us

37 weeks

Well, it has been QUITE a week!  We had a great Monday.  We went for bike ride as a family and then just hung out for the rest of the day. 

We had some frustration later that night that I THINK and HOPE has been taken care of.  Tuesday I went to my OB appointment.  No dilation yet.  We got to see little man to check on his size.  Initially she was measuring his femurs to be REALLY short; but then she remeasured and got a weight of around 6lb 4oz.  Hopefully, he doesn't gain 3 pound in 2 weeks!  He continues to hide his face everytime we look.

  But he has some cute feet!  :-) 

 I missed a meeting at work because that appointment ran long and then had to hurry to get Kate to acrodance.  It was a long day.  Thursday this week was MUCH better than last week but still long.  We spent all day together on Saturday.  I took Kate with me to the gym (she LOVES going!) and then we went to the children's museum where we spend two hours.  I guess that was better than being outside for two hours...and I'm glad we spent time together.  She had a BLAST and made some cute artwork.

 After that we went to a local restaurant for brunch.  Kate and I shared the blueberry pancake special and David had the doubleside breakfast.  The pancakes were okay but I'm spoiled by my dad's homemade pancakes.  We did enjoy spending time together.  By the time we were done I was pooped but still needed to grocery shop; so, Kate and David went to SAM's and I went to the grocery store. 

The plan was for a nap but Kate wasn't having that by the time we got home, so no nap for anyone.  Today we had church and Kate and I napped (YAY!).  Then tonight we had a worship night.  The choir sang and essentially stood for the entire 1 hour and 20 minutes.  That was the first time that my back has been sore.  Phew, I was glad to sit down.  Coming up this week - my last week of work!!!!  YAY!  Five more days, we can make it!

Due Date: September 25, 2014  
How Far Along: 37 weeks 3 days
Fruit/Veggie: Honeydew melon, swiss chard  - 18-21 inches, 6-6.5 pounds
Gender: It's a BOY!  
Exercise: Still exercising almost daily...but some days I really just don't want to!  I went to kickboxing and cardioblast this weekend.  Cardioblast does weights and I'm sore from that.  I actually do better in the classes than just on the elliptical.  Go figure!   

Sleep: I've had several better nights recently.  I slept HORRIBLY on Monday night but then Tuesday only woke up once.  I think I was exhausted!  Since then it's been the typical 2-3 awakenings but quick and easy to go back to sleep.

Cravings: Um...not really anything.  Still not much appetite.  One day I was so delayed eating that I felt sick and didn't want to eat anything.

What I love: Feeling and watching the baby move! That it's my LAST week of work before maternity leave.  Seeing my baby on ultrasound even though he STILL won't let us see his face!, football season

What I miss: turning over in bed easily, sleeping, being able to pick things up off the floor

What I'm looking forward to:  getting the baby bedding in, only one more week of work, seeing my mom this week, HOPEFULLY going to paint a nativity painting with Sarah

What I'm thankful for:  My sweet husband, always taking care of me and being patient with me. A healthy pregnancy.

What a Week! 36 weeks

 What a fun and busy week!  I had my work shower on Monday.  We got a lot of diapers for the baby along with a  few other fun things....and got to eat some yummy food.  Then the next day, my other clinic threw a surprise shower for the FOUR of us who are pregnant.  One of the nurses is due the day after me, one of the other doctors is having twin boys (due one month after me), and another doctor is pregnant as well.  Got lots more diapers there. 

(and I THOUGHT I was showing here!)

Thursday was a CRAAAAAZY day!  I mean, it was so not good.  I arrived at work and had a patient waiting for me.  No biggie.  However, I spent a good deal of time talking with the family.  By the time I was done, another patient had arrived.  After that patient, FOUR had arrived - including one that was supposed to come the NEXT day but came early.  Sigh.  I didn't finish morning clinic until 1256.  My first afternoon patient arrived at 102.  In the meantime, the school had called saying that Kate was complaining of her stomach hurting and wanted us to come get her (no, she didn't have fever, she wasn't sick...her stomach just hurt).  So, David got her and brought her to clinic with him.  She was fine!  The saw the rest of my patients and left to go to a meeting that I was 10 minutes late to.  Then, instead of going to get free dinner at journal club as I had planned, I sat in my office and did notes for three hours...leaving with still two left to do.  I got home at 815 that night.  When I got home, I looked at my feet and asked David if they looked puffy.  Yep!  We both agreed they were.  Thankfully, elevation helped.  I think that not getting to eat all day, being stressed, and on my feet a lot had a lot to do with that. 

