Transition Back to Work

Now that I've fully resigned myself to the fact that in just a little over a week I'll be back to work full-time (granted, it's two part-time jobs but I think combined they are going to add up to over full-time...) I'm attempting to brainstorm ways that I can make the transition less stressful.

My number one goal is to still be a full-time Mom to Bo. I still want to spend as much time as I can with him as he is my number one priority -- job or no job.

I also do not want to outsource so much that it doesn't make sense for me to work. Luckily, I think it would take a lot of outsourcing to make my pay become negative. For a frame of reference -- we will be spending $200 a month on childcare which will come off the top of my salary. So we can definitely afford to outsource a few more things...

Here are my ideas to make the transition easier.

1. Hire someone to do a thorough cleaning every two weeks.
Cost - $100 a month.
Perks - While I'll still have to straighten everything every day I can leave the big stuff -- like the toilets and baseboards to someone else. It will also give me more time with Bo as when I am home I can focus more on him and less on cleaning the toilet. If you know me, you know I'm totally anal so house cleanliness is a big source of stress for me.
Negatives - Having someone else in my house. The thought that people will look down on me for doing this. My in-laws aren't exactly ones to outsource -- anything, ever -- but then again my MIL stayed home when she had small children.

2. Only cook three times a week - making enough for two nights with each meal and eating out the other night.
Cost - No extra cost.
Perks - Instead of cooking 6 meals a week I'll only cook three and then we will eat leftovers on the other night.
Negatives - That means eating leftovers 3 nights a week.

3. Do prep work and online class work after Bo is in bed. (I know there is going to be a ton more work than I can do in the amount of time I have. In the past I've gone in early but now that really isn't an option.)
Cost - No extra cost.
Perks - Quiet time to work when the school is empty or the house is peaceful.
Negatives - No down time. No time to spend with Mike. Later bedtime. Less sleep.

What do you think of these ideas? Do you have any ideas that might help me? Those of you out there that are working moms, how do you make this work? Any and all suggestions appreciated.

Wordless Wednesday: Profile

More Wordless Wednesday here.

Conflicted

Bo enjoys chewing on a squeaky frog while Grammie opens her birthday gifts. He also enjoyed playing the paper. We had just taken his onsie off because it was covered in drool. Seriously, the boy is a fountain.

Okay, I'm skipping Tuesdays With Dorie -- again! I know, I know!! But I will be back the next two weeks with black and white banana bread and blueberry sour cream ice cream so don't give up hope. I'm still a baker at heart. :)

And you see, I've still been baking... But I just didn't have time to bake everything I needed to. We were gone all weekend and yesterday was my mom's birthday. I cooked a big dinner and baked lava cakes for her birthday. After all of that was cleaned up, I baked two batches of brownies for Operation GALS. Needless to say, I just didn't make it to the TWD recipe. :(

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I am already starting to question my sanity. How exactly am I going to do all I need to do and still breathe when school starts in two short weeks? My day yesterday was packed to the gills (I spent 6 hours working on my online classes and could have spent 6 more...) and today isn't looking to be much better.

Sure, I could give some things up -- I could stop writing the blog but really, the blog only uses about 10 minutes a day and it's something I enjoy. I could stop baking but there again -- I like to bake. (I guess the theme here is I shouldn't do anything I like, huh??) I could stop making dinner every night but then what would my family eat?

I'm at that point where I know some things are going to have fall by the wayside but I'm just not sure what those things are...

I keep thinking that I should quit at the high school but then I become very scared. I am so afraid that the first or second week of school Mike will receive his promotion and we will be off to who knows where and then I'm going to leave them in an even bigger bind than if I quit now. But then I think about living here without that job and it just doesn't make since -- logically or financially -- for me to give it up now. It's already going to be hard when I leave, I just don't want to make it harder on those I care about most. I'm not sure what the right decision is...

