Zucchini Pizza

We tried a new recipe tonight for dinner that was WAY out of our comfort zone...zucchini pizza. Someone at the PD had lots of extra zucchini's so we've been using some Keith brought home. We had bread and breaded zucchini's, both which are tasty! We had one more to use and I had pinned a recipe for little zucchini pizzas so I thought we should use this opportunity. Bonus is an inexpensive dinner. The verdict was "good but I think I'd rather have regular pizza". I think I have to agree but they weren't bad, I'd eat again if we had an extra zucchini.

What you need:

• zucchini
• pizza sauce
• pizza cheese
• pepperoni (or whatever you'd like on your pizza)

What you do:

Cut zucchini into slices. About a 1/4 inch is the best. Grill slices. While those are grilling preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Once the slices are grilled put pizza sauce, cheese and toppings on slices. Put in oven until the cheese is melted. 

Keith also made baked zucchini pieces that were breaded in garlic salt...they were a little strong but mixed with the pizza slices it almost made a real pizza! I don't know his concoction though...he probably doesn't either!

Husband Shaming

I found this website about a year ago called dog shaming. People take pictures of their dog's with signs "shaming" them with what they have done. Kolby could be a celebrity at this website...Maggie could also appear on the cat shaming website every so often. After spending 10+ minutes looking for a pair of pants Keith "lost" the other day only to find them in his work closet I decided I needed to do some husband shaming. I posted a picture on facebook of me and the pants hanging in his closet explaining the situation and how Keith insisted I hid them. The response was overwhelming with many other wives saying their husbands also frequently "lost" items and blamed them for their disappearance. It must be a guy thing. A few times a week Keith starts to look for something and when he can't find it he insists I have hidden it from him. (Yes, during my spare time I like to hide his items just to watch him wander the house looking for them). Usually when this happens I get up to look for the item and quickly find it...then explain that if he would leave his things where they belong he wouldn't lose them. His response is that I keep moving things on him...

So husband shaming number one!

Salsa Chicken

This recipe was actually called "embarrassingly easy chicken" and I think that is an appropriate name.

What you need:

• chicken breasts, however many you will eat. They recommended six but we only made two big ones.
• salsa, they said 2 cups but since we made less I included less
• shredded cheese, I used Colby Jack cheese as it is a favorite in our house because it shares a name with the dog:) I think I used a whole bag, Keith likes cheese...

What you do:

• Put the chicken in the crock pot on high and pour salsa over. Cook until chicken is done...depends on chicken size. Ours took an hour-ish, maybe longer.
• Once it is cooked put in pan and top with however much cheese you'd like. Place it in oven at 425 degrees for 15 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Additional Changes/Ideas:

• We both enjoyed the meal but thought it would be VERY good if it was in a tortilla. I'm wondering if I cooked the chicken longer until it was shreddable then mixed in the cheese until melted we could eat it like a fajita and make it all in the crock pot. This would be nice especially during the hot summer months when I hate to turn the oven on.

Crock Pot Ham

I tried this recipe last week and it was a winner!! Even more so if I would have followed the directions. It was one we will make again and again.

What you need:

• 7lb ham
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1 cup brown sugar 
• 2 cups pineapple juice

What you do:

• Spread brown sugar all over ham. Pour on the syrup and pineapple juice. Put in crock pot on low for 4ish hours.

Where I went wrong: 

• Turns out ham is expensive! Obviously, I've never cooked one before. I decided a whole ham was to expensive and wasteful for just the two of us so I thought I would use ham steak instead. Our two steaks came to about 2-3 lbs; therefore, I decreased the proportions by about 3/4. That was all fine and good. I cut the steak into big sections, spread the brown sugar on and pour the additional ingredients over the ham. My problem came with the cook time. I told Keith to put it on the keep warm setting when he woke up, which he did. Unfortunately, it was too much heat for too long and many of the pieces were WAY to over cooked. The pieces that weren't though were delicious! Will make it again, just for less time!

Happy 4th of July!