Thankfully, Friday was much better!  I had an easier clinic day and came home to rest before going to the gym to do kickboxing followed by swimming with Kate.  Then we went to get the infant carrier and out to eat.  Was a good day.  Saturday, we went to the gym again and then to my friend's house to swim and cook out.  Kate had a GREAT time with another friend's little girl who is the same age.  Last night I organized the diapers and we cleaned out the nursery.  Today, David put together the infant carrier.  I'm a little worried because I'm having trouble un-clicking the carrier from the base.  I've heard you get used to it and it's easier with baby in it.  I hope so! 

I have a doctor's appointment Tuesday with weekly visits following that.  Just praying that Mr. Boogie Man (he is dancing tonight!) stays put where he is for two more weeks so I can finish work as planned.  Then we are ready for him.  So exciting!
 
Due Date: September 25, 2014  
How Far Along: 36 weeks 3 days
Fruit/Veggie: papaya, romaine lettuce  - 17-20 inches, 5.5-6 pounds
Gender: It's a BOY!  
Exercise: Still exercising almost daily.  I'm definitely slower, have a LOT of trouble bending over.  I will say, a lady last Monday told me I was her hero for still being working out.  Really made my day. 

Sleep: Again, not sleeping well.  I think it's just par for the course right now.  Oh well!

Cravings: Um...not really anything.   Still not much appetite.  Cold and sweet things are nice.

What I love: Feeling and watching the baby move! He's having a boogie party right now!  Getting the nursery cleaned up, baby stuff put together, and spending time with family this HOLIDAY WEEKEND!!!!

What I miss: turning over in bed easily, sleeping, being able to pick things up off the floor

What I'm looking forward to:  getting the baby bedding in, spending the day with David and Kate tomorrow, only two more weeks of work!

What I'm thankful for:  My sweet husband, always taking care of me.  A healthy pregnancy. Getting things ready for baby, sweet coworkers

This is when I was Born

So, this past week I surpassed my mom when she delivered me!  I was delivered at 35 weeks.  I also had my last weekend of call at work before going out on maternity leave.  Let me just say, it was a doozy!  I think I got paged in the middle of the night every night and Sunday was just plain crazy!  I was so glad when Monday at 8am came.  No more pager....but hello baby call.  :-)

Sunday afternoon, I had a baby shower from my Sunday School class.  It was really nice.  Several of the girls from class came and some other ladies in church were invited as well.  Kate went and played with her friends while we chatted and opened presents.  I got lots of useful items, some cute clothes, and a stroller.  We were a little taken aback when we found that it wasn't a five point restraint system; however, it does have the infant click system and is a lightweight stroller.  So, I think we're going to keep it.  It is really nice as it is one hand close, rolls easily and steers well.  I like it!

I had my doctor visit on Tuesday and everything seems to be going well.  I don't have another visit for 2 weeks.  I thought for sure it would be 1 week now but I guess not!  So, next visit is at 35 and 5.  Wow!  At that point, I'll have 1.5 weeks of work left.  My little man needs to stay put for at least 3 weeks.  I think we can make it, don't you?!

Tuesday night, Kate started acrodance and seemed to really like it.  I hope she does.  I can't figure out if she'll end up doing dance or gymnastics as she dances all over but was treating her bed like uneven bars the other night.  Who knows!  Wednesday we had church with children's choir starting back.  Then last night I went to a consignment sale where I got both kids (!) some fall and winter clothes.  I am EXHAUSTED!!!  I think that Kate and I will likely go back tomorrow for the half price sale.

Due Date: September 25, 2014  
How Far Along: 35 weeks 1 day
Fruit/Veggie: honeydew melon, bunch of carrots,   - 17-20 inches, 5.25-5.5 pounds
Gender: It's a BOY!  
Exercise: Still exercising almost daily.  I'm definitely slower, have trouble bending over, and doing knee pulls. 

Sleep: This week has not been a great sleep week.  I have woken up most nights three times.  Thursday night I woke up 5-6 times over 6.5 hours.  ugh!  I can nap great.  Hoping for a good one tomorrow!

Cravings: Um...not really anything.  Eating is hard now. I don't really crave much and sometimes eating is just unpleasant.  I'd still say breakfast with cereal as an added pleasant thing...and ice cream!  Really just cold stuff.  It's hot!

