New addition

I am proud to announce our newest addition!

Nope, not a baby.

But now that I have your attention,

let me introduce you to this mammoth beauty, a.k.a. my birthday present!

I have wanted a KitchenAid for a very long time, which probably explains why I'd dedicate an entire post to such an occasion. For months I've researched the various models and saved my pennies. In the end, I decided to think long-term, and go with the 6 quart (Pro610). With higher wattage than any other model out there, an awesome rebate, and the aesthetic value, I couldn't turn it down! And Williams-Sonoma's service policy was just icing on the cake. If this thing ever breaks, whether it be 2 months from now or 10 years down the road, they will fix or replace it, free of charge! Very reassuring, considering KitchenAid's warranty only lasts one year!

Since Friday's big purchase, Chloe and I have broken this baby in with a sweet potato casserole, a chocolate sheet cake, and two loaves of bread. I am VERY excited for the upcoming holidays, which will only provide more opportunities to create magic in the kitchen! Neil has been joking that his waistline is going to expand significantly in the coming weeks. Guess that makes two of us, ha ha!

Here's to a yummy future!

Wordless Wednesday

Apparently I'm not the only one sporting a bump!

Preggers update

Well here I am at 31 weeks. And here's what I love and don't love about being pregnant:

LOVE:
* Feeling and watching all the movements; lots of kicks in my ribs and lots of knees and elbows everywhere else. It's also fun to see the baby maneuver to one side or the other so that my belly looks lopsided.

*Baby's hiccups. I always feel the little thumps on my lower left side.

*Baby responding to Chloe's voice.

*Anticipating baby's arrival and finally discovering whether it's a boy or a girl. No, we really truly don't know the gender!

DON'T LOVE:
*Heartburn, constantly feeling the urge to pee (even when I sometimes don't have to), swelling/tightening in my shins and calves, braxton hicks, tiring easily, feeling as though my internal organs are being smashed together, and, Neil's personal favorite, my absentmindedness.

We originally planned to schedule a c-section, but I recently decided to attempt a vbac. Considering the baby's head is big and my pelvis is narrow, I realize my chances are slim. But I want to experience going into labor on my own. And more importantly, I want to allow the baby to decide when s/he is ready. My doctor is 100% behind me and says he'll do everything in his power to help me succeed. Even if I end up having another c-section in the end, I'll at least know I gave it my best shot. And for that reason, I'll truly be happy with either outcome. Neil keeps joking that I'm going to go into labor on Chloe's birthday. It's a definite possibility, but if that's the case, I suppose it was meant to be!

I dreamt the other night that we had a girl. My gut has told me boy all along, but I was also positive Chloe was going to be a boy. Chloe insisted for quite a while that she was going to have a sister, but now it seems to change every time we ask her. Neil leans more towards girl, but doesn't have a strong feeling one way or another. Neither outcome will surprise me. All I really care about is having a healthy and happy baby.

2 months to go!

Saturday Night

Neil and I have been anxious awaiting tonight's season premiere of SNL. Aside from the fact that we love the show, Olympic Gold Medalist Michael Phelps is hosting! That in itself makes it worth watching, in my opinion!

So now you know our Saturday night plans! What are yours?

Recipe of the Week

Similar concept to traditional shepard's pie, but MUCH better! I found this in Fall's edition of Kraft 'Food & Family' magazine. You can also find the recipe here. It's received an average of 4.5 stars. It's simple and basic, but really yummy. Give it a try!

Tater-Topped Casserole

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 (10 3/4 oz.) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/4 cup milk

1 cup frozen mixed vegetables

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 lb. (1/2 of 32-oz. pkg.) frozen bite-size seasoned potato nuggets

Instructions:

Heat oven to 375. Brown meat with onions in skillet, stirring occasionally; drain. Spoon into 8-inch square baking dish.

Mix soup and milk; pour over meat mixture. Top with layers of mixed vegetables, cheese and potatoes.

Bake 45 min. or until potatoes are golden brown and casserole is heated through.

*My own two cents: I seasoned the hamburger meat with seasoned salt and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Definitely enhanced the flavor! Next time I think I'll sprinkle some cheese on top of the tater tots before throwing the casserole into the oven.

It's in the air...

