I spent most of yesterday sleeping off a headache. I took a Tylenol and a nap with Jack from about 4 - 5:30, then got up for a while, then went back to bed with an ice pack and an Imitrex after supper. BJ brought home pizza for dinner and handled bedtime like a pro. He even got Jack to sleep for about an hour before I woke up to feed him (Jack, not BJ) at about 10:30. I stayed up for a couple hours, then went back to sleep until about 5:30 this morning when Jack got up.
He slept 7 hours, which is awesome, except for the whole breastfeeding thing. Ouch ouch ouch! So even when he turned away, I insisted that he feed on the other side. He fell asleep, then threw up. Times like these I wish I could pump and save it instead of overstuffing the baby and making him hurl. I took the baby to BJ upstairs, threw the sheets into the washer, and got Jack's stuff for a shower. Consequently, we're both up and showered, and I'm dressed, before 7 am. Unprecedented!
Here's the question, for those of you who take Imitrex. Does it quit working after a while? I first got it after Claire was born, so I've been on it for about 4 years. I would estimate that I've taken it once a month or less since I got the prescription. When I first took it, it was like magic. I could feel the headache melting up out of my skull. But the last couple of times I've taken it, it hasn't worked. I haven't tried repeating the dose, mainly because I've always found sleep to be the best cure. Do you build up a tolerance to it over time? Do I need to go back to the doctor and ask for a higher dose? Or am I taking it for the wrong type of headache, and that's why it's not working?
There's a possibility that we have a virus (and if that's what caused the headache I had, it would explain why the Imitrex didn't work. It sure felt like a migraine, though!). I felt sick to my stomach last night, and Jack got sick this morning. It could be that it's a bug and not a combination of my migraine and his being stuffed. I guess we'll wait and see what happens with the girls. They have their last-day-of-swimming-lessons party today, and they're both looking forward to it. I hope no one pukes in the pool.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Monday, July 25, 2011
No, it's not
I just had a 10 minute conversation with the doctor's office about the color and consistency of the contents of my kids' noses.
Parenting is SO glamorous!
Parenting is SO glamorous!
Monday, July 18, 2011
Rapid Growth
The weirdest thing happened today.
Our dear friends welcomed their fourth child, a baby girl, into their family on Saturday. Jack and I went over to visit when they got home from the hospital. As I was walking in, Jack was my little baby. The moment I saw Laney, though, Jack became huge. All of a sudden I could see more boy in him than baby. It's a good thing I was distracted by the gorgeous new baby girl, or I might have cried.
There's nothing quite like holding a brand new baby, is there? Will I ever be able to without wanting another one of my own?
Our dear friends welcomed their fourth child, a baby girl, into their family on Saturday. Jack and I went over to visit when they got home from the hospital. As I was walking in, Jack was my little baby. The moment I saw Laney, though, Jack became huge. All of a sudden I could see more boy in him than baby. It's a good thing I was distracted by the gorgeous new baby girl, or I might have cried.
There's nothing quite like holding a brand new baby, is there? Will I ever be able to without wanting another one of my own?
They Can Be Taught
Overheard:
Sweet Boy: Mary Grace, are you going to marry me?
Mary Grace: I don't need to worry about that until I'm in college.
BJ and I high-fived over that one.
***
We've been working really hard at keeping the family room clean and the toys picked up. I've told the kids that if they stop in between each show and pick up for a few minutes, it will never get trashed. After a very busy weekend, the family room was looking a little rough. Mary Grace came down and started cleaning it up all by herself, without being asked, this morning. When Claire got up, she helped.
Hallelujah!
***
Sweet Boy: Mary Grace, are you going to marry me?
Mary Grace: I don't need to worry about that until I'm in college.
BJ and I high-fived over that one.
***
We've been working really hard at keeping the family room clean and the toys picked up. I've told the kids that if they stop in between each show and pick up for a few minutes, it will never get trashed. After a very busy weekend, the family room was looking a little rough. Mary Grace came down and started cleaning it up all by herself, without being asked, this morning. When Claire got up, she helped.
Hallelujah!
***
Friday, July 15, 2011
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Stop Mauling the Baby!
Before Jack was born, I told the girls, "It's going to be SO GREAT to have a baby brother! He'll be so cute and cuddly and so much fun, you're going to love him to bits!"
I think I oversold it.