What I love: Feeling and watching the baby move! We got all of our family pictures this week and I LOVE them!!!  Can't wait to pick some out and order them.  :-)  Kate is loving acrodance, church and school. It just makes me happy to see her happy and thriving.  David and I mentioned that we really like our new furniture tonight, especially the chair and a half! 

What I miss: turning over in bed easily, having energy, not being tired, going full out at the gym, knowing what I want to eat (though David would say I never do anyway!)

What I'm looking forward to:  work shower on Monday, a cookout with friends on Saturday

What I'm thankful for:  My sweet husband, always taking care of me.  A healthy pregnancy. Being able to set up house - new furniture! 

34 weeks!!!

It has been a BUSY week!  Kate started school on Monday and has been loving it.  Then we had work parties, the start of church choir, and back to school night at Kate's school.  Tonight, David is working until 1 am.  I'm hoping we can have a quiet weekend despite the fact that I'm on call.  We have told Kate that we're going to inflate her pool this weekend and hang out.  I hope I get to just lounge in the pool some.

The biggest thing I've noticed this week is that I am SO SO tired!  I just stop at the end of the day...sometimes before.  I think that Wednesday I could have fallen asleep as soon as Kate was in bed at 830!  I even took a nap that day.  I tried to take a nap today but my pager went off about 30 minutes in.  Oh well!  May the weekend bring rest.  :-)

Due Date: September 25, 2014  
How Far Along: 34 weeks 1 day
Fruit/Veggie: canaloupe, savoy cabbage  - 17-19 inches, 4.5-5 pounds
Gender: It's a BOY!  
Exercise: Still exercising almost daily.  However, it's a LOT harder...and I think I'm sweating more!  I feel like I slow down more and more each day.  But, I'll keep going even if it is super slow because it's good for me, good for baby, and will help after delivery.

Sleep: Most nights still up at least twice.  Though I have been SO tired the last two nights, I only woke up once.  WOW!

Cravings: Ice cream, breakfast.  The breakfast thing has been pregnancy long.  Ice cream more second half.  But I'm telling you...it's a REAL thing, folks!

What I love: Feeling and watching the baby move! I'm still in love with our family pictures.  Love that Kate is having a good time in kindergarten.  Our new furniture.  My nursery glider!

What I miss: turning over in bed easily, having energy, not being tired, going full out at the gym

What I'm looking forward to:  a couple more showers, seeing our family pictures,

What I'm thankful for:  My sweet husband, always taking care of me.  A healthy pregnancy. Kate doing well in school.  Being able to set up house - new furniture!

Oopsie!

Recently, I've found a gluten free hamburger bun that isn't a crazy amount of calories.  Seriously!  Those things are at least double the calories of normal buns.  however, I just found one that is about the same and is really good; so, I've gotten that a couple of times for David.  Before I found this one, I would make Oopsie rolls.  It is something that our neurology nutritionist suggested to me.  It uses eggs, cream cheese, and cream of tartar.  They work really well for bean burgers and David doesn't mind them.  The last time I made them, I messed up royally and didn't think they'd work.  However, (after I calmed down!) I poured the disastrous "foam" into a pan instead of making separate rolls and just made a sheet, that I cut into squares.  Kind of Kyrsal-esque!  Anyway, if you are gluten free or low carb, these are good bun options.

Oopsie Rolls from Your Lighter Side

3 large eggs (separated)
pinch of cream of tartar
3 ounces cream cheese, unsoftened (I used Nufchatel cheese)

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.  Separate the eggs and add cream cheese to the yolks. Use a mixer to combine the ingredients together. In a separate bowl, whip egg whites and cream of tartar until stiff (if you’re using the same mixer, mix the whites first so you don't contaminate the bowl with yolk). Gradually fold the egg yolk mixture into the white mixture, being careful not to break down the whites. Spray a cookie sheet with non-stick spray and spoon the mixture onto the sheet, making 6 mounds. (I actually made about 10 smaller rolls). Flatten each mound slightly.  Place pan into oven and bake about 30 minutes (You want them slightly softer, not crumbly). Let cool on the sheet for a few minutes, and then remove to a rack and allow them to cool. Store in a loosely open sack and allow to rest on the counter before use (otherwise they might be too moist). Can be frozen.

