Dinner and travel planning

How do you choose a title for your post when you want to write about different things?  I have the toughest time deciding on a title and it's often the last thing added before hitting publish.  I feel they are so cheesy!  

Dinner:

Dinner last night was good (Firecracker Chicken).  We'd make it again, but next time add A LOT LESS sugar!  Holy moly, sugar overload at 6 pm.  It was really sweet, but maybe that's what it's supposed to taste like?  We liked the heat on it.  I didn't do exactly as the recipe calls either.  With Xander eating, I didn't want to make it too hot/spicy so I didn't bake it like the recipe calls.  I put the sauce in a saucepan and did the chicken separate, then blended it all together when the chicken was done.  It still had kick to it, and Xander still ate all of his!  It was a fast recipe to make...my kind of night!

Tonight and tomorrow are already thrown off the schedule.  We're grabbing subway tonight and tomorrow are also going out, just not sure where yet.  We're going with our friends after trick or treating.

Planning travel:

November is a busy month.  Nick has a lot of time off and we had 2 big trips planned, but have cut it down to one big trip and 2 or 3 small trips added in.  We want/need to stick to a budget yet do as much traveling as possible.  Today, I'm tasked with researching Prague   There's so much into planning a trip around here.  We have to research the area, the driving rules, hotels, possibly train/public transportation, costs, what to do, how to get there (is it cheaper/easier to fly, drive, or take a train?), gas stations along the way, learning phrases in the countries language, currency...yada yada yada.  We had Prague scheduled in May, but while researching Sweden, Sweden is just too expensive.  So now Prague is a possibility sometime next month.  Planning gets overwhelming, I must admit.  I'm the one that usually is cancelling our plans lately.  Maybe because I get so overwhelmed with everything, I get freaked out.  

I have booked travel to Paris in December.  I'm excited for that trip, but upset at the same time because we're not taking the kids and I really wanted the kids to see Paris.  Yes, their young, but it would still be nice for them to be able to say they've been there and have pictures for memories.  We'll have about 6 months left and enough time to go back, but I'm sure we won't.  A little disappointing to me.  Maybe I can convince hubby to take them to Disneyland Paris for their birthdays.  We have already planned to go to Legoland for their birthdays, but maybe we can say Disneyland for Sterling and Legoland for Xander?  I'll sure try!

Well I better get on to planning some trips for next month.

Have a great day!

Weekly menu plan

So last week, we ate everything planned, just not on the days planned for everything.  It's a start, right?  Since I thought it was fun posting our week of meals, I'm going to do it again and maybe continue or create a new tradition for the blog.  This week we have a fun week of meals planned.  Well, I think they're fun, not so sure hubby will think the same.  

Monday: Firecracker Chicken served with rice

Tuesday: Potato Kielbasa Skillet

Wednesday: Spegehetti pie

Thursday: Zuppa Toscana served with some sort of homemade bread(sticks)

Friday: Chicken Gyros with homemade soft wrap bread

Our treat this week is some pumpkin whoopie pies sort of thing.  They are fantastic.  I didn't add nearly as much cream cheese filling, but enough to taste it.  I still had over half of the frosting remaining.  What do you do with the remaining?  I had no idea what to do with it so I ended up tossing it.  I wish I could have concocted something else to use it for.

All of these meals will be new to use except the Zuppa Toscana.  This shall be an interesting week, but they all look so yummy and I'm excited to branch out.  Hoping to hear another "awesome meals" from hubby again!  

I finally made the tator tot casserole last night and like every other time, hubby eats all but one serving.  He thinks the meal is boring, but for some reason can't stay out of it...men?  He even wanted me to make him a burger patty, which I did.  So, I didn't expect him to have any casserole.  In a few more months, I'll make it again.

Have a great day!

Cooking

Last night hubby and I were talking about cooking.  How good people were in the family.  If they share any of their recipes.  If I share my recipes.  How long has each person been cooking.  So I shared and said that even for me, I still have "bad recipes" and I've been cooking since I was a teenager.  But those days were mostly what mom told me to cook, no variation, but at that age, I was totally okay with that.  I loved helping in the kitchen when I was asked.  He quickly responded and said "you don't have bad recipes, you have bad recipe choices"...ha!  I laughed and said thanks!  I think it's true though.  I often try to find new recipes and hope they are a hit.  I get tired of making the same stuff I've made for the past 20 years.  My new recipe choices are not always a hit, but I think I'm learning how to choose them so they are. 

