Happy Rosh Hashana! Here's hoping everyone's year is filled with sweetness. Ours sure will be!
It feels like it's been awhile since I've written, but I guess it's been less than two weeks -- things have just been busy busy busy around the Dowd household. For starters, we had another beautiful shower last weekend! My parents hosted a couples shower for us at the Hilton Netherland in downtown Cincinnati, a place that is really special to us because we celebrated our engagement there in 2009. We love brunch food, and the Netherland has an AMAZING brunch, so the shower was right up our alley. :) Lots of family and friends came to help us celebrate, and Gavin got spoiled with tons of goodies that Stephen and I have been trying to wash and organize ever since. It's crazy to think that we have less than two months until we get to hold our baby...wow, I am SO excited!
Speaking of celebrations, Stephen and I celebrated three years together last weekend! I came home from work on Friday to find beautiful flowers and a sweet card from my husband, and then we went to Bloomington for the evening on Saturday! I was given permission to travel until 32 weeks (which is TOMORROW), so we figured it might be our last chance to get out of town for a bit. We enjoyed the drive -- there is nothing quite like Fall in Bloomington -- and then had Mother Bear's pizza (YUM) and Jiffy Treet Pumpkin Pie Cyclones for dessert. It was all definitely worth the drive. Our one-year wedding anniversary is next month, and Stephen won't tell me what we're doing to celebrate...but I know it'll be a little closer to home. :)
Also, it was my mom's birthday on Monday! Stephen had school that night (despite the Cincinnati State strike), so we held off until Tuesday and had dinner at Outback with Mom, Dad, Doug, and Mindy. The six kids pitched in and got Mom a DVR for her birthday, so now she can record the Michigan State games and Survivor marathons and watch them at her convenience! She does so much for all of us and always goes above and beyond for our birthdays (there's a reason I love birthdays as much as I do), so it was nice to be able to show her how much she means to us.
The nurseries have really been coming together in the past week or two. Stephen and I helped Mom build the crib for her nursery last week...SUCCESS! After the Dresser Debacle of 2k11, we weren't sure we were the appropriate choice to help build furniture, but the crib looks great and there were no tears involved this time. The under-the-sea nursery is incredible. Literally incredible. I'll have to post pictures later, and even the pictures won't do it justice -- but Gavin and Quinn are going to have some amazing memories in that room. Dad got Mom a 40-gallon fish tank for her birthday, so they've been having fun filling it with colorful rocks, decor, and fish. The coolest part? Several of the FISH are pregnant! Or, WERE pregnant...they had babies last night! Some of the little ones became fish food (sad sad sad), but the rest are doing just fine. Fingers crossed that they last and grow into big fish! As for our nursery, we had our glider delivered today and now just need to hang all the wall decor. We're planning on doing that tonight after dinner, so I'll take some pictures to share. Our Hungry Caterpillar bathroom is also finished and looks GREAT. Now all we need is the baby!
Work is getting more difficult because I'm starting to feel all the effects of the third trimester -- swollen feet, aching back, sore EVERYTHING. I'm definitely not sleeping well anymore and am feeling enormous in general. Stephen and I have been keeping active by going to the gym a couple times a week and on walks around the neighborhood and bike trail, but I'm really excited to get back into the swing of intense workouts again. I miss Spinning classes. I miss being able to get on the elliptical machine for more than 20 minutes without my tummy cramping up. I think Gavin hates the gym. :) He's such a stubborn little boy already!
One last thing -- CONGRATULATIONS to my super smart husband for getting an A on his first big math exam this week. Math was the subject he was most apprehensive about, but he is succeeding with flying colors! :) I love coming home and seeing him doing homework and studying at the kitchen table.
Off to eat apples and honey! L'Shana Tovah!
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Recipes
Along with my desire to clean and nest these days, I have an increasing desire to grow my culinary expertise. As such, I have been searching for fun new recipes to try out. Last week's challenge was to master a crockpot recipe -- and on Sunday, I accomplished my mission!