Nutritional information per roll (per 6 total):

Calories:85 , Carbohydrates: .6 g, Fiber: 0g, Net Carbohydrates: .6g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 7.5

Manly Pancakes

Ever since David decided to do an essentially gluten free diet, he has told me that he wanted to try buckwheat pancakes.  He thought they sounded "manly!"  Well, try as I might, I couldn't find buckwheat flour.  Sure, I found buckwheat pancake mix...but it wasn't gluten free.  Then, we had a Whole Foods open.  I finally made it by and found the buckwheat flour...which IS gluten free.  Then I had to go in search of a recipe.  I was originally going to use this one.  However, some of the ingredients seemed a bit "further" than I wanted to go. So, I ended up just modifying my dad's recipe.  It turned out pretty good!  You definitely need to refrigerate any leftovers.  The color is a bit shocking, but the taste is pretty good.  Only a mild change in flavor from regular flour, in my opinion.  And most importantly, David liked them.  We've had them one other time since.

Buckwheat Pancakes
1 cup buckwheat flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon oil
vanilla

Place griddle on medium heat and heat pan until a drop of water sizzles.  In a bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.  In another bowl, whisk egg, buttermilk (or regular if preferred), oil and vanilla (I do about 1 tsp).  Then add the liquid ingredients to the dry and stir with a fork until incorporated.  If it is too thick, add some (regular or almond) milk to thin it out.  Using a 1/4-1/3 cup measure, pour batter onto hot griddle.  Allow to cook until bubbles come to the top and break, then flip.  Cook until done (not long!).  Enjoy!

Weeks 32-33

Not too much to say over the past couple of weeks except that I'm pretty sure Caleb is growing!  My tummy has definitely grown, though I was still able to wear a non-maternity dress to church today. 

I had a visit to my doctor this week and she said that everything looks great.  We should have one more ultrasound to check growth in 2-3 weeks.  Excited about that!  I actually wore the same outfit that day that I wore at 19 weeks.  Um...a little different, huh?!

Wednesday, we registered Kate for Kindergarten.  She is so excited!  We read a Berenstain Bear book about school tonight and actually got her in bed early.  Hope she sleeps well.

Friday we had family/maternity pictures made by Emily Brandt.  She was great with Kate...and, oh my goodness...we got a preview today of the pictures and I am SO excited about them.  Love them and can't wait to see more!  She has a great plan and was wonderful to work with.  HIGHLY recommend her!

Due Date: September 25, 2014  
How Far Along: 33 weeks 3 days
Fruit/Veggie: honeydew melon, pineapple, cabbage  - 17-19 inches, 4-4.5 pounds
Gender: It's a BOY!  
Exercise: Still exercising almost daily.  However, it's a LOT harder!  I've slowed down some and can't do somethings.  Tonight I was doing a Jillian Michaels' video that I've memorized...but was having trouble doing some of the things like the warm up that is twisting down to touch your toes and doing a circular "kick over the chair."  Yeah...doesn't work so well anymore!

Sleep: I'm pretty consistently up at least 2-3 times a night.  Thankfully, I fall asleep almost immediately upon getting back in bed.  The only problem is if we are awakened by Kate.  I think it's harder to fall back asleep because I am startled awake instead of just wake up.  Hopefully she won't continue this!  On the other hand, I have decided that this is God's way of preparing moms for baby.  I wake up pretty much on a schedule every 2-3 hours.

Cravings: I really don't have cravings right now though I'm still ENJOYING breakfast stuff and ice cream.  I'm actually having a hard time planning menus because I don't really want anything.

What I love: Feeling and watching the baby move! Our family pictures.  Saw proofs on four today and I'm in LOVE with them.  I can't wait to see them all...and for our newborn session!  I'm also enjoying not feeling guilty about eating ice cream...though I do try to not eat TOO often!

What I miss: turning over in bed easily, moving easily, going full out at the gym

What I'm looking forward to: BUYING furniture for the house and nursery (pretty sure we know what we want!), a couple more showers, seeing our family pictures...and Kate starting KINDERGARTEN tomorrow!  BIG DAY!

What I'm thankful for:  My sweet husband, always taking care of me.  A healthy pregnancy. That Kate is excited about school.  Finally deciding to get pictures made and doing it. 

Moroccan Eating

Several weeks back, David found a recipe on a Kroger publication of all places!  It was for Moroccan quinoa.  He's not a big fan of quinoa but Kate and I both like it.  She actually said "I love quinoa" last night.  :-)  So, if he suggested it, you better believe I'm making it.  It really turned out GREAT!   I ended up leaving out the corriander because all I could find was corriander seeds.  Forgive me, but I am NOT crushing my own seeds!  The spices I used were paprika and cumin.  With just that it turned out SPICY.  I guess it's the paprika?  I also added some bell pepper.  I just felt like it needed some veggies in it.  Looks like a great dinner to me?  Try it!

