Hey Humble Readers,
I hope things are going well where ever you are. Things on the frozen flatland are, well, frozen. Winter has officially started here in our little city. It snowed through the night on Thursday, and Friday morning we woke up to a thin blanket of white and arctic temps. I finally caved and turned on the furnace (it hasn't been that cold at all until the last couple of days). I've begun obsessing about the weather, stressing about the fact that we don't have the winter tires on the car yet (hopefully we can get in on Monday), and my fear of falling on the ice has reared it's ugly head once again. Ugh... and to think I used to love winter when I was a kid.
*****
We took Ginny for a haircut today, her second. It actually was only a bang trim, as I have decided to let her hair grow out and hopefully bring control to the two cowlicks she has on the back of her head. She was very cute at the hair dressers. We take her to a place that specializes in kids' cuts, and they have all these special chairs. Ginny was able to sit in a pink car shaped seat, and she totally knew how to play with the steering wheel and the gear shift. It was quite amusing. The hairdresser was also kind enough to trim my bangs, which had gotten sadly out of control.
*****
My kidney infection seems to be improving in fits and starts. I will be feeling relatively fine, and things will be 'normal' in the bathroom (sorry tmi) for about half the day, and then things will get bad again. Of course this is making me think more and more that it's a kidney stone, and not much of an infection. This is seemingly confirmed by the periodic cramping-kicked-in-the-back-knock-me-over pain.
*****
My Beloved, the sweet man that he is, brought me flowers the other day when I was feeling really crummy. How do I deserve such a man?
*****
I wonder how Ginny is going to handle the time change this evening. She's been sleeping really well for the last few days, and I'm hoping to be able to take advantage of the extra hour of sleep tonight. DON'T FORGET TO TURN YOUR CLOCKS BACK! :)
*****
Please send prayers and good thoughts to our bloggy sister Good Timing over at Love Grows Love. She's 16 weeks pregnant, and had a very scary day on Thursday with a leak of amniotic fluid. The last we heard, she was put on bedrest while waiting for an u/s on Friday.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Friday, November 4, 2011
Foodie Fridays: Lazy Sausage Casserole
Hey Humble Readers...
I'm just barely going to squeak this post in on time today. Yikes! I've missed the last couple of Foodie Friday posts because I've been so tired, but I'm back and this recipe is a great one!
This is another recipe that I found through Pinterest. I love the flavour combo, the flexibility of the ingredients to use whatever is available, and the low maintenence way this tastiness all comes together. I made a few minor changes to the original recipe that comes from KayoticKitchen (great step by step pics!).
And by the way, when I say tastiness, I mean TAST-I-NESS! It's one of those rare recipes where, as I was eating it the first time I told my Beloved that I was going to make it again the next week. And I did. I don't like cliches when it comes to food, but it's totally a party in your mouth.
Lazy Sausage Casserole
4 sausages (beef or pork.. I used hot italian sausage)
5 med potatoes
1/2 pound carrots (I used half a bag of pre-cut and peeled carrots)
1 bell pepper
1 large onion
1 fennel bulb (a few of the fronds reserved for garnish)
1 pint grape tomatoes
1 pint button mushrooms
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
freshly cracked black pepper
Italian herbs (I used about a tsp each of oregano, thyme, basil, rosemary, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes)
1/2 cup chicken broth
4 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Preheat oven to 450F. Peel and quarter the potatoes. Peel onions and cut into wedges leaving the root end intact. Cut the fennel bulb into wedges. Slice the bell pepper into thin strips. Combine all veggies (potatoes, onion, fennel, carrots, bell pepper, mushrooms and tomatoes in a large roasting pan. In a medium sized bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, herbs and chicken broth. Wisk together and pour mix over veggies. Add freshly cracked black pepper (to taste) and toss the veggies to coat with all the herby-oily goodness. Cover pan tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Brown the sausages in a frying pan. You don't need to cook the sausages through, just crisp up the casings. When the veggies come out of the oven, remove the foil (veg will be fork tender). Place the sausages on top of the veggies, and then pour the balsamic vinegar over the whole glorious mess. Put back into the oven, uncovered. After fifteen minutes, remove and baste everything with the juices from the bottom of the pan. Continue to bake for another 10-15 minutes. Top with the reserved fennel fronds.
