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Wednesday, August 28, 2013
23 Weeks...
At 23 weeks, I am just now realizing that there is a tiny human being inside me, doing somersaults, kicking, punching and head butting me. I mean, obviously I've always known, but to feel her is something completely amazing. Rhoads can now also feel her bumps, he put his ear to my belly last night and talked to her. She seemed to have been really excited to hear daddy's voice because she was kicking like crazy! I could actually see his head jolting from the kicks. I am so emotional these days that I was laughing and crying at the same time. Also, I felt her hiccups just the other day. I was told I will be able to feel them eventually, but I had no idea what it was like. I was feeling tiny jumps inside me every few seconds, then it hit me. She has hiccups! It is so crazy.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
It's A...!
Listening to: Dredg, El Cielo
Have we really come to the end of May already?
We had our 20 week anatomy ultrasound three weeks ago, and had to wait to find out baby's gender. We had a small gender reveal party a couple of days after the appointment, to be surprised along with everyone else. It was SO much fun, and I am so glad we did it.
It's a GIRL! Now, I realize there is a 20% chance that baby could be a boy, and I want to be certain so we may go to a clinic nearby for a 3D/4D ultrasound. I pitched the idea to Rhoads so we shall see what he says.
I have to admit, for 5 months I was thinking it was a boy, and I felt a slight pang of disappointment for feeling disappointed, but it really is a strong word for how I actually felt. I envisioned my life with a house full of boys, busy with baseball and hockey games, playing with our dogs, (still working on convincing the hubs to get another) full of energy and happiness. I love boy stuff, I've never been a frilly pink kind of girl. I started to feel like a bad person, like I could never be a good mother to a little girl. I always seemed to get along better with the opposite sex, even as a little girl myself. We are sensitive, complex creatures! But I got past all of that, I just needed to change my mindset completely. I thought about how amazing Rhoads will be with a girl, and yes, even me. I don't have to dress her in frilly pink stuff, there are plenty of yellows, purples and green outfits out there. I will raise her to be confident, strong, and intelligent. She will think for herself, respect and be respected. It will be tough, but someone has to do it!
The shower invitations have been mailed out yesterday. They were handmade, and let me tell you, they were a lot of work, but it beats paying up the ying yang for invitations. I don't care how cute they are, I'm sorry but I can't justify paying over $100 for some paper. Of course this meant that I needed to get on our registries to make final modifications. Here I thought we were all good with most of the basic stuff for baby, but after finishing both Babies R Us and Amazon registries, I counted 295 total items that we registered for. Seriously?! For all I know, we may not need it all but I'm a research junkie so evidently, in my mind, I am making myself think that I need all of those things. It's hard because we won't know what's what until baby arrives. I keep calling her "baby" because we have narrowed it down to 3 names, and when we meet her, I think we will know which one is best for her. Ughhh what if it's a boy, though? The thought keeps creeping into my mind. What if it turns out that they're wrong? I guess it isn't a big deal, we can make exchanges and be done with that. At least the nursery is mint green and gray with white furniture. No pinks or blues here!
My tummy feels like a tight balloon, it is just growing and growing!
I wake up super hungry in the morning. Which means I can't sleep in because I can't stop thinking about eating. And so it begins!
The somersaults and kicking feel pretty amazing. I feel them the most when I eat, and lie down. Of course when I'm active during the day she may be kicking just as much, I just don't feel them. I cannot believe we are down to roughly 3 months now, before we get to meet her. I am still in awe of it all. And it is only the beginning!
Have we really come to the end of May already?
We had our 20 week anatomy ultrasound three weeks ago, and had to wait to find out baby's gender. We had a small gender reveal party a couple of days after the appointment, to be surprised along with everyone else. It was SO much fun, and I am so glad we did it.