Moroccan Quinoa Chicken Skillet from Healthy Living Made Simple July/August
2 lemons (I just used lemon Juice because I oddly enough couldn't find lemons!  I found limes but no lemons)
1 tablespoon paprika
2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (I didn't use this)
1 large onion, chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
3 garlic cloves (or 3 tsp preminced garlic) minced
1 cup dried apricots, chopped (I used about 1/3 cup craisins - despite loving apricots, they were too pricey for me)
1 cup quinoa
2 cups veggie stock
2 chicken breasts, cubed

In a medium bowl, combine the paprika, cumin, salt and pepper.  Toss in the cubed chicken.  Once coated, place chicken in a pre-heated skillet sprayed with cooking spray (or a small amount of olive oil).  Cook until browned.  Add the onion, bell pepper and craisins.  Add lemon juice at this point (or the thinly sliced lemon).  Cook until the onion is softened.  Add the quinoa and stir for about two minutes.  Then add the veggie stock and more lemon juice.  Raise heat to a boil.  Then cover the pan and lower heat to medium low.  Cook for 20 minutes, covered.  I cooked about 30.  Remove from heat and let cool five minutes.  I meant to top with sliced green onion but forgot.  Oops!  Fluff the quinoa gently and enjoy!

Getting to Know You!

Mississippi Women Bloggers is having a "get to know you" survey.  I really think these things are fun!  Check out my answers and then go see what my fellow Mississippi bloggers answered!  Get to know us!  :-)

Read more at http://www.mississippiwomenbloggers.com/#WOf021Mb88eFj9rP.99

1. Are you a morning or night person?
Do I have the option of saying neither?  I really don't like getting up early but can't really sleep late.  But I can't really stay up late either: midnight is about the latest I can do but I start fading around 10!
 
2. Are you a collector of anything?
I "collect" boxes.  This kind of started out of necessity.  My dad went on lots of mission trips when I was little and he started bringing back boxes as souvenirs.  They are now all over my house and I can't bear to get rid of any.
 
3. If you were given 1 million dollars, what do you do with it?
First I'd give to my church, then pay off debt (love medical school debt), probably take a vacation, and put some away in savings.

4. What is your worst pet peeve?
Hmmm...not sure about my worse pet peeve.  My husband just said "change of plans."  That's a pretty good one but I'm not sure if that counts as a pet peeve (though I really do NOT do well when what I have planned gets put by the wayside.  It really throws me for a loop).  Again, my husband came up with this but it's a pretty good one - patients being late to clinic appointments (I'm talking 20+ minutes, not just a couple).  Please, just get there on time.  If you are 20 minutes late, it means you got them 35 minutes after we asked you to arrive. (After experiencing this I have made an effort to really try to arrive that 15 minutes "early" that is requested to my doctor appointments)
 
5. What is the best thing about your hometown? (Psst…we’d love to hear all about it in a guest post for August’s “Local Flavor” theme.)
I'd say community.  People know other people, try to help out, have pride in the town and schools, participate in local events, markets, etc.
 
6. If you were stranded on a desert island, and your iPod could only hold 10 songs, what would they be (assuming the battery lasts forever, of course)?
First, I don't have an iPod, so I guess none!  However, I'd probably have "In Christ Alone" from the Getty's, "Defying Gravity", "Music of the Night," "The Prayer," some sort of Manheim Steamroller Christmas song, "Just to See You Smile" (this was on a cd David made for me our first Valentine's together.  I had never heard it before but it definitely made ME smile because I knew exactly why he had put it on the cd!), "When I Fall in Love" (first dance song), "Bring Him Home," some sort of Beetles song (I know, specific, right?!), and a version of "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" (I really like the new chorus combo of the old hymn with a new bridge).

7. If you could have a do-over in only one area of your life, would you want one? And if so, what would it be?
I have a couple, probably everyone does.  We'll go with the silly, childhood area.  I really wish I could go back and keep playing softball.  You see, I gave it up in 4th grade because at that point, the YMCA league stopped and you had to go to the city competition league.  It was (and still is) VERY competitive.  I just wanted to play for fun and not worry about whether winning was important or not.  Looking back, I REALLY wish I had kept playing.  It was fun!  Do I wish I had kept playing in band when I stopped in 10th grade because they wouldn't let me (an oboist) only do concert season and skip marching season...no.  But I do regret quitting softball in 4th grade!
 
