Ready for Christmas...sort of

Eeek! Tomorrow we leave for Christmas at the in-laws, and I'm sure I've forgotten some critical item that will cause Christmas to be a total disaster. I have packed for everyone, including gifts (wrapped) and hostess baskets for everyone we'll be visiting. This means that if anything is missing, it's completely my fault. Why pack for my husband, you ask? First, there will be many pictures taken during the holidays, and while I love that he is proud of his Alma mater, I'd like for the pictures to show he wore more than one single shirt the entire holiday season. We've also had a few incidents where someone forgot to pack a belt or dress shoes or um, pants other than jeans.

There has been so much snow here that many of my planned errands have had to be nixed completely. I just cannot believe how it can snow for 7 hours straight! It's actually nice to watch, as long as you don't have anywhere to go. If you have one present left or desperately need milk...well, it's not so fun. But Owen and PR played outside most of today, and it was hilarious to see them construct their "igloo." Last year we didn't get very much snow...in fact, we had to build a "snow caterpillar" instead of a snowman because there was just no way we were getting any height.

My husband and I have devised a Christmas plan that we're trying to follow, as far as gifts go. We've explained that Santa visits and fills our stockings. And we give one gift to each child...boy is it hard not to get carried away! (You wouldn't believe how much I can stuff into those stockings. This is my loophole.) Of course, there are gifts from grandparents and cousins, so it's not like my child has 2 minutes of opening gifts and then Christmas is over...but we are hoping to hone in on the true celebration of Christmas.

I've heard some parents do the "three gifts" thing to mimic the gifts from the Maji...I like that idea, too. My biggest struggle is that December is so hectic with holiday parties and rushing around getting ready for the holiday...shopping, decorating, baking. I had hoped to spend time after dinner each night with the kids talking about Christmas. Owen has a Leggo advent calendar my mom sent- which he loves- and I like the idea of us spending time together as a family working on the little leggo project and then reading the story of Mary & Joseph. But this has only happened two nights this month. Maybe next year?

Disney IS the happiest place on earth!

We've returned home after 10 wonderful days in Orlando. As most families do, we packed in the activities to make the most of our vacation. What a trip!

Our first stop was the Kennedy Space Center. Owen was completely fascinated, "wowing" at everything. He especially enjoyed the 3D movie (it was quite entertaining watching him reach out to grab the 3D objects!)

Next we hit the zoo. Always a winner. It's been more than 6 months since we've visited a zoo, so for Caroline this was a fave. It was a small zoo in Melbourne, and there were staff that walked around with reptiles and other small animals the kids could touch and see up close. Plus, because it was so small, we were able to tackle it and still have time to go out to dinner with my hubby PR's close friends. (Sushi, yum!)

We then traveled to Orlando, where we stayed in a time share (Orange Lake) with my parents. Downtown Disney was our first adventure, and with the Leggos galore Owen was in heaven. The kids rode the carousel, and I had Caroline's shadow/ profile cut out made...Owen had one done at about the same age, so I'm excited to put them next to one another and compare. (Matching the frame is a different and not quite so delightful story.) Then we hosted a chocolate party for all the ladies in the family. It was a blast! The best part was, I didn't feel a bit guilty for eating chocolate for dinner (and dessert.) That's one definite benefit of being pregnant! : ) Thanksgiving was a great reunion of cousins and close relatives, and I loved to see the kids playing with their cousins. We visited Sea World and the Magic Kingdom, and I'm so glad we didn't try and squeeze in another park. The last day everyone went to the pool while I packed. (I was pouting about having to return to the snow and didn't really care to show off the outie belly button that's graced my widening middle.)

I even got a quick trip to the mall- what a glorious mall! I don't know who planned the malls around here, but most are outdoors (hello, did you not realize it is cold and miserable in NY nearly 6 months out of the year???!!)...and NONE have play areas or fun stores like Nordies, Gymboree, and Gap. (I'm not even asking for William Sonoma or Crate & Barrell...just the basics!!!) I really shouldn't complain. Our last hometown didn't even have a Target. But really there's almost no point at all of having a mall if all it offers is Old Navy and Bon Ton, whatever that is. Oh, I almost forgot the one restaurant in it- some icky burger joint that has a menu like Denny's. What's the deal? Where's PF Changs and Cheesecake Factory, California Pizza Kitchen....or even a dang Cinnabon??!! Obviously, the crazy pregnant lady obsessed with food is on the rage now, so I'll bid you all adieu and wander off to bed...