That's it... beautiful tangy yumminess. And, like many of my favourite recipes, it's easily adjustable. If you don't have carrots, no sweat, just add more fennel or more taters. Feeding an army? You are only limited by the size of your roasting pan.
Easy and yummy. The best of both worlds.
I'm just barely going to squeak this post in on time today. Yikes! I've missed the last couple of Foodie Friday posts because I've been so tired, but I'm back and this recipe is a great one!
This is another recipe that I found through Pinterest. I love the flavour combo, the flexibility of the ingredients to use whatever is available, and the low maintenence way this tastiness all comes together. I made a few minor changes to the original recipe that comes from KayoticKitchen (great step by step pics!).
And by the way, when I say tastiness, I mean TAST-I-NESS! It's one of those rare recipes where, as I was eating it the first time I told my Beloved that I was going to make it again the next week. And I did. I don't like cliches when it comes to food, but it's totally a party in your mouth.
4 sausages (beef or pork.. I used hot italian sausage)
5 med potatoes
1/2 pound carrots (I used half a bag of pre-cut and peeled carrots)
1 bell pepper
1 large onion
1 fennel bulb (a few of the fronds reserved for garnish)
1 pint grape tomatoes
1 pint button mushrooms
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
freshly cracked black pepper
Italian herbs (I used about a tsp each of oregano, thyme, basil, rosemary, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes)
1/2 cup chicken broth
4 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Preheat oven to 450F. Peel and quarter the potatoes. Peel onions and cut into wedges leaving the root end intact. Cut the fennel bulb into wedges. Slice the bell pepper into thin strips. Combine all veggies (potatoes, onion, fennel, carrots, bell pepper, mushrooms and tomatoes in a large roasting pan. In a medium sized bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, herbs and chicken broth. Wisk together and pour mix over veggies. Add freshly cracked black pepper (to taste) and toss the veggies to coat with all the herby-oily goodness. Cover pan tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Brown the sausages in a frying pan. You don't need to cook the sausages through, just crisp up the casings. When the veggies come out of the oven, remove the foil (veg will be fork tender). Place the sausages on top of the veggies, and then pour the balsamic vinegar over the whole glorious mess. Put back into the oven, uncovered. After fifteen minutes, remove and baste everything with the juices from the bottom of the pan. Continue to bake for another 10-15 minutes. Top with the reserved fennel fronds.
That's it... beautiful tangy yumminess. And, like many of my favourite recipes, it's easily adjustable. If you don't have carrots, no sweat, just add more fennel or more taters. Feeding an army? You are only limited by the size of your roasting pan.
Easy and yummy. The best of both worlds.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
The Fun Never Stops
Hey Humble Readers...
I think I am destined to have complicated pregnancies, that's all there is to it.
Progesterone deficiency resulting in recurrent pregnancy loss? Check!
High blood pressure? Check!
Insulin dependant gestational diabetes? Check!
And new as of last night...
Raging kidney infection and possible kidney stones? Check!
It started with dark urine over the last couple of days, which I thought was just a result of not drinking enough water. Then I started passing tiny little blood clots in my urine (anyone recall that "spotting" I had last week? Likely tied to this and not vaginal bleeding at all).
AND THEN... the pain... oh heavens! The only way I can describe it... you know that stitch in your side you get when you run? Well, imagine that only a hundred times worse. Thankfully, each time it came on it only lasted about an hour. Drinking water seemed to be the only thing that made it at all bearable.
So I was able to get in to see Dr. B today, and do you know what he said to me when he walked into the exam room? "Oh, you're looking well today." Grrrr....
Long story short, he wants to treat the kidney infection (massive antibiotics), and see what happens from that point on. If I start vomitting (oh joy... m/s has finally just vanished, and this could bring on more vomitting??) or can't tolerate the pain I'm to go to the hospital and be put on an IV. Greeeaaat...
Honestly, I'm thankful that this isn't something that could do harm to our little Halfling 2.0 and that I was able to get in to see my doctor as quick as I was. I'm just tired of feeling like things might just be leveling out when something new comes along.