We celebrated 4th of July this weekend and had a great time. My parents came over late Thursday night and spent the night. We woke up Friday and headed to the square for the 4th of July parade (minus Keith, he had to work that night and doesn't like parades...stick in the mud). We found a great spot in the shade on some grass and I headed out to get coffee. Gavin stayed awake for the police cars and fire trucks and then grew tired of the parade and snoozed in grandma's arms until near the end. It was a great parade, lots of interesting entries. I was proud of our town for showing so much spirit! After the parade we walked home and relaxed in the backyard while Kolby played. He was thrilled to have people outside with him and ran around "protecting" the yard from bugs and squirrels. We headed back up to the square for lunch at the new bbq place before my parents headed home. Keith, Gavin and I went home for a quick nap (okay I napped, the boys played) before heading to Gavin's first pool party! One of Keith's co-workers/friends had a kid's pool party. Gavin tried out of the pool before finding some ladies to snuggle up with for a good nap. He seemed to enjoy the pool or at least didn't hate it. We probably were in for 20 minutes or so and he seemed more curious that anything about what was going on.

Sunday Gavin and I head to Des Moines to church and then met up with my parents at Smokey Row for lunch. They were in town so my dad and brother could take a ride on a b-17 plane, which they thought was awesome!


Keith found Gavin this perfect shirt on his trip to Tennessee "Born to Love Mimi" he had to wear it when Mimi was here of course! Here is him enjoying the grass, he LOVES to sit/lay/etc in the grass. He really enjoys pulling it!

A little bit of me

Gavin is such a calm and easy going baby (unless he's hungry) I was starting to wonder if he really was mine:) Fortunately, for us he has Keith's personality. Very chill and go with the flow. Recently though he's started to show a trait I KNOW is from me. Temper Tantrums...all be it mini ones. He's started to throw a fuss if something is taken away from him that he really wants. The other day he had my glasses and when I went to get them he started crying and fussing. I had to distract him with a toy. He's also done this with food if something is taken away he wasn't done with! Let's hope the Pittman side prevails with most of these types of traits!!

I don't have any pictures of him throwing a fit but I do have some cute pictures of Kolby from this weekend...so enjoy!



So tired from the holiday weekend. While Gavin takes after Keith, Kolby takes after me. What a stinker!! (The bee is NOT his...)

Five Months

Somehow five whole months have gone by since Gavin was born! He's growing up so fast, I can't believe it. I am so thankful for my extra time home with him to enjoy his growing!

Here are a few shots from his 5 month photo shoot. You can tell he's moving a lot more! His onsie says...

-1st plane ride
-Loves peek a boo
-1st trip to Rocky Mountain National Park.

This is a typical scene at our house. Blankets and clothes go over the face!





He is so long in this picture! You can tell he has his daddy's height! We had to weigh and measure him at home this month since he doesn't have a doctor appt. until 6 months. He was 27 inches and 15lbs at home. Not sure how accurate but I do know he's long!

What's been going on...

So much has been happening in the last few months it's almost been too overwhelming to blog! I'll try to stick to the highlights so I can get caught up.

Gavin turned three months at the end of April. We had pictures taken by photography by Becca which turned out wonderful. He was much more cooperative at this session than his newborn.


 Gavin had his first cold which turned into an ear infection in early May. Not an event I would like to repeat...the Pittman family would hate to do anything without a bit of drama so I was at a concert with my mom and aunt when Keith called and I suggested he take our screaming son into the er. We left the concert early, leaving my aunt all alone, and in our haste forgot my moms purse. Whoops! Luckily my aunt found it and it was safely returned. If you're going to lose your purse, a Christian concert at a church is the place to do it.  We got Gavin started on some antibiotics and Tylenol and he started to feel better pretty quickly. Grandma stayed home to cuddle part of the day and daddy the afternoon so he was in good hands. Grandma Pam came down the next morning to give some snuggling too.

Maggie turned four at the beginning of May. We're terrible parents and didn't celebrate this year. She's still got a lot of kitten in her. Her favorite place is still outside. She also likes to sleep in Gavin's crib, which we don't like as much.

Gavin ran his first 5k! So did Kolby! The whole family participated in the Richardson Memorial 5k in Newton. Keith and Kolby ran it all, I ran about half way and power walked the rest!

 I hit my one month mark at the eye clinic mid may. Things are going well. I absolutely LOVE working part time and in town. I feel like I've reached a good work home balance. I am so thankful this opportunity came about. I'm still learning the ins and outs of insurance and clinic procedures. I have a feeling I'll be learning and trying to figure it out for as long as I'm there.

May 18th we had Gavin's dedication at my home church. Pastor Suz, who married us, and Keith's brother Brad preformed the ceremony. They did a wonderful job and made it a very special day for us. Gavin's Godparents, Ben and Kelly, came for the weekend as did my grandma Webster city. One set of Keith's grandparents were able to make it along with Brad's family. It was so nice to be able to share his special day with so many family members. We had a  meal afterwards complete with Cheryl cake! Yum!!