Free Photobook, compliments of Oprah

My girlfriend told me about a special offer from Oprah. She's recently done a show about decluttering, and to help inspire her listeners to get organized she has a free 8x11 photobook offer on her website. You must sign up for this by today, Friday November 14 and complete the photobook by this Sunday (how's that for motivation?) Follow the link below and scroll down to the "Get your free book" link. Happy Friday!!
http://www.oprah.com/slideshow/oprahshow/20081029_tows_messyhouse/7

Seriously laggging

It's been at least a week since I've had the energy to post. Why?! The first two times around during this pregnancy thing, life was a breeze! I was totally on top of things! And now, my fridge begs me to give it a thorough cleaning every time I open the door...I've completely neglected dusting the extra bedroom for almost a month...and there are nearly a zillion emails in my yahoo inbox. Ug.

I'll just take this time to spew. First, I had an ultrasound appointment booked for last Friday...THE appointment we were hoping would enlighten us as to the gender of baby #3. However, the medical office called to reschedule, as my midwife was assisting in a C-section. (Okay, I can't blame her...but the suspense was killing me!) Luckily, we were rescheduled for the following Monday. Or so I thought. We arrived Monday, only to be told that there had NOT been an ultrasound appointment scheduled, only the 16-20 week check up. WHAT??!! Hmph. I begged to wait for a window in her schedule, and we were able to get in 45 minutes later. However, I suspect the ultrasound tech was not too happy with her "bonus patient" because she made no attempt to get the little baked potato (I know, weird...but apparently, that's his or her current size at 18 weeks) to move into position. She said simply, "sorry, we won't be able to tell in the baby's position because the legs are crossed." Why I didn't say something, or offer to move around or drink some hot sauce or something is beyond me. I'm usually quite the high maintenance patient (make that high maintenance across the board.) But I was trying to be nice, since she had squeezed us in, and just politely hinted at our hopes....without any luck.

So, tomorrow, I'm driving over an hour away and shelling out the big bucks to find out who's inside.

Gourmet night

Today was just horrible outside...cold. Windy. Rainy. Cloudy. God was flashing a big neon sign to me, "stay inside today." So, I did. And I actually got through the Mt. Everest pile of laundry, cleaned most of the house, AND tackled a new feat: preparing scallops!!!

I absolutely love scallops in restaurants, but for some reason I've always been intimidated to make them at home. They are just so delicate, and if you overcook them or get ones that have the pieces of sand (or whatever that crunchy stuff is) it ruins the whole experience. But I was quite victorious, they came out wonderfully (maybe a bit salty) and even looked pretty! Here's (basically) the recipe:

Balsamic Scallops and Spinach Pasta
1 lb bay scallops, rinsed and patted dry
2 T flour
1 tsp cajun seasoning
1 T EVOO
1 cup chopped spinach
2 tsp balsamic vinegar
2 cups pasta, prepared
1/4 cup crumbled bacon

Combine flour and seasoning in large plastic bag. Add scallops and shake to coat. Heat saute pan to medium and add EVOO. Cook scallops 6 minutes, turning halfway through. Remove from heat. Add spinach to the pan and add 2T water. Cover for 2 minutes. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar, stirring. Return scallops to pan and gently combine. Add bacon.
To serve, top pasta with scallops and spinach.

PS. Tomorrow it's supposed to SNOW. What's the deal with that? It's only October! Cute Halloween costumes doomed.