I want to enjoy this pregnancy, not constantly be trying to balance meds(this one twice a day, that one 4 times a day on an empty stomach, the other three times a day evenly spaced, insulin injections, eat now and test glucose in two hours) and eating and water and sleep.
I apologize for the whining. I'm just not feeling well and that is reflected here.
I think I am destined to have complicated pregnancies, that's all there is to it.
Progesterone deficiency resulting in recurrent pregnancy loss? Check!
High blood pressure? Check!
Insulin dependant gestational diabetes? Check!
And new as of last night...
Raging kidney infection and possible kidney stones? Check!
It started with dark urine over the last couple of days, which I thought was just a result of not drinking enough water. Then I started passing tiny little blood clots in my urine (anyone recall that "spotting" I had last week? Likely tied to this and not vaginal bleeding at all).
AND THEN... the pain... oh heavens! The only way I can describe it... you know that stitch in your side you get when you run? Well, imagine that only a hundred times worse. Thankfully, each time it came on it only lasted about an hour. Drinking water seemed to be the only thing that made it at all bearable.
So I was able to get in to see Dr. B today, and do you know what he said to me when he walked into the exam room? "Oh, you're looking well today." Grrrr....
Long story short, he wants to treat the kidney infection (massive antibiotics), and see what happens from that point on. If I start vomitting (oh joy... m/s has finally just vanished, and this could bring on more vomitting??) or can't tolerate the pain I'm to go to the hospital and be put on an IV. Greeeaaat...
Honestly, I'm thankful that this isn't something that could do harm to our little Halfling 2.0 and that I was able to get in to see my doctor as quick as I was. I'm just tired of feeling like things might just be leveling out when something new comes along.
I want to enjoy this pregnancy, not constantly be trying to balance meds(this one twice a day, that one 4 times a day on an empty stomach, the other three times a day evenly spaced, insulin injections, eat now and test glucose in two hours) and eating and water and sleep.
I apologize for the whining. I'm just not feeling well and that is reflected here.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Just For A Chuckle
Hey Humble Readers...
Something to make you all laugh, and probably shake your head...
Crazy, right? Make sure to click on the pic to read all the insane details. (ok, so it didn't come out that clear...) This is what it says, "Not soon enough. Labratory tests over the last few years have proven that babies who start drinking soda during that early formative period have a much higher chance of gaining acceptance and 'fitting in' during those awkward pre-teen and teen years. So do yourself a favor. Do your child a favor. Start them on a strict regimen of soda and other sugary carbonated beverages right now, for a lifetime of guaranteed happiness."
And just for the record... I'm planning on Ginny not having soda until she's twelve. (A mother can dream, right?)
Something to make you all laugh, and probably shake your head...
And just for the record... I'm planning on Ginny not having soda until she's twelve. (A mother can dream, right?)
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
11 Weeks: Slowly Waking Up... Maybe?
Hey Humble Readers...
I hope you're all doing well and that you had a fun Halloween weekend. We had fun taking Ginny out for her first trick or treating adventure.
On the pregnancy front I'm feeling more human every day now, which of course then brings angst of the "oh-my-gawd-do-I-still-feel-pregnant?" variety.
How far along? 11w0d
Maternity clothes? Not yet. I am noticing a few changes in my body already tho.
Body Oddities? M/s has eased off almost completely (only really hits if I get too hungry which can be hard to balance with the GD), dry skin, periods of extreme fatigue (altho it is getting a bit better), alternating constipation and IBS flares, constant hunger, acne, bruises from insulin injections, back ache
Sleep? Also improving, but still not perfect. I still have to nap at least once a day, and I'm usually fading by 8pm. I have been able to sleep for longer stretches at night, altho the fact that I've been attempting to increase my water intake has had an impact on my sleep. Also, I'm starting to find it difficult to get into a good position to sleep... I'm a tummy sleeper, and that's starting to become uncomfortable these days.
Best moment this week? Totally not pregnancy related... taking Ginny trick or treating last night.