Dinner last night was an impromtu change by hubs.  He emailed me asking to have grilled hotdogs and chips!  Did he know I had plans to make tator tot casserole?  I didn't ask him because now i'm planning that for Saturday...ha!  He's not getting out of it!  I love it, it's so yummy, and it's such comfort to eat it.  Tonight we are sticking to our homemade pizza because what better on a Friday night, than pizza and a movie?  We're going to watch, Let Me In.  Let's hope his movie choices are good...ha!.  The last 2 weekends he choose movies, they weren't so good, The Innkeepers and After Dark: Lake Mungo.  I thought they were pretty cheesy and no thrill.  Just my opinion though.

 

Have a great day!

Weekend change of plans

We have decided against going anywhere.  We were going (up until last night) to spend the day in the Black Forest, but with our week of paying off 4!! different bills, it's just not in our budget this weekend to spend the night anywhere.  That's okay though.  There are plenty of things to do around here.  We're just really happy and excited to have those 4 bills paid off and that money will be saved for future trips and our move next summer.

It's supposed to be a nice cool weekend, so we will most likely be spending it outdoors.  I am hoping to purge our storage room though.  I need to organize it into, donate, trash, and movers repack.  We have everything in totes right now, but we didn't "pack" the items for long distance moving and the movers will wrap up the outside of the tote and call it good.  We would have lots and lots of things broken, so I need to make a pile and label the totes that need repacked. 

I think with the nice fall weather it makes for a perfect "fall cleanup" day.  And what better timing.  Bulk trash pickup is Monday morning!  I just need to convince Nick now is the time.  I think I have the perfect excuse.  With Christmas coming up, Nick wants to buy Xander one of these ride on toys.  I'm not convinced yet, but he seems pretty determined.  I think we should wait until we move.

So, with our change in plans, hopefully there will be a few hours spend outdoors on a nature walk, then the rest of our my time purging and cleaning.  So far we already have 5 totes of stuff to donate, just taking up precious space in our small storage room.

 

Have a great day!

Hair

Venting about my hair...I really really hate my hair right now.  For the past month, I have new hair growing in along the edges on my forehead.  I had shed so much hair after having Sterling, I guess 5 months of hair loss is coming back.  There are so many baby hairs about an inch long now.  They are thick.  Seem wavy.  And I can't do anything with them.  They are growing in the opposite direction of my part.  I have to use hairspray...something I hate using!  I feel I can't wear it down because I have a big pouf up front.  If I wear it in a ponytail, I have to slick it back so tight with hairspray.  I've been sporting the ponytail, I just don't like the tight look.  I've been adding zig-zags in the part to make it more fun.  It works, it's easy.  But I really want to wear my hair down lately.  Maybe because it's cold?  

What's for dinner?

Monday night I mentioned I had made Chicken Piccata, last night I made Black Pepper Beef with Green Beans, and tonight is something Nick's dad made for Nick while he was in the states.  It's real simple and tasty.  Some chicken breasts seasoned with Badia seasoning mix.  We serve it with beans, salad and rice.  Thursday I'm making a family favorite from when I was growing up, tator tot casserole.  Hubby loves it too, but he always gives "really" attitude.  But he'll eat the whole pan.    I don't tell him I'm making it anymore, I just have it done for when he's off work, ha!  I think because it's so simple and not much to it.  He expects a heavy, lavish meal?  Friday, another favorite of mine, homemade pizza!  I'm so excited for Xander to get a bit older so we can do 'create your own pizza' night.  Now that will be fun!  Saturday and Sunday will be out since we will be on our trip.

Is it possible for a kid to be a vegetarian so young?  Xander does not eat meat, whatsoever!  He will put it in his mouth, test it, and spit it right out.  He won't swallow it.  Is it normal?  I wonder if I need to make him an appointment?    

Have a great day!

Gym & productivity

It's so hard to wake up Monday mornings.  I couldn't make it out of bed to get to the gym yesterday.  Part of the problem is not being able to stay asleep at night and the other is not being disciplined and waking up early on the weekends.  So, Monday, I woke up at 6.  I wasn't happy getting up.  I know I have to though, it's best.  After being up and moving, the day gets better and my mood turns energetic.  I was able to get a lot accomplished.  5 loads of laundry, washed and folded!  Pumpkin bars made.  Chicken Piccata made.  Dishwasher started, unloaded, and reloaded.  A huge blog post posted.  Accounts checked.  Kids happy.  Mommy happy.  I felt productive yesterday, despite not going to the gym.  I feel like Mondays are my days to catch up from the weekend.  Our weekends are usually family time and clean the house, no "mommy" chores.  I love having my Monday!  We don't leave the house, except to take the dog out. 

Today.  We woke up early and went to the gym.  First up, Sterling, 45 minutes before schedule. Little stinker!   I made Nick get up and give the teaser bottle because she was fussing for 30 minutes.  I officially got up at 430, and Xander was fussing but went back to sleep until 445.  The kids adjust well to being woken up and shuffled around.  Sterling went back to sleep once we got home and Xander stayed up till 7.  It works.  I even did intervals of run/walk today!  Yah me! 

