1 down, 215 to go....

So, it took me so long to post this, that it's almost two down, but hey. That's the life a new mom, right? I even have a super fabulous husband that helps me and is here with me all the time and I can't find the time to blog. How has Cooper (my friend with triplets) done it for all this time, I wonder??? Anyway, I figure there are 216 months in 18 years. I have that long to influence this precious baby boy to be a man. It's already going by too fast. Sappy?

Zeke is growing like a weed. He changes every day and I can't believe how quickly the last 6 weeks has gone. It's fun to watch, especially as he talks to us and smiles at us. Sleeping is still a challenge and I would love for him to love sleeping in a bed, but he prefers sleeping on our chests. It's hit or miss, and a week of a cold (glad to get that one under my belt) and a few nights out of town (for work, for me, and I survived!) threw off what I thought we were getting into as a system where he napped on us during the day and slept in his bed at night. It will come. He's only 6 weeks today, after all...

Taking a nap on great aunt Megan, who will spoil me probably more than she spoils my mommy, if that is even possible.

Here are some pictures of our little man. So big!

This is what happens when dad is my stylist

I'm meeting my uncle Lee for the first time, and pooping on him.

Still talking food

Okay, so I intended for a lot of this to be about food, as well as being a mom and having a family. Even more than pregnancy, breastfeeding is about eating for two. You are 'supposed' to eat 2,700 calories to support it, but I'm pretty sure that I don't come close to that on most days. I thought it would be no problem, but I still try to eat the 'right' calories (including at least one cookie per day) and really, eating at all can be an issue.

As you know now, poor little Zeke had to be in the NICU the first two days of his life, which lead to issues with my milk coming in and his weight loss. At our 1 week doctor appointment, I was threatened that he would be put in the hospital if we didn't get it up. We pumped him full of high calorie formula and all the breast milk I could produce, and viola! he gained 8 oz overnight. Yes, half a pound and all of the docs were amazed. Anyway, the pediatrician that we saw the next day (to confirm that he had gained weight) perscribed some natural ways to help with my milk production: oatmeal for breakfast, barley soup for lunch, mother's milk tea and Guinness. I was so happy to drink a Guinness per day on doctor's orders. I do love oatmeal, and took this as an opportunity to get creative with it. So, here is my breakfast, most days. It's delicious and nutricious. Plus, at our 2 week appointment, Zeke had grown and inch and a half and gained one pound and 3 ounces since the weigh in appointment (that's a whopping 27 ounces since his one week appointment).

Mama's oatmeal:

Bring 1 cup water and 1 T half and half to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and add a heaping 1/2 cup oats (quick or regular, your call), about 20 raisins or more to taste and 1 t vanilla. Stir until cooked, about 2-6 minutes. Pour into a bowl and sprinkle with 1 t brown sugar (if you need the extra calories, of course). Yum.

And a cute Isaiah shot, b/c that's really why you're reading...

Early bonding worked!

So, all of those attempts for Isaiah and Ben to bond when Isaiah was still in utero worked judging by how excited Ben was when they did actually meet a week ago. It was hilarious, and we can't wait for play dates!

Little Man

Our little guy has arrived. It has taken me two weeks to post because, well, the first two weeks are very eventful. We are all doing well, after a less than ideal start where Isaiah arrived by emergency c-section because of an infection and both he and I were on 48 hours of antibiotics (translation--he was in the NICU and we were apart) which made the beginning incredibly stressful and tearful, but now we are home and all doing well. My first instinct the day we found out we were pregnant was that it was a boy, and I was so happy to find out my instincts were
correct!

Isaiah Philip Opot born May 9, 2009, at 8:55 p.m. 8 lb 5 oz. We love him so much and are so glad he is here!!