I have to admit, for 5 months I was thinking it was a boy, and I felt a slight pang of disappointment for feeling disappointed, but it really is a strong word for how I actually felt. I envisioned my life with a house full of boys, busy with baseball and hockey games, playing with our dogs, (still working on convincing the hubs to get another) full of energy and happiness. I love boy stuff, I've never been a frilly pink kind of girl. I started to feel like a bad person, like I could never be a good mother to a little girl. I always seemed to get along better with the opposite sex, even as a little girl myself. We are sensitive, complex creatures! But I got past all of that, I just needed to change my mindset completely. I thought about how amazing Rhoads will be with a girl, and yes, even me. I don't have to dress her in frilly pink stuff, there are plenty of yellows, purples and green outfits out there. I will raise her to be confident, strong, and intelligent. She will think for herself, respect and be respected. It will be tough, but someone has to do it!
The shower invitations have been mailed out yesterday. They were handmade, and let me tell you, they were a lot of work, but it beats paying up the ying yang for invitations. I don't care how cute they are, I'm sorry but I can't justify paying over $100 for some paper. Of course this meant that I needed to get on our registries to make final modifications. Here I thought we were all good with most of the basic stuff for baby, but after finishing both Babies R Us and Amazon registries, I counted 295 total items that we registered for. Seriously?! For all I know, we may not need it all but I'm a research junkie so evidently, in my mind, I am making myself think that I need all of those things. It's hard because we won't know what's what until baby arrives. I keep calling her "baby" because we have narrowed it down to 3 names, and when we meet her, I think we will know which one is best for her. Ughhh what if it's a boy, though? The thought keeps creeping into my mind. What if it turns out that they're wrong? I guess it isn't a big deal, we can make exchanges and be done with that. At least the nursery is mint green and gray with white furniture. No pinks or blues here!
My tummy feels like a tight balloon, it is just growing and growing!
I wake up super hungry in the morning. Which means I can't sleep in because I can't stop thinking about eating. And so it begins!
The somersaults and kicking feel pretty amazing. I feel them the most when I eat, and lie down. Of course when I'm active during the day she may be kicking just as much, I just don't feel them. I cannot believe we are down to roughly 3 months now, before we get to meet her. I am still in awe of it all. And it is only the beginning!
Saturday, April 6, 2013
No Turning Back Now! ;)
Listening to: Mumford & Sons, Sigh No More
Well, it is official. Everyone that knows us now knows we are expecting. Baby is due September 28th, only 5 days after my 31st birthday. Of course, this Rhoads baby will have their own agenda. He or she will come when they want, if they are anything like their mama! It is exciting getting ready for baby, as well as a bit overwhelming and stressful. But with the help of our families and friends, I know we will be just fine.
I am exactly 15 weeks along as of today. I had fatigue and nausea pretty much every day until last week, the nausea began to slowly subside during the day and I would only feel nauseated at night. I found that eating Fruit Loops before bed helped a lot, and I wasn't starving when I woke up in the morning. That has been my food throughout this pregnancy thus far, Fruit Loops!!! Having something in my stomach all day was helpful. My food aversions are strange, I can't have coffee! Even if I wanted to have some, it just makes me sick. I normally LOVE coffee. Everyone knows I love chocolate. I don't crave it at all. Also, fruit and salads taste like heaven. Gotta love Mother Nature for keeping us healthy!
A few things I'm experiencing but have never heard about pregnancy: I gag when I brush my teeth. I don't know what it is, I'm guessing my gag reflex is extra sensitive. I've also noticed I've become sensitive to bright lights, and loud noise. There is some weird cramping going on in the lower abdomen, from stretching. At times it feels like menstrual cramps but they don't last very long. It definitely feels like I have a lemon inside me, but that was how big baby was last week. According to The Bump, baby is the size of a navel orange now. It is so amazing how fast they grow. I have found that I'm breathless when I go upstairs, or walk fast. Naps have become my best friend. Speaking of which...until next time! ;)
Well, it is official. Everyone that knows us now knows we are expecting. Baby is due September 28th, only 5 days after my 31st birthday. Of course, this Rhoads baby will have their own agenda. He or she will come when they want, if they are anything like their mama! It is exciting getting ready for baby, as well as a bit overwhelming and stressful. But with the help of our families and friends, I know we will be just fine.
