21 Years

On August 14th, my family celebrated my youngest brother's 21st birthday. Crazy how time flies (so cliche) but I feel like it was just weeks ago when we were all little squirts playing outside until the street lamps came on.

We went to Stone Brewery in Escondido. It was such a fun time with lots of beer! Not for me, of course, I was the Designated Driver! We were missing Lance and Ali who are on the East Coast but it was a great time none-the-less.

Happy Birthday Chase,

You have become a great and noble young man, with strength, integrity and a passion for God. Continue in His steps and you are sure to succeed.

With love,
your big Sis

Week 17

On July 29th, I hit the 17 week mark. Still looking the same, however ALL food aversions have passed and my appetite is voracious! I can eat a whole lunch and then 30 minutes later, eat another! It's so great!....and with maternity pants you never feel like you are gaining weight since you pants keeps stretching to fit. I am not sure I will ever want to part with my maternity pants.

(I know, I know, 7 months from now I am sure I will be signing a different tune, something like, "I WANT my skinny pants NOW!")

Week 17:
Your baby's skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone, and the umbilical cord — her lifeline to the placenta — is growing stronger and thicker. Your baby weighs 5 ounces now (about as much as a turnip), and she's around 5 inches long from head to bottom. She can move her joints, and her sweat glands are starting to develop (www.babycenter.com).

Week 16 - It's an Avocado!

How your baby's growing:
Get ready for a growth spurt. In the next few weeks, your baby will double his weight and add inches to his length. Right now, he's about the size of an avocado: 4 1/2 inches long (head to rump) and 3 1/2 ounces. His legs are much more developed, his head is more erect than it has been, and his eyes have moved closer to the front of his head. His ears are close to their final position, too. The patterning of his scalp has begun, though his locks aren't recognizable yet. He's even started growing toenails. And there's a lot happening inside as well. For example, his heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day, and this amount will continue to increase as your baby continues to develop (www.babycenter.com).

Reflections:
I am still waiting for this little bump to pop out there; sometimes I feel like things are changing and sometimes I don't. I do think though that I felt this little peanut move! Just today, on July 27th I felt a little pop and I just know it was the baby. We will see if I can feel any other movements.

A Breakfast Treat! Overnight French Toast Bake with Berry Toppings

This is an excellent dish to bring to any and all brunch occasions! Friends will be begging for this recipe!



Overnight French Toast Bake with Berry Toppings

French Toast Bake

12 cups cubed (1 inch) soft French Bread - I used one whole large french loaf
8 eggs
3 cups of half & half
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp vanilla

Berry Topping
1 cup sugar
1 tbs. orange juice
1 bag (12oz) frozen unsweetened mixed berries
3 cups fresh strawberries, quartered
1 tbs (give or take) of cornstarch

Directions:

1. Spray bottom and sides of 13x9 inch glass baking dish with cooking spray. Place the bread cubes in the baking dish. In large bowl, beat eggs, half & half, 1/4 cup sugar, the cinnamon, salt and vanilla with wire whisk until smooth; pour over bread cubes. Cover tightly; refrigerate at least 4 hours but no longer than 24 hours.
2. Heat over to 400. Uncover dish and bake 25 to 35 minutes until golden brown and knife inserted in center comes out clean.
3. Meanwhile, in 2 qt sauce pan, stir together 1 cup sugar and the cornstarch. Stir in orange juice until smooth. Stir in the mixed berries. Heat to boiling over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook about six minutes, stirring constantly, until topping is slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
4. Just before serving, stir strawberries into topping.
5. Serve warm over French Toast Bake!

Dive in! This won't disappoint!

PotLove

I just wanted to post a quick link to a great photographer and fabulous friend who hosted the annual PotLove, a Valentine's themed brunch!


Apprécier!