Happy Halloween!

After many weeks of jam-packed schedules and busy weekends, we finally had a quiet few days at home. While the Northeast got its first snowfall, we've been enjoying a Texas "cold front" (read: sunny, highs in the 70s, lows in the 50s... basically gorgeous weather), so we wanted to get out and enjoy a few fall activities this weekend.

After a leisurely Saturday morning of waffles and College Game Day, we hopped in the car and headed east of Austin for some hiking in Buescher State Park. On the way, we passed the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort, so we took a little detour and drove through their gorgeous property, checking out their golf course, pool facilities (lazy river!), and resort clubhouse. We've now added it to the top of our weekend getaways list. OK, I just made that up. We don't really keep a list of weekend getaway ideas, but it would make a fantastic weekend trip from Austin or Houston-- with or without kids. Maybe someday.

Then, we continued to on to Buescher State Park where we took a leisurely (pregnancy appropriate) 3.5 mile hike. It was mildly hilly and really pretty. Of course we didn't take any pictures. But I did collect about 15-20 awesome pine cones... I'm thinking some sort of Christmas craft is in order. Maybe gold spray paint?

On the way home we decided to stop at a pumpkin patch to pick up some pumpkins, but found out they were charging $10 admission to stroll around a picked over pile of pumpkins that had been trucked in (not even grown there... and they call themselves a pumpkin patch!) So we bid adieu to the patch and picked up a few pumpkins at HEB on the way home instead.

Yesterday we took a stroll through our neighborhood to check out some of the decorations. A lot of the houses in this area go all out for Halloween (making me wonder if we bought enough candy...), but this one takes the cake:

The signs are hard to read in these pictures, but they are pretty clever-- comments on everything from our health care system, to all of the various Republican presidential candidates to Occupy Wall Street.

Last night we carved our pumpkins-- probably the first time I've carved a pumpkin since high school! Hard to believe, but I figure that with a baby on the way, it's probably time I get back in touch with my inner kid and fun holiday traditions. I went old school, while Jason got a little Big 12 artistic.

Now it's time to put out the Halloween candy and pop in a scary (or maybe just funny) movie while we wait for the trick-or-treaters. Hope your night is spook-tacular! (Sorry, couldn't resist!)

Week 26

October 21, 2011

Best Moment: My parents came to visit last week and we had a fantastic time. We finally finished up all the home improvements we've been working on, so it was fun to show off our place. The weather was great (mid-80s) and we enjoyed some shopping on South Congress, a few nice meals out, a day trip to Fredericksburg to visit the WWII Pacific War museum, and some live music at the Saxon Pub.

Symptoms: In addition to the low back pain that kicked in last week, I'm starting to have some pain in my right hip. My yoga instructor tells me it's from a combination of sleeping on my side and my hips naturally spreading out in preparation for delivery. Fun times. At this point, I'm just trying to stay active as much as possible with walking, yoga, and light weights to help keep everything limber and in good working order.

Cravings/Aversions: Same story here... huge appetite and no willpower (or desire to exercise willpower) when it comes to sweets. That plus all the great food we enjoyed during my parents' visit will probably result in a bigger than usual weight gain the next time I step on scale, but I'm trying not to worry about it too much.

What I Miss: Honestly, I'm kind of getting tired of having to monitor everything I put in my mouth. At home, I've got a pretty good routine going in terms of what I can eat, but when I go out I'm constantly reminded of all the stuff that's off limits. Everything from deli meat, to soft cheeses, to medium rare meats. And of course the wine. I've had little sips here and there, but it would be nice to just enjoy a big, juicy, medium rare steak and nice glass of Cab. Only a few more months now...

What I Can't Wait For: The nursery is painted, so now it's time to set up the crib and start thinking more seriously about decor. We're going with a light Babar theme-- meaning some Babar and elephant items, but not over the top theme-y. The walls are a pale aqua blue, and we'll have some navy accents with some other bright colors. More to come!

Milestones: Jelly Bean is about the length of an English cucumber (14 inches or so), and he can now hear not only my voice, but other sounds outside the womb, including Jason's voice.

Week 25

October 14, 2011

Best Moment: Week 25 was a fun one! We spent one day in Houston to attend the Dave Ramsey Total Money Makeover Live event. It was great-- he is just so entertaining, and we love his message. We're already FPU graduates, but we couldn't pass up the opportunity to see him person. (This may make us total dorks, but we're OK with that.) After the event, we toured around the historic Houston Heights neighborhood and had a great dinner at Zelko Bistro before hitting the road back to Austin. And, then, a few days later we had our 24 week doctor's appointment. We are so grateful that everything continues to look great with the Bean.