He's the best

Okay, so I generally hate when people gush about how amAAAAAzing their husbands are. Especially at our age (or younger) because I think it's silly. Do it when you're married for like 20 years. Okay, okay, it's more of a personality thing, and I guess I've never been a mushy type, but hearing other people do it kind of makes me cringe. A little like PDA. Of course we all think we are married to the greatest men ever, because why would you have married him, right? But, I must say, Joab has been awesome. He would probably be embarrassed that I'm even saying this. Luckily he pays no attention to the fact that I blog. I know much of it is his own excitement about being a dad, but it has been such a good thing for me while surviving the last month of pregnancy.
I have done mental nesting, he has done the physical part. We moved a month ago and he did it ALL. He packed and cleaned the old place, unpacked and cleaned the new place with just minor direction and consultation from me. Plus, he has put everything together in the baby's room, washed all the baby clothes, towels, blankies and made it a real bedroom. All while I direct from the couch. It's not like I'm on bedrest and I can't. It's just that I don't want to, physically because I have huge meat hunk feet and it hurts EVERYWHERE to stand for more than about 15 minutes. So, instead, I walk around and complain about what I wish was done, and then he does it. I would hate me if I was him, but he doesn't seem to hate me at all. Maybe it's because I still make him dinner. Most nights.

Really getting there...

I haven't posted in nearly a month because I don't have pictures to display my hugeness. Plus, we have had a lot going on in the family, so life has gone into overdrive. That, and somehow being this pregnant really wears you out. It feels like I will never be finished getting ready for everything, but when people ask what I still need I answer one of two ways: "Nothing." or "I don't know." And I really don't. I feel like I will realize it once I have this kiddo, but until then it feels like just buying and buying tons of stuff that maybe we'll never use.
I finally got the eco-friendly baby friendly detergent I wanted, so I've washed the sheets and a few onesies, so we're 'ready' Right. Mom and I took a trip to bebe verde today, and it was great. It's a little boutique with lots of great green stuff. I of course felt guilty when she asked me about cloth diapering, and I used Caroline's experience as an excuse/point of reference. Especially because she is now trying cloth. So, maybe in 7 months. Or after we go through the 1,000 disposable huggies that we have. I feel a little guilty when I look at the boxes and think I am contributing to the problem in such a major way, but then think, I can only be so perfect right now. Learning how to be a parent will be mine and Joab's first jobs, then we can learn how to be better eco parents. As we dress our baby in organic cotton onesies, wash the baby in organic fragance and chemical free wash so the baby can sleep on its organic mattress with organic sheets. I guess we're not doing so bad. Thankfully we've had some generous aunts and mamaw that have made that goal more of a reality.
So, now I am technically full term and the baby could come 'any time' even though my due date is still 13 days away. My feet and hands are huge and sore from being so swollen. I get moderate amounts of sleep because of discomfort, but am surviving. Joab is too, and just ready for the baby to get here. Definitely more ready than I am, but I finally had a "I can do this" moment the other day. So, let's hope I defy the family pattern, and have the baby on time. I'm still banking that, like my mom and all of my aunts, this baby will make a late arrival. Wait and see...

Getting There...

The past few weeks have been very busy. The last weekend in March I spent in Leakey with good girlfriends from MN. It was so great to have us all together again...it's been two years at least, and I was happy that they all came down to TX. Here are some pics from the trip. Thanks to Amber, there are some photos of my culinary endeavors.

I made cinnamon rolls, they were great, this is before they were cooked.

they're working on the belly cast. i need to finish it.


our parting group shop. great end to a fun weekend

Last week Joab and I moved; Caroline, Mark and Ben came in town; I attended my final shower in Houston. We are just hunkering down for the last few weeks before the baby arrives, and it seems a little overwhelming at this point. It's actually really nice that we were able to move because it's a fresh start, but it must really suck for Joab because he did everything. EVERYTHING. Next week is Easter, I'm getting a massage (so rough!) and meeting with the doula to go over my birth plan and am very happy that my brother and cousin will also be in town. Plus, I have Friday off. whoo-hoo. We can't wait for Ben to meet our little baby!

Caroline and I think this is good bonding for our kids...

Bump

Okay, so I'm not crazy about this picture because of the additional back fat roll, but figure, when else can my belly hang over my bikini like this and I can be proud of it?? So here I am, in all my hugeness, at 34 weeks.

Giada's a Genius Disclaimer: another food post with no photos

Even though her voice, tone and expressions usually bug me, Giada has some of the best recipes. Last night I used her recipe to make Sausage, Peppers, and Onions. We ate them sandwich style and it was soooo good. I'm enjoying it now as my leftovers for lunch. This is the link to the recipe. Below are the modifications I made.

