Dreaming of Baby

I bought baby's first couple of outfits. I didn't realize how heart warmed I would feel just browsing through all the pink, yellow, and flowery clothes. I loved it. The crib is in Luke's room with a queen bed- they will share a room for a while. So I thought I would try to find a new crib bedding and bumper set that had a bit of light green in it like the wall color. Mom- that is your cue to start looking :) You're so much better at that stuff than I am. Oh and I found my ultimate baby wish thing- this stroller called Bugaboo. It is so cool but so expensive. If I start saving and selling stuff now maybe I can get a pink one by June :)

The Flu...

The Flu bug is visiting our house. I think Luke got it Wednesday from school and then I got it Thursday night. But it has been rough! I have been in bed since thurday. The aches, fevers, chills, and chest/ head congestion, can't eat or drink. So if you haven't gotten the flu shot- I would get it. I used to get it every year when I worked in the hospital- I will make sure to get it from now on for Luke and I b/c a shot is worth it.

So be praying I feel better soon. Hope all is well with everyone!

Loves the Kitchen...

Ever since he was a little guy, Luke has loved being in the kitchen. Especially sitting on the countertop. Aunt Sharay labeled him early as "nosey"... he has to be in the middle of what's going on. No self play for this one :) He will watch me cook and makes messes of what I'm doing. Sometimes it drives me crazy- but it is also endearing. He likes to use his tools to "fix it" and loves that funny orange hat.

Got into my cabbage then made a hat out of it :)

Awwww... I almost forgot he was this little

The News is In!

We had our ultrasound yesterday... and it's a girl :) I had a feeling for some reason. A lot of people had said it was a girl, plus I was SOO sick this time at the beginning. I am very excited. After Luke I said I thought I would have all boys, but then when I was pregnant and he was so crazy- I thought I cannot have another crazy boy (ha ha). My dad had said in Florida it was going to be a sweet southern bell. You were right dad! Now all we need is a name. Any ideas?

She moved all around, and had her ankles crossed. And we saw some hiccups. All the measurements looked good and I was so thankful. I think she has Lukey's same head shape :)

Here is the belly :) Much more to come I am sure.

New Car Seat

Luke had outgrown the carseat he has in my car. We have a Brittax Marathon in Wayne's car which is awesome and still fits. But for his new seat I chose the Recaro Young Sport. All you moms I definately recommend this one for over 2 yrs. What I like about it? Easy to install, very soft fabric, it sits a little lower so he can get in it by himself, and the whole back slides up as they grow taller- so you never have to fight with taking the harness straps out and refeeding them. Oh and there are two side pieces that are awesome, one prevents their head from falling over to the side if they fall asleep; and one protects them more in the case of a side impact crash. It received grand reviews online also on safety. A little pricey at $249... but worth the peace of mind.

Yummy Dinner...

Well I have been getting some great recipes from other peoples blogs... so here is my contribution:

Mexican Tortilla Soup with Roasted Chicken


2 TBS olive oil
1/2 yellow onion, sliced thin
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1/4 tsp cumin
salt and pepper
4 cups chicken broth (organic, low-sodium is better for you!)
1/2 small roasted chicken, pull and shred the meat
one can Muir Glen Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes (don't chince on another brand!)
1/2 lime
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
6 small corn tortilla, cut in half, then into 1/4 inch strips
1/2 ripe avocado, cubed
1/4 cup shredded low-fat Monterrey Jack cheese


In a large stockpot over medium-low, heat 1 TBS olive oil. Add the onions and saute until soft- about 10 min. Add the garlic, cumin, salt and pepper, and saute the mixture another minute.


Add the chicken broth, turn to high and bring to a simmer. Add shredded chicken, tomatoes, lime juice, and cilantro. Season w/ salt and freshly ground pep. Remove from heat and cover.

In a small skillet over medium, heat other 1 tbs olive oil. Add the tortilla strips and brown, flipping occassionally about 5 min. Sprinkle with salt.

To serve- top with cubed avocado, shredded chesse, and a handful of tortilla strips. The fire roasted tomatoes, lime and the toppings make this memorable.
Enjoy!