 At the end of May Gavin turned 4 months and had his check up. He weighed 14 lbs, 11oz and was 26 ins. The doctor said he looked great and had no concerns. He charmed everybody in the office.  He had three shots but barely cried and was just fine all evening. They made him pretty tired so he slept much of the evening and overnight. He started eating cereal and a few select foods.




Gavin had his first trip to the zoo! We took him one day to the Blank Park Zoo. He was pretty alert looking around at everything until the last hour or so then he crashed in the stroller. It was still a fun outing though!

 

 

Last week Gavin and I traveled with the Nass family out to Estes park for the week. My dad and Keith couldn't get off work which was a HUGE disappointment but we still had a wonderful time. Mom, grandma, Gavin and I flew into Denver. I was nervous about traveling with an infant and flying but true to Gavin form he was wonderful! He slept the entire flight there and most of the way back. We all shared this wonderful cabin/mansion. We played LOTS of games, painted, had massages, hiked in Rocky Mountain national park, went on a ghost tour at the Stanley hotel, played laser tag, shopped and much more! Plus, I had about 15 babysitters so I took a couple naps and enjoyed long showers:) we had such a wonderful week together, I feel very blessed to have this family!

 

 

 

 

 Since Keith missed out on the Colorado trip he and his dad had planned a motorcycle trip for the summer again. It just so happened the week that worked for both was right after we got back from Colorado. We saw Keith for about 12 hours, most overnight, before he headed out with his dad. They traveled to St. Loius the first day and had a special seafood dinner to celebrate Father's Day. The next day they traveled to Nashville. I think they saw a show and maybe had dinner (they return tomorrow so I'm not sure of all that they did). From Nashville they road to Gatlinburg, Tennessee to the smokey mountains and have been staying there in a cabin. Not sure what they're up to as cell service is spotty but he did mention taking a ride on a road called dragons tail and I saw a picture of a donut shop... They get home tomorrow and we are all excited to see Keith! We each have Monday and Tuesday off so we're planning to stay home and have some quality family time. Hopefully next vacation we take we can go together!!

Gavin turns five months tomorrow, I'm not sure how this is possible!! He is still a wonderful baby, although I'm sure all parents say that, but he is so chill and go with the flow. Unless he's hungry. He has the Carlson hunger tolerance. When he's hungry you had better feed him! Takes after his uncle Ben and grandpa Scott. He continues to roll but mainly from back to side. He seems to prefer to sleep and lay on his side. I often laugh at the positions I find him in in the morning. He's still sleeping well at night. Sleeps until 4ish and usually goes right back to sleep after eating until I get him up around 7:15. A few times he's been wide awake after eating but luckily if I put him in his bed he just talks himself to sleep. Nap time isn't as good. He sleeps really well in your arms but wakes up if put down. Not that I mind snuggling!  He's a lot more vocal these days too. Making lots of noise while playing. He also is starting to really laugh when being tickled or when you play with him. His laugh is a wonderful sound. He also loves to put anything he can find in his mouth. So far he has eaten prunes, peas, sweet potatoes, and pears. He LOVES pears and sweet potatoes and gets cranky when you take too long to feed him!

 I think that is the "short" version of what's been going on! Oh we did also celebrate kolbys 3rd birthday last week. We went for a walk with G'pa and Gma in Webster city and then had ice cream. Kolby got a "small" cone and had it finished in seconds before he moved onto grandpas left overs. Grandma and his mom wouldn't share...

Chicken and Wild Rice

I have found a new recipe to add to our rotation! I found this on Pinterest and made it last night. It fits  my criteria: easy, quick to put together, and tasty. Only downside is it takes 2 and 1/2 hours to bake. Wasn't a big deal just have to plan.



What you need:
-chicken breasts
-uncle bens wild rice, original recipe
-can of cream of celery soup
-can of cream of mushroom soup (I accidentally used cream of chicken which I thought worked but the recipe calls for mushroom)
-soup can of water



What you do:
Grease 9x13 pan. Mix soups, water, and rice (including flavor) and pour in plan. Place chicken in mixture and cover with aluminum foil. Bake at 350 for 2 hours and 30 minutes. The recipe said to NOT look at it until all done. Not sure why but I didn't. Depending on chicken side you probably could cook less, I think ours was a bit overdone.



Enjoy!

