Feeding Baby

I waited until Caleb was 6 months old to start feeding solids. He turned 6 months on November 18th so we started Caleb on Rice Cereal at Grammi's house during Thanksgiving. Caleb loved food from the beginning. We were still struggling to get him to take milk from a bottle at this time and so we would mix whatever milk was leftover with cereal and feed it with a spoon in order to get him to eat it.

Now, Three months later and you would think that kid had been on solid food for a year now. He still loves to eat. In January, Scott and I mad some tough financial decisions, cutting all bills as much as we could. It was then that I realized, I could not afford to continue to feed my baby as much as he ate! (Or rather, I did not want to afford it.) So what started as an experiment, turned to a necessity. I now make my own baby food. I don't do it to be organic, or because I don't trust Gerber's products, I have just found that making my own is SOOOO much cheaper!

My new friend is the Magic Bullet. With my bullet, I can puree foods in seconds and pour them into 1 oz ice cube trays to freeze for later use. I did this a few times with Brendan, but we mostly fed him store bought food. With Caleb though, he is pretty much solely on homemade baby food.


For many of you, this may not seem like a big deal. A lot of moms go with homemade over store bought. But being a working mom, I am always impressed with myself when I am able to do these "homey" types of activities.

I can find Gerber baby food on sale for $1.00 most places for 2 3.5 oz containers, which is not a bad price. But when my son eats usually about 3 of these a day, sometimes more, the 1 pound bag of carrots for $0.99 is a whole lot better. Without all the preservatives. And Caleb really seems to enjoy it!

I puree the food, freeze it in Ice Cube Trays and then store them in Zip Lock bags. I only make food once sometimes twice a week, and it is a huge payoff in the end. Plus, we can mix-and-match different foods together to give Caleb more variety. Currently in the freezer we have: Mashed potatoes, carrots, peas, apricots, apples, bananas, peach-apple, and squash. Next time we go to the store I would like to get some new flavors to expand his food intake, like blueberries, mango, avocado, the options are limitless!

Beside the pureed baby food, Caleb is starting to really enjoy finger-foods. Soft foods that he can gum to death. Like soft-cooked carrots cut up, cooked zucchini, bits of potato, and his favorite-Cheerios. I'm really enjoys experimenting with food with him, as we learn and experience together!

Week 32 - Cravings

I am currently 32 weeks pregnant! Crazy I know! About 8 more weeks to go, more-or-less. One of my favorite questions in pregnancy is "What have your cravings been?"

To some extent I am a little skeptical of the whole concept of pregnancy cravings. Are they really pregnancy related or is this my excuse to eat the silly things that I want just because I have a baby growing inside? I'm not sure how deep I want to dive into this issue, mostly because I like being able to have "cravings". I admit, some are stronger than others. There are times when I really want something salty, like NOW. And other times Ice-cream sounds good, so I'll blame my desire for sweets on a craving. My husband just shakes his head at me at my response of "The baby wants ice cream, I can't help it" (with an innocent smile). Craving or not, I like the excuse!

If we do want to believe that the cravings are true, I thought I would reflect on what my cravings have been so far with this pregnancy.

With my pregnancy with Brendan I remember craving Jell-o. That one I truly believe to be a craving. I don't eat Jell-o that often, but while pregnant, I couldn't get enough! I also craved Goldfish Crackers, which now my son eats like crazy.

With this pregnancy, I crave mostly salty things. My second trimester I ate pickles every night. For a couple weeks I wanted Peanut-Butter and banana bagels. But the biggest thing I have loved almost the entire pregnancy has been Gardettos. Chex Mix will not do, I like the salty mix of the Gardetto's Snack Mix, I love the crisp rye crackers, the pretzels and the sesame bread sticks. I wish the cafe at work sold them, because just talking about them right now is driving me crazy!

My other guilty secret pleasure (which wont be a secret any longer) is my cravings for Cadbury Creme Eggs. It's not even Easter yet and I have already had 6 eggs. I buy a pack of four at a time, keep them in my desk and eat them slowly savoring the much too sweet soft fondant center and creamy milk chocolate. I know I am crazy, but I love it! I don't know what I am going to do when Easter is over...buy a stash that will last me though May?

So those are my cravings thus far at 32 weeks. We are getting close to the end now, I still feel good, but reality is setting in that I have 8 more weeks and a lot more work to do! I'm sure with Gardetto's and Creme Eggs I will make it through!

