Climbing

Be prepared, we've reached the climbing phase. Climbing the stairs. Climbing onto Mommy and Daddy's bed. Climbing onto the little rocking chair. Climbing over Dyno. But the funnest is climbing into the grocery cart.

"I'm not supposed to push the grocery cart. Mommy always puts me in it with the groceries."

Mangia! Thai Shrimp Curry

Thai Shrimp Curry
This is a favorite in the house and we always have the ingredients on hand, most people don't.

2 tablespoons Almond Butter
2 tablespoons Olive Oil
1 pound Shrimp
1 can Unsweetened Coconut Milk
2 teaspoons Thai Red Curry Paste
1 tablespoon Fish Sauce
2 teaspoons Brown Sugar (not Paleo)
1 teaspoon Salt
1 can Baby Corn
4 Scallions, chopped
1/2 cup Water Chestnuts
1/2 cup Straw Mushrooms
1/4 cup Fresh Basil
2 tablespoons Fresh Mint
1 Lime

1. Heat almond butter and oil in pan.
2. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a dish for later.
3. Add thick surface of coconut milk and curry paste to pan. Cook, stirring about a minute to bring out the flavor of the curry.
4. Stir in remaining coconut milk, fish sauce, brown sugar and salt. Simmer for 3 minutes.
5. Add shrimp, corn, scallions, water chestnuts and straw mushrooms. Simmer for 3 minutes.
6. Remove from heat. Stir in bail, mint and lime juice.
7. Serve in a bowl, maybe over sweet potatoes and enjoy.

Tough Princess Training Week 1

The week started off with a little kick ass Brazilian Butt. I made it through the 40 minute workout of a variation of lunges and squats. It was definitely a killer, toward the end I was unable to do a full squat. I was afraid of what I would feel like a couple of days later.

Tuesday was my first run of training. Since it's been 2 years since my last run, I felt most comfortable easing into it rather than jumping in. I decided to do run/walk intervals. Run 60 seconds, walk 90 seconds, repeat for 20 minutes. Doesn't sound too bad until you do it. It was just slightly less hard as I remember it the first time. I got through it nonetheless and felt great afterward. Felt proud of myself!

Wednesday was a rest day. Thank goodness! As I suspected my legs and booty were sore, I don't think I would have been able to run. I hesitated going down the 2 steps in our home. Pathetic. Well, all I can think of is the phrase, "Pain is your body's way of ridding itself of weakness." Weakness is spot-on. I can't wait to be strong again. I don't mean strong so that I can lift my 200 pound husband out of his chair but strong as in a lean mean fighting machine who can lift the cast iron skillet out of the oven with 1 hand. But seriously, I'm looking forward to feeling more alert, having more energy, sleeping better and just feeling great! All that will come soon.

Thursday I felt great after my rest day yesterday, ready to hit the pavement. I did another 60/90 run/walk. Toward the end I started to feel my groove or my stride. I was breathing well - one, TWO, three, one, TWO, three. The weather wasn't awful since it had rained early in the evening. I felt great!

Friday I did a Pilates workout that focused on arms. I wasn't impressed. I will definitely have up the ante on the arms.

Saturday was my last day on the 60 sec/90 sec run/walk. It felt great! While I was running, I was keeping in pace with another lady. It's like we were doing the same training. I started off walking just behind her then I would run past her and start my walk and then here she would come running, pass me and then walk. I wanted to ask her if she was doing the same training but I didn't. I promised myself that if I see her again I would. Then I might get a running buddy and some bonus encouragement!

Well all in all I am off to a great start. I know I have a long way to go but I just keep focusing on my small accomplishments. Next week the runs get a little bit longer. I'm ready. I know it will probably kick my butt but the 60/90 is too easy. Can't wait!!!!

Mangia! Post Workout Smoothies

Post Workout Kale Apple Smoothie

In a blender (we use the Magic Bullet) combine:

3/4 cup kale (chopped and stems removed)

1 small celery (chopped)

1/2 banana

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Handful of ice

Post Workout Chocolate Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie

In a blender (we use a Magic Bullet) combine:

1 Banana (I prefer mine frozen so I don't have to use as much ice)

2 tablespoons Unsweetened Dutch Cocoa Powder

2 tablespoons Peanut Butter

1 cup Coconut Milk (I used local organic whole milk for mine)

Handful of ice


Post Workout Strawberry Banana Smoothie
In a blender (we use the Magic Bullet) combine
1/4 cup Coconut Milk
Handful of Strawberries
1/2 Frozen Banana
1 tablespoon Almond Butter
Handful of Ice

Bulls Eye

Hand-eye coordination is spot on!

