"Foto" Friday - They Hold my heart in their Hands

First Day of Pre-K

*Today my oldest nephew Trevor started pre-K. I was there to capture the moment on "film" and in my own mind.

Trevor,

Today you started Pre-K. And Aunt Kimbo could not be prouder of you. It seems that just yesterday, I was coming into your Mama's hospital room to hold you for the first time. You seemed so tiny at that time. Then again, you were the first newborn I'd ever seen, so it may have been just my perception.

I had been holding you just a few moments when you started fussing. I scrambled to find a way to soothe you - and began singing the Georgia Tech fight song - softly and very off key. It was not a traditional lullabye, but you loved it. And from that moment to this one, you have held my heart.

I have been amazed to watch you grow, to see you take your first steps, say your first words. And I was quite proud the day you learned to say Kimbo. Your Mama said that you would point at any picture of me at Nana's and exclaim "Kimbo!". I was tickled pink.

Now you love to come over to my house and play with Bailey and watch your Thomas the Tank engine DVDs. We always have such fun - laughing, playing, and giving lots of kisses.

You have gotten so big. I can not wait to see what skills you learn in the coming weeks/months. Just don't grow up too fast, okay, Aunt Kimbo's not sure if she can handle it.

All my love,

* And I will note that I managed not to cry while taking the picture or walking him to his classroom. But I did sob from his school to my office. And I have teared up several times today, I'm just gonna blam the pregnancy hormones.

Menu Planning Monday

Last week I had grand plans to prepare 4 home cooked meals for M and I. However, last week was one of those weeks where everything that could conspire against me did. On Monday, M had to be on site for one of the two projects he is managing which meant I would be eating alone. Tuesday was a birthday dinner out for me. Wednesday was a long/late work day which left little time prior to church for cooking. And on Thursday, I was just too tired to attempt to cook. Thankfully, I have amazing in-laws who love to cook for their family.

Therefore on Monday night, I joined my MIL, FIL, SIL and two nieces for a delicious meal of grilled chicken breasts, home made mac and cheese, and lots of fresh veggies. Wednesday night, my in-law's once again saved the day with hamburgers and french fries for a quick meal. And on Thursday my FIL prepared his signature stir-fry. I loved eating all the veggies.....yum-o!

This week is looking like it will be a much easier one in terms of work responsibilities, so M and I should both make it home at a decent hour. Therefore, we are returning the favor to the in-law's and cooking for them. I will be using the same menu as I had last week.

10 Weeks

After another ultrasound this week, it was determined that Peanut was measuring at 9 weeks and a few days....which means that I am now offically 10 weeks pregnant.

What's Happening with Peanut?

• He's barely the size of a kumquat — a little over an inch or so long, crown to bottom — and weighs less than a quarter of an ounce.
• He's swallowing fluid and kicking up a storm. Vital organs — including his kidneys, intestines, brain, and liver (now making red blood cells in place of the disappearing yolk sac) — are in place and starting to function.
• If I could take a peek inside the womb, I'd spot minute details, like tiny nails forming on fingers and toes (no more webbing) and peach-fuzz hair beginning to grow on tender skin.
• Peanut's limbs can bend now. His hands are flexed at the wrist and meet over his heart, and his feet may be long enough to meet in front of his body. The outline of his spine is clearly visible through translucent skin, and spinal nerves are beginning to stretch out from his spinal cord.

What's happening with Mama?

• Weight gain has offically been noted. Per the doctor I have gained roughly 4 pounds since the start of my pregnancy, which is right where I need to be.
• My energy is finally returning to pre-peanut levels. Although, I still tire more that I use to, I no longer feel as though I need a nap every day at 3 p.m.
• Morning/afternoon sickness has been minimal- a fact for which I am very grateful.
• I have had a few weird (at least for me) food cravings - including brussel sprouts, and a combo of cheese grits & taco salad.

New Blog Look

So readers, do you like the new look of my blog? I am absolutely in love with the design. If you think your own blog needs a little "sprucing up" check out my designer Leslie. She is fantastic to work with and the results speak for themselves.

27 Years Ago....

At a minute to 6:00 a.m., I entered this world with a head full of hair and lungs that were quite capable of emitting ear piercing screeches and cries. But to my parents who had wanted nearly 8 years for me, they were a melody.  My 26th year of life was an interesting one - I started a new job, got married, and started building a home and a life with my husband. But the 27th year should proove to be even  more of adventure as it is the year during which I will become a mother....and just like my parents before me those screeches and cries will be music to my ears.

 

Although my birthday is only 5 hours and 31 minutes old, I have already had a fantastic day. It started with an extra long snuggle with my husband as he hit the snooze button repeatedly, was followed by a lesiurely bubble bath to start my day, a sweet voicemail from my Mama,  flowers from my Daddy, texts from several friends, Facebook/Myspace well wishes, and to top it off I won a blog giveaway.  I am having lunch (my favorite pizza) with my parents, sister, and nephews and then a mid-week date with my husband!

 

I hope each of you has a great day....in fact I DEMAND that you do....it's my birthday after all and I still believe that everyone should be happy on my birthday!

Menu Planning Monday

For several months now, I have seen "Menu Planning Monday" posts all over some of my favorite blogs. The concept seemed easy enough ... each week you layout the meals you are planning on making.

Summer has kept M and I quite busy and most of the meals we've eaten have either been prepared by someone else (pizza at my sister-in-law's, spaghetti with my father-in-law) or fly by the seat of our pants (whatever was left over in the fridge). Needless to say my eating has not been as healthy as I would have liked it to be. So in an effort to regain some control over my eating and retain a bit of my sanity, I convinced M that we should try Meal Planning Monday.

Last Thursday, I sought out yummy looking receipes from a few of my favorite blogs/websites, reviewed the meals with M, figured out what ingredients we had on hand, and then what ingredients we would need to by, and then complied my shopping list. On Friday, I left work a bit early and did all of my shopping. M and I planned on 4 suppers during the week, 1 supper of leftovers, and 1 supper out (date night). With all that being said, here's what we will be eating this week:

Slow-Cooker Beef Stew: I found this meal idea at Org Junkie .

Saucy Italian Pork Chops

Healthy Mexican Skillet

Low-Fat Poppyseed Chicken Casserole

M and I have not assigned a specific meal to each day, but rather will choose a meal based on what appeals to us at that time. Keep checking back for his/her reviews on each of the meals.