In my last blog I talked about how we went to the zoo on Thursday with David’s class, etc. What I didn’t fully know yet at the time I wrote that blog is that while I was a winner parent in one aspect, at the same time I was unknowingly NOT!   That morning before the zoo trip Emma was super cranky! She didn’t want to eat her breakfast, she cried when I was drying my hair, and it was nearly impossible to get out the door! I passed it off as she just didn’t sleep well, and was having a bad morning. We went to the zoo, she had a good time, but I noticed even at the zoo she wasn’t quite herself. Usually Emma tries to keep up with the big kids, but she was content to sit in her stroller for most of the time. Later that afternoon after nap time, the same kind of crankiness ensued. At this point I was beginning to really think something was wrong. I noticed during her snack time at which she was not eating, that she was tilting her head to one side a lot. It was then that the thought of ear infection entered my mind. Andrew came home because it was almost time for me to teach that afternoon, and I had him take her to the walk in clinic. Sure enough, she had double ear infections and a red looking throat thought to be due to the ear infections. Poor, sweet baby!!! Had to put up with my insensitivity and un-awareness. I felt like the worst parent ever Thursday evening!! The doctor gave her some antibiotic, and she seems to be feeling a little better today. I feel like the ear infection is probably due to the beach vacation last week, what with all the wind, sand, and water. I  get super worried when Emma doesn’t eat! She’s in the top ninety percent in height, and bottom ten in weight according to the doctor’s charts. So she doesn’t have any extra pounds or ounces to lose! She has started to eat better the last few meals. Keep her in your thoughts and prayers the next few days. I do feel that she is on the mend though.

I have been working on painting an old chest for Samuel’s room. I was painting some finishing touches to it yesterday afternoon, and Emma was watching me. (She had been painting with finger paints prior, and they were left out on the table.) She then went into the kitchen with her paint brush and proceeded to paint herself. 🙂 Look at that sweet, not so innocent face! 😉

The toy chest turned out pretty! It was tedious to paint, but I love the finished product! Here is what it looked like before and after.

 

I hand painted all the black metal pieces! I didn’t know I had that much artist in me! 🙂

Speaking of Samuel, he seems to be doing great! He does all kinds of acrobats, and I sometimes wish he wouldn’t wait until I go to bed to start them! I’m definitely feeling like it’s the third trimester. Pregnancy hormones seem to be rampant. I’ve been boo-hooing over nonsense happenings, wanting to clean everything (which isn’t too unusual for me anyway), and I just feel BIG and SLOW! I still have a couple more months to go! A nursery to finish, and I feel like I’m no where as ready for number three as I was the other two. Perhaps that’s because I have the other two! 🙂

Here is our menu for this week!

I am planning on visiting my parents next weekend, so our menu is a little short.

Monday: Lunch, Ramen stir fry with steak. Dinner, Pan Roasted Chicken Thighs, mashed potatoes, and broccoli.  

Tuesday: Lunch, Polish sausage and Navy beans. Dinner, Shrimp Pasta Alfredo with caesar salad.

Wednesday: Lunch, Cheeseburgers and chips. Dinner, At church.

Thursday: Lunch, Grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. Dinner, Honey Soy Salmon, rice, and edamame. 

I usually blog about our main dishes, but decided to share a couple side recipes with you this time. Probably two of our most common sides are mashed potatoes and green beans. They go with a lot of main dishes really well. Andrew has the mashed potatoes down almost to a science, and so I just let him take over and make them  while I’m finishing up whatever else we happen to be having.

 

First, peel and quarter the potatoes and put them in a pot of water to boil. Depending on the size of the potatoes, I usually peel and cut about six. We like using the golden potatoes for mashed potatoes because they seem to come out more creamy. Let them boil until fork tender. Drain the potatoes. Add one stick of butter, approx. one cup of heavy cream, and a heaping tablespoon of sour cream. You can mash them any old way you prefer, but Andrew likes using the immersion blender. Salt and Pepper generously to taste. You can also add some garlic powder if you want garlic mashed potatoes. These mashed potatoes are creamy and divine!

We LOVE fresh green beans! I can’t remember the last time we actually bought a can of green beans. The taste is just not the same. If you haven’t tried buying fresh green beans at the store, give it a shot! I don’t believe you will be disappointed, perhaps slightly more expensive, but they are just as easy to cook.  First, cut the stems off the green beans. Put them in a pan with some water. Boil until fork tender. Drain off the excess water. Drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper.  Saute for just a couple minutes. They are ready to serve!

Love,

PK