I'm tasked with booking us a hotel somewhere this weekend.  I think I'm leaning on going to the Black Forest.  Nick is thinking Belgium.  What to do?!?

I'm also tasked with getting some of our adoption records certified so we can file our reimbursement with the military.  I think the kids and I will go to the legal office tomorrow though. 

I need to go in our storage room and check my inventory of Christmas supplies.  I can't remember if i bought Sterling a stocking last year or if I need to grab her one this year.  Then I might as well check my decor items and present supplies.  While the BX has their Christmas stuff out now, I'll want to grab what I need if they have it now otherwise we'll be without.  So, tomorrow will be a day out for us.

 

The fall truffels I made on Friday turned out delicious.  Nick called this weekend in meals a success and can be repeated.  Those burgers I made Friday night, he wants again.  They were really good and the first words I said when I took a bite..."oh my goodness, I'm in heaven." 

 

Have a great day!

Busy Busy Busy

I feel like this weekend was so busy I didn't have a chance to sit down and enjoy anything.  That's sad.  I wanted to blog after each day because they were fun!

"ball"

Saturday we went to the Gartenshau, an open park.  They had an underwater adventure of pumpkins on display and I've been wanting to take the kids since I heard of it back in September.  I LOVED it and I think everyone else could agree.  Nick even said we will have to go back more often.  Watching Xander explore and touch everything was awesome.  He's learning.  He's growing.  He's becoming so big!  Everything was a "ball" that day, even the dinosaurs.  So cute!

Xander ran through almost the entire park.  We were there for 2 hours.  You'd think he would have been tired, but this kid said 'heck no' to a nap that day!

Stood still to take a picture with the whale

and even though she had a 'ride' through the park, I had to sneak in the dolphin with her

"ball"

this little dinosaur was so cute he wanted to climb on it

sitting on a rock while brother runs around

finally got them together

so precious, holding hands!

the pumpkin contest, the largest pumpkin wins!

trying to take pictures of two little ones is nearly impossible to get a decent one...oh well

in between our family shots, playing with daddy...

and ripping moms face off!  Thanks Sterling, love you too, ha!

I'm so excited about this day though because we finally have a great family photo that we will make our Christmas cards with.  Seeing the picture has brought a smile to my face every day since because this is our 2nd picture with all of us in the 7 months that Sterling's been here.  That's sad!  I think if we were in the states, we'd have had them done long before, but over here the photography is really really expensive.  I can't see spending over $500 on pictures, that's a bit extreme in my eyes.  So, we set up the self timer and did it ourselves.  It works, for now!

Sunday:

I went grocery shopping solo.  Came back and started on dinner.  I was making the meat pies and bread with yogurt and cucumber sauce for Nick.  I've been nervous to make it for him because he's so critical on new recipes.  Well, he LOVED them!  Next time I make them though, I will double the batch so we have enough for leftovers.  This is one yummy leftover and there were only 2 of each left.  

Have you ever bought grocery's and got home only to realize the bagger person left an item in the store?  Well of all things, my cucumber was left!  I had to have it so off to the store I went again.  It was a quick trip, but still, I was not looking to go back out.  It's frustrating that I pay for an item (only 77c), but still, and I don't come home with it.  It's happened a few times here.

Here are the recipes I use.  I adapted them from different recipes on the internet and from my neighbor and adjusted them to work for me...

Bread:

3 c. unbleached better for bread flour

1 tsp salt

1 tbsp sugar

2 tsp active yeast

3 tbsp EVOO

1 1/4 c. warm water (you want the water to be baby bottle warm)

Add yeast, pinch of sugar and 1/4 c warm water.  Sit for 5 minutes until bubbly

In a large mixing bowl, add flour, salt, sugar, 1 tbsp EVOO and the yeast mixture.  Mix well.  Add the remaining warm water until the dough has formed a nice elasticity.  Let knead in stand mixer for 10 minutes.

In another bowl, not glass or stainless steel, add 1 tbsp evoo and spread all around the bowl.  Add the dough and sprinkly evoo on top of dough.  cover bowl with saran wrap and place in microwave for 2 hours.

Place flour on working surface, add dough and knead for 10 minutes.  Break off even pieces.  depending what you're making and how big or much you want will determine the size and quantity of your pieces.  I make about 15 balls.  Cover balls with 2 kitchen towels and rest for an hour.

Pre-heat oven to 500F(250C).  Place a ball on your baking sheet and flatten to 4-5 inch circle (for bread).  6-8 inch circles (for meat pie).  

For bread topping, put 1/3 tsp of manakeesh topping and sprinkle evoo and smear around the dough piece.  Bake for 2-3 minutes.