I've always been a bit hesitant to use our crockpot. I don't really understand the concept -- I mean, why take eight hours to cook something when you could cook the same thing in less than an hour on the stovetop? So, aside from barbecue meatballs, I've never cooked anything with our crockpot and it essentially lives in our basement with all the other unused appliances (bread maker, anyone?) But on a quest for new recipes, I've been asking around for people's favorites, and while out to dinner with Bobby and Michelle last week, Michelle shared her friend's crockpot recipe for chicken tortilla soup:
1 pkg. boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 packets reduced sodium taco seasoning
1 packed ranch seasoning
1 can each black beans, red kidney beans, white beans, vegetarian baked beans, medium chili beans, corn, diced tomatoes, green chilies
1 can Mexican tomato sauce (found in special Hispanic section of most grocery stores)
Garnish: sour cream, shredded cheese, pre-cut tortilla strips (typically found in salad dressing aisle)
Michelle's version also included garbanzo beans and olives, but I figured five types of beans were probably enough, and Stephen and I aren't huge olive fans. We also used only one ranch packet instead of two (to cut back on salt).
It was super easy to make. I just put the chicken on the bottom of the slow cooker, covered it with the seasonings, poured in all the cans (with HALF the liquid drained from each), and let the whole thing simmer on high all day! After a few hours, the chicken was so tender it literally pulled apart. The chilies (which I had never cooked with before) gave it a nice kick, and the sour cream on top made it really creamy and wonderful! Best of all, it was SUPER filling, so we had tons of leftovers to save for dinners and lunches throughout the week.
With a baby on the way, I'm trying to find recipes that can be easily frozen and saved for later. Soups and casseroles seem perfect for that -- so I'm trying to add a few to my recipe repertoire! So far I've mastered chili, chicken noodle/matzo ball soup, beef barley soup, and now chicken tortilla soup -- next up is potato soup! My friend Morgan just posted a great recipe on her family's blog, so I'll keep you posted on how it turns out! Fingers crossed...
I've always been a bit hesitant to use our crockpot. I don't really understand the concept -- I mean, why take eight hours to cook something when you could cook the same thing in less than an hour on the stovetop? So, aside from barbecue meatballs, I've never cooked anything with our crockpot and it essentially lives in our basement with all the other unused appliances (bread maker, anyone?) But on a quest for new recipes, I've been asking around for people's favorites, and while out to dinner with Bobby and Michelle last week, Michelle shared her friend's crockpot recipe for chicken tortilla soup:
1 pkg. boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 packets reduced sodium taco seasoning
1 packed ranch seasoning
1 can each black beans, red kidney beans, white beans, vegetarian baked beans, medium chili beans, corn, diced tomatoes, green chilies
1 can Mexican tomato sauce (found in special Hispanic section of most grocery stores)
Garnish: sour cream, shredded cheese, pre-cut tortilla strips (typically found in salad dressing aisle)
Michelle's version also included garbanzo beans and olives, but I figured five types of beans were probably enough, and Stephen and I aren't huge olive fans. We also used only one ranch packet instead of two (to cut back on salt).
It was super easy to make. I just put the chicken on the bottom of the slow cooker, covered it with the seasonings, poured in all the cans (with HALF the liquid drained from each), and let the whole thing simmer on high all day! After a few hours, the chicken was so tender it literally pulled apart. The chilies (which I had never cooked with before) gave it a nice kick, and the sour cream on top made it really creamy and wonderful! Best of all, it was SUPER filling, so we had tons of leftovers to save for dinners and lunches throughout the week.
With a baby on the way, I'm trying to find recipes that can be easily frozen and saved for later. Soups and casseroles seem perfect for that -- so I'm trying to add a few to my recipe repertoire! So far I've mastered chili, chicken noodle/matzo ball soup, beef barley soup, and now chicken tortilla soup -- next up is potato soup! My friend Morgan just posted a great recipe on her family's blog, so I'll keep you posted on how it turns out! Fingers crossed...
Sunday, September 18, 2011
What I'll Miss
There are a lot of things I'm looking forward to doing again when I'm not pregnant anymore. On the list:
- Walking up a flight of stairs without getting winded.
- Eating spicy tuna -- cooked sushi doesn't quite cut it!
- Toasting with champagne instead of Kiddie Cocktails at weddings and other celebrations.
- Fitting into clothes that have actual waistbands.
- Being able to put my shoes and socks on without having to adjust around my belly.
The list goes on.
Still, despite the fact that I'm excited to chow down on a Fire & Ice Roll at Kyoto, there are definite things I'll miss about being pregnant, and I don't think I mention those enough. So, here goes:
- Feeling my baby pumpkin kick. I can understand how women feel a void when their babies are no longer safely in their bellies -- I've grown used to (and quite fond of) Gavin's little squirms.
