Yum.

Have you ever eaten at Abuelo's?  Not your grandparents' house, but the restaurant.  It's delicious.  That's an understatement, even. 

A few years ago, I received one of those squishy stress balls shaped like an apple for Teacher Appreciation day.  Stamped on that stress ball was the Abuelo's logo and the statement "Free Queso for Life".  And it wasn't a joke.  The queso ball is currently with my in-laws for safe keeping, since they live near an Abuelo's location.  I made it clear to them, however, that it was not a gift; they are baby sitting my free queso for life. 

There is one Abuelo's restaurant in the entire state of Arkansas, 3 and a half hours away on the Missouri border, and I've been suffering withdrawals... but guess what I just found out?  Some of their signature recipes are posted on their Facebook!!  Yum.

As a side item at Abuelo's, you can order traditional Mexican rice, or a less common, but quite authentic, potato casserole.  Papas con chile.  Ahhhh-mazing. 

Here's the link to the recipe: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Abuelos/236632570621?sk=app_113833005389890#!/note.php?note_id=293585714944

There's also a new recipe for a Mexican Bread Pudding that cannot, by the laws of physics, be anything but wonderful. 


https://www.facebook.com/pages/Abuelos/236632570621?sk=app_113833005389890#!/note.php?note_id=414859274944

Abuelo's also has a bacon-wrapped shrimp dish -- Shrimp Alambre.  The Mexican influence comes from a sliver of jalapeno pepper and Cheddar-Jack cheese stuffed into the butterflied shrimp.  They are absolutely divine. 

The recipe and preparation are here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Abuelos/236632570621?sk=app_113833005389890#!/note.php?note_id=360281609944

For a while, this should get me through.  But the next time I'm back in Texas, I'll be eating at Abuelo's -- and not just my Nana's house!  Do yourself a favor, and make these recipes as soon as possible.  You won't be disappointed! 

Holiday Season

Jimmy just referred to himself as a stud.  Let me tell you, he's wearing a yellow t-shirt, blue gym shorts, and dark brown, gold-toe dress socks.  I love him.

He is a stud, though.  He puts up with my craziness and rarely gives me grief for it.  Like when I said: "Let's have your whole family over for Thanksgiving", he didn't say "don't you realize you'll be 5 and a half months pregnant?"  No, he realized that my mind was made up, so he only offered to fry the turkey. 

An what a wonderful turkey it turned out to be!  We loved having our family -- both current and future -- and friends share the holiday with us.  We hosted my mother and father in-law, Hope and Jim, my brother-in-law and his fiance, Joey and Cody, Cody's parents, Faye and Jeff, and our friends, Kim and Doug.  It was a full table, and I wouldn't have it any other way on Thanksgiving.  If I'm the one you ask, then the food was incredible, and the company was even better.

This is only a part of the food -- and the rest was equally delicious.  The next day, I had absolutely NOTHING to do with Black Friday shopping.  Well, almost nothing.  After lunch, Jim and Hope took us to buy a recliner for the nursery!  Aren't they great?  I can not wait for it to arrive.  On Saturday, with our company on their way back home, Jimmy and I had a couch day.  We only left the sofa to eat, I think.  I must admit, I was exhausted after days of cleaning, prepping, cooking, and entertaining.  But it was all worth it.

And now, we've moved on.  It's Christmastime!  There are wrapped presents under the newly-trimmed tree, and the stockings are hung.  It still look a bit like elves threw up all over the place, but that's the mark of a happy holiday house. 

I do so love this time of year.  Today it's rainy and cold, and I can only imagine what that will do to the roads and the morale of the locals, but I can't wait for it to feel like winter.  For one, I'm carrying around 4 pounds of extra blood, and I get hot easily because of that.  Now that I'm smack-in-the-middle of 26 and 27 weeks, I'm quite ready for a change in the weather!

The exciting baby news this week is that Tiny Dancer's routine movements are so strong that they're easily visible through placenta, skin, and clothing.  Jimmy became a first-hand witness to this phenomena, and he couldn't help but laugh out loud.  Tiny Dancer can hear that, so she started dancing around even more, and the cycle would continue that way for a few minutes. 

So what lies ahead?  Christmas!  Shopping, baking, caroling (not at your doorstep, don't worry -- just to my self and my unborn fetus), cider drinking, cookie eating, and merry being.  Not necessarily in that order.  Are you in for any of the same? 

Mind your manners, if you please.