Yum! Taco Bell

Today, some friends of mine from work and I went out for our usual Friday lunch. Due to my blog post earlier this week, we were all (or Janelle and myself) craving Taco Bell. So we loaded up the car and headed to the closest one to us. Unfortunately, this Taco Bell is not the top pick of elegant Fast Food restaurants, but it met our need. I had a wonderful crunchy taco and standard bean burrito. Oh, and Cinnamon twists, can't forget those! (A much better choice than french fries with tacos). It was a great lunch!

We are defiantly switching to Taco Bell from now on!

Del Taco

This weekend, we went to Del Taco’s drive through for lunch. I didn’t grow up on Del Taco as my husband did. In fact, I had never heard of Del Taco until college, and to be honest was never really a big fan. I grew up on Taco Bell, much better in my opinion. My Husband though, claims that Taco Bell is "gross" and Del Taco is much better! Come on, a taco place (Del Taco) that serves French Fries? That is just wrong! You should sell Tacos and Mexican food! (Just so you know, I have the same opinion with a Hamburger place, Jack-in-the-Box, selling Tacos) Stick to what you do best!

Anyway, we went to Del Taco because like I said, my husband grew up on the stuff and I am learning to tolerate it. As we get to the Order box (not sure what it is really called) I look at the menu for just the cheap ordinary taco, the cheapest one listed is called the “Classic Taco”. Perfect I think, just their run-of-the-mill ordinary, classic taco, that’s what I want. I then look up on the window of the restaurant and see a big sign, no words, just “59¢” and a picture of a taco. Great! My classic Taco is only 59 cents! But when we order, they charge me 99¢. I question them on the difference, not because I am worried about the 40¢ but it is the principle! You have a huge sign that shows a taco saying it is 59¢, why is my taco coming up as 99¢?? She tells me that I ordered a Classic Taco the one in the picture is the Regular Taco (which by the way is not listed on the menu, nor specified on the advertisement. “Are you kidding me?” I ask, “you have a classic and a regular taco? They should be the same thing!” Then my husband politely thanks the woman and drives off telling me it’s not a big deal. IT IS A BIG DEAL! They didn’t even have the regular taco listed! What could possibly be the difference in the two??

Turns out, the Classic Taco has slightly more meat and 6 diced tomatoes on top. Great. From now on, we are eating at Taco Bell, they have better Taco Sauce anyway.

P.S. I understand that my outrage with Del Taco could very well be my Pregnancy Hormones getting the best of me, but it is still the principle! The husband will just have to learn to tolerate Taco Bell from now on!

Good Chocolate

Last weekend Scott and I went to See’s Candy to get a pound of chocolate to take home. We were given a 1 pound gift certificate from my grandmother last April, and finally decided to use it. Scott had never filled a box before by picking out our favorite pieces, usually he just buys either a pre-filled box of nuts & chews, or he will by me a box of molasses chips.

As we are filling our box, we were each given a free sample. Mine was a butter-cream with walnuts covered in milk chocolate. She also gave me some molasses chips to give to Brendan, but I was thinking they would probably be too hard for him to eat. Her reasoning was “they aren’t as messy”. That might have been the case. As I am holding Brendan and looking at the chocolates behind the glass I notice that he as bent down and taken a bite of my chocolate. I let him have a small bite, move the chocolate further away and keep filling the box.

When we are all done, I look at my son, who is in my arms, and realize he has gotten my chocolate and eaten the entire piece! Chocolate is now all over his hands, face and of course, my shirt. I really wish I had taken a picture, but at the time, all I could think about was getting him to the car and cleaning him up with baby wipes! At least my son knows good chocolate when he has it!

Old World Village - German Town

Every year when October hits, Scott's mind goes to OKTOBERFEST. So this year, Scott and I found a cute little German Village in Huntington Beach. They had a German restaurant, a few little shops, a church, a bakery and a German Market. It was very cute, however, when we went on Saturday afternoon, most of the shops were closed. I guess they might open later for the actual Oktoberfest that began at 6:30? We are not sure, but the few store that were open were very cute.