For meat pie, add meat mixture on top of dough and shape into triangles (my preference).  pinch dough closed.  Bake for 3-5 minutes.

Manakeesh topping:

1 tsp thyme

1 tsp oregano

1 tsp sesame seeds

EVOO

Combine all ingredients to thick texture.  (this is why you add a little sprinkle on top of the dough right before baking, to help smear it around better and moisten the dough.)

Meat Pie:

1 pound of ground beef (lamb would be really good too)

3 garlic gloves, minced

1 tsp mint, finely chopped

1 tsp parsley, finely chopped

1/4 c. onion

1 tsp pepper

1 tsp arabic spice mix

1/4 c. pine nuts, chopped and toasted

1/4 tsp pepper flakes (because we like heat)

Really easy...combine all ingredients and cook well.  Drain and set aside.

Spice Mix (for meat)

1 tbsp black pepper

4 tsp paprika

2 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp ground coriander

1/4 tsp allspice

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground cardamom

I mixed all these together and put in a container.  It will make many uses so you can always cut the recipe down.

And if this task of making this meal, takes 4+ hours, I had homework and house chores to do.  Plus, of course caring for the kids and keeping them entertained so all this could happen.  That was a chore...ha!

and the kids by my side as I type this post...ha!

Thanks for bearing with me and this extremely long post!  Have a great day!

Sterling's 7th month

(written Friday)

I so forgot to snap photos on Wednesday, so today (Friday) was the day to honor Sterling's 7th month photo shoot.  There are SOO many great pictures.  I feel so happy that she's such a ham and a happy baby.  Makes for taking pictures much easier!  

Fun facts about you...

~ weighs around 21 pounds

~ wearing size 3 diaper

~ wearing size 12-18 months in clothing

~ size 2 shoe

~ 27-30 ounces of formula, 2 feedings of fruits/veggies and 1 snack

~ have became a cuddler
~ gives an occasional wave

~ wants mama to be near or in sight

~ great sleeper!  2 naps during the day and sleeping all night

~ happy happy happy!

~ you giggle so hard when playing with your brother...sweetest sound ever

~ LOVE bath time

~ scoots on your butt

~ pulls yourself up, in your bed of all places!
~ will do "crunches" to get yourself up

~ you feed yourself

~ huge fear of strangers

~ says dada and lots of other babble

~ have 2 teeth, both on bottom front

~ only like your pacifier at bedtime, but you don't always want it then either  

~ standing great with support.  Great improvement from last month when you didn't want to put pressure on your legs.

Sterling, you are loved beyond this world and couldn't imagine life without you.  We thank God everyday for his creation of you!

Blonde!

About those pumpkin bars...I also used baking powder instead of baking soda!  boy oh boy oh boy!  I guess today was not my day to be baking.  

I'm in the process of making Supreme Pizza Burgers, lets hope these bad boys at least turn out.  I promised Nick a "fun" food tonight and these looked awesome!  First time making them though...ha!

Oh, Mr. Pumpkin

I've been looking forward to today all week.  Today was the day to make fall truffels.  Take a look at these bad boys, they look divine   I made them, haven't tested one yet, although very tempted.  With the left over pumpkin mix, I decided to make pumpkin bars, which I've made 3 times (and every time have turned out amazing!).  Everything was looking good and smelling good.  As the bars were cooling off, the kids and I ran to the post office to mail my nephew his 1st birthday present...a day late!  Sorry Bode, Happy 1st Birthday anyhow (on the 18th)...love ya!  When we got back, I was excited to frosting the bars and dive right in.  But first, they looked a bit different.  I decide to cut into them early, and a good thing i did!  They looked wet inside, although the tooth pick 45 minutes ago came out clear.  So, I start thinking, what happened?  I still had the can of pumpkin on the counter, looking at it.  Discovered that it was the pumpkin pie easy mix!  Yikes!  What the heck.  I grabbed the wrong can!  Now I'm nervous that the lovely truffels that look so heavenly won't be any good.  I already tossed the bars. I've been looking forward to these truffels all week...and now this!  I'll let hubby take the first bite...ha!  Let his facial expression be the judge of these things.  I'll let you know in the next post the verdict. 

Because of this huge error, I will be making a trip to the store tonight to get the right can of goodness and some sugar so I can make some more bars.  

The joys of baking and creating an error so you can't enjoy the goodness that was to be had... :(

Have a great day!

Early day

Lately I've been using my iPod to take our daily photos, it's just so much easier and faster.  The quality is not great, but it works.

Yesterday was the first day waking up at 4:20 to make it to the gym when it opens at 5.  It was hard, but we laid in bed and talked about it for 10 minutes.  I think just talking woke us up and got us moving because at 4:50 we were all walking out the door.  We woke the kids up right before walking out, enough time to put on coats.  They wore their pj's to the gym.  