Symptoms: This was the first week that I really started to feel pregnant. I now apparently grunt a little (involuntarily) when I bend over over squat down. Rolling over in bed is kind of an event. And my lower back is starting to hurt. My pre-natal yoga definitely helps with the aches and pains, so it may be time to step up my attendance to twice a week.

Cravings/Aversions: Nothing new here. I have been cooking up a storm lately though. I've just been in the mood for classic comfort food like the tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches I shared earlier this week, as well as fried chicken and peach pie (a meal that deserves a post of its own!)

What I Miss: Not too much, although my latest aches and pains are helping me envision a time when I just want this baby here (vs. stressing about how long my to-do list is, and how little time I have to do it.) I can see a time in the very near future when I think I'll just start feeling ready for him to arrive, regardless of the state of my to-do list.

What I Can't Wait For: My parents' visit next week!

Milestones: Jelly Bean is now over a foot long and pushing two pounds. He's growing hair (wonder if he'll be a red head or a brunette?) and starting to fill out a little bit with some cute baby fat.

Comfort Food

Since the temperatures have finally cooled off a little bit here in Texas, I have been feeling a serious urge to cook and I think I am recapturing a little bit of the kitchen mojo I lost during a queasy first trimester that segued nicely into the hottest summer on record and our month of no air conditioning-- essentially the perfect storm for a summer of no cooking. But, over the past few weeks, I've been revisiting a bunch of old favorites, as well as trying out some new recipes, and have some good ones to share.

First up: ooey gooey grilled cheese with bacon (cooked in bacon fat, no less) and homemade spicy tomato soup. This pregnancy has me craving comfort food in a major way, so this recipe isn't necessarily for anyone counting calories, but it's definitely tasty! Comfort food at it's best.

Bacon Grilled Cheese & Spicy Tomato Soup
Serves 2
(Adapted from Martha Stewart's Everyday Food magazine, March 2011.)

1/4 c. extra-virgin olive oil
yellow onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 28-oz. can diced tomatoes
1 14.5-oz. can diced tomatoes
red pepper flakes to taste
salt & pepper
1/4 c. half & half
3-4 slices bacon
4 slices sandwich bread (I like good sourdough bread)
2/3 c. cheddar grated
pesto

In a medium pot, heat oil over medium-high. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and red pepper flakes (I just shake in about a teaspoon or two), as well as salt and pepper, and cook until fragrant-- about 1 minute. Add tomatoes with juice and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer about 15 minutes. Transfer to a blender or use an immersion blender and puree until smooth. Stir in half & half.

In a skillet, cook bacon over medium-high until browned and crisp. Drain on paper towels. Remove pan with fat from heat and drain all but about a tablespoon of the bacon fat. Add bread slices, and layer with half the cheese, the bacon, and the rest of the cheese, and then the second bread slice. Return to medium heat and cook until the bread is browned on one side (2-3 minutes.) Flip and brown on the other side.

Serve the sandwich with a bowl of the soup. Add a dollop of pest to the soup if desired. (You will probably have leftover soup, and it makes a great lunch the next day.) Enjoy!

Weeks 23 - 24

October 7, 2011

Best Moment: It continues to be pretty hectic 'round these parts. Lots of travel and demanding projects at work, coupled with a seemingly unending to-do list at home. But things feel like they're finally starting to come together at our new place. The month of no AC (where we basically lived like refugees) set us back a little, but I'm starting to feel much more settled. Over the past two weeks, we got our new sectional and media console delivered, got our washer and dryer swapped out (the original ones we purchased when we moved in had some issues), and, on the baby front, picked up our crib. (Putting it together will be another matter entirely.) We also visited our first daycare, and, despite my hesitations, really liked it. We'd like to tour a few more before making any commitments, but we're currently on the waiting list for the first one.

Symptoms: It continues to be fairly smooth sailing. I'm generally feeling good and seem to have a little bit more energy back. The bean is moving pretty regularly and I've started noticing consistent activity patterns. He likes to let me know when he's hungry (when I'm hungry), and then shortly after I've eaten he seems to get a second wind (must be the blood sugar kicking in). He's also fairly active in the evening when I am relaxing, and when I first wake up in the morning. I think I might be waking him up when I roll over to get up.

Cravings/Aversions: Nothing new here. I still love me some sugar. But I am trying to make sure I get lots of fruits, veggies, and healthy proteins too.

What I Miss: Not much right now! Enjoying it while I can.

What I Can't Wait For: My parents are coming for a visit in two weeks, which I am really excited about. We're frantically trying to finish up a bunch of projects around the house, as well as paint the baby's room, before they arrive. I'll post pictures one of these days!

Milestones: Does eating 3 cupcakes in one sitting count? OK, Jason had several bites of each, but he made me post this picture. As many things as I'm looking forward to enjoying again once this baby arrives, I will kind of miss the cupcakes...