8. What is your absolute favorite meal. (Pretend calories don’t exist.)
This is so hard for me!  I still think I'd say a good vegetable meal: fried green tomatoes, FRESH red tomatoes, sauteed squash, black eyed peas, green beans, okra, corn bread...maybe corn pudding.  Then blueberry pie and ice cream for dessert. 
 
9. Do you have a hero? If so, who is it?
A hero!?  hmmm, I've never really thought about a hero in those terms.  I have plenty of people that I respect, but I don't really know that I could say I have a hero.

10. Why do you blog?
I started blogging back in 2005.  WOW!  TEN YEARS!  I think I started because I liked reading the other blogs that were out there and I enjoyed cooking.  So, I thought I'd add a little hobby.  I has also been a way to try new recipes.  At that time, I think I wouldn't really have tried new things.  Now, I still try new things despite having less time to blog.  I have considered not blogging but it's still fun to share what I've been doing with other people.  So, even though I am much more random and sporadic at blogging, I will keep blogging.  I mean, who wouldn't want to share baking experiences with such a cute sous chef as I have...and a new sidekick coming soon!?

Read more at http://www.mississippiwomenbloggers.com/#ob2WdX6XT0PP2fLB.99

Frozen Surprise Cake

 We are birthday busy in the month of July at our house.  K turned five earlier and David's birthday is tomorrow.  Last weekend we had a Frozen birthday for K.  I had suggested an ice cream cake several months back thinking I'd buy one from Dairy Queen (those cakes were all the rage when I was growing up!) but then when this month's Daring Baker's challenge came up, I figured I'd make one.  For the July Daring Baker’s Challenge, Ruth from The Crafts of Mommyhood challenged us to bake a cake. But not just any cake; she asked us to add in a special surprise for our eyes as well as our taste buds!

I had done lots of pinterest searching and found some fun ideas to do with the outside of the cake and the inside as well.  All in all, this cake was REALLY easy.  I just made two 8-inch cake rounds and dyed each a different "frozen" color. 

Then I placed a half-gallon of ice cream in the other 8-inch cake round and put it in the freezer.  It all went together like this:  cake - ice cream - cake - layer of icing - fondant.  I was really pleased with the outcome.

David did say at one point that we weren't going to do anything creative next year, we were just going to buy everything.  I told him that was fine...he didn't have to do anything creative, I'd do it.  I think that stemmed from trying to find free printables for the other food, which I'll share soon.  I didn't have any....well, only had one break down when I was making the fondant.  I had rolled it out and was trying to transfer it onto the cake. 

Well, it was breaking and I thought "I can lightly roll it and then roll it out over the cake."  Yeah...fondant won't unroll.  It stuck together.  Let's just say, that fontant got a good beating.  Yikes!  I did reroll it and had David help me put it on the cake. 

Then the morning of the party, I put Olaf on top and we had a frozen cake!  It turned out really fun.  Even the inside was colorful and festive.  I didn't get any complaints!  This was such a fun challenge!

Frozen Ice Cream Cake
1 box white cake mix, made to instructions on box
1 half gallon ice cream, your chosen flavor
1/2 can frosting
1 recipe Fondant:

• 1/3 cup softened butter
• 1/3 cup light corn syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 4 1/2 cups sifted powdered sugar

Slightly thaw ice cream.  Spread into round cake pan and place pan in freezer to solidify.  Bake cake per package instructions.  Divide into two cake pans.  Use you desired color of food coloring (or mixin would be fun too!).  Allow cake to cool.  When ready to assemble, take ice cream out of freezer.  Place on cake layer on a cake plate.  You can protect the plate from future decoration by putting wax or parchment paper under the cake, but sticking out so it can be removed after decoration.  Then place the ice cream layer on top.  To loosen from the pan, turn it upside down (holding it in with a layer of wax paper on top!) and hold the pan under warm water for a few seconds.  this will "melt" the ice cream so that it pops out easily.  Place the ice cream disc on top of the first cake layer.  Then place the second cake layer on top of the ice cream layer.  At this point, you can go ahead and ice or you can place into the freezer to decorate later. 

To make fondant, blend the butter, corn syrup, vanilla and salt on medium speed with a paddle attachment until smooth and well-combined.  Add the powdered sugar all at once, and mix on slow speed, gradually increasing speed to medium until well-combined. The mixture should cling together in the bottom of the bowl and be smooth to the touch.  When done, place in desired food coloring to get the color you desire and mix in with beater (you could use your hands and knead it but then you would have dyed hands, trust me...I know!).  Roll out to appropriate shape about 1/8 of inch thick.  At this point, you are ready to put it on your cake.