In the kids play area.  We have to bring our own toys and they have a TV and DVD player so we will bring their favorite DVD next time.

Sterling took a nap after we got home and Xander went down at 7.  He woke up at 920, thanks to my assistance...ha!  I thought it would be best to wake him so he'd take an afternoon nap.  Which, by the way, didn't happen...ugh!

Then the kids and I went shopping.  But before shopping we ate Subway and went to play.

We got home and Xander laid here for 40 minutes!  Which ended up being good because he didn't take a nap, so a rest was the best we got, which I'm totally thankful for!

This pretty little lady was a meltdown (and again today).  Maybe another tooth?  Her 2nd tooth came through on the 11th, so maybe it's time for another?

So far today, we are all dressed in our comfy clothes.  We're going to head out for a walk after lunch, where I'm sure both kids will nap.  When they nap, it makes for a nice long walk because I'm not going to stop short and they wake up sooner than they need.  

Sterling has started eating more table foods.  She's had potatoes, toast with butter, bananas and apples...plus all her favorite baby finger foods.  The Gerber Crunchies (all flavors, minus the maple) are her favorite!  Yesterday she also tried a strawberry yogurt melt for the first time.  I think she liked it.  I've had her at 30 ounces of formula for about a month now and she was doing so well.  The past 3 days she's been spitting up like crazy.  I think with the addition of more foods/snacks, I should cut her down on formula.  I'm going to drop her to 27 ounces.  She's been sleeping through the night, waking at 530-6 on her own and going back to sleep after her bottle.  That's been nice, especially with the new gym time added to our schedule.  On gym days, she has her bottle at the gym, finishes it when we get home and goes back to sleep.  So, not much of a change for her.

I'm getting ready to make my yearly change to my blog.  Along with a new design, I need to change my title before next year.  I guess when I made "Living Abroad...Our Life" I wasn't thinking that we are military and this assignment is only temporary.  Now, I'm not positive we won't be living abroad our next assignment, but I'm sure hoping not.  The title probably won't be changed right away, as I still have to think of something that suites our family well.  I'm excited for the new change.  I have no idea what I'm going to do yet, but it's still exciting ;).

Have a great day!

Finding "me" time

Since Nick is back, fitness is back in our every day lives.  I wouldn't say Nick "loves" fitness, but it's a requirement for the Air Force, so he remains fit and ready at all times.  He at least runs 5 days a week, 3 miles each day.  Well with Nick doing it, he's convinced me to tackle walking at the same time he's running.  It's been working out well, the kids adjusted well to staying up later, but the cold is getting bitter!  With having Raynaud's, being in the cold weather is like torture to me.  Nick prefers to run outside on the track, either late at night or early in the morning.  So the temperatures are pretty cold.  We've hit the track all but twice since he's been back, but last night I told him my hands can't handle the cold!  The kids and I were only able to handle 15 minutes!  That's sad and not really a "workout".  It's torture.  

This morning, we had a bed visitor at 4:45, Xander woke up screaming so I brought him to our bed.  With him being up early, he was able to go back to sleep for about another hour, that was nice.  Nick gave Sterling her morning bottle after his shower, but I still couldn't get back to sleep, so I went to the living room and drank some coffee he made for me.  At 730, I decided I was going to the gym!  What?  Me?  The gym?!?!  Getting brave here!  At 845 the kids and I loaded up and went off to the gym.  We got home at 10, they had snacks and a drink, then took naps.  I grabbed a shower.  I felt great doing the treadmill!  And being done so early in the morning!  I was so proud of myself that I sent Nick an "i'm proud of myself" email, but still haven't received a reply.  He must be busy today.  I wanted to hear his reply and pray that he was proud too.  

What got me here?  Well, it's like an epiphany happened...ha!  Nick made a comment the other day that we should get more pictures of me with the kids because they are growing so fast and I'm the one always behind the camera.  The reason I'm behind...well it's simple.  I HATE my body.  And pictures don't lie, so I stay out of them.  In order to not hate my body, I have to take charge of it and take time for myself to be happy.  I need to lose 20-30 pounds to be really happy and comfortable in my own skin.  That's sad.  I should be happy no matter how I look.  Yesterday I decided to wear makeup for the first time in over a year.  Big change right there!  Now, I'm not going to wear it every day, but I'm going to try to put it on if we go out.  Even if it's only to the grocery store.  It makes me feel pretty.  If I feel pretty, I want to work out because working out makes me feel strong and feeling strong will make me feel beautiful in the end.