I'm also much more conflicted about being away from Bo than I ever thought I would be. I know that, for me, it isn't healthy for me to be with him 24/7 but at the same time when I'm not with him I want to be with him. (Hence the fact I think working from home will work well...) I want to be the one who molds him into the little boy he is going to be. I want to be the one who makes sure that he eats a healthy lunch. I want to be the one to witness his milestones. Most of all, I don't want to screw him up by being with him too little -- or too much.

Needless to say, I'm feeling conflicted on many different levels right now. It's a lovely state of mind...

Assvice appreciated and always welcome.

New Addy!!

It finally works. And it was so simple a 2-year-old could do it.... No wonder I couldn't figure it out!!

Now you can access my blog through www.stickyfeet2.com or you can still come the old way too. It's up to you!

Family Poolside Picnic

Bo swims in his crab foatie in Grandma and Grandpa's pool. He LOVED the water!!

We headed up to Mike's parents on Friday morning. For the most part, Bo handles traveling really well. Considering we always seem to be going somewhere on the weekends it's no wonder that he is pretty well adjusted. He does fine in the car, eats out well, and is great when we are out running errands. He is generally a happy baby. The Gods have blessed me.

Unfortunately though, Bo did have some sleep issues this weekend. He went down for the night fine but then the phone rang about 8:30 and there was a phone in his room. Apparently this disturbed him quite a bit because he was inconsolable. We ended up getting him back up (which I never do!) and then he finally went down at 10:30. Ugh! He was up early on Saturday -- about 6 and then went down fine again Saturday night but was up from 10:30-12. Last night he slept 13 hours in his own bed. Unfortunately, I think we have a little guy who prefers his own crib... ugh! That is going make our constant motion a lot more difficult!

On a positive note, he showed off his amazing crawling skills and ate like a champ. I really can't believe the amount of food this little guy can ingest...

The highlight of the weekend was Saturday evening when Mike's Mom's family gathered for a poolside picnic. Bo splashed in the water and even kicked himself around in his inflatable crab. He was passed to various family members and seemed happy to be held by anyone! He was very intrigued by Uncle Dan's mustache!

Mike's Grandpa, Mike's two uncles, Mike and Bo all pose for a picture poolside - 4 generations of Anderson Men. It was fun having the family together for a poolside picnic.

Mike, Bo and Jamie (me) enjoyed time in the pool. (I know this isn't the best picture of me but I just love Bo's expression!)

After the picnic (and Bo was in bed) we all gathered in the basement to watch slides of Mike's mom and her brothers growing up while we enjoyed a trio of peach desserts!

We capped off the weekend yesterday with the long drive home and working our tails off so that everything was under control at our house (meaning laundry, unpacking, dishes, etc.) because today is the official return to work with my first two online classes and it's my mom's birthday so we will be having a birthday celebration this evening. Luckily for me, Mom wanted to watch Bo for a few hours (please keep your fingers crossed that her back holds out!) while I work. Which means my self-imposed lunch break is over and it's back to work... Ugh.

Ch..Ch..Ch.. Changes (Continued)

Part 3: Bo changes

Bo keeps evolving and changing -- I can't believe how much he is growing. He really is turning into a little man.

The last month feels like a whirlwind of growth and new challenges for our little guy. He quickly went from sitting to crawling and now he is starting to pull up. He's everywhere and into everything so baby proofing is essential. I have a feeling we have an early walker on our hands!

Doesn't he look like he knows that he isn't suppose to be doing that? So mischievous. Unfortunately, our fireplace is right in the main living area of our house. Good thing I'm never more than a few feet away -- I spend a lot of my time redirecting him away from the fireplace and moving hazards these days.

I spent yesterday afternoon packing up some of his baby toys (like the play gym that he doesn't use anymore). Before long it will be time to pack up the exersaucer and jumperoo. And he definitely isn't staying on the blankets I spread on the floor for him anymore! His biggest motivation to crawl is to chase after the cats... :)

It's strange but Maddie has been the cat that is the most taken with Bo. None of them have issues with him but Maddie is the one who plays with him and lets him chase, pet, and hug her. For some reason I thought it would be Lincoln. Here they are in mid-battle -- Bo's about to attack!