Ingredients
1/8cup extra-virgin olive oil
4 links Hot Italian Chicken Sausage
2 red bell peppers, sliced
1 yellow onion, sliced
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
4 garlic cloves, chopped
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup Chardonnay
1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes (olive oil and garlic diced from Whole Foods)
Ciabatta rolls or loaf
Provolone
Directions
Heat the oil in a heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausages and cook until brown on both sides, about 7 to 10 minutes. Remove from the pan and drain.
Keeping the pan over medium heat, add the peppers, onions, salt, and pepper and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add the Italian seasoning, and garlic and cook 2 more minutes.
Add the tomato paste and stir. Add the wine and tomatoes. Stir to combine, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to release all the browned bits. Bring to a simmer.
Cut the sausages into 4 to 6 pieces each, about 1-inch cubes. Add the sausage back to the pan and stir to combine. Cook until the sauce has thickened, about 10 minutes.
Split the Ciabatta. Hollow out the bread from the bottom side of each roll, being careful not to puncture the crust. Put as much provolone as desired in the dug out side. Fill the sausage mixture on top of the provolone. Yummy!!

Definitely the best sausage and peppers recipe I've ever had. The tomato paste and wine really add richness. I also prefer things spicy, which is why I opted for hot Italian sausages. Whole Foods has the best non pork Italian sausages. Joab had seconds and I did not get heartburn. I guess my baby has no hair.

My first UT

Even though Joab vows that he won't let it happen, this kid is likely to get the same brainwashing toward loving UT that we all got as children. Of course, I was lucky enough that both my parents went to UT, but hey, at least this kid has a brilliant mother. Here are some of baby's new loot...

My first UT onesie, thanks Grandma

Some UT socks (not my first, though) also thanks to grandma

My first UT football thanks to Aunt Megan, it even plays the eyes of Texas!!

My second and third UT onesies, thanks to Andy and Heidi.

The baby told me that putting these on will make him or her so happy and stop crying right away. I can't wait to get more!! I got tons of other cute stuff, too, but had to share these. They must have read my post from Anne's shower...

Giddy pregnant

Yesterday I had a doctor's appointment, which I kind of forgot about because now they are every two weeks, so it's not so exciting. I was happy that I only gained 2lbs in two weeks, since I gained 6.5 in a month at my last visit. The visits are, luckily for me, kind of old hat. The only thing that changes is my weight, otherwise my blood pressure is always good, the baby's heartbeat is always a strong 150ish, I'm measuring where I'm supposed to, blah blah blah. But blah blah is what you want.
Anyway, random strangers are much more likely to talk to me about when I'm due, what the gender is (and how cool or crazy it is that I'm not finding out), how I'm feeling and if I have names picked out. When I was leaving yesterday morning, I got on a very full elevator and one woman had a staring problem. She was mostly staring at the woman behind me who was pregnant, or maybe her son who was about 3, but I think caught herself and started staring at me and must have thought "she's huge! she must be expecting any day now."
Staring woman, "How much longer do you have to go?"
Me, "9 weeks."
Staring woman, "Oh, I bet you just can't wait."
Me, "No, I can wait"
Staring woman, keeps staring in disbelief.
Me, "This is my first baby. I can definitely wait." Walk off elevator.
Pregnant woman with 3 year old laughs while the rest of the elevator is appalled.
I think women are expected to be non stop giddy and clapping hands whenever we think about the little bun in the oven, but that's just plain dumb. My mom feels that way, but I sure don't. I'll be happy to let this kid stay in there until I have a crib set up, we're moved into a new place, I've figured out how we're going to pay for college. Honesty is so disappointing.

Mark it 8, dude.

Look what's coming to Minneapolis, long after I'm gone? This treasure of a movie is something I've probably watched 9million times. No, but, really, it's safe to say that I've watched it at least 150. In various states of sobriety. If you know me, you know I love all things Coen brothers, starting from the early and lucky influence of my parents making sure we loved and appreciated Raising Arizona. Anyway, this is a good one. I wish I was in Minneapolis to attend it. It would have been an awesome time for Phil to come visit his favorite sister. It will probably be in the summer, when people remember why they live there and seem to forget about the winter they suffered through only three short months before.
http://twincities.decider.com/articles/lebowski-fest-rolling-toward-minneapolis,24570/

Naturally, it will be stopping in Austin. Why am I here again?