Poor Me

Today I had minor foot surgery, and I am embarrassed to report that I am sulking a bit. I was told by the doctor that I wouldn't be able to exercise all week- even swim! Normally, I wouldn't be in distress but you see this Saturday is PR's Marine Corps Ball. It's a big fancy hoopla that requires a fancy dress, fancy hair, and FANCY shoes. Have you seen many attractive shoes that accommodate a large foot bandage? How am I going to pull this off??! The shoes are not my only concern. I had decided that if I was going to look a little lumpy in the ab area, I'd at least have some smokin' hot and clearly defined arms and back muscles. This meant that I'd have to do some serious working out and swimming every day this week (as I don't actually have any definition at the moment.) But I was told I can't swim, and that is by far the easiest way to get some burly triceps in lightning speed. Grr. I supposed I'll just have to sit and lift. Hmph.

On to my next Marine Corp Ball dilemma: as my belly bump has gotten a little larger, I decided last night to try on my closet full of dresses. I was seriously disappointed to discover that the dress I purchased less than three weeks ago (which, BTW, FIT three weeks ago) no longer zips. And three other dresses that I was SURE would fit this mama bump have let me down, too.
I figured out the problem: I'm carrying this little one very high...so all those high waist dresses that "flow" (and would nicely accommodate a baby bump) are not high waisted enough. And the worst part is, the baby belly doesn't really look like a baby yet, especially in these dresses. It just looks like a lazy belly with absolutely no muscle tone and I look like I have horrible posture. Do I affix a sign so the 1,000 plus people (996 of which I don't know) realize I haven't accidentally chosen a dress that accentuates my worst feature? (Okay, so I'm not exactly Miss Trendy at the moment....but I used to be pretty good at shopping and I'd say my dresses are pretty darn hot.) Ug.

The only bonus about this foot thing is that PR made dinner tonight AND did the dishes AND put the kids to bed. Woo hoo!!!! I guess I'll take it. : )

Brrrrrr

Today was the first day that a jacket was absolutely necessary. I couldn't believe it! It's only October, and it's 40 degrees! I think it was so hard to endure because I spoke with a girlfriend in L.A. who said it was 95 there. I guess that gives us both something to complain about.


I'm happy to report I was motivated to clean for the first time in 10 weeks. It's like magic once you hit your second trimester! I feel my OCD returning, in a good way. (Do you know I did 5 loads of laundry yesterday? Ridiculous!) The past few weeks, all I could do was keep things tidy. I avoided all major cleaning tasks- my fridge, my oven, the garage...but today Caroline slept in and I had an hour to kill before personal training. I felt like supermom! (Maybe Owen's "superhero" party this weekend inspired me?)

Because of the weather, I decided it was necessary to make some homemade bread and soup. I resorted to my favorite soda bread recipe. (It's the best because you don't have to let it rise, so you can start it at 4 and it'll be ready in time for dinner.) Isn't bread the BEST smell from your oven? Mmmmm. (Recipe follows.)


NE who, I feel so good about my accomplishments that tonight I"m turning in early with a new book! Woo hoo!

Soda Bread
2c Whole wheat flour, sifted
2c Bread flour
2 T superfine sugar
2t salt
2 t baking powder
1 t baking soda
1 egg (or egg product), beaten
1 3/4 cup low fat or nonfat plain yogurt (you can use vanilla yogurt, just omit the sugar listed)

Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl. Beat yogurt and egg in a separate bowl and add to dry mixture. Turn onto floured surface and knead until no longer sticky. Shape into a large round, and place on a baking sheet. Using a serrated knife, make an "X" approximately 1 inch deep. Place in preheated 375 degree oven for 40 minutes, or until brown on top. Serve with herb butter.

Garlic Basil Herb Butter (Soooo scrummy!)
1/2 cup salted butter, softened
1-2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced (depending on how garlicky you like it)
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, minced

Combine ingredients and shape into a ball. Refrigerate at least 2 hrs before serving.

