Food Faves

I still crave the food I grew up on, all the time. Mom's fried chicken and lasagna, tapioca pudding, Kraft Deluxe Macaroni and Cheese, Grandma's pot roast and tuna fish sandwiches with Nacho Cheese Doritos smashed inside. Oh, freakin' yum. Those are some of the foods that give me that cozy, familiar feeling, of home.

So I was thinking about my kids and what kind of foods they love...wondering what Austin will ask me to make in a few years, when he's tired of eating Pasta Roni and wants a home-cooked meal. His tastes haven't changed much since he was a wee one and I wonder if these will still remain his favorite foods...


* Any and all kinds of lasagna. He often likens himself to Garfield (his cartoon hero).

* Chicken Drumsticks - BBQ'd is his absolute favorite, but he also gets giddy about this relatively new Wilson-Creeger-Rich family favorite. The last time I made this he had EIGHT drumsticks.
http://www.nigella.com/recipe/recipe_detail.aspx?rid=209

* Pizza - He has pizza every single day for lunch at school. His favorite toppings are mushrooms and olives.

* Trader Joe's Mandarin Orange Chicken - he SWOONS over this stuff.

* Cheeseburgers - and make it a double!

* Garlic Bread - I make this with almost every meal it seems. I make it the way my mom did growing up...it's super simple and the way Aust loves it most. Sourdough slices buttered and sprinkled with garlic powder.

Now, Harlie on the other hand is a champion eater already, so it's hard to sort out what her favorites are, just yet. EXCEPT for the one shining star of culinary excellence that she cries out for all day long. "Ap! Ap! Ap!"

Applesauce. She can't get enough.

Chubby Cheeks No More

Austin always makes fun of me whenever I fawn over the old pictures of him we have around the house. "Look at those chubby cheeks...I just wanna squeeze 'em!" I squeak in that garbled high pitched tone usually reserved for pets and newborns. "They were FAT!" Austin responds, "Why do you like FAT cheeks?"

Okay, who doesn't like FAT toddler cheeks?!!

Anyway, last night I came across this photo that my cousin Sean posted on Facebook. It was taken about 11 years ago at the apartment I shared with Melanie when Scott and I first met. It flat out killed me.

It was a couple nights ago, Scott and Austin were standing in the kitchen side by side and I looked at them and said "Wow Aust, you're almost as tall as your dad...go stand back to back. " And sure enough, another inch or so and they will be the same height. I mean, he's only 14...I didn't think that would happen until 16 or 17!

And then, just yesterday, Florence had come over to visit and then take Aust to a Kings game, so I had my camera out, naturally.

And I happened to take this picture of the two of them.

I'm never gonna get used to this growing up businesss.

Harlie's 15 Month Appointment

Harlie had her 15 month well baby appointment today and was able to get caught up on her shots. The doc says her ears look great, which I was relieved about since she's been poking at them the last couple of days.

Her stats are as follows:

Weight: 26 lbs (88.7%)
Height: 32 inches (90.1%)
Head: 46 cm (53.4%)

Attack of the Hives!

On Valentine's Day, Harlie broke out into a rash, which later developed into a horrible case of hives. As suspected, the doctor confirmed that it was due to an allergic reaction to the Amoxicillin she had been taking for an ear infecton. The poor thing was absolutely miserable for about 5 days, and it just broke our hearts. Luckily she is back to her bubbly, silly self!

Who Doesn't Love a Montage?

After taking a LONG break from posting, I decided to return to this blog when I discovered how much I enjoyed re-reading past entries, flooded with nostalgia. This is really more for me than anyone else...I mean I do love to capture a memory, for sho'. I created this slideshow for Harlie's 1st birthday and it is probably the quickest way to recap the last (crazy, frightening, wonderful) year.

Warmest Holiday Wishes

Let it Snow

36 Weeks

Today was my 36 week appointment with my dr. and I am happy to say I am already 2 cm dilated and 70% effaced...so even if she doesn't come early, some of the work is already done! But yes of course I hope this means she'll be early...so cross your fingers for me!

Below is a progress picture of me at 36 weeks and a few shots of Harlie's nursery.

Austin's 13th Birthday!!

I must be losing my mind! I really thought I had posted pics of Austin's birthday 2 weeks ago,but it looks like I didn't! I can't believe little Aust is now a teenager---YIKES!

Mom's B-day

Yesterday, we had a great time up at Mom and Dan's. The weather was beautiful and it was just fun to relax and enjoy the company of family.