It's easy to be green

Green is the new black. We all know that. Last night my parents, Joab and I dined at Ruggles Green. It is the "only certified green restaurant in Houston city proper." I love Ruggles in Rice Village, and Ruggles Green has the same perks, only better. A variety of sandwich/pizza/pasta/salad offering in an order at the counter style restaurant and desserts that you will have trouble resisting. So what does it mean to be green? Technically the must reach standards to be Certified by the Green Restaurant Association, but the gist is to provide an environmentally sustainable business. Anyone who has worked in restaurants should know that waste waste waste is the name of the game, so it's a great thing to see. Plus, it's nice to know that the menu is paying attention to sustainability practices.

I ordered the All Natural Chicken Sandwich: Natural Chicken & Plantains Sauteed in Marinara Sauce, Topped with Apple Smoked Bacon, Cilantro, Guava Caramelized Onions, Black Beans,
Guava Sauce & Mango Chipotle Dressing, served on a Whole Wheat Bun. I know, sounds like a lot. Maybe too much. But it wasn't. I didn't notice the black beans, plantains or marinara; maybe they were missing? And it was topped with avocado and included their pickles, which may be a problem for some, but I was going to add them anyway. The pickles are, truly, pickled cukes, not brined. The mango chipotle dressing was delicious and not overwhelmingly doused on the sandwich, the bacon perfectly cooked, the onions delicious. It didn't seem to match the description, but it was good chicken sandwich, as far as chicken sandwiches go. I made the mistake of adding mustard (I know, but I'm a vinegar freak!) which I didn't do when I had the leftovers at lunch, and didn't miss it. I, of course, ordered it with sweet potato fries. Yummy, crispy, just salty and not greasy. Naturally my dad ordered an additional side order for the table since he ended up getting pasta and can't resist sweet potato fries.

Dad ordered the spicy shrimp pasta, which I didn't get to try, but he complained that it wasn't spicy enough. Joab ordered the spicy southwest smoked chicken pasta which was quite spicy and very smoky. A unique flavor for pasta, very much a smoky, barbecue feel and not exactly what Joab was going for, but the rest of us liked it a lot. Mom ordered the curry chicken salad. It was also tasty, and wasn't curried chicken salad, but a salad, which chicken breast and curry flavoring. Dad and I argued about it needing a vinegar element. He said it did, I said it would ruin the flavors. It turned into a semi argument, but I stand by my assessment. He doesn't really know what he's talking about and the vinegar would have ruined it; I think he didn't like it because of the fruit elements. Or maybe it was my realization that the mustard I put on my sandwich overpowered the delicate balance of flavors the chef intended. You have to really like curry flavor to like it, but why would you order a curry salad if you didn't really like curry? Curry isn't one of those on the fence things that people kind of like, like garlic mashed potatoes or something. You love it or hate it.

Remember what I said about dessert? Naturally my fat pregnant ass had to get some, and we split the Charlotte’s Webb - Alternating Layers of Moist Chocolate Cake Pieces,White Chocolate Espresso Pudding, Fresh Whipped Cream & Crunchy Heath Bar Pieces. Yum. Just as good as it sounds. Definitely glad we split it between the four of us.

Oh! I almost forgot they have a great list of organic beers and wines. I don't remember what everyone ordered, but everyone liked their choices. I cannot provide any insight, because my tongue doesn't seem to like the taste of beer or wine in pregnancy.

I am also happy to note that Texas has 7 certified green restaurants or resorts. Minnesota has none. Does that make up for the fact that you can recycle at almost any trash can in Minneapolis? Probably not. And, in all honesty, you can't compete with the greeness of Minne. I do miss that...

Who knew??