I've stumbled upon a new -- and possibly permanent -- nickname for the fetus.  Thanks to her rhythmic and predictable (if not also consistent) movements, she will now be known as Tiny Dancer.  No, she will not hold you closer.  ;)

Tiny Dancer is 24 weeks along, and according to leading research (probably by hungry persons) is now the size of a papaya (why is it always a food item?) and looks more like a miniature baby, less like an alien from Alien. 

Speaking of Alien, please do yourself a favor and check out this adorable picture of Arthur:  http://www.studioarthur.co.uk/?p=6

I might copy this idea is some way, shape, form, or fashion.

So, as I was writing, Tiny Dancer must be bigger than a papaya.  No papaya I've ever seen is big enough to kick (hit, wiggle, etc...) my rib cage and bladder at the same time.  If she's papaya-sized, she must have some kind of record-setting wing span working in there.  Here's an idea of how much space she encompasses:

24 weeks, 16 to go!

While I'm displaying my expansive midsection for all the world to see, allow me to make a note:  It's a pretty normal size for someone who is 24 weeks pregnant.  Why do some people think I'm giving birth next week?  Or yesterday?

Consider these snippets of conversation, and don't assume I'm just on a soapbox about this:

• Them:  "Ooh, how far along are you?"  Me:  "Five months now!"  Them:  "Oh, is that all?"
• My Doctor's Nurse, Gayle, when I stepped on the scale a few days ago: "Well baby must have been hungry this month!!"  Me:  "What?!  How much did I gain?"  Gayle:  "Eight pounds. Whew!"  Me:  Grrrr...

The first comment has come up more than once -- both spoken in some form by people I know as well as TOTAL STRANGERS.  And the second comment really did come from the mouth of my doctor's nurse.  Of all people, you'd think she'd know better, right?  I mean, are those types of comments really necessary?  I have gained 20 pounds so far, and some manner-less people see me as a blimp.  I think people assume that, because I'm obviously pregnant, I must also be A-OK with strangers openly commenting about my weight.  Well?  I'm not.  Sue me. 

So take this to the bank -- tell the pregnant girl she looks great, and then stop talking.  You'll make her (my) day.

To distract myself, I'm starting to consider taking on a few Nursery related projects. 


This will become a lamp, once Hubby drills the hole for the lighting kit.  Pretty, right?



Bedding colors!  I know there's no pink.  I think she'll be fine.  Grey, Sage, and Ivory go with so many other colors.

The crib -- at least we think.  I guess we should order it sometime soon... within the next four months, anyway.

Since this is the last weekend before the weekend before Thanksgiving, I'll be busy planning a final menu, shopping for delicious food, and even testing recipes (which Jimmy doesn't mind at all!) like a new Pumpkin Pie with a Gingerbread crust -- mmmmm.  I love having family and friends for the holidays, and I wish I had the chance more often.  Plus, who doesn't love pigging out all day? 

~ 

Boo!

So many wonderful things lately!  First off, I'm now 22 weeks pregnant, and growing like a weed, but only around the midsection.

In honor of the holiday at hand, Jimmy and I decorated pumpkins.  See for yourself:

Jimmy's handiwork :)

And I can't begin to tell you how difficult it is to find a Halloween costume for a fetus (pardon the term).  After quite a search, I had success. 

It also glows in the dark!

And of course, if you'd like a profile shot, I have one of those too.  Twenty-two weeks!

And another amazing thing:  Jimmy got to feel the little Papaya this weekend.  During a particularly vigorous practice session for her Congo line exit in 18 weeks, Jimmy got a direct Judo-chop to the hand.  It's hard to imagine exactly how exciting it might be to feel those movements all at once, like Jimmy did.  It was exciting to feel the first wigglings for myself, but it was so gradual that I often couldn't tell if it was my lunch or my offspring that I was feeling.  How amazing to feel nothing and then, suddenly, a purposeful and well-placed kick to the palm? 

Venti

Twenty weeks in, twenty weeks left.  Can I say it's all downhill from here?  Or is it uphill?  I'm less able to bend over or sit up, and I think Jimmy's getting tired of helping me off the couch.  Also, my 'innie' is flat.  I have mere days or weeks until complete inversion, and my innie will be an outie.  Poor belly button. 

On the amazing side of things, I can feel the Soybean practicing a Congo line on a regular basis.  Jimmy has yet to feel these rehearsal sessions, but I feel them quite often.  Additionally, we've decided to stop calling it a fetus (even though that's what it is!) due to backlash from the families.  So, until further notice, Soybean it is.