Having 2 small kids is hard to find "me" time, but it's important for my health.  They have a kids gym at 3 gyms in our area, so there's no excuse.  The last time we went to the gym, Xander screamed his head off for the 45 minutes we were there.  Now that he's older, he'll be fine.  He has to, it's that simple.  I'm going to let him make a fuss, if that's what he chooses to do, because getting healthy and fit is important.

Catch up

We didn't make it to the Black Forest, but we did go to the outlets.  Although Nick was off last Wed-Fri last week, he was still supposed to attend a 1 hour training session one of those days.  He originally was going to go Wednesday at 1, but at 9 that morning his security manager kept calling the house for him.  His top secret clearance needed to get updated that day, so luckily he had his work computer at home and was able to accomplish that at home.  But because of this new task, he missed the briefing.  I said there was no way we would reschedule the outlet trip because I know if we did, we wouldn't ever get there.  It's just how my lovely husband rolls...ha!  So he said he'd go Friday, which was the day the Black Forest was planned.  So on Thursday we headed to the outlets.  I'm so glad we did.  It was a really nice outlet, lots of "American" stores, but also the nice "German" type stores.  We are making plans to go back.  We made plans to go for hikes around the local area on Friday since he had to go to a briefing at 1.  Friday morning we wake up and he has and email from his secretary stating there will be more briefings the next week.  So, he didn't go on Friday and we ended up not going anywhere because it was raining.  Usually when it rains here, it rains for 5 minutes, is done, and an hour or so later another 5 minutes.  Well that day it rained ALL day long.  It was nice being home and no where to go.  Because we were running around so much last week, I was so behind on laundry.  I had 7 loads to do (including bedding) so it was the perfect day to get caught up.

Saturday we made it out to a new lake I found and took a walk on the path around it.  It was beautiful!  I think this will be our new favorite walking path.  

she's so fun to take pictures with!

Saturday afternoon (Oct 6th) we went for a walk and collected fall items, came home and made a fall sensory bin.  Xander still loves playing with it to this day!

The day Nick got home, this little girl was my sidekick out shopping

on our drive one day

At the lake this past Saturday.  Xander slept all of it.

This little girl was wide awake the whole walk so photo time it was

loving her daddy

Finally fell asleep on the way to the car

Woke Xander up so he can watch the ducks.  He loved it!

We had to stay real close to him (Notice Nick's shadow) because there was a drop off and he tried going towards it...yikes!

Have a great day!

1st/2nd tooth & daddy's arrival home

So it's official.  Sterling has 1 tooth out and the other is halfway out.  The 1st tooth was out on the 5th, just in time to show daddy her new smile.  No more granny gummer on my hands... :(

Speaking of Nick, he arrived home early Sunday morning.  We were all excited!  He was so excited that he left his luggage outside and had to come in and see all of us.  Sterling was fine and was smiling at her daddy right away, but for some reason after her nap, she was screaming.  Xander wanted him to pick him up right away and they were on the ground wrestling within minutes.  I had plans to go shopping by. my.self!  That didn't happen, I had Sterling on my hip.  I was still able to enjoy my time out and actually getting a chance to look around rather than rushing through the stores.  Our first stop was to the coffee house.  I really wanted a white chocolate mocha.  Much to my surprise, the coffee shop had a major plumbing issue and couldn't make anything other than teas and brewed coffee...how boring!  I had regular coffee.  We then went to the BX to grab a few items and for me to try on some new shoes.  Which I didn't buy because they were $94!!!  Seriously...they can stay on the shelf!!  Then it was off to the grocery store for some much needed groceries.  We have a lot of good meals planned for this week.  I'm excited to cook and feel like it was worth my time.

Nick is off work the rest of the week.  So on Thursday and Friday we are planning day trips out.  We will go to the outlets, which we discovered yesterday on a drive out.  They were only about 20 minutes away!  Seriously, 2 years later, I discover outlets...so close to home!  I'm such a loser.  It was a beautiful drive though.  Fall in Germany is gorgeous!  The other day we are planning to go to the Black Forest.  The problem is, it's so huge, we're not sure where to go.  Where the best place to see the fall colors.  We don't want it longer than 3 hours drive since we are doing it a day out.  Too many choices I tell you!  So, we'll probably do that Friday since we have some research to do.  I think we're also going to squeeze in the pumpkin festival.  There are 2 around here and I think it would be fun to go to both!  We'll see if Nick agrees...ha!

Have a great day!