I also like to think that he is starting to understand more and more and I swear it sounds like he says "hi" sometimes. I'm realistic enough to know that it is probably just baby-babble but I am excited for him to start talking!
When people say that having a child changes everything -- they aren't kidding. I really do feel like so much in my life has changed in the last 8 months -- some due to Bo, some due to other circumstances -- but life really is different. Babies change everything from relationships to values.

One thing is for certain -- life definitely isn't stagnant when there is a baby in the picture. While sometimes I wish he was still a little baby I'm thrilled by all of the changes and growth I see each day. He changes so quickly that sometimes I have a hard time keeping up. How can it be that just a few weeks ago he just rolled from place to place and now he's crawling all over? How can it be that just a few weeks ago he was eating only purees and now he loves little chunks of solid food? How can it be that this baby that was in my belly this time last year has changed everything so much?

Bo is crawling after Maddie but I distracted him with the camera. I can't believe he is 8 months old. Time really does fly.

Ch..Ch..Ch..Changes...

Part 1: Blog Changes

Sorry about the blog outage. I'm trying to figure out how to redirect the blog to a new domain name and obviously it isn't going well... :( Hopefully I'll figure it out in the next few weeks. (Anyone know anything about this??)

Lots of changes here at Chez Sticky Feet -- you'll notice I'm marketing the blog. Amazon, Online Shoes, and Shutterfly are all advertising with me so far. As well as the ever popular BlogHer Ads. I know that some people are opposed to this but the money will to go to Bo's college fund - which I feel is a noble cause. I also find it motivating to write more often knowing that there is some monetary gain. I love the friends I've made but money doesn't hurt anything either... So click the ads, buy yourself something nice, and help send my child to school. :)

You'll also notice a new document in the left sidebar. I've typed up a list of baby gear that I've found helpful. I searched all over for something like this when I was pregnant and recently ...As Good As It Gets?? published her version and gave me permission to edit it for the blog. If you're pregnant and wondering what to buy, look no further, Bo's big list of gear should be helpful! (I've also updated my favorite recipes that are also in the left sidebar!)

The last blog change is a new picture as my avatar. The new picture is an actual stamp of Bo's feet. My friend, Jenny, is really into digital scrapbooking and made a stamp of her daughter's feet. I loved it so much that I convinced her to walk me through how to make Bo's feet. It isn't as "perfect" as the clikart feet I was using but needless to say I love it even more! He had such massive feet when he was born!!

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Part 2: Life Changes

While there is a lot changing on the blog there is also a lot changing in our personal lives as well. On Monday, I start teaching my first two online classes. I'm nervous about it but also looking forward to the challenge. Then, in just a little over two weeks, I head back to the high school part-time. I'm very worried about balancing everything that I am going to have on my plate at that point. Two part-time jobs, plus full-time mom -- not to mention all of those other responsibilities -- wife, friend, daughter, housekeeper, laundry service, you get the idea... I know I can do it but there are moments where I question my sanity.

We've also made a big decision regarding Mike's promotion/transfer. We really want to be where we intend to settle before Bo is in school. That gives us 5 years to get our act together and end up close to Mike's parents. The fact is, in order for that to happen, Mike may need to move through the ranks a bit, which in turn means we need to be mobile. We've opened the floodgates and Mike is now applying for promotions in various areas across the country. We feel confident that if we can be mobile for a few years he can end up with the best job possible in our ultimate destination. (Luckily, with online teaching I can still work part-time - no matter where we move.)

