Introducing TJ and Chasqui (who, we are grateful to say, has not wanted to eat the baby)...
Nap time with daddy
TJs first bath (of course he's happy because he's naked!!!)
Peace out!!!
Mommy, why are there two of you??????
Oh, oh!!! Poppers!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Cuddle-time with dad, and 1st bath, and just being cute
For your viewing pleasure (and to appease the repeated phone calls asking for more pics)
Introducing TJ and Chasqui (who, we are grateful to say, has not wanted to eat the baby)...
Nap time with daddy
Introducing TJ and Chasqui (who, we are grateful to say, has not wanted to eat the baby)...
Nap time with daddy
Friday, September 26, 2008
A Minor Miracle Occurred, and Now We Have A Miracle
Sometime between Tuesday and Wednessday I went into active labor. The transition from cramping to contractions was so gradual and gentle, that I honestly have no idea when one left off and the other began. In fact, the build was SO gentle and gradual that I really didn't think I was even in labor for the longest time. Every story I've heard recently seems to involve a "sudden" onset; I had NOTHING sudden, other than a realization that I should probably start working on getting to the hospital.
I am going to post more on my birth experience later (because it was quite the experience), but for now I wanted to get a few teasers up:
This was the very first photo ever taken of our little Thomas Jaden Glade. He has been ex-utero for only a few moments.
I am really proud of this CONE HEAD because it PROVES that I pushed this 8lb 9oz kid out. Ha. What do Doctors really know anyway? (sorry Dr. Glade) Maybe my determination to push was augmented by having been told I was likely too small to deliver him. There's no greater incentive than being told you can't do something.
And he's got pretty dark eyes:
Still a little bleary-eyed from a REALLY TIGHT FIT:
I didn't feel so good, but I sure was proud of my work:
I can't seem to get him to hold still for pictures... Do they ever mind? Where are the instructions written, anyhow?
Rob was an all-star dad, and changed almost every single diaper while we were at the hospital. There was NO nursery, so from almost the moment TJ was evicted from Hotel Utero, he was our responsibility. Needless to say, after labor and delivery I was kinda checked out. Rob was left with all the heavy-lifting; or in this case, Meconium Space Poo wiping. He has earned his sleepless-eyes honorably.
His poor hands are all battered and bruised-up from the blood draws. He had to have SO many because he was a little hypoglycemic (don't worry, this has all resolved).
I am going to post more on my birth experience later (because it was quite the experience), but for now I wanted to get a few teasers up:
This was the very first photo ever taken of our little Thomas Jaden Glade. He has been ex-utero for only a few moments.
I am really proud of this CONE HEAD because it PROVES that I pushed this 8lb 9oz kid out. Ha. What do Doctors really know anyway? (sorry Dr. Glade) Maybe my determination to push was augmented by having been told I was likely too small to deliver him. There's no greater incentive than being told you can't do something.
And he's got pretty dark eyes:
Still a little bleary-eyed from a REALLY TIGHT FIT:
I didn't feel so good, but I sure was proud of my work:
I can't seem to get him to hold still for pictures... Do they ever mind? Where are the instructions written, anyhow?
Rob was an all-star dad, and changed almost every single diaper while we were at the hospital. There was NO nursery, so from almost the moment TJ was evicted from Hotel Utero, he was our responsibility. Needless to say, after labor and delivery I was kinda checked out. Rob was left with all the heavy-lifting; or in this case, Meconium Space Poo wiping. He has earned his sleepless-eyes honorably.
His poor hands are all battered and bruised-up from the blood draws. He had to have SO many because he was a little hypoglycemic (don't worry, this has all resolved).
Monday, September 22, 2008
The Story
And I'm pretty unhappy about it, so excuse the terse tone: The baby has not dropped, engaged in the pelvis, etc, etc. I am not dialating, effacing, or progressing. I am currently scheduled for induction on the 30th, with a 70% chance of C-section due to the very "generous" size of the baby.
If you live in Little Rock and don't mind a grump, I am DESPERATE for something to do to keep me occupied during the coming VERY LONG WEEK.
If you live in Little Rock and don't mind a grump, I am DESPERATE for something to do to keep me occupied during the coming VERY LONG WEEK.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
The Best $20 I've Ever Spent
...was on an old Singer sewing machine from the DC Craigslist. It's probably about as old as I am, and half the functions no longer work; that being said, it's a great little straight-stitcher, and the zig-zag stitch still works (bonus!). Many a project has passed through this machine (and many a pant-hem, as I am short). In an effort to maintain my flagging sanity, I spent the week finding projects.