Well baby stats

This morning I took both kids to their appointments.  This was our second time doing them together and let me say, having our regular nurse and doctor, things went much smoother and faster.  Xander's appt was at 845, Sterling at 915, but they had both kids done by 915.  However, they did get us in right after we checked in (20 minutes early).  They both were really well behaved while the other was getting checked out.  Sterling...she does not like strangers.  She screamed bloody murder, but otherwise, she was fine.  They both received shots, Xander didn't fuss until the 2nd shot, but within a few seconds was already done fussing.  He's so brave and received a sticker.  Sterling...ha!  She's a mess!  This girl is so emotional, drama, and finicky it's become ridiculous.  She's so cute though, i just have to laugh with her when's she's screaming her head off...lol.  She has the largest crocodile tears I've ever seen!

Xander's stats (18 months):

Height: 31.5 in--26%

Weight: 24.36 lb--29%

Head: 18.9 in--61%

Xander is well proportioned and maintaining his weight and height equally.  That's a good thing.  He's gaining height, yah buddy!  

Sterling's stats (6.5 months):

Height: 26.9 in--78%

Weight: 20.5 lb--99%

Head: 17.55 in--91%  

Sterling, well, she's just a big baby!  In comparison, Xander was 26 inches at 12 months.  She really does not have fat rolls like you'd think.  I think because she's so tall is why she weighs so much.  Once she starts moving, she'll start equaling out as well.  

Our concerned topics at this check up:

Xander...not drinking enough milk.  He's only drinking 6-8 ounces a day...on a good day!  As long as he's getting 3 servings of dairy a day, the doc says he's fine.  Which he does, so I guess I can stop worrying.

Xander...pooping so much.  Totally normal since they're not loose stools.  I guess our pooping competition boy will continue until he's ready to regulate.  Poor mama!

Sterling...not putting much support on her legs.  We're actually getting better in the area in the past 2 days, but I still brought it up.  We will continue to work with her and hopefully get her crawling in the next few weeks.  If no improvement, they will start physical therapy at 9 months.

Sterling...foods.  Because she's so big, the doc says to start giving her table foods, minus meats.  I don't think i'm going to do this.  It seems way to soon.  I don't mind giving her toast once in a while, but I'm going to stick to her fruits/veggies and rice for at least another month, maybe even 2.  I haven't even moved her to stage 3 yet.  I do think she's ready for most of our table foods because she's always trying to grab what we're eating.  I'm just not ready to move her.  

Have a great day!

I have a 1 1/2 year old!

Crazy!  It's just crazy how fast time goes.  I can remember being in the hospital pacing the room next to our birth mom.  I was so nervous.  Didn't know what to expect.  What I should do.  But once he was born, they placed our baby boy in my arms.  It was the sweetest and happiest moment in my life!  I'd only met his birth mom 3 days before he was born, but the instant connection we shared was emotional.  She's like a little sister or cousin to me.  She reminds me so much of my family.  If it wasn't for the selfless decisions of Liz, Xander wouldn't be here with us.  She loved the baby growing inside her so much that she chose to bless Nick and I with our first born.  

Xander is the happiest, spunkiest, most adorable little boy in the world!  He also has a temper the size of the moon, but I wouldn't trade his wild side for anything.  Yes, I might complain, but really, I wouldn't be in the happiest place in my life if it weren't for him.  But again, which kid don't throw temper tantrums   If you say your kid don't, you're kidding yourself!  ha!!  He brings so much joy and happiness into our lives!

We go to the doctor on Friday for official stats, but here's some fun facts of Xander:

~ wears size 3 diaper during the day and size 4 at night

~ wears size 18-24 month clothes

~ size 6 shoe

~ is often found building things, climbing on things, or playing with balls

~ puts food on your silverware and feeds yourself...cutest thing ever!

~ enjoys painting, just like your mama!

~ still loves to read books and turn the pages

~ gives us the sweetest hugs and kisses

~ says so many words, combination words, and the newest today is cheese...for taking pictures and arrrrrggghhhhh for pirates

~ so serious all the time still

~ you're not too picky of an eater.  Things you don't like... broccoli, raw carrots, and reheated foods...silly boy!

~ loves to eat sauces by dipping your finger or by the spoonful

~ you're ready to go down the stairs by yourself, but mama's not ready to let you.  you conquered the patio step and snuck out of the house today.  It was 32 degrees out and you were out playing with your water table (no water in it).  Mama decided to bring it inside, give it a bath and now you play inside with it

~ Hawkeye's your best friend, although Hawkeye would rather be left alone. He's an old dog that wants to sleep, but you want to chase him around the house!

~ loves to help.  you put things in the trash, put your dirty laundry in the hamper and you pick up your toys and put in their bins!

~ you take a lot of breaks in your day!  Mama is always removing you from situations to give your destructive self a break from the trouble you are about to have

~ you would rather not drink your milk.  But mama still makes you finish your morning cup before you can have anything else

And that's all I can think of with your screaming sister at my side...

And just because this is how your teething sister is doing today...that darn tooth is really bothering her!

Love ya Xander boy!