Happy 29 to Me

So we celebrated my birthday on Sunday. Actually we celebrated for 3 days. It started Friday night when Derrick surprised me with a babysitter (we can do that now that Vivian sleeps through the night) and tickets to the New Orleans Saints game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. I was so excited. I grew up going to football games, I knew it would be a good time even though it was a pre-season professional game. I say that because we all know that college football games are very energetic and that's hard to compete with. I was extra happy because I got to go to the Superdome. It was impressive- so clean and bright and the perfect temperature, although I think I prefer the fresh air. That won't deter me from going again though. Thank game was decent but the Jaguars won, which was fine with me. I found myself cheering for my old team a couple of times anyway.

Saturday we spent an hour at a running store trying on shoes for my first half marathon in February. Training started this past Monday. Here are my new shoes.
That evening, Derrick made Lamb and Scallops for dinner. Yum Yum!

Sunday morning I got to open my beautiful cards from Derrick and Vivian and a giant box. Vivian's card made me get tears in my eyes. I know she doesn't realize what she did or why she did it but Derrick had her scribble in the card. ♥ Inside the box was a couple of new workout outfits along with....drum-roll please....an iPad. What a surprise that was! After gifts and cards we went to church and then out to brunch. We happened across a restaurant that was serving a champagne brunch in downtown Kenner. It was perfect. While it rained we sipped on our mimosas and poinsettias and slowly ate our way through the buffet.

This birthday far out weighed last years. Last year we arrived in our Uhaul with a 2 week old baby and a floor to sleep on in Vegas. Hands down, 29 wins. Now to get Derrick to start planning for my 30th. Because 30 is such a milestone and I feel like they will be my best years yet, we have been coming up with some goals or a bucket list if you will ranging from starting on a new degree to going horseback riding. Any suggestions, please leave a comment below.

Mangia! Paleo Modified Pesto Pasta with Chicken Sausage and Brussel Sprouts

Paleo Modified Pesto Pasta with Chicken Sausage and Brussel Sprouts

Instead of Pasta, I used Sweet Potatoes.

1 pound Brussel Sprouts (stems cut off and sprouts halved)

2 Sweet Potatoes (cut into 1 inch cubes)

Olive Oil

Salt and Pepper

1 pound Chicken Sausage (cut into 1 inch chunks)

5 Garlic Cloves, minced

1/3 cup Pesto

1/4 cup Chicken Broth

1. Season brussel sprouts with olive oil, salt and pepper. Place on baking dish and bake at 400 for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Toss half way through. Season sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt and pepper. Place on baking dish and bake at 400 for about 30 minutes or until slightly browned. Toss half way through. Remove and set aside in a closed container.

**Just a side note that I had to cook my veggies in 2 batches. No problem, it just took a little longer.

2. Cook sausage in a large pan with heated olive oil. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Add cooked veggies to reheat. Stir in pesto and chicken broth to coat.

3. Serve in a bowl and enjoy.

I've only had brussel sprouts once before that I can remember and they were awful. I think they were steamed or boiled. Roasting them really brings out a tasty flavor. If you've always been put off by them and have never had them roasted, try them one more time. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Mangia! Paleo Modified Chicken Parmesan

Paleo Modified Chicken Parmesan

Instead of Pasta, I used Peppers and Onions.

Chicken Breasts

Salt and Pepper

Organic Garlic Tomato Sauce

Olive Oil

Butter

Onion

Green Pepper

Garlic

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Bake in oven at 400 degrees about 30 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, season sliced onion and green pepper with salt and pepper and sauté in heated olive oil and butter to desired doneness (we like it still a little al dente).

3. Heat tomato sauce.

4. Serve chicken on top of onions and green peppers like you would over pasta. Top with tomato sauce enjoy. 

Mangia!

Smart Cookie

Vivian started Montessori School today. She will be going 2 days a week, Tuesday and Thursday. At first I was a little disappointed in myself sending her off to school when I'm supposed to be a super stay at home momma. But as I thought more about it, I realized that it will benefit her, me and our family. Aside from the knowledge she will learn (which I am qualified to do with my background however don't necessary have all the tools to do), Vivian will get to socialize with other babies and learn to be more independent. At this point, Vivian is great at playing by herself but I have to be near her or she will follow me and tug at me. I will have the opportunity to have time for myself, whether I'm doing things for myself or for the family, it will still be me time. I have a list of things I am eager to do on my "days off." This will make me a happy person. I am excited that my little girl is growing up. It is not by any means a sad day. And she is excited as well!

1st day of School Board. I can't wait to do this every year! Obviously she doesn't understand what it says but I did ask her and then gave her some chalk to fill in the blank. She doodled a little something in response. :-)

Vivian's First Cubby

The Theme of the Month is Reptiles

The Class Pets

Oh yeah, I was already asked to be the Room Mom. Of course I said 'YES'!

