Did I Miss Christmas Already?!

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend filled with family and food... lots of food! I'm thinking I might just toss out my scale till after the holidays. That or maybe I should go in the opposite direction and start weighing in every morning as a good reminder to behave? Okay, lets be honest after Turkey day leftovers and sipping on my father-in-law's intoxicatingly delicious egg nog last night it'll probably be the former but on to bigger issues than my post baby weight... Christmas! Eek gad its here already.

It's amazing to me that even though we've hardly had time to clean up after Thanksgiving dinner much less finish all the left over turkey and dressing I already feel behind the ball with my Christmas prep. I realize that we did celebrate Turkey Day two days after the rest of the country but still ... how is it that I blinked and all of a sudden I'm late for Christmas? I even got an email from a (not to be named) massive online vendor that I only had one more week of "guaranteed to deliver by Christmas" free shipping.

With the new baby's arrival (note: must come up with cute baby names for the blog-- mmm, something else for my to do list, *sighs loudly*) there are more than a few things I've put on hold for the sake of my sanity and generally I'm okay with that.

This year for example we will not have the enormous gigantor tree that I foolishly fall in love with every year and then have to listen to all of DH's reasons as to why it is impractical. Piiishaw I say, we can always trim the branches. No, this year we're going with a baby tree.

I should mention, that we had really high ceilings in my house as a child so we could accommodate the 13 ft. trees. However, this is not so much the case in our present home. And of course we have a very curious 18 month old boy who'd love nothing more than to shake off every last needle from the tree, giggling like mad the entire time.

At least that would mean he'd be shaking something other than his baby brother's bassinet. And no I'm not kidding. We've essentially created a furniture barricade around the bassinet but some how that little munchkin slips and slides his way around it all if we aren't paying attention. It's so nice my child loves his little brother so much. (please note sarcasm)

I've lost my train of thought again haven't I? Well that's no surprise as I wondered around the house for about 5 minutes this morning looking for my coffee forgetting what I was looking for no less than three times over the course of said 5 minute period.

I'm pretty sure I was talking about Christmas...So here's my question. Are you an early bird shopper? or last minute deal grabber? I soooo want to be the early bird, but something tells me this year all my gifts will be ordered online and *fingers crossed* before Christmas Eve.

Mamere (that's my mom incase you're new to reading this blog) is definitely an early bird. She informed me last week that she'd just completed all her Christmas shopping. Arrgh, I hadn't even started my list. Mmm, lists... how I do love lists, especially in excel. Nothing better than sorting, highlighting, color coding, bolding and italicizing. Did that just sound as nerdy as I think it did? Well I can't help it, I LOVE lists!

I managed to get my Christmas card list and a proof of our Christmas card done last night, now I just need to get a good picture of the boys. Of course this will be the real challenge. I'm tempted to just send out the one with my older son pointing at the baby and looking at the camera like .. who's this kid? and more importantly when is he leaving? but I'm not sure everyone on our list would get the humor of it.

This year I'm just going to accept my lack of time & energy and enjoy the season, soaking up every song on the "Sounds of the Season" channel ~ probably driving DH mad in the process. Relishing in addressing and writing notes on my holiday cards. And best of all wrapping presents! oh golly, I do love a well wrapped present. I'm sounding weird again aren't I?

Okay, on that note I'm off to nap as one son is finally in his crib for some quite time and my wonderful mother in law is watching my wee little one. yiippee!

Cheers,
Ouiser

Happy Thanksgiving!

As I sit here watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade and sipping on what is probably my fourth cup of coffee I'm kinda sad. But this cartoon did make me laugh...

As many of you know I just had our second baby boy a couple of weeks ago and my wonderful inlaws are arriving tomorrow afternoon to spend a week or two with us to help out. Note: I'm extremely grateful for their help!!! But, this means DH and I decided to forgo making a big fuss about Thanksgiving dinner today and instead are doing the big meal on Saturday.