Worst moment? Having my blood sugars tank while at a very stressful meeting at church on Sunday. Not cool!
Movement? Not yet, but I'm so aware of every little twinge in that area that I'm constantly debating "movement or IBS?"
Food cravings/aversions? Still longing for spicy foods... we have buffalo chicken burgers once a week now. I'm also obsessing about cookies, and I know it's entirely because I can't have them. Cottage cheese is still on the no-fly list. I'm also struggling with water... I am normally a water person, but I just don't want to drink it these days.
Rings? Still on, and still loose.
Gender? Not going to find out, but I'm leaning toward 'girl' this time around. (which, of course, means that it will be a boy)
Intense Dreams? Yes, mostly about things I'm worried about forgetting... like getting my bloodwork done on time for my NT scan, and booking the photographer for Ginny's first birthday pics.
Medical Concerns? On 200mg of prometrium 2x a day until 12wks (almost done... yay!), Gestational Diabetes (insulin 5 times a day... levels almost settled for now), High blood pressure (on 100mg of lobetalol 3x daily), continued heartburn (on 150mg of zan.tac 2x daily)
What I miss? Sweets (only because I can't have them), energy, being able to eat whatever whenever I want (not having to wait until my next blood sugar check)
What I look forward to? My NT scan in 13 days, finishing the prometrium, getting started on making my Christmas gifts
Emotional State? Pretty mellow, with occasional bouts of frustration at being tired out. There are so many things I want to get done right now, but I'm lucky if I can get dinner on the table most days
I hope you're all doing well and that you had a fun Halloween weekend. We had fun taking Ginny out for her first trick or treating adventure.
On the pregnancy front I'm feeling more human every day now, which of course then brings angst of the "oh-my-gawd-do-I-still-feel-pregnant?" variety.
How far along? 11w0d
Maternity clothes? Not yet. I am noticing a few changes in my body already tho.
Body Oddities? M/s has eased off almost completely (only really hits if I get too hungry which can be hard to balance with the GD), dry skin, periods of extreme fatigue (altho it is getting a bit better), alternating constipation and IBS flares, constant hunger, acne, bruises from insulin injections, back ache
Sleep? Also improving, but still not perfect. I still have to nap at least once a day, and I'm usually fading by 8pm. I have been able to sleep for longer stretches at night, altho the fact that I've been attempting to increase my water intake has had an impact on my sleep. Also, I'm starting to find it difficult to get into a good position to sleep... I'm a tummy sleeper, and that's starting to become uncomfortable these days.
Best moment this week? Totally not pregnancy related... taking Ginny trick or treating last night.
 |
| Ginny the BumbleBee & My Beloved |
Worst moment? Having my blood sugars tank while at a very stressful meeting at church on Sunday. Not cool!
Movement? Not yet, but I'm so aware of every little twinge in that area that I'm constantly debating "movement or IBS?"
Food cravings/aversions? Still longing for spicy foods... we have buffalo chicken burgers once a week now. I'm also obsessing about cookies, and I know it's entirely because I can't have them. Cottage cheese is still on the no-fly list. I'm also struggling with water... I am normally a water person, but I just don't want to drink it these days.
Rings? Still on, and still loose.
Gender? Not going to find out, but I'm leaning toward 'girl' this time around. (which, of course, means that it will be a boy)
Intense Dreams? Yes, mostly about things I'm worried about forgetting... like getting my bloodwork done on time for my NT scan, and booking the photographer for Ginny's first birthday pics.
Medical Concerns? On 200mg of prometrium 2x a day until 12wks (almost done... yay!), Gestational Diabetes (insulin 5 times a day... levels almost settled for now), High blood pressure (on 100mg of lobetalol 3x daily), continued heartburn (on 150mg of zan.tac 2x daily)
What I miss? Sweets (only because I can't have them), energy, being able to eat whatever whenever I want (not having to wait until my next blood sugar check)
What I look forward to? My NT scan in 13 days, finishing the prometrium, getting started on making my Christmas gifts
Emotional State? Pretty mellow, with occasional bouts of frustration at being tired out. There are so many things I want to get done right now, but I'm lucky if I can get dinner on the table most days
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