Ham and Cheesy Noodle Casserole

We had a wonderful Easter weekend visiting my family and Keith's. We ate lots, had an egg hunt and enjoyed time with family. As always we left my parents house with yummy leftovers. This time some yummy ham. I wanted a way to use it without just eating plain. I found this recipe and it was a winner. Keith was skeptical as he said it looked like tuna noodle but once he tried it he gave his approval.


Ingredients

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped green pepper 
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 2 cups Swiss or cheddar cheese shredded (I used cheddar)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups cubed ham
• 1 8 oz package egg noodles, cooked 
• Bread crumbs on top

What you do:

Sauté butter, green pepper and onions. Then add all ingredients into pan. Stir up and put in oven. Bake until heated through.

My new life

My new life as a mother, eye clinic receptionist, part-time stay at home mom.

We've had a week now of our "new life" or "new normal" or whatever you want to call it and I feel so blessed. There are so many things I feel so fortunate to be able to do or experience...

I spend my Monday and Tuesdays cuddling with my favorite lil man and working around the house. This has been wonderful. I don't feel bad while cuddling because I'm not doing chores and while doing chores I don't feel like I'm wasting my precious time with G because I have that extra time. I can work during nap time (or attempt as he rarely naps:)

I left for work at 7:45 and was early...whoa! On the other side I left at 5:00 and was home by 5:05.

I haven't filled up with gas in over a week.

During lunch I drove the few blocks home and had lunch with my boys one day, played with kolby another and enjoyed a quiet house on the last. Our bank account enjoyed that I didn't use my credit or debit card all week.

The job itself is going well. There is a lot to learn and I'm learning to multitask times like 100. Towards the end of the week I got my desk organized so it makes sense to me which has really helped things flow smoothly.

Well, I have a sleeping baby in my arms. I think I may join him for a cat nap!

Oatmeal Breakfast Smoothies

Smoothies sounded good the other day so I went to Pinterest to see what I could find. 99% of recipes call for bananas...I don't eat bananas so this took awhile and required some swaps. (Even though my husband thinks I'm making it up I have an allergy to raw bananas. It's a very painful reaction so I avoid them like the plague) anyway I found this yummy recipe and just cut out the banana and added mini chocolate chips (they're the same right?!)

What you need:
-one cup yogurt. I suggest vanilla or strawberry
-1/2 a cup of milk
-1/4 a cup oatmeal
-2 tablespoons peanut butter
-squirt of honey
-handful of mini chocolate chips
-fruit of choosing. To be honest I haven't added fruit yet but I plan to try strawberries or apples

What you do:
Blend all together in blender and enjoy! This makes a great breakfast treat when nothing else sounds good! I am going to try and make one tonight so I can grab as I run out the door tomorrow. Not sure how it'll taste but worth a try!

Meatball Sub

I asked Keith this morning what he wanted for dinners this week. He surprised me by saying meatball   subs. Okay...so I went looking for a recipe. We made it tonight and it was a great supper. Quick, easy and tasty!

What you need:
-subs
-spaghetti sauce
-provolone cheese
-meatballs (we used frozen ones and just baked them before putting them on the sub. It says you can also use microwave but we had time)
-when I was busy with Gavin, Keith doctored them up a bit...you'd never want to follow a recipe to a T! I think he threw in some shredded Parmesan and garlic powder.

What you do:

Heat up meatballs according to package instructions, warm sauce up and mix with meatballs. Once warm put on sub (Keith toasted our subs which was tasty). Put provolone cheese slices on top and microwave for just a few seconds to melt cheese. Then enjoy!

Changes

After an amazing eight weeks of maternity leave I sadly kissed my little boy goodbye and drove the 45 minutes to work. I spent the day trying to get back into the swing of things and asking my mom (who was babysitting) for updates and pictures. The minute it was time to go home I was in the car and ready to go! I'm sure most mother's share this same struggle and sadness: leaving their little one home for the first time. I am very fortunate my mom came down to babysit the three days I headed back to work (as Keith was also working). It made going back easier knowing he was enjoying grandma time.

It also helped on the third day (which was a Friday) I got a call from an Eye Clinic here in town offering me a job as a receptionist (I had applied a few weeks prior and interviewed that Monday). I've been waiting for the right opportunity to appear for quite sometime. Who knew it would come from an eye clinic, three days after I headed back to work. I told the doctor who called YES! and headed into work, dreading telling my boss and co-workers. As I figured they understood. So today, April 11th is my last day at SATUCI. My last day in the drug world. My last day of my first "adult" job.