This is of course the rational and practical decision and I totally realize that. Having said that (anyone see the finale of Curb your Enthusiam? tee hee hee) since I'm neither practical nor rational I'm all grumpy and wishing I was in the kitchen fixing all our traditional favorites a la Norman Rockwell ...

Instead in a "what was I thinking" moment, I actually planned to defrost some salmon to make for dinner tonight. Ummm, I don't think so. We may not be having Turkey and all the fixings today but there is no way I'm serving something from our freezer. Thank goodness Harris Tetter is open all day today! We are going to have something homemade if it kills me. And it just might as I'm seriously contemplating packing up my 1 1/2 year old son and my 3 week old son and heading out to the store. Is that crazy? Yeah probably.

DH (who incidentally is visiting his Uncle and grandmother for lunch today-- what a good boy!) logically asked me how I would have room in the cart for food with both boys but I can't be bothered by rational problems like that. Nor can I be concerned with what shoddy reminents will be left in the stores today. At least I know I can't go wrong with canned green beans, canned mushroom soup and of course French's fried onions. Perhaps I'll throw in some sweet potatoes and make a dinner of side dishes. Those are my favorite after all.

I know I've been WAY behind on sharing recipes with you so I promise to make up for that next week. We are trying all new recipe's this year, again this may end up being a "what were you thinking" mistake but at least it'll be an interesting twist. So if any of the new dishes work out I'll share some them.

And all joking aside, I feel very lucky this year to share the day with my "Darling Husband" and our two precious sons. I hope you are enjoying this day to it's fullest! 

Now log off and go grab a big glass of wine, over eat, watch football, bicker and laugh with your family. That's what this day is for right? :)

Cheers & Love,
Ouiser

New Version of Folger's Commercial

What a coincidence, the same week I write about how much I love and still cry during the Folger's Commercial circa the 1980s they actually remake the commercial for today's generation! Of course this time "Peter" is coming home from Africa... we can only assume he's on some humanitarian volunteering mission, natch.

Oh how we've changed since the 1980's but that is an entirely different post and although I LOVE talking politics I've pretty much decided to avoid the topic on this blog lest I get into some online ranting which seems particularly pointless. Can't we all just get along??

Where was I? Oh yes, coffee commercials...

This version isn't quite as sappy and sentimental as the original (sequels rarely are) nevertheless I still teared up when I saw it last night and thought I'd share it with you since I'd written about the original version in this post.

Expecting a clip of the new ad right? Yep, this is the space I'd planned on adding it but I'm pretty sure it's not online, atleast I didn't find it during my 30 second google search. Clearly I'm a research genius. But I did find this post ranting about the new ad. If it does get posted online I'll try to remeber to add it. Of course these days I'm lucky to remember to shower. Oh and check out the comments, the aunt of the actor playing the new "Peter" gets a little defensive. Ouch! See, this is why I try to keep this blog positive!

I'm still working out a schedule with DH and the babies so my blog is suffering and for that I apologize. Frankly, if I stopped reading fan fiction I could probably still get a quick post in everyday but well, I can't seem to stop. I know if DH is reading this he'll roll his eyes and snicker at this next point but really there are some tremendously talented writers out there. Kudos to you ladies!!!

Seriously, I think I'm currently more addicted to fan fiction than to Edward & Bella and the whole Twilight gang. Eeeek did I actually admit that? Mmm, don't hate me SM I'm of course still waiting with baited breath for Midnight Sun and frankly anything else you dream up and write about.

Okay, off to browse the world of twitter and probably some fan fiction if I'm honest before baby deux wakes up demanding to be fed. He's so needy like that.


Cheers,
Ouiser

Amazing Beauty Deals ~ Thanks Alpha Mom

You're Welcome! Yes, that's right I said it, you're welcome... for not posting any of the things I've written over the past 72 hours. Just re-reading some of my would be posts and they are god awful!