I am exactly 15 weeks along as of today. I had fatigue and nausea pretty much every day until last week, the nausea began to slowly subside during the day and I would only feel nauseated at night. I found that eating Fruit Loops before bed helped a lot, and I wasn't starving when I woke up in the morning. That has been my food throughout this pregnancy thus far, Fruit Loops!!! Having something in my stomach all day was helpful. My food aversions are strange, I can't have coffee! Even if I wanted to have some, it just makes me sick. I normally LOVE coffee. Everyone knows I love chocolate. I don't crave it at all. Also, fruit and salads taste like heaven. Gotta love Mother Nature for keeping us healthy!
A few things I'm experiencing but have never heard about pregnancy: I gag when I brush my teeth. I don't know what it is, I'm guessing my gag reflex is extra sensitive. I've also noticed I've become sensitive to bright lights, and loud noise. There is some weird cramping going on in the lower abdomen, from stretching. At times it feels like menstrual cramps but they don't last very long. It definitely feels like I have a lemon inside me, but that was how big baby was last week. According to The Bump, baby is the size of a navel orange now. It is so amazing how fast they grow. I have found that I'm breathless when I go upstairs, or walk fast. Naps have become my best friend. Speaking of which...until next time! ;)
Friday, February 1, 2013
Changes Underway
Listening to: Fiona Apple, The Idler Wheel
You know you're 30 years old when you stay home on a Friday night and are really looking forward to watching Dateline. God, I love that show. It is definitely not a complaint by any means, I can definitely relate to that meme that reads, "I may be 30, but I feel 20. Then I go out with 20 year-olds then I'm like, yep. I'm 30". Funny stuff.
So, a lot of changes are underway but I can't inform anyone of what these changes are just yet. It could be a new promotion or job, a new home, it could be anything, really. :) For now, I will just say that we will surprise many people. I guess you could say I would not want to jinx it. But I'm feeling rather happy, excited, yet a bit overwhelmed and slightly nervous. It's a roller coaster of emotions for both Matt and I. We won't know what's to come until we're living it.
Don't you hate reading stuff like this? It's like a vague facebook status update that you absolutely must know about. ;)
Until next time, hasta luego.
You know you're 30 years old when you stay home on a Friday night and are really looking forward to watching Dateline. God, I love that show. It is definitely not a complaint by any means, I can definitely relate to that meme that reads, "I may be 30, but I feel 20. Then I go out with 20 year-olds then I'm like, yep. I'm 30". Funny stuff.
So, a lot of changes are underway but I can't inform anyone of what these changes are just yet. It could be a new promotion or job, a new home, it could be anything, really. :) For now, I will just say that we will surprise many people. I guess you could say I would not want to jinx it. But I'm feeling rather happy, excited, yet a bit overwhelmed and slightly nervous. It's a roller coaster of emotions for both Matt and I. We won't know what's to come until we're living it.
Don't you hate reading stuff like this? It's like a vague facebook status update that you absolutely must know about. ;)
Until next time, hasta luego.
Monday, January 21, 2013
We Love Lake Tahoe!
Music: Our Lady Peace, Gravity
I told myself I would journal while we take our small vacations, but I haven't yet. I have decided to briefly write about our last Tahoe trip, taken last weekend with some obligatory photos. :)
I absolutely love living in California! We are 45 minutes away from the beach, roughly 4 hours from the snow during the winter. It can't get any better than this.
We like to leave early, not only to catch the sunrise, but it also allows time to shop for food, and drive a little and/or play in the snow before we check into our hotel.
In my family, we have a little road trip morning tradition. We stop off at a donut and coffee shop before hitting the road. Matt and I have been known to do the same, only we opt for healthier options, like a peanut butter bagel and soy milk. We listen to music and sing along, have deep, meaningful conversations, and I will take short naps since Gio is not much of a morning person. I've never really been much of a snow person either, we weren't exposed to it too much growing up. The more I go now though, I find that I love it!