We purchased a rocking chair at one of the Little Rock consignment sales for CHEAP! I'm guessing this was due to the fact that it had been painted Big Bird Yellow with a shiny lacquer finish (gross) and blue cushions. So I sanded the chair down (this part took the longest, but I was worried nothing would stick to that miserable shiny finish), painted it cream, and recovered the cushions in green and brown corduroy. Want to know the best part? They are reversible cushions. One side is striped, and one is solid. I'm showing you one of each side. This project burned a good 2 1/2 days, all told. And don't you love the dog pillow I found?
We purchased a rocking chair at one of the Little Rock consignment sales for CHEAP! I'm guessing this was due to the fact that it had been painted Big Bird Yellow with a shiny lacquer finish (gross) and blue cushions. So I sanded the chair down (this part took the longest, but I was worried nothing would stick to that miserable shiny finish), painted it cream, and recovered the cushions in green and brown corduroy. Want to know the best part? They are reversible cushions. One side is striped, and one is solid. I'm showing you one of each side. This project burned a good 2 1/2 days, all told. And don't you love the dog pillow I found?
Next project: A crib skirt, using the extra fabric from the chair cushions, and some basic cream cotton. I now feel like I've "decorated" the nursery. It even matches.
I also made another receiving blanket--hey, if I don't need it, I'm sure there will be another little boy coming along somewhere soon (I have fertile friends)-- and then a liner for a diaper pail. My friends assure me that I do not want a Diaper Genie, and that this is really the preferred method. Hey, I'll trust the Moms Who Know.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
As Requested
I've gotten multiple requests for these two recipes lately, so I thought I'd share with all of you. Dessert first:
Eclairs
They look impressive and aren't hard to make (just a little time-consuming).
*There are three parts to this-the puff, cream, and chocolate. All are below. Bake puffs, fill with cream, and drizzle chocolate on top.
The “Puff”
½ cup butter
1 cup water
1 cup sifted all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
4 eggs
1. Heat butter and water to boiling point on stove. Add flour/salt all at once and stir vigorously with wooden spoon until mixture leaves sides of pan.
2. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Add unbeaten eggs, one at a time (important), and beat until absorbed into mixture.
4. Drop by large teaspoons onto un-greased cookie sheet.
5. Bake at 400 degrees at 20-25 minutes. After removing from oven, immediately pierce the puffs to allow steam to escape (this will help them maintain their shape and not get soggy).
Pastry Cream
2 cups Milk
½ cup white sugar
1 vanilla bean (or just use vanilla)
6 egg yolks
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 pinch salt
1. Place the milk, half the sugar and the vanilla bean in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Combine the egg yolks and the remaining sugar in a bowl and whisk until light in color. Add in the flour and the salt, mix to combine.
3. When the milk just begins to boil, remove from heat and remove vanilla bean. Very slowly dribble the hot milk into the yolk mixture, stirring all the time to avoid cooking the egg. When about half of the milk has been added, place all of the yolk mixture into the saucepan over medium heat. Using a spatula or a whisk, mix the pastry cream as it heats, making sure to reach all of the corners of the pan when you stir. Bring the mixture to a boil. Let boil for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. The mixture will be thick.
4. Remove from heat and add the butter. Strain if you wish for a smoother cream. Place into a bowl and cover directly with plastic wrap to stop a skin from forming on the cream. Chill and use within a few days.
Chocolate Ganache
Semi-sweet chocolate chips
Milk
Heat pan with chocolate and turn off as soon as chips melt. Add milk until appropriate consistency is reached.
Yummy yummy. Now for the healthy recipe:
Whole Wheat Bread (this recipe has really made the rounds in the Pinnacle Mtn Ward)
Bread Starter
3 Tablespoons instant potato flakes
1 scant cup warm water
1/2 cup sugar
Stir together and let set over night (I often cheat, and let it sit for only about 4 hours).
Bread
2 Tablespoons yeast
2 1/2 cups warm water
1/3 cup malted barley syrup (or honey-- I find the malted barley has a better flavor. If you want to make an entirely sugar-free bread, use the malt barley syrup instead of sugar in the starter, and the honey here)
stir gently and let it sit until foamy
add:
1/3 cup olive oil
1/3 cup gluten
1 Tablespoon salt
1 cup of the starter (I usually just dump the whole thing in)
6 cups wheat flour (may need a little more)
Mix (or knead) for 10 minutes
Cut into 3 equal parts, place in greased loaf pans, and let rise until double (about an hour).