Birthday Bash

This weekend we celebrated Owen's 4th birthday with a Superhero themed party. It was wonderful! I work much better when I have a "theme" and can go off that for the games, activities, cake, and all that. Owen asked for it, actually. He's at that age where he just loves to dress up in costumes, as is all his friends. So that made things easy. We had the kids decorate capes and masks with stickers (the capes were just cut out from plastic round table covers and the masks I found on Oriental Trading.) I wanted to do pinatas, because I was feeling like all those "Superheros" would want to beat or bash something or someone as they were dressed in muscles and bearing weapons....and I figures pinatas were better than other party goers. However, I had a horrible time finding "villain" pinatas! And I didn't want those dressed up as Spiderman to feel threatened (or actually be threatened) if we had a "Spiderman" pinata. So, overzealous me decided to decorate plain pinatas as Darth Vader, the Joker, and Dr. Oct (the funny looking dude from the new Spiderman movies.) They looked okay, but it was a lot of time making and only seconds destroying. Oh, well. They DID coordinate!!!

I also had a little escapade for the kids, to battle each villain and find clues to lead them to their "secret liar" - where the pinatas were. It ended at the playground, and I had ordered a Zip Line so the kids could "swoop in" to battle the bad guys. I wasn't sure how it would go, but it was quite a hit!

We finished with a superhero cake- I found some great ideas online and just tweaked them to my skill level. I was a little surprised with myself, the bats looked more or less like bats, and I only had to stay up 'till 4 the night before to finish it!

By some miracle, I discovered superhero and princess Pez dispensers at a local dollar store, and threw in a red flashlight (since we're so close to Halloween) as little take homes. The flashlights had compasses and were also key chains...and I was a bit alarmed to find that they were also whistles. (Luckily, I handed these out at the END as the kids were leaving.) Unfortunately they were pretty cheap, I'm planning on calling Oriental Trading to complain. They're pretty good about making it up to you, if you've ever been dissatisfied with their products. Anyway, hope this idea might help someone else in their party planning...I've included the link to pictures in case you'd like to get ideas for your little Superhero. TTFN!

http://www.photoshow.net/watch/yZ4nF6ci

Maternity clothes that rock!

I'm finding out that in my third pregnancy, some things are just not as easy as they were the first two times around...maybe it's because I'm older. Maybe my abs have lost all strength. Or maybe my body was not prepared to endure more than two years of being pregnant.

I say this because my belly button has already popped out, and I"m only just beginning my second trimester. What's the deal with that??!?!! I haven't gained more than 3 or 4 pounds...so it's not like my belly is bursting. But I suspect that this may be the child that gives me stretch marks, which I always thought I was soooo clever in avoiding. With the idea from my sister in law, I devotedly smeared "Bag Balm" all over my stomach, lower back, and upper thighs every night during my second and third trimester. What, you ask, is Bag Balm? My OB had the same question a few years back, upon lifting my shirt to measure my fundus and seeing a very odd "sheen" not unlike the reflection a bald man has on his head. First, don't laugh...because it's worked so far. And for someone tiny who had two good sized babies (8 11 and 7 11), I think I had more than luck on my side (and belly and back.)

Bag Balm is this ointment created to keep cow udders from getting chapped in the winter weather. I told you not to laugh! Someone from Vermont or some other really cold place invented it. It comes in a green tin, and it feels exactly like Vaseline...maybe that's what it is. The most embarrassing part of it is that you can find this product in the "pet" section of Walmart. I had always bought it at CVS.com but came across it accidentally one time looking for a pet bed or Greenies or something. However ridiculous it sounds, this goo saved my body from permanently stretching as these babies were distorting my waist. So, I bought another tin last week. Ooo, BTW, it's also great for diaper rashes- Caroline has THE most sensitive skin, I've tried every diaper rash cream on the market and this is the only one that works and doesn't irritate her skin.

So now that I"ve disclosed something a bit humiliating, I'll share the link to a wonderful line of maternity clothes- sophisticated, sexy, and comfy! Many of the styles are wrapped and fitted, which is really the only way a pregnant body can manage to still pass for a version of its original prepregnancy form. Isabella Oliver Maternity:
http://www.isabellaoliver.com/maternity-clothes

Super Cute Kids Suitcase!

Wow, what an overachiever...TWO entries in one day! I just had to add this link to my blog when I came across this adorable product: suitcases for kids that double as a ride on! We travel often, so this would be something practical and entertaining...I only wish the company was in the US so I could actually SEE one before I bought it....

http://www.trunki.co.uk/products.php