Matt was an avid skiier as a child, but when he was in his high school years he found snowboarding was more his cup of tea. In college, whenever he and his friends had a break they would stay in cheap little motels, located within walking distance of either Heavenly or NorthStar, to snowboard all day long. We've stayed in said hotels before, but since I'm too chicken to snowboard, I have to figure out ways to entertain myself. Matt wanted us to stay in a much nicer room for me to relax in this time He actually goes a couple of hours at a time, so it isn't too bad. I would like to try to learn to ski or snowboard, but I want to take baby steps. It is a little intimidating, it feels like everyone knows what they're doing. Skiing seems easier, so I may just give that a try soon.
We stayed at the Embassy Suites hotel, near the Village and gondola for Heavenly. This place is so awesome, I felt like royalty. We have accumulated points through our credit cards so it is essentially free for any Hilton hotels we want to use. Score!
I swam in the indoor pool for a bit to relax, hit the spa, watched cable TV in my super comfortable room- mind you, we haven't had cable in over two years so this is a treat for me- although I do not miss it and I feel it is a waste of money- weird? I know, I'm a strange, strange girl. I watched a documentary about the Concordia cruise ship accident. How terrifying! Here I go getting off track...I read, do my nails, upload any photos I've taken on our trip thus far, and I've actually gone to a couple of great spas for facials and massages. The hotel offers a free breakfast buffet every morning, with made to order omelets, and believe me, I couldn't be happier about that. Matt and I went to happy hour a couple of days in a row, in the hotel lodge from 4:30-6:30 with any free cocktails of your choice and snacks like popcorn, pretzels and goldfish crackers.We like to make our own lunch and have snacks on hand, but we go out for dinner. It feels like date night every night. :)
My favorite part of our recent trip was driving around the lake, stopping off at some beautiful views to take pictures and play in the snow. We learned a lot about the Washoe Native Americans who resided in the area (and some still do).
On our fourth day, we drove to the other side of the lake, so Matt could snowboard for a couple of hours at North Star, and I chilled at their new lodge. I am partial to warmth, and unlimited hot chocolate refills!
Until next time, Tahoe! <3
I told myself I would journal while we take our small vacations, but I haven't yet. I have decided to briefly write about our last Tahoe trip, taken last weekend with some obligatory photos. :)
I absolutely love living in California! We are 45 minutes away from the beach, roughly 4 hours from the snow during the winter. It can't get any better than this.
We like to leave early, not only to catch the sunrise, but it also allows time to shop for food, and drive a little and/or play in the snow before we check into our hotel.
In my family, we have a little road trip morning tradition. We stop off at a donut and coffee shop before hitting the road. Matt and I have been known to do the same, only we opt for healthier options, like a peanut butter bagel and soy milk. We listen to music and sing along, have deep, meaningful conversations, and I will take short naps since Gio is not much of a morning person. I've never really been much of a snow person either, we weren't exposed to it too much growing up. The more I go now though, I find that I love it!
Matt was an avid skiier as a child, but when he was in his high school years he found snowboarding was more his cup of tea. In college, whenever he and his friends had a break they would stay in cheap little motels, located within walking distance of either Heavenly or NorthStar, to snowboard all day long. We've stayed in said hotels before, but since I'm too chicken to snowboard, I have to figure out ways to entertain myself. Matt wanted us to stay in a much nicer room for me to relax in this time He actually goes a couple of hours at a time, so it isn't too bad. I would like to try to learn to ski or snowboard, but I want to take baby steps. It is a little intimidating, it feels like everyone knows what they're doing. Skiing seems easier, so I may just give that a try soon.