With all the signs that Fall is just around the corner, I've found myself reminiscing about and pondering some of the reasons it's my favorite season. Here are ten (in no particular order):

1. The vibrant leaves and the crisp cool air.

2. Pumpkins, whether they be in pies or decorating someone's front porch.

3. Dad and Mom's annual Colorado visits, which, for this year, sadly ended this morning.

(We miss you already!)

4. Football season.


5. Thanksgiving day:
kitchen aromas, cheering football fans, warmth of loved ones gathering to celebrate gratitude.

6. The new beginnings brought by the opening of school.

7. My babies - it's apparently my season for having them.

8. Bundling Chloe up in her Halloween costume.
(I say "bundling" because our first snow of the season almost always falls Halloween night.)

{Halloween 2007}

9. Harvest scented candles, fall decor, and hot apple cider.

10. Knowing Christmas isn't far away.

Why do you love Fall?

Happy Birthday, Wendy!

Happy Birthday to my best friend, Wendy, whom I've known and looked up to since I was four-years-old! While our friendship has primarily been long distance, we've somehow managed to remain close for over twenty years. Each summer growing up, we took a trip to Salt Lake to visit my mom's family. Naturally, being that we're cousins (our moms are sisters), we'd cross paths and spend as much of those short two weeks together as possible before it was time to say goodbye for another year. We made endless memories during those Salt Lake summers, many of which I will NEVER forget. Forever live the blue bra! :)

Our lives have had many parallels and we've supported one another and shared in just about every milestone and accomplishment. I don't know what I'd do without you, Wendy, and I hope you know just how loved and admired you are!

And now, a journey to the past...

Summer 1988

Summer 1995 (?)

I can't believe I'm posting these. I'm sorry, I just couldn't resist!

1999

2000 (with Britt)

Our wedding days (February 9, 2001 and August 28, 2002)

July 2005 - both pregnant and both due in November (typical of us)

February 2006 (with Chase and Chloe, who were born 16 days apart)

February 2006 (3 months)


June 2007 (7 months)


May 2007 (18 months)

June 2008 (two and a half)

Happy Birthday, Marco! Or is it Eugene? Wish I could treat you to a Fiesta burrito from Armando's Kitchen! Raincheck?

May our friendship continue to produce lasting memories. I love you so much!

Birthday and Anniversary celebrations

I celebrated my 27th birthday on August 24th. Neil and Chloe made it memorable with personalized cards and creative dinner menu options. :) No gifts were unwrapped, but I'll be placing my new Kitchen Aid on the counter soon enough. That evening we went to Patrick and Anna's for homemade German chocolate cake, which Patrick made in honor of Anna's birthday. This is the second year we've celebrated our birthdays together, and I must say, it's a lot of fun having a birthday buddy! Thank you everyone who sent wishes my way!

Our anniversary, which we celebrated four days later, was also low-key. After our 3D ultrasound, we dropped Chloe off with a friend, headed out to find a new camera, since mine died earlier in the week, and then enjoyed a late dinner at Wingstop.

I would have pictures to share, but as I mentioned, my camera chose just the right week to die on me. I stole the above picture from Anna's blog. :)

Labor Day weekend

We had a whirlwind of a weekend! Neil's cousin, Ali, got married at the beginning of August and she and new hubby, Ryan, had a reception on Saturday just outside of Denver, where he is from. Ali's parents and brother naturally came out for the occasion, as well as Neil's brother, Brad, and his girlfriend, Courtney. Lori also joined us from Greeley. It was a quick but fun visit.

Following the reception, a group of us took advantage of the long weekend and drove up near Breckenridge to a cabin owned by a friend of the family. We stayed there Saturday and Sunday night and just got back early this afternoon. Here are some fun pictures from our weekend.

Chloe wore the very same dress that my flower girl, Isabelle, wore on my wedding day six years ago! I've been anxiously awaiting the day Chloe would fit into this dress. And while there's still some growing room, I couldn't resist putting her in it Saturday. She felt like quite the princess.

Chloe thoroughly enjoyed eating rock candy and cheesecake, and smiling for the camera.

With the bride. Ali looked stunning!

Family of 3, very soon to be 4!


Fun Aunt Lori


L to R: me, Neil, Lori, Ryan, Ali, Brady, Brad, Courtney, & Chloe

Then onto the cabin...

All bundled up and ready to go!


Fun with Mommy's belly

Just playin' around!


This girl sure does love her daddy!

Another with Aunt Lori...

with cousin Brady


with Uncle Brad & Courtney

Thanks for the great weekend, family! Happy Labor Day!