Tough Princess

Preparation and Overview

Well it's official, I will be participating I my first half marathon in February. I'm registered for the Disney Princess Half in Orlando. I am very excited but a bit nervous. The last time I ran was right before we found out we were pregnant in November of 2010. So I will be starting my training from scratch just like I did when I trained for the 5k nearly 2 years ago. I'm going to share my training with you in order to hopefully keep me more accountable. So I'm all geared up. I got new running shoes and a few new running outfits for my birthday this past weekend, which means I'll be excited to run for at least the first few weeks because who doesn't love to wear new things. :-) While I'm busy training, Derrick is also training for a Tough Mudder, which is basically a half marathon intense obstacle course.

My Gear:

New Brooks running shoes from Louisiana Running Company. The store was pretty cool. They video taped and took pictures of my foot while I ran on a treadmill. Based on my foot and stride they found several shoes for me to try that would be ideal. After an hour of trying shoes on and testing them on the treadmill, usually wearing two different shoes to compare, I decided on my Princess Jasmine Brooks shoes. (that's the name I gave them since this is all in the name of the Disney Princess Half).

My Schedule:

Monday: cross training (lower body)

Tuesday: running

Wednesday: rest

Thursday: running

Friday: cross training (upper body)

Saturday: running

Sunday: rest

Pre- Half Marathon Goals:

Although I'm training to run 13.1 miles and not too concerned about speed at this point, I decided it would be smart to participate in a few organized shorter runs before February.

I am currently registered for the following:

Oct. 7 - Surf and Sun 5k in Jacksonville, FL

Nov. 22 - Turkey Trot 10k in Miami, FL (this was my very first run 2 years ago)

Dec. 16 - Ole Man River 5k in New Orleans, LA

Modified Diet:

We already eat pretty healthy; we don't keep cookies or chips on hand, we don't eat out a lot, we shop from the outside of the market rather than the isles and we drink lots of water. That being said we are going to up the ante a bit by trying a Paleo diet. Derrick learned about it at Crossfit. At first we thought only he would do it and I would do a modified version. Well since I have to cook slightly modified meals for him anyway I figured I may as well go all in. I will be sharing only good recipes with you but please keep in mind that I am not a recipe writer and usually cook like the Italian I am- a little bit of this, a little bit of that- so measurements will be a challenge but I will try to keep them in mind.

What is the Paleo Diet?

In a nut shell, we will be eating like cave people. Veggies, farm-fresh meat, fruit, nuts. No dairy, no sugar, no legumes, no grains, no processed foods. It's going to be really hard not eating pasta or dairy. Cheese is one of my top two foods depending on the day.

So let the games begin.

First Drawing

Vivian loves her colors both the markers and colored pencils. She loves to take them out of the box one by one and unfortunately likes to put them in her mouth, which is why she doesn't have crayons. I have been encouraging her to hold them in her hand and showing her that when she uses them on the paper there is an effect. Teaching her that she is actually producing something when she colors. I tried for about a week and she wouldn't even hold the markers in her hand without attempting to eat them. So we took a break and I let her do some more independent exploration of them. We came back to them a few days later and tried again. Mind you, I'm not sitting down with her and forcing her to hold the marker. Rather, while she is playing, if she hands me one to share I take the cap off, model how to hold and use it, place it in her hand and draw her focus to the paper. It took several more days until she finally began to make marks on the paper and then she went to town. Coloring back and forth and making dots.

This is her first master piece.

And her second a couple of days later.

H-O-T-T Hot

Vivian loves to eat! Actually, that might be an understatement. She can get a little impatient when she wants food and it is too hot for her to eat right away. So we started telling her that the food was hot and then we would of course blow on it. Well, she caught on quick. She soon began to help us speed up the cooling process.

Milk, It Does a Body Good

It certainly does. I made my mind up even before getting pregnant that I wanted to breastfeed my baby for at least 1 year. I knew the benefits far out-weighed anything that formula would ever provide. It is the most natural and healthy thing a baby can consume, after all, breast milk has never been recalled. Most families begin introducing solids to babies at around 3 months. I didn't think that was necessary. Vivian was thriving and my goal was to exclusively breastfeed until she was 6 months. Well we did. And at 6 months she was ready for solid food. She was eyeballing our food, reaching for it, grunting for it. She new there were many flavors she had yet to discover and she was ready. Although we began solids, I continued to make breast milk her main meal, the solids merely supplement the milk. Well, of course she began to grow and her body craved more and she got more comfortable and confident with eating different foods and textures. I continued to breastfeed her. And I reached my goal. I made just over a year. I was very proud of myself. Of course there were obstacles along the way like mid-night comfort feedings and not being able to go out alone or on a date because she required me and only me to fill her tummy. Although it also made things easier. No warming bottles or carrying them around. If she was hungry or thirsty there I was, piece of cake. And of course the bonding and intimate moments of her holding my hand while she nursed, or humming, or falling asleep together. I'm 100% glad I did it and I will do it again. I will miss it but I am happy to move onto the next stage in raising a healthy baby.