I think I oversold it.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Psychic Friends
I just read this article at Salon about a phone psychic that reminded me of a story, so let's hop in the Wayback Machine...
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Knorr Fried Rice
I am so excited to be participating in a recipe contest sponsored by Knorr. They're launching a super new product called Knorr Homestyle Stock - concentrated chicken stock in these convenient little 1 ounce cups. They come four to a package, and each one makes 3-1/2 cups of stock. They're definitely more convenient than those giant cans of broth I've been using.
Sorry about the crummy lighting in my kitchen. I turned on every light I have.
I wanted to come up with a recipe that would use the unique qualities of the Homestyle Stock, and I thought that what was really different about it is that it's so concentrated. You can really get a lot of flavor out of these little guys! It dawned on me that it might make fantastic rice. I was right, and here's what I came up with:
First I made the rice. I did it the night before because leftover rice makes better fried rice.
The Jasmine Rice package called for one cup of rice and 1-1/2 cups of water to make 3 cups of cooked rice, so I doubled it. I used two cups of rice and 3 cups of water, and to that I added two of the little cups of Homestyle Stock. This was a kind of radical act, because that's more than twice as concentrated as the label recommends, but I wanted to take advantage of the strong flavor.
You can see, even in my poorly lit kitchen, that the rice has a definite yellow tint. I was glad to read that the product doesn't contain any added MSG (except for a trace amount that naturally occurs in autolyzed yeast extract). Sometimes too much MSG gives me a headache.
I couldn't resist, and I tasted the rice at this point. It would have been super just like this, maybe with a little parsley, alongside a chicken breast and a nice salad, or in a chicken and rice soup. It was really flavorful!
But plain rice isn't going to win me a trip to BlogHer, so I pressed on.
Here's the rest of the ingredients:
That's my pre-cooked rice, two eggs, sesame oil, a package of frozen edamame (be smarter than I am, buy the pre-shelled stuff), a package of frozen peas and carrots, a can of water chestnuts, an onion, some green onion, and a package of chicken breast tenderloins.
I like to use chicken breast tenderloins for things like this because they're cheaper, and they're thin so they cook really quickly.
Chop the onion and the green onion, and beat the eggs. Feel smug that you have cute bowls for just such an occasion.
Then realize that no cute bowls are enough to save you from bad lighting and bad photography, but persevere!
Close enough. Put some sesame oil in the pan. Debate the use of flash photography and food.
Scramble the egg, and completely forget to photograph the process.
In the same pan, cook the onion until it's translucent and starting to brown.
Once the onion is almost done, add the chicken tenderloins to the pan. I didn't even cut them up, I just threw them in with the onions, then I used the spatula to break the chicken up into bite sized pieces as it cooked. Meanwhile, I nuked the peas and carrots and the edamame in the microwave. Because I'm a rebel, that's why.
Once the chicken is cooked through, add the rice and realize that your pan is too small.
We had ours with frozen mini-egg rolls. Aside from having to make the rice ahead of time (which, honestly, is pretty optional), this would be a great weeknight meal for a hungry family. It only took me about 25-30 minutes to put it together, and that was stopping every 10 seconds to take pictures. It makes a ton. Best of all, it has a really good, chickeny flavor.
Chickeny is not a word, apparently.
My husband voluntarily took the leftovers to work the next day, so it must be good!
I guess we can all be relieved that I'm not a food photographer for a living. Wow. At least I have white dishes. They say that's important.
I really appreciate this opportunity to compete for a trip to BlogHer! Thanks Knorr! I will definitely be looking for your product in my grocery store. It tastes great, and is a lot easier on my poor back than giant cans of broth.
Printable Recipe
2 cups Jasmine Rice
3 cups water
2 tubs of Knorr Homestyle Stock (enough to make 7 cups of stock!)
2 eggs
1/4 cup sesame oil
1 onion, diced
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast tenderloins
1/3 cup soy sauce
1 package frozen edamame
1 package frozen peas and carrots
1 can water chestnuts
1/2 cup green onion, chopped (optional)
Cook the rice according to the package directions, adding the Knorr Homestyle Stock to the water prior to cooking. Chill overnight.
Scramble the eggs in hot sesame oil, then remove (about 2 minutes). In the same pan, saute the onion over medium high heat until it begins to brown (about 5 minutes). Add the chicken and chop up with the spatula into bite sized pieces (about 5 minutes, depending on thickness). When the chicken is cooked through, add the rice to the pan. Add soy sauce to taste - between 1/4 and 1/2 cup. Heat through (about 10 minutes). Return the egg to the pan and heat through (about 3 minutes).