Prior to placing fondant on the cake, you need to put a crumb coat of icing.  Put a very thin layer of icing on the cake.  Then cover with your fondant.  It is highly likely that you'll need some help doing this, I did!  Then decorate as desired. Enjoy!

Weeks 30-31

Wow!  I didn't realize I was so far behind on posting these.  I'm now only 9 weeks (that's a report card time span) away from due date.  Craziness!  These past two weeks have been really busy.  We are still trying to get moved in.  We are a bit more settled and actually have some pictures hung...but our garage still shows evidence of moving.  Last week, K was out of town with grandparents.  David and I did get to spend a little time together.  We went to Sam's one night (so exciting) and then went on a DATE NIGHT the next. 

We went furniture shopping first and then out to eat at Bravo.  It was REALLY good.  They have a large gluten free menu, so David was able to choose from a wide variety.  He ordered gluten free bruschetta, which was SO good.  Then for the main dish he had chicken fettuchini. I had a pineapple curry shrimp dish with polenta and veggie.  I actually subbed out a few shrimp for a crab cake that was great!  Then we had dessert. 

David got the peanut butter pie with pecan crust (SO good) and I have butter pecan gelato.  Again, SO good!  We just had a good time together.

The rest of the week was spent preparing for K's 5th birthday party.  I did a frozen themed party at a local gymnastics place.  She had a great time and I was really pleased with the outcome...but it WORE. ME. OUT!  We also went back to the furniture store again with my parents.  Still not sure what we'll do in the den or for a changing table.  Again, so tired I took a 2 hour nap Monday!  Tuesday I had my first two week appointment.  I can't believe it's already here.  Everything looked good and we're planning for one more ultrasound in about 4 weeks. 

Due Date: September 25, 2014  
How Far Along: 31 weeks
Fruit/Veggie: romaine lettuce head, napa cabbage,  - 16 inches, 2.5-3.5 pounds
Gender: It's a BOY!  
Exercise: Still exercising almost daily.  Getting harder to motivate myself.  I'm just starting to feel lazy.  however, I went to my weights class last week and I'm going to it and kickboxing over the next couple of days.  Excited!

Sleep: I'm pretty consistently up at least twice a night, sometimes three.  Thankfully, I fall asleep almost immediately upon getting back in bed.  The pregnancy pillow has been great recently!  Now, if only K would quit waking me up to tell me she's afraid of the shadows!  ;-) 

Cravings: Um...ice cream, sausage biscuits.  Sometimes it's still hard to decide what I want.  I've been a little queasy on some mornings but it passes quickly once I drink some water.  I'm actually enjoying the water more recently, which I guess is good.

What I love: Feeling and watching the baby move! He has really been moving and grooving recently, especially during morning clinic and from 8-10pm.  I absolutely LOVE it!  My husband...he has continued to be supportive and encouraging.

What I miss: turning over in bed easily, bending over easily, being able to go "full out" at the gym, having energy for the WHOLE day!

What I'm looking forward to: picking out furniture for the house and nursery (found a chair I like, just have to decide if I'm going to get it), a couple more showers, school shopping with K

What I'm thankful for:  My sweet husband, always taking care of me.  A healthy pregnancy. K's party going well, getting to see family recently

Chocolate Donuts

We have a new donut shop in our town.  I haven't tried it yet but someone mentioned the blueberry cake donuts and now I really want one!  I think that is one of the things that David has missed being (essentially) gluten free - donuts, especially powdered sugar ones.  I did recently make some of those for him but way back in February I found a chocolate version.

K and I made them one night.  She enjoyed the facts that we were making donuts and David enjoyed the donuts. 

They were fairly easy.  The biggest problem I have with making homemade donuts is that I haven't figured out how to get the icing to work right.  I guess I just need to specifically find a "donut icing" recipe.  It just tends to be good the first little bit and then disappears over a day or so.  All in all, these were good and David enjoyed them for his "second breakfast" that week.