I know you don't care about the crazy number of dirty diapers I've changed on a daily basis. Who knew newborns went through so many? Clearly I had forgotten. Nor are you interested in how brilliant I think my newborn son is for being able to slightly hold his head up for a second or two. Amazing right?! I'm already convinced that our older son is going to be the next Mozart but that's another post you'll never have to read. Again, you're welcome!

So what is a blogger to do when all she does is change diapers, feed her children and clean & sterilize bottles all day (and ALL night)? Well thank the good Lord for other MUCH more talented bloggers whom I can poach err, promote!

I was browsing through my favorite blogs this morning...after watching KStew on Regis & Kelly of course. Cute sweater and she sounded so great when talking about the process of acting and digging into the character but the rest of the interview seemed a little awkward. Of course I'm sure she's already tired of answering the same questions over and over again. And she's only 19 after all. I'm sure at her age I wouldn't have been half as polished. I probably would have said "umm" and "like" about a million times in a 10 minute interview. And God only knows what I would have worn. At 19 I was pretty much wearing Harold's exclusively. For those that don't remember this semi-preppy and more than a bit matronly clothing chain they went out of business a few years ago. But I donned quite a few denim vests and paisley velvet pants with my jon hart purses over the years. Okay enough about me.

Where was I?

Oh yes, "sharing" the sage advice from one of my all time favorite bloggers, Amalah. In addition to her own blog, she also blogs on Alpha Mom and today's post is PERFECT for all you ladies who are looking for some fun new beauty finds. Or for those out there that are trying to think of great gifts to give your girlfriends, nieces, mothers, sisters...or even your metrosexual male friend who cares as much about keeping his skin fresh and well moisturized as you do!

For my money, I plan to try out the Tarte Treasure Chest as well as the World of Kiehl's Holiday Gift Set. And I can think of at least three ladies on my Christmas list that I can take care of from this post. I don't want to name names or products though since there is a very good chance they are reading this!

Take a peek and discover some great new beauty products. Oh, and I can attest I LOVE the Laura Mercier line-- Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer (with SPF) is awesome as is their loose powder and I'm totally hooked on their line of lip gloss. And if you've read some of my previous posts you know I'm a stickler when it comes to good lip gloss.

So enough of my ramblings, please check out Amalah's The Advice Smackdown Holiday Beauty Gift Guide post today on Alpha Mom!! And perhaps I'll have something worthwhile to share in the next day or two.

Cheers,
Ouiser

25 Things You Didn't Know About Dolly Parton

I am the first to admit that I count down the hours till my US Weekly arrives every week. It may be a step below People but its still a good staircase above some of the other trashy celeb mags i.e. OK Magazine.

Sadly, with each passing year I've gone from knowing every "celeb" in the magazine to knowing fewer and fewer. This is mostly due to the fact that they all seem to be getting younger and younger... mmm, kinda like I never know who the musical acts are on Saturday Night Live anymore. Am I the only one? Please say I'm not! Could it be that I'm just getting older and less in the know? Surely not!

So imagine my surprise when I turned the page to some fun personal information about one of my all time favorites, the adorable Dolly Parton. You may recall my ode to Dolly in this past post.

It was fascinating, for example, did you know that she is dying to go to Spain? She's never been. This extremely successful woman with oodles and oodles of wealth has never been to Spain. I'm just blown away by that and find it rather endearing, especially because Spain and Portugal are #1 and #2 on my travel wish list.

And of course there are things that you'd totally expect like she makes the "best" chicken and dumplings and most endearing... "I pinch myself everyday to remind myself that I'm not dreaming. This life is real and I'm grateful." Ummm, yeah, she's the best!

As if you needed another reminder how awesome she is pick up a copy of this week's US Weekly and read for yourself!

Cheers,
Ouiser

The Stork Finally Arrives!