Unfortunately, this decision leaves us with even more uncertainty which drives me a bit crazy. I want to know what is going to happen and when it is going to happen and we still don't have any idea when that will be. I don't want to be in the position to leave my current job high and dry, which I am obsessively worried about... There's the stress that will come with moving multiple times, buying homes, selling homes, etc. Ugh. It's enough to make even the most sane person's head spin.

But at the same time, a part of me is ready. I feel at peace with the decision we are making to move and I feel like we are on the cusp of major life changes that will lead us down our next path in life. I can honestly say, that I feel like we are headed in the right direction, even though I'm not sure what direction that may be.

Wordless Wednesday: Laughing

More Wordless Wednesday here.

*For some reason the YouTube version didn't want to upload but you can find more Bo videos on YouTube.

These are a few of my favorite things...

I'm taking the week off from Tuesdays With Dorie. This weeks recipe had rhubarb in it -- and I'm not a big fan... If you love rhubard though, be sure to head over and check out all of the Cherry Rhubarb Cobblers. This one even makes me want to try it...

Instead of sharing a recipe, I thought I would share with you some of my more recent finds that I love.

1. Chocolate Cake in 5 minutes - One of my friends originally sent me the link to this and then it was featured on Slashfood yesterday! I've already tried several experiments with it -- adding raspberry syrup, vanilla, and mocha. The cake is a little dense so I'm trying to perfect that as well... If anyone else out there wants to work on tweaks for this cake I'd love to hear your results. I'll do a post when I figure out the perfect tweaks! I love that it's small and fast when I need a sweet treat!

2. Busy Body Book - It's that time of year again - time for a new planner. I'm probably the only person on earth who really gets excited about this but I just love new planners. I found a link to this on Stop, Drop, and Blog and knew I had to have it. For the past 5 years I've just used the free planners they give us at the high school but there is never enough room to write. This one has plenty of room, plus room for a to-do list each week. I have already written in all of the upcoming birthdays and the first week of use is next week. I am so excited!! (They also make a traditional one that goes from January-December but I live my life via school year.)

3. Google Reader - I've been an avid Bloglines fan for years but I recently became interested in what all the fuss is about when it comes to Google Reader. Now I get it. I swear I can read all of my blogs about a million times faster and I can do it with one finger (just hit the spacebar) which makes it a lot faster and easier to do while holding a little one. I think I've been converted.

4. Sony HandyCam - Now that I actually know how to upload videos I'm totally in love with my video camera. Mike bought this for me when he had to go on a business trip in September. We haven't used it nearly as much as we should have so I'm making up for it now. It really is easy to use, easy to upload, not to mention small and lightweight. Love it!!

5. Pottery Barn's A to Z crib sheet - I bought the fitted crib sheet for Bo and I absolutely love it. It looks cute in his room and I'm hoping that all of the cute pictures and letters will make him smarter. ;)

Bo's First Babysitter

On Saturday afternoon, Mike and I left Bo for the first time with someone other than family. (Yes, Mandy, I consider you family.) We were worried about what we were going to do because my mom's back is still out of commission and all of our 'extended family' was busy with prior commitments.

Luckily, a yearbook girl came to the rescue. (You may remember Rachel, she was one of the beautiful young women I cooked for on Prom night.) Rachel was one of my yearbook editors this past year and valedictorian. (Only the best for my baby!!) Not to mention one of my favorite yearbook girls, a sweetie, someone who I totally trust, and well... she's also a bit stubborn but I don't hold that against her. ;)

Rachel holds Bo as we get ready to head out the door. Even though I was nervous about the whole situation I knew Rachel and Bo would do well together.

Rachel came over about 2 and I had typed instructions for her. (I know, I know. I'm anal and it was my first time leaving him so cut me a little slack!). We stuck around for a little bit and then left so she could be the one to put him down for his nap.

We really didn't need to leave quite that early but I didn't want to have her come while he was asleep. I thought that would definitely scar the child for life. :) We were able to take our time driving to our destination and stopped and bought fresh corn and two watermelons from produce stands. We also stopped and bought Bo a toy at one of the few stores in the town we visited.