My mom came to visit this weekend!  Jimmy and I are hosting the Anderson clan for Thanksgiving, and I've been so excited to have everyone for a holiday, that I have been consumed with details way too far in advance.  But my mom was happy to oblige my distraction and helped me make the CUTEST napkin rings -- see for yourself!

Adorable DIY Napkin Rings :)

I've saved the more excting news for last:



It's a Bird!.......



It's a Plane! .......



It's... It's... It's a Baby Girl!



Yep, that's right -- we found out we're having a girl!!

Be Realistic

I haven't (yet) purchased any baby books, but after reading this article, I think I should.  It surprised me on on more than one level.  This is the kind of stuff no one tells you, I guess.  So read on, and let me know what you think -- Is this list even realistic, or complete, for that matter?  Or am I worried for no reason?

"12 Utterly Unglamorous Things to Have on Hand Postdelivery"
http://www.lilsugar.com/Items-Have-Hand-After-Giving-Birth-19312613?more=true

Entertaining

Although I wish I had the gumption to blog more often, I feel that the regularity with which I actually do blog deserves some credit.  This has become my Sunday night ritual almost.  Perhaps more blogs will come when more exciting things happen during the week. 

Of note, this week:  Jimmy had "Wingman Day" through his squadron at work, which is an adult version of field day.  (Don't worry, Jimmy says that's a pretty spot-on description.)  Started the day off with an assembly, and then the boss man gave them the option of 1: going back to work, or 2: going bowling.  Jimmy chose the latter, and as a result...

TA DAAA!  Jimmy bowled the high score AND brought home twenty-five smackers.  And people ask why I married him... hmph.  ;)

Friday evening we had the pleasure of welcoming our good friends, Patrick and Melissa with their sweet little man Luke.  They don't live far at all, and were able to come to town for a short visit.  Jimmy and Patrick go way back, to their humble beginnings sacking groceries in high school.  Turns out Melissa and I are two weeks (or less) apart in our pregnancies, which is serendipitous as least. 

We took the Godinez clan out to Pinnacle Mountain, for a hike to the summit, which sounds crazy, but was quite enjoyable.  It's about a 1,000 foot climb to the summit, and most of it is managed trail, so it wasn't too bad for three people carrying babies.  (Luke was in the Baby Bjorn with Patrick.)  It was great timing too:  the weather was fantastic, and there's no way I'd be making that hike in another month or two.  Here are some pictures of the day.

On the way up the mountain!

Summit!  How cute is my dog?  And how pretty is the view?

The deal was that Patrick would carry Luke up, and they'd switch on the way down.  Didn't work out that way.

Addie and Luke are besties.

Later that evening, we drove to Hot Springs for German food at the Brau Haus.  We met up with a group of friends, and I of course forgot to get a picture of the group.  The night was so fun, and I did manage to snap a few shots of Luke with his mom and dad learning the Chicken Dance.

Lastly, as photographic proof that the fetus has been to the top of a mountain, here's my 17-week belly picture, for your viewing pleasure. 

Why it works

This week, Jimmy and I celebrated our 4 year anniversary.  That's a long time, you know?  It means that we started dating five and a half years ago.  Five and three-quarters years ago, really, but who's keeping track?  It also means that we have put up with each other's shenanigans longer than anyone else probably would have, and that's enough reason to stick it out for another four years.  Or, heck, another 40 years.  ;)

I tried to think of concrete reasons that this thing, this marriage we have, works as well as it does, but it's a tough list to compile.  Anyone who's been there knows it's as much about what you can define as what you can't.  But, here's a sampling of reasons (from just this past week) about why it works:

It works because:  He builds me things, like the pergola, complete with furniture now.  I mean, I love this!  I'm so glad there's a fall season here and we'll be able to enjoy it a few weeks longer. 

It works because:  He buys me flowers, even when I tell him not to, because he knows I really still want them. 

It works because:  I like to cook, and we like to eat.  He is always more than willing to help in the kitchen, because the end result is yummy food in his belly.  (Usually it's yummy.  Sometimes I strike out.)  Tonight's dinner was a perfect example -- chicken tacos.  And yes, they're fried. 

It works because:  Our families love and support us.  And they get our goofiness.  We got lots of phone calls and cards for our anniversary, and it means the world that we were remembered.  These two cards came from my Nana (left) and my Uncle Jack and Aunt Evelyn (right).  Notice anything similar?  No, this wasn't planned.  They just have the same level of goofiness to send us cards that have dogs (because we are serious dog lovers) and bulldogs at that (because their smooshed faces are so adorable).  How random is it that, when choosing cards to mail, Jack and Evelyn and Nana chose such similar cards?  They totally get us. 