At the advice of my doula, I went to a breastfeeding class that was WAY out in the Woodlands on Saturday morning because the woman who teaches it, Sherri Urban, rocks. She did. She was great. I learned a lot, feel more confident and comfortable about nursing our baby and she kept me interested. One little kernel of knowledge I was happy to know is that breastfeeding is protected under Texas law!!! There are 41 states that allow women to breastfeed anywhere in public or private, and I am so happy that Texas is one of them. In addition, it's one of 27 states that has laws about breastfeeding and work, and actually has a mother friendly worksite program that encourages employers to support nursing mothers. How can I get my office to sign on? I always get excited when I hear about women friendly or progressive laws in Texas and look forward to sharing them with all my Minnesota friends who think Texas is so backwards. Naturally, with a little review, Minnesota is one of the states with the most progressive laws, but that's expected, right?
I guess I'm lucky that I grew up in a family where I saw all of my cousins nursed as a natural process in child development and maternal health. I've never understood why people get so grossed out or embarrassed by breastfeeding, though I'll admit when I walked up to a table I was waiting on at Shady Grove and all four women were nursing I was a little taken aback. Young and naive, I guess. Hopefully the day will come when people are disgusted by women whipping them out for beads, instead of whipping them out for nutrition.

Bump

Okay, so here is the latest, my 30 week bump picture. Let the countdown begin. 10 weeks seems awfully close, doesn't it?? All these side profile pics keep reminding me I need new glasses!

Cuatro's

I was in Austin this weekend, and it was fabulous. Including the fact that I have a new place to miss, even though it wasn't part of my repertoire, it is a place that I will visit whenever I am back in Austin.

Cuatro's is on 24th & San Gabriel, in the heart of West Campus, but without the Cain & Abel's frat boy feel or the Pluckers super collegey feel. Sure, lots of students, but a mixed crowd. Most important delicious food!! And drinks. I cannot wait to get back and drink the drinks with alcohol.

We had fried pickle starters. I LOVE fried pickles, and not just because I am pregnant. I have always loved fried pickles and the only place I ever really liked was Razoo's because they fry the chips, not the spear. I've tried fried spears, and find them totally disappointing. Cuatro's were rigid, crispy, salty and served with jalapeno ranch. I'm not usually a ranch fan, unless it is with fries or fried something (to make it healthier) and it has to be real ranch. Not that gluey, sugary plastic jar crap. Must be made with buttermilk, mayo and spices (usually shitload of salt). Add jalapenos, and YUM! A Texan girl's dream come true.

I followed with the Kona Tacos (I got the mini tacos on corn torts instead of two tacos on flour) that are filled with pork, onions, pineapple cilantro and green chile sauce. They are so good, and don't be afraid if you typically don't like fruit. The sweet tartness of the pineapple gave just enough bite to offset the crispy yet chewy perfectly smoky seasoned pork. Plus, I got to snag my friend's tuna taco which is seared ahi tuna (don't tell the pregnancy police) with avocado, pico and greens and a side of the jalapeno ranch. I loved those too, but was happy with my Kona tacos.

I had the watermelon agua fresca to drink, sans alcohol. To die for. After the first sip all I could think about was sitting by the lake in the summer, even though it was a breezy 55, freezing by Texas standards. I could taste the freshness of the watermelon juice, it was even a little pulpy as watermelon juice should be, mixed with lime and a mint sprig. There was some carbonation, I'm thinking club soda, which may have existed in place of the alcoholic version with Bacardi Limon. I am not a big rum drinker, but this would be a rum drink that I could enjoy on their patio.

The whole place is practically a patio, and definitely had that chill all day feel to it. The service was good, the crowd was good, the bar was cool. The light wooden floors and silver chairs gave it a chilled out vibe, and I felt like I should be at the beach. Plus, there were lots of TV's, so any sporting event you could want was available. Though, of course, UT sports take precedence. A great spot. I can't wait to head back!!

Channeling my grandfather...

About 4 years ago, when I was training for the Austin marathon, my eating habits and the way I looked at food changed dramatically. It started off with my brother and I making a deal to eat no fried food/fast food and no Cokes (i.e. soda or pop) for a month. As I trained, I began to see food more as fuel than something to purely enjoy and really started reading labels and paying attention to what I was eating. Well, you can guess where that goes. I began eating more whole foods and vegetarian, steering clear of partially hydrogenated oils and high fructose corn syrup whenever I could. There was a difference! I was the healthiest I have ever been, I dropped about 25 lbs (mind you, this was in conjunction with marathon training, but most of the weight came off about 2 months following the marathon), and I was sleeping better and feeling better. Now, I'm not a purist or holy roller. I love coffee, and never gave up caffeine, nor did I have any desire to do so. I love food. As most people who love food, I love cheese, love a rich creamy gratin, love pasta, love bread, love a good steak, love cheeseburgers and milkshakes. Still, I paid attention to what was going in, and only ate that stuff sometimes.