My mom came over and helped Rachel put Bo to bed (also a first for us -- we've never been away from him at bedtime) and Bo did really well! Mom said that Rachel was great with with him and he seemed to really like her.

Rachel went home when Bo went to sleep about 7:30 and my mom read her book at our house until we returned home about 10:30.

So what did Mike and I do with an afternoon and evening of freedom? Oh, you're thinking a date -- romantic dinner, movie, the works?

Wow, you're funny. :)

We judged a pageant.

The girl on the left is the new queen. What do you think?? Did we do okay? :)

Memories: Bo Takes a Bath

Being stirred from a restful sleep when Bo fussed around 3:30 this morning started me down the path to make this a very long day. The benefit of multiple hours of awake time without a child is that I've finally managed to figure out how to upload videos from our camcorder.

I've spent the morning doing random errands around the house, writing thank you notes, preparing packages to mail, starting laundry, and watching cute video clips of Bo. I'm amazed by how quickly he is changing! Even watching a clip from a month ago he seems like a totally different little boy. I think this is why the powers that be give us infants -- so we can change and grow as they do!

Below is a video of Bo taking a bath in the sink from June. Already he can do so much more than he is doing here. I have a feeling you'll be seeing more video clips here at Chez Sticky Feet. You'll just have to learn to ignore the crazy mom chatting in the background!

Wordless Wednesday: Lakeside Picnic

More Wordless Wednesday here.

Tuesdays With Dorie: Chocolate Pudding Tarts

This week's Tuesdays With Dorie recipe was selected by It's Melissa's Kitchen. You can find the full recipe by clicking over to Melissa's blog or in the fabulous cookbook Baking: From My Home To Yours by Dorie Greenspan on pg. 383.

The recipe is for a rich, creamy, velvety chocolate pudding that is prepared in a food processor. I wanted a fun twist so I decided to make tarts and used cookie dough as my tart base.

I took a muffin tin, flipped it over and sprayed it generously with cooking spray. I then put rounds of dough on top of each muffin tin.

I baked the tarts for about 11 minutes in a 350 degree oven. While they were baking I tackled Dorie's chocolate pudding. It was a simple recipe to follow.

I used both my big and my little Cuisinart while making this recipe. The baby Cuisinart blending the dry ingredients while the mama Cuisinart blended the wet ingredients. Don't they look cute side by side?

Here are the eggs and a little bit of sugar preparing to go for a whirl.

I only used 4 oz of bittersweet chocolate instead of the 5 oz the recipe calls for. I didn't realize the bar I purchased was only 4 oz until I was home and in the process of making the recipe. Bo was taking a nap so there was no chance of a quick run to the store. I figured it would be just as good with only 4 oz and I found it to still be quite rich and chocolaty.
I was amazed at the frothiness of the pudding. I think this may be part of the secret that makes it so yummy.

It was a fast recipe to prepare and before I knew it my tarts were out and the pudding was ready. I spooned the pudding into my cookie tarts and behold -- Chocolate Pudding Tarts!

They were delicious and even received a rave review from Mike, who isn't a fan of pudding!

Life After Infertility

I've come to a shocking revelation recently -- I can deal with pregnant people!

I'm sure those of you who are fertile beyond all repair (my version of FUBAR) are rolling your eyes right now. But seriously, this is a big step for me. Two years ago, a pregnancy announcement would have me curled into a ball on the couch for the rest of the day. A year ago, when I was pregnant, I dealt with it more rationally, but I was still very bitter about the cards that infertility dealt me.

Recently, two people I know in real life (I never really had an issue with my online friends pregnancies -- probably because they were hard fought after a battle with infertility -- ya know, the reason we became friends online to begin with!) announced February due dates. And honestly, I am happy for them. My gut reaction is to warn them to go to the movies, go out to dinner, read books, sleep, and relax as much as possible, but I don't have any feelings of ill-will toward them.