We stayed at the Embassy Suites hotel, near the Village and gondola for Heavenly. This place is so awesome, I felt like royalty. We have accumulated points through our credit cards so it is essentially free for any Hilton hotels we want to use. Score!
 |
| Look! Koi fish! It's the little things... |
 |
| I'm scared of heights, but I went on the gondola! Go me! |
 |
| Good morning, Tahoe! |
 |
| In the Village, by the gondolas, a snow fountain. How cool is that? |
 |
| peaceful |
I swam in the indoor pool for a bit to relax, hit the spa, watched cable TV in my super comfortable room- mind you, we haven't had cable in over two years so this is a treat for me- although I do not miss it and I feel it is a waste of money- weird? I know, I'm a strange, strange girl. I watched a documentary about the Concordia cruise ship accident. How terrifying! Here I go getting off track...I read, do my nails, upload any photos I've taken on our trip thus far, and I've actually gone to a couple of great spas for facials and massages. The hotel offers a free breakfast buffet every morning, with made to order omelets, and believe me, I couldn't be happier about that. Matt and I went to happy hour a couple of days in a row, in the hotel lodge from 4:30-6:30 with any free cocktails of your choice and snacks like popcorn, pretzels and goldfish crackers.We like to make our own lunch and have snacks on hand, but we go out for dinner. It feels like date night every night. :)
My favorite part of our recent trip was driving around the lake, stopping off at some beautiful views to take pictures and play in the snow. We learned a lot about the Washoe Native Americans who resided in the area (and some still do).
 |
| goobers |
On our fourth day, we drove to the other side of the lake, so Matt could snowboard for a couple of hours at North Star, and I chilled at their new lodge. I am partial to warmth, and unlimited hot chocolate refills!
Until next time, Tahoe! <3
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies
I have high hopes that this recipe is amazingly awesome. I just watched an episode of America's Test Kitchen, and when I looked up this recipe online, I had to register with them. I'm not a fan of getting junk mail, but I was willing to deal with it all for this recipe. I'm not a huge peanut butter cookie fan, but my husband is. I couldn't pin the recipe, because all who click on it have to register and I did not want to put someone else through that. Haha! I can't wait to try this out.
Makes 24 cookies
Do not use unsalted peanut butter for this recipe.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1 1/4cups (6 1/4 ounces) raw peanuts, toasted and cooled
- 3/4cup (3 3/4 ounces) all-purpose flour
- 1teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2teaspoon salt
- 3tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2cup (3 1/2 ounces) granulated sugar
- 1/2cup packed (3 1/2 ounces) light brown sugar
- 3tablespoons whole milk
- 1large egg
Filling
- 3/4cup creamy peanut butter
- 3tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1cup (4 ounces) confectioners' sugar
Instructions
- 1. FOR THE COOKIES: Adjust oven racks to upper-middle and lower-middle positions and heat oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Pulse peanuts in food processor until finely chopped, about 8 pulses. Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt together in bowl. Whisk butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, and egg together in second bowl. Stir flour mixture into peanut butter mixture with rubber spatula until combined. Stir in peanuts until evenly distributed.
- 2. Using #60 scoop or tablespoon measure, place 12 mounds, evenly spaced, on each prepared baking sheet. Using damp hand, flatten mounds until 2 inches in diameter.
- 3. Bake until deep golden brown and firm to touch, 15 to 18 minutes, switching and rotating sheets halfway through baking. Let cookies cool on sheets for 5 minutes. Transfer cookies to wire rack and let cool completely, about 30 minutes. Repeat portioning and baking remaining dough.
- 4. FOR THE FILLING: Microwave peanut butter and butter until butter is melted and warm, about 40 seconds. Using rubber spatula, stir in confectioners’ sugar until combined.
- 5. TO ASSEMBLE: Place 24 cookies upside down on work surface. Place 1 level tablespoon (or #60 scoop) warm filling in center of each cookie. Place second cookie on top of filling, right side up, pressing gently until filling spreads to edges. Allow filling to set for 1 hour before serving. Assembled cookies can be stored in airtight container for up to 3 days.
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Merry merry Christmas!