Bake at 350 for 25- 30 minutes, or until top of loaf is golden brown.
Eclairs
They look impressive and aren't hard to make (just a little time-consuming).
*There are three parts to this-the puff, cream, and chocolate. All are below. Bake puffs, fill with cream, and drizzle chocolate on top.
The “Puff”
½ cup butter
1 cup water
1 cup sifted all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
4 eggs
1. Heat butter and water to boiling point on stove. Add flour/salt all at once and stir vigorously with wooden spoon until mixture leaves sides of pan.
2. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Add unbeaten eggs, one at a time (important), and beat until absorbed into mixture.
4. Drop by large teaspoons onto un-greased cookie sheet.
5. Bake at 400 degrees at 20-25 minutes. After removing from oven, immediately pierce the puffs to allow steam to escape (this will help them maintain their shape and not get soggy).
Pastry Cream
2 cups Milk
½ cup white sugar
1 vanilla bean (or just use vanilla)
6 egg yolks
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 pinch salt
1. Place the milk, half the sugar and the vanilla bean in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Combine the egg yolks and the remaining sugar in a bowl and whisk until light in color. Add in the flour and the salt, mix to combine.
3. When the milk just begins to boil, remove from heat and remove vanilla bean. Very slowly dribble the hot milk into the yolk mixture, stirring all the time to avoid cooking the egg. When about half of the milk has been added, place all of the yolk mixture into the saucepan over medium heat. Using a spatula or a whisk, mix the pastry cream as it heats, making sure to reach all of the corners of the pan when you stir. Bring the mixture to a boil. Let boil for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. The mixture will be thick.
4. Remove from heat and add the butter. Strain if you wish for a smoother cream. Place into a bowl and cover directly with plastic wrap to stop a skin from forming on the cream. Chill and use within a few days.
Chocolate Ganache
Semi-sweet chocolate chips
Milk
Heat pan with chocolate and turn off as soon as chips melt. Add milk until appropriate consistency is reached.
Yummy yummy. Now for the healthy recipe:
Whole Wheat Bread (this recipe has really made the rounds in the Pinnacle Mtn Ward)
Bread Starter
3 Tablespoons instant potato flakes
1 scant cup warm water
1/2 cup sugar
Stir together and let set over night (I often cheat, and let it sit for only about 4 hours).
Bread
2 Tablespoons yeast
2 1/2 cups warm water
1/3 cup malted barley syrup (or honey-- I find the malted barley has a better flavor. If you want to make an entirely sugar-free bread, use the malt barley syrup instead of sugar in the starter, and the honey here)
stir gently and let it sit until foamy
add:
1/3 cup olive oil
1/3 cup gluten
1 Tablespoon salt
1 cup of the starter (I usually just dump the whole thing in)
6 cups wheat flour (may need a little more)
Mix (or knead) for 10 minutes
Cut into 3 equal parts, place in greased loaf pans, and let rise until double (about an hour).
Bake at 350 for 25- 30 minutes, or until top of loaf is golden brown.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Counting Sheep
For the past couple of nights, I CANNOT sleep (could someone please tell me that insomnia is a sign of impending labor?). I'm exhausted all day, but the second my head hits the pillow, I'm wide awake. Today I even skipped out on any type of nap, thinking that if I could make myself tired enough, I would be able to sleep. But after almost two hours of trying, I am surrendering. All of this late-night wakefullness has left me with many quiet hours of introspection. Tonight, I keep thinking about when Rob and I first started to date.
I remember the night in Peru, just below the Pass we'd just hiked that day. Sam and Rob and I were all sitting and looking at the stars of the Southern Hemisphere, talking and feeling the ebb and flow of simply Being. He put his arm around me, and although he hadn't said it, I could feel him communicating it was more than "just friends". The first time we ever held hands was in Lima, Peru, walking back to the hostel with Monica's medicine. 