- Preparing for Gavin's arrival. It's fun to envision what it'll be like when our baby gets here, and actually have time to set everything up the way we want to! Once Gavin arrives, there will be all sorts or other things to look forward to, but it's pretty fun looking forward to meeting him for the first time.
- Expectant mother's parking spots. Stephen and I feel pretty accomplished when we find a grocery store or mall that has them.
- Food cravings. Once this baby gets here, I no longer have an excuse to eat Skyline nearly as much as I have throughout this pregnancy. Operation "I Hate Baby Weight" will commence 4-6 weeks after Gavin's arrival.
- Having Stephen talk to my belly and feel for kicks. It's neat to feel so connected as a family. I know that'll continue even when Gavin gets here, but there's something special about building that relationship.
Anyway, throughout the rest of the pregnancy, I'm going to try and focus on the things I enjoy about being pregnant rather than look forward to the things I get to do when the baby arrives. Hopefully it'll make the rest of September and October fly by!
-----
Stephen and I have had a very good week in terms of baby Gavin. We had our 3D/4D ultrasound on Thursday and found out that G is weighing just over three pounds and is right on track for where he's supposed to be. I also got a clean bill of health, which is comforting to hear. We got some great photos of his chubby bunny face, as well as a DVD of the ultrasound itself. All in all, it was my favorite appointment yet. Now I start seeing the doctor every two weeks...we're in the single digits for weeks left of this pregnancy! Ahhhh!
I had my work shower on Friday night at Slatt's -- it was wonderful. Beth and the rest of the people I work with put together lots of cute, personalized things for me and the baby, and we got spoiled with so many great gifts! I'm washing some of Gavin's new goodies as we speak. Dinner was great, the company was great, and I felt very special. :) Now I'm looking forward to another shower next weekend!
I also had the chance to celebrate my soon-to-be nephew at Mindy's shower yesterday. Mindy looked adorable, and after all the gift opening, it became clear that baby Quinn is going to be a well-dressed little nugget! I got to chit chat with Doug for a bit, which was wonderful because he's always sooooo busy, so it was a really nice opportunity to talk about all the exciting things we have coming up in the Berg and Dowd families. I'm super excited for Doug and Mindy -- they are going to be incredible parents.
Alright, I think that officially catches this blog up on the big news. It's hard to find time to update when there is so much going on! It's only going to get crazier from here... I can't wait! :)
- Walking up a flight of stairs without getting winded.
- Eating spicy tuna -- cooked sushi doesn't quite cut it!
- Toasting with champagne instead of Kiddie Cocktails at weddings and other celebrations.
- Fitting into clothes that have actual waistbands.
- Being able to put my shoes and socks on without having to adjust around my belly.
The list goes on.
Still, despite the fact that I'm excited to chow down on a Fire & Ice Roll at Kyoto, there are definite things I'll miss about being pregnant, and I don't think I mention those enough. So, here goes:
- Feeling my baby pumpkin kick. I can understand how women feel a void when their babies are no longer safely in their bellies -- I've grown used to (and quite fond of) Gavin's little squirms.
- Preparing for Gavin's arrival. It's fun to envision what it'll be like when our baby gets here, and actually have time to set everything up the way we want to! Once Gavin arrives, there will be all sorts or other things to look forward to, but it's pretty fun looking forward to meeting him for the first time.
- Expectant mother's parking spots. Stephen and I feel pretty accomplished when we find a grocery store or mall that has them.
- Food cravings. Once this baby gets here, I no longer have an excuse to eat Skyline nearly as much as I have throughout this pregnancy. Operation "I Hate Baby Weight" will commence 4-6 weeks after Gavin's arrival.
- Having Stephen talk to my belly and feel for kicks. It's neat to feel so connected as a family. I know that'll continue even when Gavin gets here, but there's something special about building that relationship.
Anyway, throughout the rest of the pregnancy, I'm going to try and focus on the things I enjoy about being pregnant rather than look forward to the things I get to do when the baby arrives. Hopefully it'll make the rest of September and October fly by!
-----
Stephen and I have had a very good week in terms of baby Gavin. We had our 3D/4D ultrasound on Thursday and found out that G is weighing just over three pounds and is right on track for where he's supposed to be. I also got a clean bill of health, which is comforting to hear. We got some great photos of his chubby bunny face, as well as a DVD of the ultrasound itself. All in all, it was my favorite appointment yet. Now I start seeing the doctor every two weeks...we're in the single digits for weeks left of this pregnancy! Ahhhh!