Wednesday the 16th of April I will begin on this new path. Instead of my 45 minute commute I will drive two minutes to the clinic. Over lunch I will head home to eat and see my family instead of eating in my office or going out. And after work I'll drive the two minutes home instead of my usual 45. Monday and Tuesday mornings I will be waking up whenever Gavin decides it's time to begin the day and will spend my days playing and cuddling with him (and perhaps maintaining the house:). Wednesday through Fridays I'll work 8am to 5pm and most Saturdays I'll work 8am until 12pm.

I am sad to leave my SATUCI life as I've met a lot of great people and am comfortable there, I am scared to start over with all new things to learn but I am so thankful for more time at home with my boys.

Carlson family grows to 7!

In June of 2013 my brother met a girl. September 5th he emailed and said "I'm dating this girl Kelly. She's really nice". Few days after Thanksgiving he sends a picture of an engagement ring on her finger. March 22nd we get to watch them take their vows and it is an amazing moment.

"She's really nice" was such a complete understatement. My brother found the most amazing girl to share his life with and I smile still each time I say "my brother and his wife".

We had a wonderful weekend celebrating Ben and Kelly. Since Keith and I were still on maternity/paternity leave we headed to Champaign, IL Thursday afternoon. Stopping to drop Kolby off and pursue the outlet mall. Were so slow my parents and grandpa caught up with us. Had dinner at Chili's with them before heading back on our way. After driving a bit we are passed by Ben...who left after work. Finally get to IL around 1:00am, exhausted but excited.

Friday morning we enjoyed bagels courtesy of Kelly's brother. Relax around hotel until we meet her parents for lunch. Can see why Kelly is such an amazing person. After lunch we head back to the hotel and take Gavin swimming. He was less than thrilled by the cold water. We decide to take a long nap cuddled up together. Wake up and go downstairs to Ben and Kelly's non rehearsal dinner. Have amazing food and fun with a mixing of the two families. Games are broken out late in the evening and I play a few before heading to bed. Keith and gang keep on going!

Saturday morning we enjoy breakfast with Nass family and Grandpa O at the hotel before trying out the pool again. Gavin was a little less shocked by the water and tolerated for awhile. Ordered Jimmy Johns for lunch for entire Nass family and squeezed everyone into our hotel room to eat. Mara, Mom and I then headed to Kelly's house to watch her get ready for a bit. Once back at the hotel got ready and dressed Gavin up in his wedding best! Headed to the Refinery for wedding and reception.

Was captivated by their wedding ceremony. The entire night was "so them" and just perfect. Highlights:

• Seeing the beautiful bride before the wedding.
• Watching Ben as Kelly walked down the aisle. Pure happiness.
• Watching Ben and Kelly complete the Jesus fish together.
• Participating in the sibling blessing.
• The announcement of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Carlson!
• Breakfast food for dinner
• Ed and Esther's Coffee Bar (This was HUGE highlight)
• Pittman family in the photobooth
• The dads powerpoint presentation helping us get to know their kids!
• Dixit cards as guestbook
• Dancing with my boys
• Nass family dance party
• Watching Ben and Kelly dance
• Seeing Gavin in his adorable wedding outfit

Sunday morning we packed things up and headed home. Keith had to head back to work Sunday night so we made the drive with minimal stops.

It was a weekend to remember. What I'll remember most is how happy Ben was and how thankful I am that God brought Kelly into his life (and our lives). Also watching them was seeing love, if that makes sense.

Weekend to remind us of how blessed we are with our family.

The happiest, scariest, and most tiring day of my life!

Gavin Scott Pittman

He's finally here! Actually he has been here for 10 weeks already but I'm just now getting back to the blog...and hopefully my unfinished scrapbooks...and cooking. Our sweet boy arrived on his due date January 29th at 4:53pm. These past 2.5 months have been surreal. It still doesn't seem real some days when I come home to my baby. MY.BABY. Both of us have fallen in love with our little boy and being his mom has been better than I ever imagined it could be. (I hope to get into a better blogging routine and have a feeling Gavin or GSP will dominate most entries so I will fill you in on birth - 10 weeks later but for this post I'll just cover his birthday!) Awhile ago I typed up the complete "story" of his birth and it was seven pages long so I think it's best we just hit the "highlights" here.

