4 Hours Past Normal

As I sit and write this my sweet 6 month angel is fast asleep in her crib. You would never know the past few days have been a whirlwind for her. Since she had her sinus infection she has been spitting up a couple times a day. She has never been one to spit up. Ever. I thought it as due to the antibiotics they had her on but now I am not sure since she has been off that medicine for a week.

For the past few days fussy has been her middle name. Every time I leave the room she is just starts crying. This has been very trying for this mama. I have started school and that is time consuming in itself and i am determined to get good grades. I have been staying up wayy past my "bedtime" to spend time with Brian when he gets home from work and getting up early with baby girl. I have spread myself extremely thin. Tonight i almost broke. I am going on 4 hours of sleep and endless amounts of stress.

I cant be the only mom out there who finds herself thinking I am doing this all wrong. Or I could be doing this much better. I kept comparing myself to other moms or my own mom thinking how they would do it. Once baby finally settled I did too. With my bible and some very inspiring blogs. I came to the realization that guess what? I am doing the best I can. I am nowhere near a perfect mom but who is? I know the Lord gave me Lindsey for many reasons. I am to teach her and nurture her but she is really teaching me right now. Teaching me about more about myself, teaching me to lean on Him when all else seems to be failing.

Instead of focusing on what I could do better I need to relax and know that He will lead me as long as I listen. I will make mistakes. Tons. But one look from that precious baby and it is all worth it. The lack of sleep, the stress, everything. She is the best part of every day and always will be.

Mommy loves you so very much baby girl. Please have patience with me for I am new to this whole parenting thing. I promise to always try to do my best and to love you with everything I have.

In the end thats what matters. Trying your best and loving with all you have.

Lately

 who could forget this precious angel

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" Hebrews 11:1

Faith

"Man does, indeed need a radical change of heart; he needs to begin to hate his sin instead of loving it, and to love God instead of hating him; he needs , in a word, to be reconciled with God. And the place above all others, where this change takes place is at the foot of the cross, when he apprehends something of the hatred of God for sin and his indescribable love for the sinner." by JND Anderson

Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

I have been really good with this diet. This side dish or appetizer fits into those categories beautifully! However, it is not overly spicy. The cream cheese and honey play as a wonderful counterpart to the jalapeno's spice.

Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

Serves 2 (can be adjusted to easily any amount)

4 Jalapenos cut in half, seeds and membrane removed

4 oz cream cheese (half a small dub)

4 pieces of thin cut bacon, cut in half

Drizzle of Honey

Preheat the oven to 400. I found the easiest way to spread the cream cheese inside the jalapeno is to put it in the corner of a freezer ziploc bag and snip off the ends. Perfect pastry bag as well ;) Drizzle a small amount of honey down the center of the cream cheese. Wrap in bacon and place on a baking dish. Bake for about 10 minutes or until your bacon is done.

*Next time I might add some monterey jack. If you add something to this recipe let me know how it turns out :)

Im still here!

Yes I am still alive! We have had quite the crazy last two weeks. Baby girl has been sick for over a week. We went to the doctor last week and they said it was a sinus infection given to her by me (sorry princess!). She has not been sleeping whatsoever. Like nothing. Every hour waking up. It has been a very long week and half for this mama. If lack of sleep wasnt bad enough, they put her on augmenten which has literally been wreaking havoc on the poor little thing. She has been spitting up very frequently (which she never does) and has had the worst diaper rash. Poor thing cries when she gets her diaper changed :( just absolutely breaks my heart!

However, low and behold she slept a full, continuous 8 HOURS last night! And the diaper rash looks much better today! Thank goodness!! I seriously hope this means she is starting to feel better because this mama starts school on Wednesday. Wish me luck!! Im going to need it... 

Yesterday was the big half birthday for my little angel. I cannot believe it has already been 6 months since she was brought into my life. Words cannot even express how much love I have for that little girl. She is the best part of every day. Sick or not. 

We went to the fair last weekend. Im so behind on my posts but here are some pictures from that little adventure!

Mommy & Baby

Cant forget about frozen cheesecake dipped in chocolate on a stick. Yeah I cheated alot last weekend.

On Sunday I made lasagna and then headed down the street to watch the fair parade. I honestly felt like I was in some country song. Totally different life here in these small towns. Not to mention they have a queen of everything. Horses, dairy, tomatoes, pork. You name it. I feel like a true Ohioan now. Juries still out if thats good or bad.

Hope you all had a great weekend!!

Faith

Crock Pot Pulled Pork

I love a good plate of nachos. Especially if its accompanied by some sporting event and an ice cold beer. I have been looking for different ways to make pork and why not nachos? Except to make this dukan and healthy I declined on the chips and loaded up with crispy iceburg lettuce. And you know what? I didnt even miss the chips. Not to mention your house will smell like heaven while this is cooking. You can thank me later.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Serves 2-4
1 lb Pork Tenderloin
1/2 jar of salsa verde
1 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp chili powder
2 tsp cumin
1 tsp onion powder
salt and pepper

Place the pork in the slow cooker and add the salsa and spices. Let cook on low for 5-7 hours or on high for 4 hours. About 30 min before serving, shred pork with a fork and give it a nice stir. Garnish with chips, or in my case lettuce, ff sour cream, ff cheese, jalapenos. Basically anything that you like on your nachos!

I served the pork on chips for the boyfriend and he had two helpings! Success? Id say so.

*You could use a packet of taco seasoning in place of the separate seasonings if it is easier for you. I just have the spices on hand and the packets usually contain additive

Let me Remember

We are nearing Lindseys half a year mark. 6 months have flown by and there are many things I never want to forget...

