Nesting with Food

Today, Michael and I got up early and headed to downtown Durham for the Farmer's Market. Christian, being the typical teenager opted to stay home and watch the numerous episodes of Charmed that we DVR for her. She missed out!

It was beautiful and sunny which brought everyone out to the market. We stocked up on red, yellow and purple peppers, basil, tomatoes, onions, garlic, peaches, etc. Everything was so bright and colorful that I couldn't resist stopping at every stand just to check things out. We ended out trip with a stop by Daisy Cakes , an up and coming bakery that currently sells out of a streamiliner mobile home which is parked in front of where there shop is to be located. This morning I may have purchased a black and white cupcake (for later) and a warm blueberry and peach tart topped with homemade whipped cream (for then). So yummy and the perfect way to end the trip to the Farmers Market.

Next we headed to Trader Joe's for some groceries and decided that we really need to shop there more often because the prices cannot be beat. We were able to get everything on our regular grocery store list at a much lower price plus so many other unique items that Harris-Teeter does not carry.

Next we headed home and to start nesting. Between Michael and I we:

• baked a loaf of whole wheat bread (Michael)


• made homemade salsa with plenty to freeze (Christie)


• blended three batches of pesto, three pint bags per batch (joint effort)


• roasted a turkey breast (Michael)


• created a homemade spinach dip (Christie)


• mixed Deb D's corn, pepper, feta and black bean salad (Michael)


• cooked chicken for tonight's dinner of pesto chicken panini's (Christie)


• soaked and cooked black beans the looong way (Michael)


• washed ALL the dishes, cutting boards, knives, machinery from said food prep (Michael)

All of this was completed by 3pm. Needless to say, I took a nap afterwards. I have not felt this productive in months and now our freezer has some yummy eats for when the little lady decides to make an appearance.

One year ago today...

I married my best friend. There's no one else I would want to travel with along this crazy, scary and amazing journey. I love you MJ and I cannot wait for our 1st Anniversary present to arrive.

Only two months this time!

(This post is dedicated to my two loyal followers...Sue and Jessica)

Greetings from pregnancyland! Yup, 38 weeks on Tuesday and no progress as of last appointment. Yes, I have had a few Braxton-Hicks but nothing to call the doctor about. I am large and round and feel fortunate that I gained most of my weight in my belly...as you can see below. I have managed to take on some fabulous edema as you can see in my face...you are so lucky this did not include a picture of my feet!!

Despite the puffiness and large round belly, I am actually feeling pretty well. I am still working full time at the hospital...trekking back and forth between our transplant floor and clinic. Granted I walk a bit slower but I am making it work so that I can use my time off once Squirt arrives.

The last few months have been relatively uneventful. I have been blessed with the most magnificent co-workers, friends and family who hosted a variety of showers and brunches. Also, the generous hand me-downs cannot be beat!! Our child will not need clothes until she's about 6 months old. Here's a couple pics from the various pre-baby activities:

This Cake was made by the 14 year old neighbor of a co-worker. She did an AMAZING job and it tasted fabulous. I think she's the next Martha Stewart!

Mom, Marina (niece), myself with Kaylie (Marina's friend). Auntie Coreen and Deb (sister) in Myrtle Beach in July. We had a yummy brunch followed by cupcakes!

Jennifer and Marion and I at my work shower. They are the two other social workers in Peds Bone Marrow. They are truly amazing and fabulous and are my little mothers at work. They look over me and check in to make sure I am not working too hard. They also spoil Squirt on a regular basis. We can thank Marion for a purple baby snowsuit and a ton of cute hats. Jennifer is the consignment shopper guru and is constantly leaving barely used or never used items on my desk at work.

MJ has worked tirelessly on getting the room ready. We have received a ton of hand me downs from our friends Webster and Willie including this awesome crib. We managed to reorganize the spare room into a guest room/nursery. I will post more pics later once more stuff is put away.

Hoping that my next post will include pics of the little lady!!