Gluten Free Chocolate Baked Donuts from Serious Eats

• 3/4 cup (2 1/2 ounces) gluten-free oat flour
• 1/2 cup (4 ounces) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (1 1/4 ounces) potato starch or tapioca starch
• 1/4 cup (3/4 ounce) cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 6 tablespoons yogurt
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• nonstick cooking spray
•  
• For the Glaze
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 6 tablespoons whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract, optional

Procedures

Preheat oven to 375°F. Whisk together oat flour, granulated sugar, potato starch, cocoa powder, baking soda, and xanthan gum in a medium bowl. Add egg, yogurt, milk, and vegetable oil. Whisk until batter is smooth. Allow batter to stand for five minutes. Lightly coat donut pan with nonstick cooking spray. Fill cavities about halfway with batter. Place the pans in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes or until the donuts spring back to touch.  Turn them onto a cooling rack and cool completely
 Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and lemon extract in small bowl. Dip doughnuts, one at a time, into glaze. Shake off excess glaze. Place dipped doughnuts onto wire rack. Enjoy!!

Gluten Free Cinnamon Rolls

Last month, the Daring Bakers challenge was for cinnamon rolls.  I knew that David would be super excited about it as soon as I saw it.  What a great opportunity to "have" to try a gluten free cinnamon roll recipe.  

Now, I know I am late posting this; but, we have been moving and had a bit of trouble getting internet set u and reliable.  So, I'm posting now...about two weeks late!   Soooo....This month the Daring Bakers kept our creativity rolling with cinnamon bun inspired treats. Shelley from C Mom Cook dared us to create our own dough and fill it with any filling we wanted to craft tasty rolled treats, cinnamon not required!

 

These actually turned out really good.  They were much better when heated.  David liked taking them for his "second breakfast" at work.  He said that warming it made the microwave made the icing run off some.  I guess one way to avoid this would be to reapply icing after you heat the cinnamon rolls if you don't eat them all at the first sitting.  I did make smaller rolls than the recipe instructed, so they lasted for more days.  The dough wasn't too difficult to work with but it did break a little bit when rolled.  All in all, I'd say it was a pretty good recipe and was quick.  If you need to make gluten free treats, try this one out!

 

Gluten Free Cinnamon Rolls from Recreating Happiness

Ingredients

DOUGH:

• ⅔ cup milk
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 packet yeast
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup (83 g) potato starch
• ½ cup (80 g) brown rice flour
• ¼ cup (29 g) finely ground almond flour
• ¼ cup (34 g) tapioca starch plus more for flouring your surface
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1½ teaspoon xanthan gum
• 2½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ½ teaspoon vanilla
• good quality plastic wrap for rolling out (and up!) the dough

FILLING:

• ⅓ cup butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon

*FROSTING:

• 3 tablespoons butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla
• dash of salt

*I just made a simple icing with no cream cheese but this would be good.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and lightly flour a pie plate.

DOUGH:

Combine yeast and sugar in large mixing bowl.  Microwave milk and 1 tablespoon butter to approximately 110-115 degrees. Whisk into yeast mixture and set aside to proof.

 

Meanwhile in small bowl whisk together potato starch, brown rice flour, tapioca starch, almond flour, baking soda, xanthan gum, baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt.  Once yeast is proofed add in egg, oil, and ½ teaspoon vanilla. Mix for a moment and then slowly add in the flour mixture. Turn the mixer up to medium-high and beat for 1½ minutes - beating long enough is essential, GF flours are "thirsty," the dough will thicken & lose it's stickiness as you beat it.

 

Roll out the dough: this is a sticky dough that you'll want to roll out to approximately a 13" x 10" rectangle. I placed tapioca starch on a pastry cloth but you can also use plastic wrap.  Place dough in the center and cover with a bit more tapioca starch (and another sheet of plastic wrap if using). Roll out to the needed size and then carefully peel off the top layer of plastic wrap.  Using a knife or spatula gently spread the ⅓ cup softened butter over the dough evenly leaving ½" space around the edges. 

 

FILLING:

In a small bowl combine brown sugar & cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over dough.  To roll your dough: start on one of the shorter sides and gently begin rolling your dough into a log form. Use the pastry cloth (or plastic wrap) to help you "lift and roll" the dough as you go along. Try to make it a nice tight roll, however do not try to unroll it and re-do it. You'll end up with a sticky mess.

 

Sprinkle lightly with tapioca starch again. Dip a sharp knife into tapioca starch then cut the rolls into desired number or size pieces.  Place the rolls, cut side down, in the prepared pie plate*. Cover with plastic wrap and a towel, place in a warm spot, and let them rise for 15 minutes.  Bake 22-27 minutes until tops are golden brown. 

 

ICING: (Instructions for the cream cheese version are here)

 

Meanwhile, in mixing bowl, beat 3 tablespoons softened butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar until smooth. Beat in vanilla and a dash of salt.  Drizzle over the tops of cinnamon rolls as soon as they come out of the oven.  Enjoy!