I was a bit fearful of the weaning process, especially at night. Vivian has always woken up in the middle of the night for a comfort feeding. This is what I was most concerned with. We had to build up to that. For 2 days I didn't offer a feeding. If she asked for milk, I tried to give her a snack or water. If she refused then I let her nurse. I continued the mid-night feeding as normal. This went really well. Friday night came and we figured that was the perfect time to try no mid-night nursing since Derrick could go in and comfort her so she wasn't tugging at me. We weren't sure how long it would take and we didn't want Derrick to be up all night if he had to go to work the next day. Vivian went down at 7:00 pm as normal. Derrick put her to bed. Like clock work she was up at 3:00 am. Derrick went in and I waited nervously. Nervously because Derrick has a shorter threshold than I do when it comes to letting Vivian cry. 3:15am and it was quiet. Derrick came back to bed and that was it. What?! Are you kidding me?! Yep! That was it. She has been sleeping through the night since. And when I say through the night, I mean 11 hours without a peep. If I had known it was gong to be that easy I would have stopped doing mid-night feedings a long time ago. Oh, well. Nevertheless we did it. Vivian has been Momma's Milk free for nearly 2 weeks now. She did great and we did great. Way to go Team!

Baptism

Thank you to my Mother-in-Law, Lynn, for making Vivian's Baptismal dress. It will make a beautiful heirloom! Thank you to Kyla Goebel and Ian Mitchell for accepting the responsibility of being Vivian's Godparents. We couldn't ask for two better people! Thank you to family and friends who were able to join and support us in the celebration at All Saint's Episcopal Church and to those who were with us in spirit.

Vivian thinks it's too early and wants to stay home to snuggle and finish recovering from her party yesterday.

Blessing

Holy Water

Vivian's God Family

Vivian's Godfather, Ian, and Kristy

Vivian's Godmother, Kyla, and Bryan

Grandma Lynn and Grandpa Rick

4 Generations with Grandma Nat and Great-Grandma Elaine

Papa G

Vivian Showing Off Her Pretty Dress

That Wasn't So Hard. How Did I Do?

Party

We were so lucky to have friends and family in town for Vivian's 1st Birthday. Unfortunately we didn't get any of our own pictures but everyone was gracious enough to share theirs with us. Here is a collection of the best ones.














Decorations Highlights

How Many Cheerios are in the Jar?

Dessert Bar that included Chocolate Covered Pretzels, Meringues, Almond Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting and a Pink Rose on Top, Pink and White Iced Animal Cookies, Almond and Strawberry Macaroons, Strawberry Wafer Cookies, Homemade Sangria, and Vivian's Mini Strawberry Cake, which she devoured.

Monthly Pictures

Guest Favors - Homemade Watermelon Birthday Jam - Spread the Joy!

This is now a tradition I suppose. Derrick and I made Grape Wedding Jam for favors at our Reception. Those said Spread the Love. I think it will be neat to continue to do it for other big occasions.

Tissue Paper Tassel Garland

Our regular food included Chicken Salad Croissants, Steak with Blue Cheese and Sauteed Onions on French Bread, Muffelettas, Shrimp Cocktail, PBJ, Veggie Platter, Fruit Platter with Homemade Dip, Water and Lemonade.

I tried to make as many things as I could. I made the Happy Birthday Pennant, the Tissue Paper Garland, the Pom Poms on the mantel, the Monthly Pictures accents, I wrapped the flower vases in pink lace, I made the dessert trays out of candle stick holders that I had and dollar store serving trays, the Watermelon Jam, the photo booth set up, and the picture frames for the activities and favors were spray painted and glittered and the signs inside were handmade/designed. I wish we were able to get into the party room prior to everyone arriving so that I could have taken proper pictures. Maybe next time. (and that's not to say I don't appreciate the pictures that everyone took)

I really enjoy planning and hosting parties. The only problem is I get so entranced in the whole thing I usually can't sleep well. Oh well, it's still one of my favorite things to do.

I hope everyone had a great time. I know that we did, especially Vivian. She really enjoyed hosting her party and I think she did an excellent job of mingling with everyone. Cheers to a great year #2!