Let me remember her sweet baby kisses while pulling my hair as hard as she can

Let me remember her sweet newborn cry

Let me remember the smell of her sweet baby breath

Let me remember how she first felt in my arms

Let me remember the sound of her breathing while dreaming sweet baby dreams

Let me remember how excited she is to see me whether its after waking up or walking into the room

Let me remember her chubby cheeks, thighs and just about everything else

Let me remember how she laughs when I kiss her belly

Let me remember how she looks up at me, touches my face and smiles. Love in its purest form

Let me remember how she throws her toys and laughs when I pick them up... a million times

Let me remember how excited she gets when mickey mouse comes on

Let me remember how she flails her arms and legs when something makes her happy

Oh time how I wish you would slow down. 

Proof is in the Pudding

I have now been on the Dukan since the end of May. About 3 or so months. In that time I have lost 35 pounds! I am down 3 pant sizes and in my pre-pregnancy jeans and down almost 3 shirt sizes. When I was in Arizona visiting family in May, me and my mom did some shopping. My maternity clothes were too big but my pre pregnancy clothes were still too small. I could not even get my favorite jeans past my knees. Totally depressing. So we did some sale shopping because I knew I was going to lose the weight. However, I did not expect it to happen so fast! All the pants I bought while I was in Arizona have to be held up by a belt they are so big! I still want to lose a few more pounds and tone. All that skin from a baby doesn't shrink over night. But overall I am pretty happy with the results and how quick it has all been! I have not had to starve or deprive myself whatsoever. I weigh 10 lbs less now than i did before I got pregnant. You will see results just stick with it!

I am attacking again this week because last week we ate so terribly I can feel my body just revolting. We had your standard steak on monday but last night I was feeling creative. I wanted salmon and had some dill so I got to work and this is what i came up with!

Salmon with Soy and Dill

Serves 2

3 Salmon filets

3 TBSP fresh dill chopped fine

3 cloves of garlic, minced

juice of half a lemon

a tiny splash of olive oil (about a tsp)

1 TBSP of low sodium soy sauce

3 lemon slices 

Preheat your oven to 400 and line a baking sheet with foil. This will save you a mess of clean up. Combine the dill, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil and soy sauce in a bowl and stir. Season your salmon with salt and pepper and place on the foil. Spread your mixture evenly over the salmon and add a lemon slice for extra flavor. Bake for 15-20 minutes until nice and flakey.

This was the finished product. My plate only had the salmon since I am attacking. I made him somerice and roasted broccoli. If you are in a veggie rut I urge you to try this broccoli!!! All you do is roast in the oven at 400 with some garlic, lemon juice and olive oil for about 10 minutes. I had to sneak a piece off!

I also made a tzatziki to accompany the fish. The fish had plenty of flavor but I love a good tzatziki. It goes great with chicken too.

Terrible picture I know. I am still learning!

Tzatziki sauce
8 oz greek yogurt
juice of half a lemon
salt and pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
1 TBSP dill chopped fine

Mix all together and let sit in the fridge to combine. Enjoy with fish, chicken and even as a dip for pretzels

Sunday Night Dinner

to show how much dukan works, when I went to the doctor yesterday I was certain I gained weight after eating to terribly but low and behold! Down 5 more pounds! Thats a grand total of 35 pounds! SINCE MAY!! Proof is in the pudding my friends. But more on that later...

Heres what we had:

Brown Sugar and Balsamic Glazed Chicken
Serves 2
2 boneless skinless chicken breast
3 TBLS olive oil
4 cloves of garlic, minced
4 TBLS brown sugar
Splash (about a TBLS) Balsamic Vinegar

Preheat the oven to 450 and lightly coat a baking dish with non stick cooking spray. Warm the olive oil and add the garlic until tender. Be careful to not burn! Add the brown sugar and balsamic vinegar and whisk together. Place chicken breast in dish and season with some salt and pepper. Its always important to season any meat. Pour the Brown sugar mixture over the chicken and place in the oven for about 20-25 minuted until the juices run clear. Baste the chicken every now and then to ensure all the yummy flavor gets cooked in.

Bacon wrapped Green Beans
Serves 4
1 lb of green beans, washed and ends cut off
6 peices of bacon
3 TBLS butter
1 garlic clove minced
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp soy sauce

Once the chicken is done, turn down the oven to 400. Blanch the green beans in boiling water until tender and drain. Cook the bacon until soft. You don't want it crispy that will happen in the oven. Melt the butter in a small sauce pan and add the garlic, brown sugar and soy sauce. Cut the bacon in half and wrap it around a handful of green beans. You can place a tooth pick to keep in secure but I find placing it seam side down holds it together just fine. Place the bacon wrapped green beans in a baking dish and pour the sauce over. Bake for about 10-15 minutes.

And now for the grand finale of dessert!!

Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes
via Six Sisters Stuff
Makes 24 cupcakes

24 cake-mix yellow cupcakes, cooled and unwrapped (I used a butter golden mix)

1 (3.4 oz) box French Vanilla instant pudding

1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1/4 cup milk

1/2 cup sour cream

Make cupcakes according to directions on box.

Mix together pudding, cream, powdered sugar, milk, and sour cream. Beat on medium speed until stuff peaks form. Cut each cupcake in half and add a dollop of filling. Put top back on cupcake and frost with ganache.

Ganache:

1 cup heavy whipping cream

12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips

Heat cream in sauce pan until it comes to a boil. Remove from heat, pour over chocolate in a mixing bowl. Stir to mix together. Let cool slightly.

Keep in refrigerator until ready to serve.

Faith

Amen