Moving to Minneapolis I was kind of in hog heaven. I lived right down the street from The Wedge and became a member the day I moved to Uptown. The weekly newsletters got me even more in touch with holistic approaches to everything from high cholesterol to aching joints. The Wedge also got me more turned on to local, that and the St. Paul farmer's market. The freshness and difference in taste and quality made me appreciate local bounty, and start to pay more attention to where food was coming from and the idea that you could actually talk to the farmer that grew those tomatoes, or buy your Thanksgiving turkey from the guy who slaughtered it on Tuesday (and it was roaming his farm before that). When I moved back to Texas, to Houston, I was sure that I would never be able to find what I had in Minneapolis, or what is available in Austin. I was wrong.

The local food/whole foods movement is big here in Houston, which is great considering there are so many restaurants. It's kind of a foodie (hot) paradise, if you know where to look. While I thought I'd have to start my own co-op, I found Central City Coop, already 7 years into it and growing quickly. Now I'm on the board of directors, which is offering all types of opportunities to meet other like minded folk, from foodies to farmers. As the outreach committee head, I attended a meeting this week for a collaborative project called Urban Farm Belt. It was at Emile Farm/Last Organic Outpost in the 5th Ward and everyone was trying to figure out the best ways to bring and encourage urban farming in Houston, much like the Emile street farm. Right up my alley, since the goal is to increase access to healthy foods, while beautifying lower income neighborhoods. Of course, there is a long way to go. And, as all my old HHH profs would be glad to know, all I could think about was community buy-in, community buy-in, community buy-in. For the first time in my life, I was walking around that farm thinking, man, I can't wait til the day when I have my own garden and I can farm. Huh?? I hate tending to stuff, hate being out in the heat, am an urban woman through and through. Last Sunday I bought lettuce from an organic farmer who had pulled it out of the ground that morning. All of a sudden I'm so intrigued by the idea of being able to grow my own food and eat it that day. I just wish my Grandad was around when I had this epiphany. He would be so proud.

This is a picture of Emile street farm, go to this article published in the Chronicle on Thursday to learn more about Joe (in the picture) and the farm!

Bump

So, here's the most recent bump picture. It is three weeks old, so I'm even bigger now. I'll try to do better.

I miss Austin

I've been having the what the hell am I doing in Houston moments. Plus, this poor kid is going to be born in Houston moments. Trust me, I've thought about it. But yesterday while driving home in godforsaken inexplicable traffic at 4:30, NPR was interviewing Bill Clinton about his Global Initiative University Meeting being held at, of course, The University of Texas.
It's always hard when people ask where I'm 'from' because, of course, I feel like I'm from Austin, despite the fact that I went to junior high and high school in Dallas. I was born there, lived there as a little kid and a little adult, it's where I grew up, where I met Joab, where we got married. I always have that safe feeling like, ahhhh, I'm home, when I'm there. Anytime I meet someone from Austin I feel like we have something in common (it doesn't help that I was at a training this week being held by someone who worked for City of Austin for 26 years and I thought, why don't I work for City of Austin??) and that really, I'm supposed to be there. It actually is where I've spent most of my life. I've lived in 10 cities, 4 states and 4 countries over 28 years and Austin has the most of all those years. Yet, when I left in 2005 to move to Minneapolis, I couldn't wait to get out of there. Now, I'm dying to go back.
Houston isn't too bad. My parents are here, a lot of my family is here, most of Joab's family is here. I have some good friends here. I have a good job. Now that we're having this bambino, being close to family is the most important thing. That and having a good job. Two things that will remain while I am here. Which will probably be a while. But the best thing about Houston? It's only 2.5 hour drive from Austin...
Here is a short list of things I really miss...
Barton Springs
Town Lake and the running trails
Lake Travis
Russell's Bakery
Shady Grove
Hula Hut
Amy's Ice Cream
Austin Java Co
Maudie's
Guerro's
Taco Shack
a million other Tex Mex places
Austin Pizza
Rudy's BBQ
Veggie Heaven (though I must admit only frequented it in college)
Mangia
Triumph Cafe
Whole Foods
Central Market
University of Texas
Texas Sports
Downtown
Too many cool bars around town to count
Patios at every restaurant
Driving on 360
Keeping it weird
I could go on and on...
Some of the restaurants have locations here in Houston, but it's just not the same. Until then, I will work on my 5 year plan to get back there. Now, if only I can convince my sweet husband to get on the same plan.