Islamorada

Luke and I spent a week in Islamorada with some of my family. It is about 1/2 way down the Florida Keys. Had been looking forward a lot to this trip. A peaceful, laid back spot; we all stayed at The Islander Resort. Joining us were my mom and dad, my sister Christina and brother in law Rob-- their kids Kaela, Jacob, and little Marin. Luke and I flew into Ft. Lauderdale on Monday afternoon, rented a car (Hotwire I do recommend on cars... I got a brand new Milan for $13 a day!) and drove the 2 hours to the keys. All went smoothly!

Kaela, Jacob , Luke and Marin

Tuesday was very warm- a great pool day for the kids. Jacob stayed in the pool literally ALL day. He makes friends easily and I had fun watching his different "dives". Kaela stayed in my room with Luke and I the whole time. I love you Kaela and it was special having you with us. You will always be my 'favorite girl'. I can't believe you are as tall as me now!

Wednesday started a rare 3 day cold front... it ended up hitting a 128 year record low. Isn't that funny! But we were there to spend time together so it wasn't a big deal. We drove down to Key West on wed. Had some lunch and went to an Aquarium. They had one tank in the wall that was full of- you guessed it- lobsters. Luke must have remembered the Atlantis lobsters b/c he started screaming No No- I don't want Lobsters! I was not right there but my dad said everyone was laughing :) Also walked around a bit and went to some shops there. Missed going to dinner at my favorite restaurant- 7 Fish. If you ever go to Key West you MUST eat here. The red snapper is to die for.

Lots of playing, walking along the beach. Luke and Jacob were best buds and didn't need much entertaining. Jacob lets Luke sit on him, wrestle him, but doesn't beat him back :) They once threw balled up socks at one another for at least an hour and were having the time of their lives. Thank you Jacob for playing so well with Luke- I love you. The resort had a continental breakfast which was a hit with the kids... Luke was introduced to Apple Jacks- which he asked for everyday after :) Best dinner was a Lobster dinner I had at Island Grill (mom blessed me with it for my birthday- thanks mom). Fresh florida lobster was the best! The served it with the lobster, head and all- but Luke did ok with the dead one. Go figure :)

Sweet Marin- She is just a little peanut and such a good baby.

My sis and kids left very early Sunday morning- mom, dad and us drove up to Ft. Lauderdale for the last day so we would be closer to the airport. We were right next to a great mall so we had Lunch at PF Changs, and walked around the mall. Walked to the beach also and hung out there a bit. Dad loves the beach front.

We had a really great time. Here are a few more favorite pictures.

Luke and "Papa Chambers" (I love that Luke calls him that) in the "bubbles". Thanks for taking him in Dad. He really loved that.
We had a relapse back with the paci after giving it up for a few months. This is classic!

And that's all Folks!

Christmas 2007

We had a nice Christmas Day. Wayne and I heard Luke playing around on his bed with his tools.. so we snuck in and said "Merry Christmas Luke" and he looked surprised to see us in there. I made a run to the store that morning (yes, Farm Fresh and Food Lion were open- those poor workers) to get ingredients for Chipped Beef on Toast. Have you ever ate it? I was introduced to it by the Crosby's... butter, flour, and milk make a cream and then you add Beef and serve over white bread (the only time I eat white bread :) It is soooo yummy. Then we had Nanny and PawPaw over to watch Luke open his presents. The biggest hit was his "Scoop" from Bob the Builder. It has a remote control to make a both spin and go forward. Luke got the hang of it pretty quickly! My christmas present didn't go under the tree... I got to spend a week in Islamorada with my family-- post to come!

The second part of our Christmas was at Sharay and David's house. But I forgot my camera :( So no pictures there. We all buy the kids a present then the adults exchange names. I received a gift card to this great boutique maternity store near Hilltop called Now Showing. What a great name, huh? I used it after Christmas and lucked out b/c they had two racks 50-70% off !!! All you pregos can check out their website at http://www.nowshowingmaternity.com/. They have some great brands on their website, my fav is momzee.