 

It works because:  He still thinks I'm cute as a button, even when I feel like an old cardboard box that's been overstuffed.  And I'm tired and I eat seven times a day.  Exhibit A:

(If you watch closely, the picture will grow along with me.  Or maybe that's just in my head?)

But mostly, it works because we... well, I don't know.  That must be one of those indefinable things. 

Buiding Up, Growing Out

What a great weekend around here!

1.  Jimmy and friend Jason built -- from the ground up -- a pergola for the back yard.  It looks amazing, if you ask me.  I'm serious, this did not come out of a kit, or from a book.  The boys just built it.  Of course, Jimmy's had the idea for a while, and had rough measurements, but otherwise, this is a very unique and impressive Saturday project.  Start to finish in a little over 5 hours. 

Don't worry, Beth and I weren't bothering them at all -- we went antiquing and got back just in time to tell them one of the posts was crooked.  Like, really crooked.  That was fixed in a matter of minutes, and we have this beautiful pergola to show for it.  Our patio furniture looks so good under it, but I didn't get a picture :(

2.  Jason and Beth brought Diesel over.  I think Addie has a bit of a crush on him, and I can't blame her.  I mean, look at that face.  He's so dreamy :)

They played for hours, napped, and played some more while we grilled out and roasted marshmallows (really).  As a result, Addie was in the following position and location for the majority of her Sunday:   

  She woke not for treats, nor food, nor a visit to the back yard... No, at a time like this, there is only one thing interesting and desirable enough to rouse this lazy dog...

3.  Wanna go for a WALK? 

Yes! Yes I do want to walk!! :)

4.  I'm 16 weeks along, and another week means another photo of my growing belly.  It's come to a crucial point -- I have to buy new pants this week.  This is happening fast now, and I curse myself for thinking I wasn't showing enough before now.  If I focus, I can actually feel and see my belly expanding.  Buttoning any pants I own is just a distant memory.

(tiny violin plays in background)

Alas, here is my amazing growing midsection, for those who care to see it. 

So, what do you think?  I feel like we made pretty good use of our two days off.  Even caught a quick nap during the football lull today.  Not too shabby.

Homesick Texan

So happy that this has happened:

Lisa Fain, the Homesick Texan, has released a cookbook as of today!  I can commiserate with her plight -- she's a Texas girl, displaced to the Northeast, who cooks to remember her home.  I have personally tried and tested many of her recipes from her blog, and have never been disappointed.  (On a pregnancy note, I think I need to wait until the fetus arrives before I try her Carne Guisada again.  It was delightfully delicious and you should cook it as soon as you can, but I don't currently have the stomach for it.) 

I'll add this to my bookshelf just as soon as it arrives.  Nana, your cookbook is next, right? ;)

Find the Homesick Texan blog at www.homesicktexan.blogspot.com for recipes, narratives, and more. 

PS -- Not that it probably matters, but the Homesick Texan has never heard of me.  Ever.   

Growing

15 weeks -- and starting to show it.  I considered taking a belly picture a week ago, but I didn't think it looked like anything worth photographing.  Now, seeing this picture, I feel like I've been fooling myself. 

And it's not just my belly -- everything seems to be growing (ugh)!  Except my clothing, of course, and that's been an issue.  I don't think I'm quite ready for maternity clothes -- especially since I always assumed maternity clothing would be cheap.  I mean, you only wear it for a few months, right?  Wrong.  No price cut for mommas-to-be.  So, I'll continue to wrap a hair tie through the button hole of my jeans to make them fit.  That should get me through a little longer.

Other things that are NOT growing:  my time between bathroom visits, feet (no swelling - yet!), my wearable closet, and my energy levels.  Pretty much everything else -- getting bigger.   

And then there were three... Or two-and-a-half, I guess.

Well here's what started this whole shebang!  I'm currently 14 weeks along, fetus in tow.  My mom hates that we call it fetus, but that's exactly what it is right now.  She'll get over it soon enough. 

I don't intend for this blog to be an online scrapbook of my pregnancy, but expect to see plenty about it, including growing belly photos (maybe).  I'll spare you the gritty details, of course.  You're welcome. 

Family and friends, please subscribe to and follow the blog -- and I hope you'll write back and comment, too, as long as you don't judge us too harshly.  If you do, I'll face scramble you.  Try me.  If you don't know what a face scramble is, then I will show you later.  Just remind me.