In case you are wondering what happened to me and my deliciously witty writing these past few days, no I haven't been abducted by my family and shipped off to a clinic for Twilight addicts (although sometimes I think DH wishes he could). I'm safe and sound and now the proud mother of two precious little boys. That's right our second son arrived on Monday morning! Via a special delivery by Mr. Stork of course. Oh if only that were the case, how wonderful it would be.

Judging from my late night frenzy of tweets last night I'm guessing that my blog posts will become either less frequent or increasingly more incoherent. Who am I kidding, it'll probably be a bit of both. Perhaps for the next couple of weeks it would be in your best interest to double check my recipes in case I am so sleep deprived I suggest using salt instead of sugar or other such nonsense.

Oh dear, that reminds me, please forgive me if I post a rave review of the snuggie or another such late night TV sales pitch. I'm afraid I've always been vulnerable to such sales attacks even without my current sleep deprived state. I actually purchased a 12 disk compilation of Dick Clark's Golden Oldies. Yep, you heard me right, 12 cds featuring music from the 50's. And once in college I actually purchased spring break tickets to Cabo at 4am. Well that might have had more to do with a bit of a.... shall I say "buzz" than actual sleep deprivation, but it was a silly compulsive purchase in the middle of the night so I'm counting it.

Speaking of television, did you know there is a whole other Today show on every morning? That's right, it's called Early Today and it starts at 4:30 am. So basically you can go from this program right into Willie Geist's Way Too Early at 5:30 and then follow it up with Morning Joe from 6am - 9am. After which you will need to go back to bed of course as you'll be completely overloaded with the most useless news of the day. But lets be honest as a new mom, no one is taking anything I say seriously, nor should they since I am rarely able to complete a full thought before I forget my point altogether. Mmm, I seem to have a similar problem keeping on track with my posts. Interesting, very interesting.

So there you have it folks, I just wanted to check in and let you know that I'm alive and kicking, well maybe not exactly kicking but as of about 4pm today I'm actually able to walk. Albeit it with the legally required help of a nurse. And god bless sweet DH, not only is he a great dad he is willingly staying with me in the hospital and sleeping on the world most uncomfortable bed. And when I say "bed" I mean a thin plastic chair that unfolds into two pieces of flimsy foam with two connecting metal bars for comfort. Yeah, it's that bad.

Cheers,

Ouiser

Already Intoxicated by Holiday Spirit?

Is it a problem that its only the first week in November and I'm already so excited for Thanksgiving and Christmas that I'm all goosepimply? I actually woke up this morning feeling like it was mid-December. Something about having the heat on and wearing toasty warm socks while sipping coffee and of course watching Morning Joe-- of course he is year round fun!

By the way, does anyone else think that the guy in this photo looks like Ross the Intern from the Tonight Show? I miss him....

Are you crying you're laughing so hard? Yeah, me too. No matter how many times I watch that.

Back to my holiday obsession...

I'm actually giddy to pick up the mail these days in hopes of a new catalog. I blame Mamere for this obsession. No joke, I think she receives every single catalogue out there. I worry that one day her mail box is going to explode but God bless her, she loves browsing through them all.

Not only is it the season of a million gift catalogs but it's the season of a new holiday issue of Pottery Barn, Williams Sonoma, WS Home, Restoration Hardware, Ballard's Design and so on and so on.

Speaking of gifts. If you have children please read the follow post, Five Toys That Are Made of Magic from DC area Mom Blogger amalah.com. (Mamere & Grandma Warning: colorful language abounds!) And for the record I'm totally buying this for our son.

Hasbro Playskool Busy Ball Popper

By the way, What exactly made Hasbro go with "skool" instead of "school"? Aren't we supposed to be teaching our children by example? If you can't spell school correctly why should I trust you or your educational toys?! Then again, as it's been described to me this toy is like crack for toddlers and frankly that's enough to sell me on it!

But I digress...

Have you seen all the fun home decor that's out there this fall??? I mean I know I'm giving birth in like 4 days but now all I want to do is decorate my home in all things holiday.

Be it the decorative straw turkey from Williams Sonoma...