I had my work shower on Friday night at Slatt's -- it was wonderful. Beth and the rest of the people I work with put together lots of cute, personalized things for me and the baby, and we got spoiled with so many great gifts! I'm washing some of Gavin's new goodies as we speak. Dinner was great, the company was great, and I felt very special. :) Now I'm looking forward to another shower next weekend!
I also had the chance to celebrate my soon-to-be nephew at Mindy's shower yesterday. Mindy looked adorable, and after all the gift opening, it became clear that baby Quinn is going to be a well-dressed little nugget! I got to chit chat with Doug for a bit, which was wonderful because he's always sooooo busy, so it was a really nice opportunity to talk about all the exciting things we have coming up in the Berg and Dowd families. I'm super excited for Doug and Mindy -- they are going to be incredible parents.
Alright, I think that officially catches this blog up on the big news. It's hard to find time to update when there is so much going on! It's only going to get crazier from here... I can't wait! :)
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Why do short weeks always FEEL the longest?
We had a wonderfully relaxing Labor Day weekend, but this week has dragged onnnnn! I don't know how it's possible, but Tuesday felt like a Monday and a Friday all at the same time. It doesn't help that I haven't been feeling well (my back is KILLING me). Still, some fun things happened this week:
- I had an OB appointment on Tuesday with the fifth and final physician in the practice. I didn't really care for him or his lackluster bedside manner. He had clearly not read my chart and had no idea when my due date was, what was going on with my pregnancy, what doctors at my previous appointments had told me...I mean, it was really off-putting. Also, just to kill his credibility, he told me I should sit in a hot tub to make my back feel better. A whirlpool, actually. While pregnant. I felt like asking him if I should drink a bottle of wine while I'm at it...maybe eat some raw fish too? I mean, come on. Still, it's nice to have finally met all five doctors. Now I just have to hope that Gavin's big debut falls on a day where one of the three docs I like is on call!
- Stephen has been able to join me for every single appointment so far -- seriously, he wins Husband of the Year for his involvement in this pregnancy -- but unfortunately, this last appointment coincided with a surprise orientation for his new term at Cincinnati State. Since we have our ultrasound next week and he'll get to see Gavin then, we decided to keep this week's appointment and ask my mom to go with me! Stephen and I have obviously heard the little pumpkin's heartbeat a few times (though never enough), and my dad has gotten to hear it via stethoscope at the office, but my mom hadn't had the chance yet. It was a really neat experience to share with her and I'm glad she was willing to go with me.
- My belly started MOVING this week! Like, really moving. I first noticed it when I was in the tub (the regular bath tub, not the doctor "recommended" hot tub) and the water started rippling around my tummy! Then Stephen and I were sitting on the couch when I saw one side of my stomach cave in and the other side bulge out. It was sooooo weird and amazing. We watched it for like twenty minutes -- it was better than television, I swear. Every new milestone makes us that much more excited to meet our baby boy.
- And since this week was filled with sharing experiences, it was also exciting that Dad felt Gavin kick for the first time yesterday! Gavin was having a particularly active day while I was at work, so I waited until I could see him moving and had Dad put his hand where I felt the movement. A watched pot never boils, so of course G wasn't kicking as much as he had been, but Dad did get to feel him once or twice! He had been disappointed that he couldn't feel him when he checked the heartbeat a few weeks ago, so I was really happy that our little booger was more cooperative this time around. :)
So, that's that! Lots of fun baby milestones, Stephen started his new term, pumpkin spice lattes are now at Starbucks, and rumor has it that my little brother might be making an appearance in Cincinnati this weekend! It's been a good, long "short" week.
- I had an OB appointment on Tuesday with the fifth and final physician in the practice. I didn't really care for him or his lackluster bedside manner. He had clearly not read my chart and had no idea when my due date was, what was going on with my pregnancy, what doctors at my previous appointments had told me...I mean, it was really off-putting. Also, just to kill his credibility, he told me I should sit in a hot tub to make my back feel better. A whirlpool, actually. While pregnant. I felt like asking him if I should drink a bottle of wine while I'm at it...maybe eat some raw fish too? I mean, come on. Still, it's nice to have finally met all five doctors. Now I just have to hope that Gavin's big debut falls on a day where one of the three docs I like is on call!