• Tuesday January 28th, after a walk with my favorite pooch and my Aunt Mara my water breaks around 6:30pm. I don't believe it has actually happened so we order Chinese. Realize after a bit it did. Ate Chinese and then headed to the hospital.
• Admitted to the hospital around 8:30pm, called mom to head down. Turns out they had to "steal" their van from the repair shop first.
• Went to bed planning to have a baby by morning or late morning at the latest.
• Spent the night listening to Keith watching Top Gear, the UK version, and attempt to sleep. Was not very successful. Contractions were sporadic and not very strong so Pitocin was started. Not much of a change.
• Morning of January 29th, mom brought donuts for Keith's breakfast. I ate jello and apple juice...
• Spent the morning answering text messages with "no baby yet, progress slow". Watched TV, played games, attempted to nap.
• Lunch time Keith brings back Jimmy Johns to the room. I ate jello and apple juice...
• Things are getting more uncomfortable now.
• Around 2:00ish still at 4-5 cm and very uncomfortable. Ask for the epidural. It's been around 18 hours so far.
• Around 3:00ish. Epidural finally arrives. Ahhh....much better.
• Around 3:15ish baby's heart rate drops. I'm told to switch positions a few times before being told to flip over onto all fours.
• Still around 3:15 room gets full of people and an oxygen mask is put on me. Still on all fours. Trying not to cry at this point. Telling myself crying will not help the baby.
• Praying, Praying, Praying.
• Heart rate goes back up. Whew...I'm allowed to flip back over. Keith brings me the IPAD and puts FRIENDS on. I watch for a few minutes before the nurse returns. Heart rate has dropped again.
• Nurse decides C-Section is needed and calls the doctor to confirm. Given various medications/liquids that taste bad.
• Head down to OR. Keith is taken to put on scrubs and hats (on his feet because they're too big for their booties). Room is COLD. Lay there waiting and praying. Also feeling exhausted.
• Finally they start. Feel lots of pulling and tugging but no pain. Seems like it takes FOREVER to get to baby. Doctors attempt to use vacuum to get him out. Doesn't work the first time as he has too much hair. Works the second time.
• We hear our sweet boys first cries at 4:53pm. Most amazing sound in the world.
• I see him from a distance before he's cleaned up. Soon Keith comes over with our son bundled up and places him in one of my arms. I can't believe I'm holding him finally.
• Too quickly he's taken away to be cleaned up and checked out. Keith goes with. I'm left waiting in OR alone. Remember feeling very, very tired. Told he is 8lbs and 7oz, 21 inches. Thought "that can't be, they said he was small".
• Finally finished and taken to recovery room. Remember thinking "finally warm" and "when can I see my baby!" Had to wait until I could feel my legs. Headed up to room after what felt like hours (but wasn't).
• Mom, Dad, and Keith's parents have arrived. Finally get to actually hold my baby. He's the most adorable baby I've ever seen. He's perfect. Keith asks if Gavin Scott Pittman sounds good. I say yes.
• Spend the rest of the evening admiring our miracle who is completely healthy and unaffected by having the cord wrapped around his neck twice.
• Had an awful overnight. Was in lots of pain, tired, uncomfortable from machines, and HOT.
• Finally morning of the 30th comes bring doctors and additional pain medication...much better.
• Sometime around noon I'm allowed to eat real food. Gone in under five minutes.
• Allowed to get up and walk a couple laps in the hall. Wow it hurts...but up means I can shower. Early evening, finally allowed to shower. Feels amazing.
• Have a much better evening.
• Friday morning the 31st feeling much better. Spend the day holding Gavin, eating, and walking around the halls. Dad and Mara visit.
• Saturday February 1st, going home today! Spend the morning getting ready to go. Packing, filling out paperwork etc. Give Gavin a bath and go home!

 Hard to believe that is the abbreviated version! It was quite the long process and a little more excitement than we planned on! Gavin has brought us so much joy we already can't imagine life before him. I feel so blessed to be his mom and I am so excited to watch him grow.

New Baby, New Job, New Blog!

Our little family is changing so much I thought "might as well change the blog!" Actually, it was under my old email address and I couldn't figure out how to change to my new address and it was driving me crazy having to sign into my old account yada, yada, yada...so I am starting over. Link to my old blog is below for any past recipes. Someday I may transfer some recipes over, I've found some have a few (or many) typos so hopefully I can get those fixed.

http://www.missmaggiemaesays.blogspot.com/

I figured the title: A Blessed Life was pretty accurate. Keith and I have been so blessed by family, friends and life in general. The address lovehopelaughlive.com was A. the first one I found that was actually available and 2. I thought it fit our family and was a good motto. We have lots of love to go around, you must have hope, we always have lots of laughter in our house and we need to always remember to live!