Or the monogrammed glass hurricanes? Also a la Williams Sonoma. I think they'd look perfect on our table this year. Oh I so want to tell you all about our menu plans this year but that will have to wait. It's way too early to get into all that. For now I'll just obsess over the decor like this pomegranate centerpiece from Pottery Barn....

So the point of today's post? Yeah, I'm not sure either... but it did give me the opportunity to post a funny video, a link to an even funnier blog and some pictures of things I'll likely forget all about buying once the stork delivers our newest little bundle of joy on Monday.

Happy Browsing... on line and in print!

Cheers,

Ouiser

Extra Recipe ~ Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

I'm making a new dessert for my monthly girls supper tonight that I think is going to be awesome! A friend made these for an event I was volunteering at this past weekend and I was hooked from the first bite!!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins. Ummm yeah Y-U-M-M-Y right? Oh and here's the second best part, these muffins are low fat... that's right I said tasty AND low fat.

After I have an obligatory taste test this afternoon, I'll share the recipe with you!

Till then... have another pumpkin spice latte and keep drooling!

Cheers,
Ouiser

~ Recipe Update ~

Okay folks, now that I've fed, bathed and put my little one to bed I'm sitting down with a nice glass of chardonay. I've still got an hour or so till DH gets home and I can head out to meet the ladies. Perfect time to share the muffin recipe with you.

I've mixed ... I've baked ... I've tasted ... and now I'm in heaven! (oh the things I do for this blog and you readers! tee hee hee) These muffins are soooo moist and delicious. You just have to try them!!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
Makes 12 muffins ( I had extra batter but since my muffin tin only held 12, me and the little one ate the extra batter. Please no judgement, gracias!)

1 18.25oz. pkg. Moist Yellow cake mix
1 15 oz. can Pumpkin Puree
1 C Chocolate chips
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves (we didn't have any on hand so I skipped this)

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees and grease muffin pan or line with paper liners.

Mix together all ingredients and spoon into muffin cups.

Bake for 25 mins or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the muffin comes out clean.

Recipe of the week ~ Caramelized Onion, Blue Cheese & Rosemary Chicken Pasta

Happy Recipe Wednesday Everyone!!

I love Wednesdays not only because it marks the half way point till the weekend, but it also offers the food section in the Washington Post. Aside from the wedding section (which had vastly improved over the last few months) the food section is my favorite feature of the Post. It's got great little articles and tips and most of the time there are at least one or two recipes that I want to try. The recipe I'm sharing today was originally taken from a WP feature-- Dinner in under 30 mins. And although it's from about 7 years ago, it's undeniably delicious. One of my family's favorite pasta dishes. Even my picky little eater had some of my leftovers for lunch the next day.

If you know me at all you will know that I'm quite sentimental and very emotional about everything! Yes, that's right, I'm a cryer. I'm the girl that crys during the Christmas Folger's commercial when the college student surprises his mom with a visit and some coffee. Yep this is the one...




And don't even get me started on the animal cruelty ad featuring "In the Arms of an Angel" by Sara McLaughlin. I am literally a puddle of tears in the 2 seconds it takes to scramble for the remote. And of course being pregnant has taken this condition to a whole other level. I'm not kidding when I say that DH often times has to sensor what I watch lest I become a blubbering mess.

So, needless to say I get sentimental thinking about the days when DH and I were first dating. He is of course still a total sweetheart but there's something so wonderful about the "firsts" in your relationship. This is the first meal that DH ever made for me and so it will always be a wonderful reminder of that evening and that very special time in my life. Thank goodness its exceptionally yummy... I mean what if he'd made sauerkraut? I'm not saying we wouldn't have ended up together or anything but... ick ick ick.

It's also nice that this is a super easy recipe that you can whip together in less than an hour and pair it with a salad for a scrumptious weeknight dinner.