Meanwhile, microwave the frozen peas, carrots and edamame until hot (5 minutes, depending on your microwave). Drain.
Toss the rice mixture and the vegetable mixture in a serving bowl. Garnish with green onion. Makes about 12 one-cup servings.
Sorry about the crummy lighting in my kitchen. I turned on every light I have.
I wanted to come up with a recipe that would use the unique qualities of the Homestyle Stock, and I thought that what was really different about it is that it's so concentrated. You can really get a lot of flavor out of these little guys! It dawned on me that it might make fantastic rice. I was right, and here's what I came up with:
The Jasmine Rice package called for one cup of rice and 1-1/2 cups of water to make 3 cups of cooked rice, so I doubled it. I used two cups of rice and 3 cups of water, and to that I added two of the little cups of Homestyle Stock. This was a kind of radical act, because that's more than twice as concentrated as the label recommends, but I wanted to take advantage of the strong flavor.
I couldn't resist, and I tasted the rice at this point. It would have been super just like this, maybe with a little parsley, alongside a chicken breast and a nice salad, or in a chicken and rice soup. It was really flavorful!
But plain rice isn't going to win me a trip to BlogHer, so I pressed on.
Here's the rest of the ingredients:
That's my pre-cooked rice, two eggs, sesame oil, a package of frozen edamame (be smarter than I am, buy the pre-shelled stuff), a package of frozen peas and carrots, a can of water chestnuts, an onion, some green onion, and a package of chicken breast tenderloins.
I like to use chicken breast tenderloins for things like this because they're cheaper, and they're thin so they cook really quickly.
Chop the onion and the green onion, and beat the eggs. Feel smug that you have cute bowls for just such an occasion.
Then realize that no cute bowls are enough to save you from bad lighting and bad photography, but persevere!
Close enough. Put some sesame oil in the pan. Debate the use of flash photography and food.
Scramble the egg, and completely forget to photograph the process.
In the same pan, cook the onion until it's translucent and starting to brown.
Once the onion is almost done, add the chicken tenderloins to the pan. I didn't even cut them up, I just threw them in with the onions, then I used the spatula to break the chicken up into bite sized pieces as it cooked. Meanwhile, I nuked the peas and carrots and the edamame in the microwave. Because I'm a rebel, that's why.
Once the chicken is cooked through, add the rice and realize that your pan is too small.
Add soy sauce to taste. I used about 1/3 cup.
Be sure to get some on the stove, too. Fry the rice over medium high heat, until it looks done, about 5 minutes.
Add the egg back in and heat it through. Then, because your pan is too small, drain the veg that you nuked and put them in your biggest mixing bowl, and toss them with your rice, chicken, and egg mixture. Nearly forget the water chestnuts, but remember to put them in at the last minute.
Top with the green onions and serve.
Pretty!
We had ours with frozen mini-egg rolls. Aside from having to make the rice ahead of time (which, honestly, is pretty optional), this would be a great weeknight meal for a hungry family. It only took me about 25-30 minutes to put it together, and that was stopping every 10 seconds to take pictures. It makes a ton. Best of all, it has a really good, chickeny flavor.
Chickeny is not a word, apparently.
My husband voluntarily took the leftovers to work the next day, so it must be good!
I really appreciate this opportunity to compete for a trip to BlogHer! Thanks Knorr! I will definitely be looking for your product in my grocery store. It tastes great, and is a lot easier on my poor back than giant cans of broth.
Printable Recipe
2 cups Jasmine Rice
3 cups water
2 tubs of Knorr Homestyle Stock (enough to make 7 cups of stock!)
2 eggs
1/4 cup sesame oil
1 onion, diced
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast tenderloins
1/3 cup soy sauce
1 package frozen edamame
1 package frozen peas and carrots
1 can water chestnuts
1/2 cup green onion, chopped (optional)
Cook the rice according to the package directions, adding the Knorr Homestyle Stock to the water prior to cooking. Chill overnight.
Scramble the eggs in hot sesame oil, then remove (about 2 minutes). In the same pan, saute the onion over medium high heat until it begins to brown (about 5 minutes). Add the chicken and chop up with the spatula into bite sized pieces (about 5 minutes, depending on thickness). When the chicken is cooked through, add the rice to the pan. Add soy sauce to taste - between 1/4 and 1/2 cup. Heat through (about 10 minutes). Return the egg to the pan and heat through (about 3 minutes).