Listening to: Mae, The Everglow
My goodness, I'm so emo. I do love my mellow music at night though, which allows me to relax and unwind. Though there isn't much to unwind these days per se, since I am no longer working. My hair is in tact, nails are growing, and my blood pressure is normal all day long. I do miss working, but I just know there is something much better out there for me. Going back to school will be a change of pace, but I'm not a complete stranger to it. I'm ready for it, I say bring it on!
We've had to make another recent adjustment: my girlfriend's sister, who has also become a friend, has moved into our home until she can find a better arrangement. It had only been a few months since Rob moved out, but this girl had to find a place to live in less than a month. We have 2 spare bedrooms and a full bath she could use, we figured, why not?
So, Thanksgiving and Christmas have come and gone. This year was quite a challenge for Matt and I, but we got through it. I cannot imagine my life without him. We spent Thanksgiving with both our families, sans my brother-in-law and his family because they spent it with my sister-in-law's family. It's always interesting and fun to get both families together, because everyone is so different. It really is wonderful when it happens, because it goes to show how much love and respect we have for one another. We all contributed to the feast, and the amount of food was endless. It was a lot of fun.
We threw an ugly Christmas sweater/fondue holiday party at our house about a week and a half before Christmas. As much as I like to host and entertain, I've come to the realization that it is a LOT of work, setting up and the clean up after. Perhaps we will host every other year? I love getting people together, and spending time with our great friends. There is nothing else like it.
Christmas has been celebrated the same way for six years now, we have Christmas dinner and open presents on the 24th with my family, and the 25th is celebrated with Matt's family. Again, tons of fun. I suspect I was a good girl this year, because I feel pretty spoiled by all. I do admit a little bit of guilt, though because I feel that I have a lot of "stuff", and the money spent could go elsewhere, like to those in need. I am, however, extremely grateful for all that I have. Our gifts from everyone were very thoughtful and special. Here are a couple of goofy photos of us opening gifts:
Now we look forward to ringing in the new year! We plan on spending it out and about with a couple of our best friends. I'm excited to think about what is in store for us in 2013. Oh, the possibilities...
My goodness, I'm so emo. I do love my mellow music at night though, which allows me to relax and unwind. Though there isn't much to unwind these days per se, since I am no longer working. My hair is in tact, nails are growing, and my blood pressure is normal all day long. I do miss working, but I just know there is something much better out there for me. Going back to school will be a change of pace, but I'm not a complete stranger to it. I'm ready for it, I say bring it on!
We've had to make another recent adjustment: my girlfriend's sister, who has also become a friend, has moved into our home until she can find a better arrangement. It had only been a few months since Rob moved out, but this girl had to find a place to live in less than a month. We have 2 spare bedrooms and a full bath she could use, we figured, why not?
So, Thanksgiving and Christmas have come and gone. This year was quite a challenge for Matt and I, but we got through it. I cannot imagine my life without him. We spent Thanksgiving with both our families, sans my brother-in-law and his family because they spent it with my sister-in-law's family. It's always interesting and fun to get both families together, because everyone is so different. It really is wonderful when it happens, because it goes to show how much love and respect we have for one another. We all contributed to the feast, and the amount of food was endless. It was a lot of fun.
We threw an ugly Christmas sweater/fondue holiday party at our house about a week and a half before Christmas. As much as I like to host and entertain, I've come to the realization that it is a LOT of work, setting up and the clean up after. Perhaps we will host every other year? I love getting people together, and spending time with our great friends. There is nothing else like it.
Christmas has been celebrated the same way for six years now, we have Christmas dinner and open presents on the 24th with my family, and the 25th is celebrated with Matt's family. Again, tons of fun. I suspect I was a good girl this year, because I feel pretty spoiled by all. I do admit a little bit of guilt, though because I feel that I have a lot of "stuff", and the money spent could go elsewhere, like to those in need. I am, however, extremely grateful for all that I have. Our gifts from everyone were very thoughtful and special. Here are a couple of goofy photos of us opening gifts:
Now we look forward to ringing in the new year! We plan on spending it out and about with a couple of our best friends. I'm excited to think about what is in store for us in 2013. Oh, the possibilities...
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