What's changed? Well, obviously, I have Bo. I now know both the joys and the hardships that parenting holds. I also have a more realistic view of pregnancy, childbirth, and mothering.

I've also been watching a lot of John and Kate Plus Eight in the evenings with Mike. I can't even begin to tell you the number of times that show makes me say, "Are you sure we don't just want 1?"

I guess the most phenomenal change is that I no longer feel like I am missing out on this amazing experience that everyone else gets to have and that seems to happen to them so easily...

I battled infertility and I won.

I am a mom. I have a baby. I am complete.

***I just have to hope that my new found peace doesn't leave when I begin my battle with secondary infertility -- coming this January (barring any unforeseen events) to a blog near you.

Overwhelmed and Organized

I'm not exactly sure what my problem has been this week but for some reason I've been feeling ridiculously overwhelmed.

Maybe it's the fact that Bo more mobile and active combined with messy mealtimes. Maybe it's my fears about my upcoming stint in online teaching. Maybe it's the fact that Mike went back to work after being home for 10 days and we are back in the real world. Maybe it's that my mom threw out her back so she hasn't been around as much and we've been going over there more. Maybe it's that I feel separated from the real world in my "housewife" capacity and it's driving me slightly nuts (I never intended to be a housewife in any capacity...). Maybe it's the constant spin-cycle in my head that keeps over analyzing everything. Maybe it's the fact that I feel we need to hire a gardener as the weeds in our beautiful flower garden are over-flowing and I don't want to confine Bo to the hot stroller while I tackle it. Maybe it's my underlying thoughts that something big is going to happen soon -- even though I can't pinpoint exactly what the "big" thing may be.

Honestly, I'm not really sure. It's probably a combination of all of those things. I feel like I have a to-do list that is a million miles long and I never manage to accomplish everything I want to. I feel like if I had one day, from 8-5, sans baby, I could accomplish a million things. But if I had that day, I'd probably just want to sleep...

This is going to sound totally ridiculous, but last night, after we had Bo in bed, Mike and I worked on organizing the kitchen. Granted, my kitchen is naturally more organized than most (gotta love two anal retentive personalities living together...) but since Bo was born we haven't really taken the time to go through things on a consistent basis. We threw out old food and started a pile of kitchen goodies that we never use to take the to consignment shop. Sure, we have more to do, but it felt good to do something productive for two hours. And to be able to do it while chatting with Mike and without being interrupted by a baby or numerous other annoyances.

I've always been the type who cleans and organizes when they are feeling overwhelmed. I guess organization is one thing that I can control when other things seem to be outside of my control.

At least I'll know exactly where to put the skillet... ;)

Wordle

I copied in text from the last month of the blog. The bigger words are the ones that are used the most. I guess you can see where certain people rank, huh?? ;)

Make your own at wordle.net.

Wordless Wednesday: Grandpa Love

More Wordless Wednesday here.

The Evolving Story of Bo Food

This is Bo at lunch time today. He is attempting to feed himself little chunks of plum. I didn't have my flash and my camera was on AV mode for this shot, so it isn't the greatest, but you can clearly see how messy feeding Bo is these days.

After lunch I gave him a sponge bath, started a load of laundry with his outfit, the chair cushion, and several wash cloths, and then put everything in the dishwasher*, spot cleaned the floor, and redressed Bo. I figure that earned me the right to 5 minutes (while Bo plays) to post this picture before we head to the grocery store.

And seriously, if Mike says one thing about the floor being sticky or Bo having plum in his ear when he comes home to his almost immaculate house and home cooked meal it may be the last thing he ever says...

I am taking the week off from Tuesdays With Dorie this week. With a Cold Stone Creamery ice cream cake in my freezer we have plenty of sweets without me making a pie. I'll be baking again next week.

Instead of sharing with you the trials and tribulations of a blueberry pie, I thought maybe you could help me out with some advice regarding Bo's ever evolving feedings.