Chicken Enchiladas

Okay, so I don't have a picture of my latest culinary success. Actually, I took a picture of breakfast tacos I made the other day, with every intention to post it, but can't find the cord to upload from my camera. Totally lame excuse. That and my computer is, for all intents and purposes, dead, so I don't have anywhere to store them buy my work computer which is really not looked highly upon here at the County. I made the enchilada recipe from my America's Test Kitchen cookbook. Hye's wedding present to me, and probably the most useful gift of all. Not to downplay all of you who donated to my honeymoon, because that was awesome, but I probably look at this cookbook for inspiration at least once a week. And make something at least once a week (pancake Sundays are much better with homemade than Bisquick!). There are so many reasons this cookbook is so great, from the laminated pages to the explanations of chemical reactions, but the recipes turn out absolutely perfect almost every time. I say almost because the Chicken Picatta was not successful, even though I followed the recipe perfectly. I'm sure I made a mistake somewhere. These people are professionals.
I was a good wife this week, roasted a whole chicken on Sunday (damn, why didn't I take a picture!) even though I was in SO MUCH PAIN standing in the kitchen. We had roasted chicken breast and roasted veggies on Monday, but I used the dark meat to make enchiladas last night and they were delish. Of course the recipe isn't public, I probably shouldn't post it. Maybe a bad idea with my first recipe posting. At least I found a picture of the ones America's Test Kitchen made, and mine looked strikingly similar. I'm already failing as a food blogger...

Off the wagon??

So, I've been pretty good about eating healthy, staying active and trying not to over indulge. Of course, at the beginning of the pregnancy one day I ate chili cheese fries and a chocolate shake for lunch, but I've generally been eating like my normal self. Well, last week not only did I not eat that great, I hardly worked out at all. Plus, the one day I did work out, I ate a breakfast burrito from Chik-Fil-A (b/c they were doing a promotion, I mean, c'mon free food in this economy??) and then ended up in so much pain later in the day I questioned my desire to keep working out at all anymore. Now my tailbone hurts, almost all the time. Plus the baby has decided to be super active the past few days, which I'm glad about, but it makes relaxation difficult. Worst of all, I've been having these foot cramps and soreness that remind me of being in college the day after wearing too high heels while slopping around 6th Street with Caroline. Touche. I topped off the week of eating with a delicious, nutritious breakfast at Breakfast Klub on Sunday. Apparently it's one of Beyonce's faves and she eats here every time she's back in Htown. Aside from the chance celebrity encounter, if you've eaten there, it would be your fave too. The wings are the bomb (trust me, even if you 'don't like wings' these are good) and worth eating with a waffle or pancakes. I can't resist the grits. I love me some grits, and these creamy, chewy nuggets of goodness complete with a pool of melted butter are the best I've ever had. Seriously. Nothing mushy or plain about their grits. Try them and see if you don't agree. I dare you....