Saturday afternoon had beautiful weather, it was the perfect day for walking around. The food in the German Restaurant was very good. I got a Polish Sausage and Scott got the Knackwurst. Even Brendan enjoyed the "Hot Dog". I must admit, my favorite part was the Apple Strudel with Ice Cream. The Ice cream was so rich and good, the apples were warm and sweet. It was AMAZING! Brendan enjoyed his plate of whipped cream.

Overall, we had a great afternoon. I'm not sure how often we will go back as it wasn't quite what we were expecting, and many shops weren't open, but we had a great day together as a family.

Pancakes

I have to start off this post with the preface that before I met my husband (and his family) I did not really like food. I mean, I like food, I ate it, but nothing like my husband and his family. They LOVE food. When we were dating and would visit his parents, they would take us out to eat many times. The would always ask where I wanted to go, because I just liked food, it never really mattered to me. I'm not a very picky person anyway, so anything was fine for me.

Until they took me to the Original Pancake House.

Oh my gosh this place is amazing! Please don't confuse this place with the International House of Pancakes (IHOP), it is COMPLETELY different. My favorite there is the Swedish pancakes. A very large, thin almost crispy for nice and soft pancake. "Authentic lacy Swedish pancakes are always a treat. Served with lingonberries from Sweden and whipped butter." Oh my, I am in love!

Now, not only because of the Pancake house, I love food! I get excited to eat, and I am getting more picky! My husband can bribe me to go somewhere by promising me the Original Pancake House for breakfast. The most important meal of the day you know!

The other day I was told a rumor that a restaurant by my work recently went out of business. Guess what is coming in it's place!

Yes, I took this from my car window. I am THAT excited! I can't wait for it to open, I drive by the restaurant every day. I just know I am going to get fat from all the pancakes! Now it is going to be even easier on my husband to bride me out of bed!

Pumkin Bread

Mmmm, I just had my first taste of fall! A piece of Pumkin bread from the Cafe at work. I know Fall doesn't officialy start until Septemebr 22nd, but I am so excited for fall to come and all the wonderful comfort foods associate with it!

The bread was so moist, I could barely spread butter on it! The large pieces of walnuts were the perfect touch! I think I am inspired, I want to try and make pumkin bread this year! Maybe I'll try this recipe from AllRecipes.com .




INGREDIENTS
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 cups solid pack pumpkin puree
1 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 cups white sugar
2/3 cup water
4 eggs


DIRECTIONS
Grease and flour three 7 x 3 inch pans. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Measure flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and spices into a large bowl. Stir to blend. Add pumpkin, water, salad oil, eggs, and nuts. Beat until well combined. Pour batter into prepared pans.
Bake for approximately 1 hour.

Dueling Pianos - Date Night

The night before Scott left for his 3 week Europe trip, the two of us went on a very nice date night. We had a babysitter for Brendan, got dressed up and went out to see Dueling Pianos. We had reservations to At My Place, a local restaurant in Corona that features Las Vegas style pianists every weekend. Although we didn't take any pictures, we had a wonderful time. The food was good and very decently priced. I would defiantly recommend this place. We can't wait for an opportunity to go back. I think next time we will try to go on a Thursday night since there isn't a cover on Thursdays.

Overall, it was a wonderful date night for the two of us to spend together. Three weeks is a long time to be away from your spouse!

Happy Anniversary

Yesterday, Scott and I celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary. I must admit, our celebration was a lot better than last year. Brendan was born on the 14th, which means we came home from the hospital on the 15th. So on the 16th, our third anniversary, and the first full day home with our baby. Scott wanted to go out to dinner just the two of us, even though Scott doesn't remember this, but even then we knew something wasn't right with Brendan. He wasn't eating well, he didn't really cry, and all he did was sleep. But we tried to go celebrate together anyway. My mom stayed home with Brendan and Scott and I just ended up going to Islands. We were back in less than 45 minutes. It was so hard for me to be away from my baby at that point, I was still too emotional! Scott still gives me a hard time about that night! :)

While I was at work yesterday, Scott brought me some lovely flowers and a nice card. It was such a nice surprise. For my anniversary present, Scott got me another very sweet card that was very heartfelt, and a beautiful bracelet from Switzerland. I didn't take a picture but it is beautiful with pearls and a silver chain. My husband has good taste in jewelry, he has picked out all of the jewelery he has bought me, including my wedding ring. What a wonderful husband.