Meanwhile, microwave the frozen peas, carrots and edamame until hot (5 minutes, depending on your microwave). Drain.
Toss the rice mixture and the vegetable mixture in a serving bowl. Garnish with green onion. Makes about 12 one-cup servings.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
The Best Experiment
We're going swimming at the country club with my friend Kaity and Gracie today, which makes me feel very Mad Men, but before we go, there's something I've been meaning to tell you about for a while, and I keep forgetting (particularly when I sit down and think, "What should I write about?" I draw a complete blank and end up checking Facebook, instead. Bad blogger!)
This post should be called "The Best Experiment I Never Meant To Do" but that's too long.
When I was pregnant with Jack I got a new CD - Ben Folds Presents: University a Cappella!
- and there's this beautiful song (track 8) called Magic. I've posted it before.
It has become the official soundtrack of 2011.
But rewind to 2010, when I was pregnant and the CD was new and I hadn't heard this song 73,283 times. Since I was a teenager, whenever I find a song that I want to learn the words to, I sing it over and over and over until the words stick. That's what you do, too, right? I'm not the only one holding very repetitive concerts in my car, am I?
Apparently I decided to learn this song at a very critical moment in Jack's prenatal development, because he remembers it, too.
Shortly after he was born we were in the car and he was fussing. Magic came on the radio, and he stopped. Instantly. And when the song was over, he started fussing again. So I played the song again. And he stopped.
Coincidence? Maybe. But it has been working consistently for over 6 months, now. The song Magic is magic when it comes to Jack.
If you're pregnant, I encourage you to choose a song that you love (preferably a slow, soothing one, although Baby Got Back worked for Ross and Rachel's baby), and sing it over and over and over while you're pregnant. Sing it at least once every time you get in the car. Then report back after your baby's born and tell me if your baby's magic song is magical, too.
Just be sure to choose a song you won't get sick of easily, because if you're like us, you'll hear it a squajillion times before your kid is one.
(Stay tuned, because we've got the castle bunkbeds painted, and I'm going to be posting pictures as soon as BJ can take a break from work to get everything assembled again!)
This post should be called "The Best Experiment I Never Meant To Do" but that's too long.
When I was pregnant with Jack I got a new CD - Ben Folds Presents: University a Cappella!
- and there's this beautiful song (track 8) called Magic. I've posted it before. It has become the official soundtrack of 2011.
But rewind to 2010, when I was pregnant and the CD was new and I hadn't heard this song 73,283 times. Since I was a teenager, whenever I find a song that I want to learn the words to, I sing it over and over and over until the words stick. That's what you do, too, right? I'm not the only one holding very repetitive concerts in my car, am I?
Apparently I decided to learn this song at a very critical moment in Jack's prenatal development, because he remembers it, too.
Shortly after he was born we were in the car and he was fussing. Magic came on the radio, and he stopped. Instantly. And when the song was over, he started fussing again. So I played the song again. And he stopped.
Coincidence? Maybe. But it has been working consistently for over 6 months, now. The song Magic is magic when it comes to Jack.
If you're pregnant, I encourage you to choose a song that you love (preferably a slow, soothing one, although Baby Got Back worked for Ross and Rachel's baby), and sing it over and over and over while you're pregnant. Sing it at least once every time you get in the car. Then report back after your baby's born and tell me if your baby's magic song is magical, too.
Just be sure to choose a song you won't get sick of easily, because if you're like us, you'll hear it a squajillion times before your kid is one.
(Stay tuned, because we've got the castle bunkbeds painted, and I'm going to be posting pictures as soon as BJ can take a break from work to get everything assembled again!)
Monday, July 4, 2011
Winner Winner!!!
I am absolutely overwhelmed by the response to the Britax carrier giveaway! WOW! 67 entries, y'all. That's amazing. And I'm so happy to announce that our winner is a longtime reader of ye ol' blog:
@goebeljulia!!!!!
HOORAY!
I'll get in touch with you to get your address.
Thanks to everyone who entered, and happy Independence Day!
@goebeljulia!!!!!
HOORAY!
I'll get in touch with you to get your address.
Thanks to everyone who entered, and happy Independence Day!
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