- Stephen has been able to join me for every single appointment so far -- seriously, he wins Husband of the Year for his involvement in this pregnancy -- but unfortunately, this last appointment coincided with a surprise orientation for his new term at Cincinnati State. Since we have our ultrasound next week and he'll get to see Gavin then, we decided to keep this week's appointment and ask my mom to go with me! Stephen and I have obviously heard the little pumpkin's heartbeat a few times (though never enough), and my dad has gotten to hear it via stethoscope at the office, but my mom hadn't had the chance yet. It was a really neat experience to share with her and I'm glad she was willing to go with me.
- My belly started MOVING this week! Like, really moving. I first noticed it when I was in the tub (the regular bath tub, not the doctor "recommended" hot tub) and the water started rippling around my tummy! Then Stephen and I were sitting on the couch when I saw one side of my stomach cave in and the other side bulge out. It was sooooo weird and amazing. We watched it for like twenty minutes -- it was better than television, I swear. Every new milestone makes us that much more excited to meet our baby boy.
- And since this week was filled with sharing experiences, it was also exciting that Dad felt Gavin kick for the first time yesterday! Gavin was having a particularly active day while I was at work, so I waited until I could see him moving and had Dad put his hand where I felt the movement. A watched pot never boils, so of course G wasn't kicking as much as he had been, but Dad did get to feel him once or twice! He had been disappointed that he couldn't feel him when he checked the heartbeat a few weeks ago, so I was really happy that our little booger was more cooperative this time around. :)
So, that's that! Lots of fun baby milestones, Stephen started his new term, pumpkin spice lattes are now at Starbucks, and rumor has it that my little brother might be making an appearance in Cincinnati this weekend! It's been a good, long "short" week.
Monday, September 5, 2011
It's HERE!
Well, Fall isn't technically here yet...but it sure feels like it outside! We went to the Loveland Bike Trail this afternoon for a walk -- it'll be nice to get back to biking and rollerblading next year -- and it was nothing short of perfection. The temperature was in the high 60's, the leaves were rustling, someone had a campfire going nearby, and everyone was outside with their families and loved ones. It's crazy to think that two days ago, Cincinnati was breaking records because of the heat (over 100 degrees), and now it's cool enough to wear a scarf and sweater.
This evening we're making chili (yum) and sacking out on the couch -- enjoying the last night of our long, relaxing weekend! Throw in a pumpkin spice latte (decaf, of course) and you've got yourself an amazing start to my favorite time of year.
This evening we're making chili (yum) and sacking out on the couch -- enjoying the last night of our long, relaxing weekend! Throw in a pumpkin spice latte (decaf, of course) and you've got yourself an amazing start to my favorite time of year.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Weddings
Stephen and I went to the wedding of our friends Emily and Michael last night, which was lovely. I worked with Emily at Creme a few years ago, before either of us were engaged, and we would talk nonstop about our dream weddings (and rings, and dresses, and all the other fun stuff that comes along with a wedding). She and Michael attended our big day almost a year ago, and it was neat to see her dream wedding come true last night.
My favorite kinds of weddings are the ones where the ceremonies are meaningful. I'm all about a great cake and beautiful centerpieces, but at the end of the day, the wedding should be about the couple and the commitment rather than the sparkly accessories. Both of my brothers had ceremonies that were special for them -- Doug and Mindy hand-selected meaningful quotes and traditions, and Ken and Erin had Beatles music (Erin's favorite) as the backdrop for their big day. Stephen and I worked closely with our officiant to create a ceremony that was very us. Emily's ceremony was perfect -- there wasn't a dry eye by the end. Michael looked blown away by how beautiful his bride was as she walked down the aisle, and they wrote their own vows. Anyone could see how in love they were. The cocktail hour and reception were just as nice -- I enjoyed endless Kiddie Cocktails with extra maraschino cherries, haha. It was a sweet, intimate event.
When we got home, one of the first things Stephen said was, "I wish it were our wedding again." Quickly approaching our first anniversary, we've been thinking a lot about how great that day was. Our lives have been so rich since then, so filled with love. And now to welcome a baby into our lives is such a blessing! I'm very excited to celebrate our anniversary next month and feel lucky every day to have made such an enormous commitment on October 30, 2010.
Congratulations, Emily and Michael! Here's to a beautiful marriage to complement your beautiful wedding!
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