My Questions:
1. What did your little one eat when they first started to self-feed?
2. What types of fruits and veggies did they enjoy?
3. How did you prepare it?
4. Were you serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner? What about snacks?

At this point, I'm open to anything and I think Bo is too!

You see, just when I think I really have a handle on feeding Bo, he starts changing again. Over the past few weeks we've started to introduce finger foods, which he really seems to be enjoying. He will now eat little chunks of soft food like avocado, banana, plum, apricot, etc.

On my birthday, we went out for supper and he ate little flakes of fish, bits of roll, and even a few pieces of shredded cheese from my salad. With all four of his teeth and a healthy appetite, it is apparent that he is ready for more solid foods.

We still have purees in the freezer, but I don't think I'll be making any more. In a way this makes me sad! I took such pride in Bo's purees and now the puree stage is almost over. How quickly time flies...

Of course, I'm worried (when am I not?) and I want to make sure that what I am feeding Bo will be enough nutrition to keep him healthy and growing strong. Bo is still nursing, 4 times a day, so I know he is at least obtaining some nutrition from milk but I also want to make sure that I keep introducing new foods in an attempt to avoid picky-eater syndrome. I'm realistic that once he is a bit older this will probably be difficult to avoid, but I'm hopeful.

*As much as I love our highchair, the tray does not fit in the dishwasher. It is dishwasher safe but it is too tall. Definitely an issue!

*Quick Product Plug*
One of my birthday gifts was a gift card to Babies R Us. I ordered several Bumkins bibs with it this morning. I bought one to try a few weeks ago and I love them!!

Book Review: Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen

Several summers ago, Mandy and I started on a young adult lit kick. We solicited author recommendations from a few of our yearbook girls and started reading books that they enjoyed under the guise of being able to recommend books to other students. In truth, we really just enjoy reading them.

A little over a week ago Mandy left Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen on my kitchen counter. We've read all of her books and she is a great young adult author. Her books are quick, easy reads that really speak to the reader. Dessen has an uncanny ability to make every reader feel like she is speaking directly to them. It's amazing.

Only a few pages into the book it was evident that there is an infertility sub-plot. The main character's sister, Cora, is infertile. And while many wouldn't have picked up on it quite as quickly as I did it, it did add a unique element to a young adult book.

My favorite scene involves Cora sitting on the floor of her sister's closet, holding her dog while she is waiting for her husband's family to arrive for Thanksgiving dinner. It starts on pg. 276 and here is a small excerpt -

"Maybe I'm just being hormonal. This medication I'm taking might be good for my ovaries, but it's making me crazy," Cora said.

I made a face. Being privy to the reproductive drama was one thing, but specific details, in all honesty, made me kind of queasy. A few days before, I'd gone light-headed when she'd only just mentioned the word uterus.

I love this excerpt because not only does it speak to me through the crazy hormones of infertility drugs but I can totally see how it would speak to Mandy. We have an ongoing joke that everything is about my uterus. And well, it has been for quite awhile. :) I know it drives her a bit crazy -- just like the hormones drive me crazy. :) I'm definitely not looking forward to that hormonal hell again...

Definitely a book I would recommend. If you haven't read any young adult lit, Sarah Dessen is definitely a great place to start. While the infertility element of the book is very small, maybe it could even be a read for a future Barren Bitches Book Tour.

The Best Gift

Bo and I after our dinner out at Red Hill yesterday evening.

Yesterday was my 27th birthday. I know, compared to many, I'm still young. But honestly, I never thought I would be this old. Even on a good day I still feel like I'm in high school - not a high school teacher, wife, and mom!

It was a wonderful birthday. Bo was a bit fussy because his top two teeth are starting to poke through but that didn't stop any of the fun. Mike's parents arrived early and we spent the day with them and my mom. My mom fixed a big lunch and we all went out to dinner at Red Hill.