I remember how natural it felt, the way I was just able to reach out and take his hand without even really thinking about it. We were close to the ocean and I could feel the salt in the air. We stayed up talking really late that night. Our first kiss was on an airplane, above the sunset-stained clouds. We touched down in Baltimore, but I'm not sure that either one of us really left the clouds. Driving from Baltimore back to DC, where we were both living and working at the time, we talked about transitioning our relationship from "vacation mode" to "real life mode" and what changes would need to occur. When he dropped me off, I didn't want to get out of the car because I didn't want to loose the magical flush that was suffusing the world. I was certain that the minute we both went back to work, it would fade. It didn't. It never really has. I still feel that muted sense of wonder, the deep joy of shared life.
Being married has been the most fun I've ever had in my life; all of the adventures, misadventures, and learning experiences we've had, and how great it's been to be just the two of us. It was hard for me to make the decision to add a third to Us. But things with the dog worked out pretty well, and Rob was able to convince me to add a fourth to our coupledom. I feel a little like I did that night we were just getting back to DC, a little hesitant to step into the next chapter. I have so enjoyed having these years just to ourselves. The baby-thing is scary. But there's nobody I'd rather do it with. Hell, there's nobody else who'd put up with nine(ten) months of pregnant, ornery, cursing Me, and still love me on the other side of it.
Here's to the future, babe. Love you.
PS- It makes me really mad that I can't get the stupid time-stamp on my blog--or email--to recognize what time zone I'm in. I've changed it about a zillion times, and even done the interactive Help feature. Didn't work. What does it think, that I live in Japan or something? There's a 5 hour difference between the time it has, and the time it is.
I remember the night in Peru, just below the Pass we'd just hiked that day. Sam and Rob and I were all sitting and looking at the stars of the Southern Hemisphere, talking and feeling the ebb and flow of simply Being. He put his arm around me, and although he hadn't said it, I could feel him communicating it was more than "just friends". The first time we ever held hands was in Lima, Peru, walking back to the hostel with Monica's medicine. 
I remember how natural it felt, the way I was just able to reach out and take his hand without even really thinking about it. We were close to the ocean and I could feel the salt in the air. We stayed up talking really late that night. Our first kiss was on an airplane, above the sunset-stained clouds. We touched down in Baltimore, but I'm not sure that either one of us really left the clouds. Driving from Baltimore back to DC, where we were both living and working at the time, we talked about transitioning our relationship from "vacation mode" to "real life mode" and what changes would need to occur. When he dropped me off, I didn't want to get out of the car because I didn't want to loose the magical flush that was suffusing the world. I was certain that the minute we both went back to work, it would fade. It didn't. It never really has. I still feel that muted sense of wonder, the deep joy of shared life.
Being married has been the most fun I've ever had in my life; all of the adventures, misadventures, and learning experiences we've had, and how great it's been to be just the two of us. It was hard for me to make the decision to add a third to Us. But things with the dog worked out pretty well, and Rob was able to convince me to add a fourth to our coupledom. I feel a little like I did that night we were just getting back to DC, a little hesitant to step into the next chapter. I have so enjoyed having these years just to ourselves. The baby-thing is scary. But there's nobody I'd rather do it with. Hell, there's nobody else who'd put up with nine(ten) months of pregnant, ornery, cursing Me, and still love me on the other side of it.
Here's to the future, babe. Love you.
PS- It makes me really mad that I can't get the stupid time-stamp on my blog--or email--to recognize what time zone I'm in. I've changed it about a zillion times, and even done the interactive Help feature. Didn't work. What does it think, that I live in Japan or something? There's a 5 hour difference between the time it has, and the time it is.
We Have No News
Although it is handy that everyone is answering my phone calls right now; nobody wants to miss The Call announcing the arrival of Baby Glade. The absence of Baby News--or progress, or even encouraging news from the doctor--is disheartening, especially when I'm SO READY TO NOT be pregnant anymore. Maybe EVER. Again.
Moving On:
Over Memorial Day Weekend, we had Rob's parents and sister and her husband come stay with us. Rob's dad was celebrating the big Six-O, and since I had been advised not to leave town (due to a certain child who refuses to budge from his cozy Hotel Uterus room), they brought the party to us. Hooray! It was a very welcome diversion (Thanks, Becky, for letting my hijack some pictures off your blog).
Moving On:
Over Memorial Day Weekend, we had Rob's parents and sister and her husband come stay with us. Rob's dad was celebrating the big Six-O, and since I had been advised not to leave town (due to a certain child who refuses to budge from his cozy Hotel Uterus room), they brought the party to us. Hooray! It was a very welcome diversion (Thanks, Becky, for letting my hijack some pictures off your blog).
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