If you live in Minneapolis

There are a lot of things I don't miss about Minneapolis, especially in February, but there are a lot of things I do miss about Minneapolis. I'm not going to take this time to list them, but am reminded about something in particular as I try to 'fix' my car that has been dying randomly on and off for about 3 years now, and nobody can ever figure out. I first took it to Autopia, who I picked because they were ranked high in MN Woman magazine, a pro woman business all this. Found that maybe they are honest, but they're waaaay overpriced. Including they couldn't figure out what was wrong, but told me to tow my car to them again next time it happened so they could figure it out after they overcharged me to replace the battery only a few months earlier. No way Jose. Until my friend peeped me to Steve at Lyndale Auto. I told Steve, who serviced the car one last time before we left, that leaving him was one of the worst things about leaving Minneapolis. He's like having your own personal Click and Clack the Tap it brothers. This man took apart my car one day, to try to find a leak and didn't charge me anything because he couldn't find the leak. I left it over the weekend mostly because I was being lazy but I think it was the winter and I didn't want to walk the 6 blocks to the shop, it left a teeny puddle and he figured out the leak and fixed it. He always explained everything to me (even if it made my brain hurt to listen), always gave me options of good better best and what immediatly needed fixing and what I could wait on.
Joab found a guy he likes here, and I trust him well enough. Except that when he explained what is going on with the car, the guy said it sounds like we need a tune up. It's not a tune up, it's an electrical issue, probably wiring (which is what Steve told me the last time I called him about it but regretably never took it in for him to figure out) that needs to be replaced. He would even spend time on the phone with my dad, who often would be helping me with the bill since when I was in Grad School. I miss Steve. If you are in Minneapolis, and you need anything on your car, go see Steve at Lyndale Auto (it's in the back of the Bridgeman's gas station on 28th & Lyndale). He is the best mechanic in the history of the world.

Don't ever do this...

I went to my cousin's (technically my cousin's wife) baby shower this weekend and it of course made me think my own will be coming soon. It was at my Aunt's house, and all of the food was fabulous, as expected, including petite fours from Moeller's Bakery (I think...) I'm usually not a fan of petite fours b/c they're all sugar icing and no buttery good stuff, but these were yum yum. Sorry I didn't take a picture! Because there was also a delicious cake to go along.

Anyway, all of that stuff was great. Not to mention I won a game (i.e. won a prize), which I get really excited about. When she was opening presents, she got this, which is great. Of course the downside of not knowing what I'm going to have means I may not get cute UT cheerleader outfits, but her husband actually went to A&M, as did his brother. I immediatly turned to my other cousin's wife and told her, don't you even think about doing that to me. See, if I get a disgusting maroon A&M onesie, I will throw it in the trash. I won't even donate it, because I think it's gross when I see little babies wearing A&M crap, and I just feel sorry for the kid because they don't have a chance to realize how stupid and ugly they look. I want the world to be a beautiful place. So, if you would like to spread beauty, charm, intelligence and general good nature, you can buy me a onesie that looks like this.

Otherwise, beware. Also note, for those who gripe about not being able to buy gender specific onesies, burnt orange looks good on EVERYONE!!!

The Cutest Picture in the World...

I just want an excuse to post this. It's pretty much the favorite picture of me and Ben, Mark and Caroline's son. It's the look we're giving each other, like we know. Like he knows he just drooled all over my shirt and one day will do much worse, but there are good things to come. Like the trouble he will probably get into with the baby he's dangling his feet over. I just think about sharing it with him when he's 18. Is that weird?

Glucose Testing

Today was my glucose testing, which I've kind of heard horror stories about how disgusting it is, but I survived. It wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be, probably because I worked myself into a tizzy thinking about it. Plus I had a regular appointment, and now weigh 180 pounds, which means 28 lbs of weight gain. Despite all efforts to stay under 30, I've decided that I eat healthy and stay active so wtf, if I'm gonna gain 40 or 50, that's life.

So the glucose drink would be great for hummingbirds in Leakey. I got fruit punch flavor (i.e. bright red), not the much described orange, and it was cold and even though I hate really sweet stuff, I didn't really mind it. I really couldn't believe how much of it I had to drink; I guess I expected just a dixie cup or something. It was gross, but probably not as gross as some store-bought cakes I've eaten. I just wondered if that was supposed to be my extra 300 calories for the day? Is it sad that my first 'food' post is about this?

Getting Started

I've resisted to being just another blogger, but after being inspired by some ladies I love to read, I decided that I could do it without being too corny or kitschy. I don't want to be just another person blogging about her family and pregnancy, so I'll fill these posts with marriage and pregnancy and eventually motherhood, but all of the other important stuff along the way. Including but not limited to: food, political commentary, food, cooking, hilarious stuff, some general pop culture commentary, food, running, Longhorn sports, Texas, cooking and probably eating. Everyone says pregnancy is eating for two, and I'm doing my best not to, but enjoying 9 months of letting myself have that extra pickle or bowl of ice cream without making a mental log that I need to run an extra mile.