I received lots of fun gifts -- most notably Mike did find a Wii Fit for our enjoyment! Woohoo! My mom bought me a sweet book about being a mom from Bo and I received tons of other random gifts that will be put to good use. :) Birthdays are definitely for spoiling in our family...

My best gift was a gift that Bo decided to give me. I guess since he can't go shopping on his own he had to think of something!! He's been close to crawling for over a month now. He's been rocking back and forth and rolling to get where he would like to go. But yesterday, he finally did it! With the usual persuading, an audience of five eager adults, and the lure of Grandpa Jim's watch, Bo crawled!

Bo gave me a wonderful gift for my birthday! He started crawling!

We were all thrilled by Bo's new ability and he's been crawling around all morning. It definitely wears him out. He didn't fuss a bit when I put him down for his nap a few minutes ago!

Bo crawling was definitely the highlight of the day and was my best gift. On my birthday last year I was exactly 20 weeks pregnant. It's hard to believe how much life can change in a year -- now I have a little boy who crawls!!

Bo playing on the 4th. Notice his sleeve - it says "Baby's First 4th". The front of the shirt says "Little Firecracker." I've always been called Firecracker so I thought the shirt was definitely appropriate for our little guy!

By now you've probably figured out that I decided not to go to the wedding in Pennsylvania. While I wish I was there right now, I know that there will be plenty of time to travel in the future. Right now my main focus has to be Bo and leaving Bo at this stage of the game wasn't an option and taking him with would have been rough. It's been a good week at home instead. In many regards I've had a birthday week. Mike has been off all week and we've visited with many friends and family, worked around our house and my mom's, and enjoyed spending time together. It's been wonderful. I have lots of other pictures to share from the past week and all of the fun we've had but for now, I'll leave you with my toes...

I think Mandy has mostly forgiven me for not going to Pennsylvania. She made sure that even my toes were patriotic for my birthday by helping me celebrate with a pedicure a bit early.

Wordless Wednesday: Rubber Ducky

More Wordless Wednesday here.

Tuesdays with Dorie: Apple Cheddar Scones

**Please vote in the poll on the left sidebar!!**

This week's Tuesdays with Dorie recipe was Apple Cheddar Scones from pg. 32 of Baking: From My Home To Yours by Dorie Greenspan. This weeks recipe was selected by Karina at The Floured Apron. (You can find the full recipe by clicking the link or by purchasing the cookbook which is currently on sale at Amazon.)

I have to admit, I wasn't thrilled that this was the recipe selected. It seems like a fall recipe to me -- with cold apple cider being one of the key ingredients.

On Thursday evening, I made these as part of our dinner. The first step was to mix the liquid ingredients together. I couldn't find apple cider anywhere so I substituted with apple juice. I also had to buy a ginormous carton of buttermilk for these so if you have any good recipes that take buttermilk I'd love to hear about them.

After I mixed the wet ingredients in one bowl I mixed the dry ingredients in a separate bowl. One of these ingredients was cornmeal, which really made the scones in my opinion. The cornmeal gave the finished scone a lot of texture and flavor.
Probably because I live in the middle of bo-funk nowhere, I couldn't find dried apples. Except for the little Gerber ones for babies. So instead I used fresh apple. Honestly, I think it was probably better with the fresh apple than it would have been with dried.
I combined the wet and dry ingredients and used my whisk as a pastry blender to make the dough. Then I folded in the apple and grated cheddar cheese.
I scooped the dough into individual mounds and put them on the parchment paper to bake.

And the end result was a very rustic, fall-looking and tasting, apple cheddar scone.

I really liked the scones. Mike wasn't a big fan. He says he's never liked scones. I think if I make them again (in the fall) and call them biscuits, he'll lap it up. But this was not a part of our meal, it was just something I gave him to try after dinner. :( My mom liked them though and so did I. They have a wonderful texture from the apple and cornmeal and were great cold the next morning for breakfast.