Time is Flying!

I remember where I was at this point two years ago. I was as big as a whale and sick as a dog while struggling with preeclampsia at the very end of my pregnancy with Emily. In fact, by now, I was just shy of being admitted into the hospital.

Is it ironic that I'm pregnant while that little bundle of joy turns two?

We aren't planning a huge party for her - just the family and a few friends in Columbia, SC. And no, we don't live there. Emily's grandmother does. We decided to do it at her house because I just can't physically deal with the stress of tons of people coming in and crashing at our house (don't ask me how I'm going to handle 15+ people for the family reunion over the 4th of July). We'll clean it, and do the cooking, and the clean-up. My biggest thing is the cake, which I'm actually very excited about making. But it's a secret for now, but hopefully there will be pictures posted afterwards!

In the meantime, my pregnancy is slowing getting better. I still have bad days, where I'm sick an exhausted, but I'm having more good days than I used to, which is a huge plus. And we're hoping that at my end of the month ultrasound, we will know if we are having a boy or a girl, but that's only if this little one decides to cooperate. We are also praying that the small concern of having placenta previa will have righted itself by this point; my OB isn't too worried about it right now, as it usually takes care of itself.

Emily, on the other hand, has a vocabulary that is growing by leaps and bounds. She is now learning her colors and shapes, but her favorite phrase right now is "I don't want to". Can we say she is are almost two? Potty-training isn't going great, as this incredibly stubborn girl will hold it for hours and hours instead of going on the potty, so we've stopped pushing it for awhile with a fear that she's going to give herself a UTI. After her birthday, though, we hope to start up again, exspecially now that we are often finding her baby doll sitting on her potty with the toilet paper.

But speaking of Emily, she's being needy, so I need to get off the computer. I'll try to post pictures of her party after next weekend.

Updates, but not here!

I don't have time for a full post on this blog today, but you can check out my update on Our Journey blog at jdrogers.blogspot.com.

Have a wonderful and blessed evening!

An Apple A Day

I have a daughter who is love with this delectable fruit. It doesn't matter what kind - red delicious, granny smith, skin on, skin off, she asks for apples almost every hour of every day (almost). In fact, her first complete sentence was said two weeks ago in her highchair in the kitchen while munching on the aforementioned fruit. What was it?

"Mama, I love apples."

:-)

Needless to say, I was a psychotic and crazy mother for NOT buying any apples while we were down at our farm in Georgia this past weekend. Not that she didn't have a wide variety of fruit - she did! Strawberries, bananas, tangerines... she had plenty to eat with her morning cereal and afternoon snacks. But did that satisfy her fruit-love? Nooooo. Of course not!

So guess what this suckered mommy did for her daughter on the way home.

While daddy was getting gas, mommy ran into the McDonalds attached to the gas station and bought a $1 bag of apple-dippers (sans caramel) for her. Her reaction? Well... I'll let you imagine it. ;-)

I'm a hero.

A Few Candid Pictures...

...that turned out to be favorites!

We did Emily's Easter pictures this weekend, and though I won't post any that will be sent to family (you have to wait until it is mailed!), I will post a few of our favorite shots. They are such pictures of Emily's personality!

Legos!

Recipe Monday

Muffin in a Minute

This is one of my favorite low-carb bread substitutes. You can alter the various spices to change the flavor. I like a sweeter one in the morning with cinnamon and vanilla, or a muffin that plays with your taste buds by using garlic and dill (great with cream cheese!). In the fall, I'll even add some pumpkin for a fun festive treat. Enjoy!

Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup ground flax meal
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 packet sugar substitute
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (or whatever spice you are trying)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon butter

Directions:
1. Stir the dry ingredients together in a mug (some people use a bowl if they want more of a bread or bun shape instead of a muffin)
2. Add the egg and butter.
3. Microwave for one minute
4. Take out, slice, add your toppings, and eat!

I use a lot of different toppings, depending on what mood I'm in - butter, cream cheese, jelly, egg & cheese (if I'm making a breakfast sandwich). Experiment and have fun! :-)

The recipe I based my MIM on is located at: http://www.atkins.com/Recipes/ShowRecipe905/Muffin-in-a-Minute-(MIM).aspx

Recipe Monday

Layered Mexican Salad

(compliments to Betty Crocker)

Jonathan and I love this salad - it's healthy and fresh and the dressing is to die for. I'm making it tomorrow for a staff meeting lunch, so I decided to share it with you!

Ingredients:
1 1/2 - 2 cups shredded lettuce
1 chopped bell pepper
2 cups black bean salsa
3/4 cup whole kernel corn
1 avocado (optional)

Dressing:
3/4 tsp grated lime peel
3 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 clove garlic, crushed
3/4 cup olive oil

Directions:
1. In medium bowl, layer lettuce, bell pepper, 1 1/4 cups of the salsa, and corn. Top with remaining salsa and garnish with sliced avocado (optional).
2. In food processor or blender, process all dressing ingredients except oil. Gradually pour in oil, processing until thick. Serve on the side with the salad.