But yesterday evening we decided to go out, my mom stayed home with Brendan again (this time completely healthy) and Scott and I went out to Victoria Gardens. We had a lovely dinner at Lucille's BBQ, If you don't know Scott and I very well, we LOVE Barbeque. For dinner we had their "Feast for Two" let me tell you, it was a FEAST, the two of us couldn't finish it and brought home most of the meat and one of the desserts! What a deal!

We walked around Victoria Gardens for a short while, but Scott was just so tired, he is still a little off from his travels to Europe, so this time it was Scott that wanted to cut the evening short, at least we were out for three hours this time.

Happy Anniversary Babe, "I love you more today than yesterday, but not as much as tomorrow!"

Irish Dinner

Last night I had my Traditional St. Patrick's Day dinner for the girls. We had 6 girls and three kids at dinner. I thought the evening was wonderful! This was my 5th year cooking this dinner for the girls. Although it is not the "Traditional" dinner my parents make, I don't have time to spend hours in the kitchen, so I have improvised my meal a bit. My Parents still makes their dinner every year.

Before leaving for work, I put my Corned-beef (frozen) into the crock pot with a few cups of water, set it to 10 hours low, and left for work. Because I live so close to where I work, I was able to come home at lunch and add the golden potatoes (I like the taste better than red potatoes) and carrots to the crock pot. After work, I came home to finish the meal, although most of the meal was already done, sitting in the crock-pot waiting for me. My sister helped me with the asparagus (instead of the mint peas (not minced) my mother makes), we boiled some cabbage in the juice from the corned beef, and I went to work making the Girl Scout Thin Mint brownies they were really good. I had purchased some Potato rolls that were in a bread basket on the table (since I didn't have time to make the Irish Soda Bread) and with the pear jello made the night before, dinner was a snap!

Sorry, no pictures of dinner, but I did get a video of the kids playing afterwards. The video is mostly of my son...but what do you expect? :) Pictures of the kids together can be found on Tawni's blog.

Pear Jell-o

Happy St. Patrick's day!

Growing up, St. Patrick's Day was always a big deal. I ALWAYS wore green to School. My mother would try to make the day fun for us, she would pack green food in our lunch with mint cookies, I remember one morning we had green malt-o-meal for breakfast and maybe even green milk! She always wanted us to enjoy the holidays. Every year we had our traditional big St. Patrick's Day dinner with everything included: Corn beef, cabbage, potatoes, minced peas (gross!), key-lime pie, Irish Soda Bread and pear jell-o.

Pear Jell-o? What is Irish about that? I have no idea! But it is a tradition in our house, and it seems to be spreading. My first year of working at my job, I suggested that we have a "party" on St. Patrick's Day and all bring goodies. (Our office is always looking for an excuse to party.) That year I brought my "traditional" pear Jell-o and they were a huge hit! From then on, Jen in my office makes me bring them every year, and every year we have a party. This will be my 4th year bringing my "Famous Pear Jell-o" to work.
They are actually very simple to make, but somehow I always wait until the last minute to make them and stay up until 11:00 at night to finish them. In the center of the pear is a cream cheese mixture with powdered sugar and walnuts covered with Lime Jell-o. Considering half of the Staff is new this year, we will have to see how well they go over.

Scott's Birthday

Scott's Birthday was on October 21st, but since I was in Sacramento on his birthday, we didn't get to celebrate on that day. Instead, we all went out on Thursday, (10/23) to celebrate. I had given Scott his birthday present before I left so we just wanted to go out for his birthday dinner. We ended up going to Islands for dinner. If you join there Birthday club, Islands will send you a certificate for a free MEAL on your birthday. A free burger or entree of your choice plus one of there Kona pies (to die for!). We had a wonderful evening together as a family, even if Brendan slept through the whole thing!
I ordered their Baja Tacos, which were really good, however, I do enjoy the Yaki Tacos better. Scott had a very large burger (can't remember which one) but we both really enjoyed our meal, especially since Scott's was FREE!! The best part was of course the Kona Pie "Mocha almond fudge ice cream and cookie-crust topped with chocolate fudge, roasted almonds, whipped cream & a cherry" Mmm, Mmm Good! Plus, it was also FREE! After dinner we headed to Borders to look around, one of Scott's favorite places to go. I'm sure he bought a book, I just can't remember which one. We had a wonderful evening.
Happy Birthday Hunny!