Kindle books

So I've started reading 2 new books this month.  The first book I bought was Love Dare Day by Day, by Stephen and Alex Kendrick.  I finished night 3 last night and I find the book wonderful.  After having kids, life is busy with them and often we push each other to the side.  So, this book will be wonderful because first, I'll have a better relationship with God, but also with my husband.  We will be able to understand and enjoy our marriage more by making it stronger and better, and making time for just the two of us every so often.  I wonder if it's even possible to have the fun, exciting marriage we used to before having kids?  I think it is, it's just harder, but something worth trying.
My second book was actually recommended by Nick.  I guess he heard reviews on it and thought I'd love the book.  Boy was he right!  The book is; The Light Between Oceans, by M.L. Stedman. It's hard to put the book down at night.  I've had it 3 days and only read at night, but already on chapter 9!  I'm not a fast reader, but this book is intriguing.  Keeps you wanting to read to know more.  I love books like this.  It's about a man who becomes a lighthouse keeper, marries, has a hard time having children and one day finds a man and baby washed ashore.  From there, he decides what the right decision to do, report the man and baby or keep the baby.  I have to keep reading and anxious to read what their decision is.  I do know, that if it was up to his wife, they'd keep it a secret, keep the baby, and go on with life.
My next book is for Xander.  With Prime membership, we get one book a month for free.  We rented him Goodnight, Little Monster by Helen Ketteman.  I've been eyeing the book for about 2 weeks now.  It's a cute read and he sits through it intrigued.

Have a great day!

little bits

Last week we had an amazing week that flew right by us.  On Tuesday and Wednesday we went to our friends, Pam, with Wednesday baking pumpkin bars!  Yummy!  We made 2 pans and they are both gone.  I brought home 12 bars, since it was just the kids and I.  Pam called later that night and said "thanks for the crack bars"...ha!  They were so good that she couldn't resist the temptation of them sitting so lonely on her counter top.  I actually tossed 4 of my bars yesterday.  I figured I didn't need to eat anymore.  They were good though, very good!

Wednesday night I noticed the kids had runny noses so gave them vapor baths.  Sterling loves to eat those bubbles.  I couldn't keep them out of her hands.  Let's hope that they aren't harmful to her little body.  Thursday morning, Sterling still had a runny nose, Xander was better, but I also had a runny nose and sore throat with a cough.  Us little sickies were miserable all weekend.  We stayed in, minus the daily park trip after dinner every night.  My head was hurting so bad on Saturday and Sunday.  If it would have been possible, I would have stayed in bed all day.  I was that miserable.  

On Friday night I was talking to my neighbor.  She asked how I was doing.  I was telling her how much difficulty I am having with Xander and getting him to take his naps.  She recommended getting him up earlier than his typical 830-9 wake up on his own schedule.  Well, I've been waking him up by 8 since Saturday and then putting him for a nap at 1.  He's been sleeping for 2 hours both days so far.  He's napping right now, so we'll see how long today's is, but hopefully waking him up earlier will solve this problem. 

Today, we had to get to the store and get more formula, milk, and orange juice.  I'm feeling much better, but still have a runny nose.  Sterling, well I think she's just teething.  That front bottom tooth is almost poking out.  I think by weeks end, she will be sporting her first tooth bub.  She was running a low grade fever, only 99.7 all weekend, so it has to be from teething...right?  Let's hope :)

Yesterday as I was doing laundry, I sit Sterling on the rug because she does not like to be out of view right now.  Well a few minutes later I hear Xander humming and he's sitting right next to her. I had to go grab the camera!  He's such a sweet brother.

And then he leans in to give his sister a kiss...

and I guess she slobbered too much...ha!

Today we received their Halloween costumes in the mail and had to try on the tops...you can say these two are the cutest in the wild!?!

the lion didn't have a chance against the zebra!

look how big Sterling looks next to Xander...6.5 months and 18 months (tomorrow)

We have 5.5 days until Nick gets home!  We are all beyond excited.  Xander has been loving talking with him on Skype and recently it's been the only way i can get him to get up the stairs while we're out.  I just say...wanna talk to daddy?  hurry up, daddy's waiting for us.  It works, because he gets up the stairs quickly and runs to the computer.  Cutest thing ever!

At night after the park, it's usually a challenge to get him to leave the park, so I use...let's go take a bath.  It works...but he expects the bath right when we walk in as he runs to the tub and tries to crawl in.  So, when I say things to lure him where I want him, I have to make sure what I say is on the other end...lol.  It's what's working right now for us and his Mr. Independent attitude self.

I'm on the lookout for trucks or trains on underwear for him.  If you know where I can find some, oh please let me know.  He's not into Thomas the Train yet, so I don't think those will work.  

Have a great day!