As a disclaimer I should mention that I didn't make my own pasta for this recipe as the above picture might lead you to believe... but... that's not to say you shouldn't try it some time. On a weekend of course! Making your own pasta is a very messy first time project but I think it's sooo delicious!!! And it's so much fun to play around in the kitchen especially if you can get your spouse or significant other or heck a best friend in there with you to help even better! Grab a bottle of wine (or two) and make a Friday night into a great memory. The left overs are almost just as tasty so make a full recipe even if you're only cooking for two!

Caramelize Onion, Blue Cheese & Rosemary Chicken Pasta
Serves 4 dinner portions

1 lbs. Pasta (Orecchiette, fussilliee or farfalle are best)

4 Large Sweet Onions
2 TBS Butter, unsalted
2 TBS Olive Oil
1 ½ lbs. Chicken Breast
4 tsp Fresh Rosemary, finely chopped
4-6 oz. Blue Cheese (gorgonzola works too)
Salt & Pepper to taste

Cook Pasta as directed. Thinly slice the onions (I love using my mandolin for this teary task). Heat the olive oil and butter over medium low heat, add onions and cook until caramelized about 30 mins. You may need to lower the heat to be sure the onions do not brown to quickly.


While watching the onions, flatten chicken breasts to ¼ in and season with salt and pepper. Broil or saute the chicken turning once. Cook time should be about 10 mins. Once the chicken has cooled, cut into strips or chop into 1 inch bites and mix with the fresh chopped rosemary and set aside.

Once the pasta is done, drain and mix with the chicken mixture and the cheese. Toss to Combine. Cover and set aside for a moment or two while the cheese melts.

Add the caramelized onions and season with salt and pepper if needed.

Happy Cooking!! Or in Italiano... Cucinare felice!


Cheers,
Ouiser

Rob Pattinson ~ The Post I Never Wanted to Write

I told myself I wouldn't go this far. I swore I could stop myself. I am too old... I am above the drama... I have too much self respect... I don't really care enough. Apparently none of these are true.

Hi, my name is Ouiser and I'm a Twilight addict.

Okay, I KNOW I'm not as bad as some of the ladies out there. I'm not attending conventions, I'm not sleeping in an Edward Cullen nightie and I've never purchased a magazine just to read about Twilight or the actors in the films. Truly, I tell you while I might glance at the cover art as I walk past, I have no problem steering away from Teen Bop, Tiger Beat, OK magazine and any number of magazines featuring the actors from the Twilight series. I'm not vying for any Twilight merchandise or the super sized mega poster for my wall. And all my self mockery aside I NEVER thought I'd post a picture of Robert Pattinson on my blog. I swear!

Until now...
And who do I blame? Surely it's not my fault, if anything I'm the innocent victim here. And no, it can't be adorable RPatz's fault. He's really just a kid. (I do have to remind myself frequently that I'm 10 years older then the boy.) No, I put the blame solely on Vanity Fair. Okay and if I'm totally honest I also blame ROBsessedBlog. They always have the BEST pictures! I was sucked in by Bruce Weber's incredibly creative and beautiful photos (Note: It makes it okay when the photographer is famous and not just Pauly the Paparazzi) and was tickled by Evgenia Peretsz's profile teaser for their December issue which features Rob on it's cover (natch).


Somehow when I see the paparazzi pictures I just feel so bad for the young lad and frankly anyone that he is close to. And no I'm sooooooo not segueing into the "are they" "aren't they" dating debate. But seriously when I caught a glimpse of the amount of people following him out of LAX my first thought was ... "Good Lord, someone get this poor boy a gift card to Marquis Jet!" No joking, you can really buy one at Neimans or Bergdorf Goodman. Mmm, Bergdorf's..... that makes me start thinking about shoes. Oh and their whole first floor just makes me drool. It's probably my favorite thing about visiting New York. All the wonderful smells and clothes and accessories.


Wait, where was I? Oh yes, private planes....


I mean it isn't on my Christmas list but if I was in his position it would be well worth the financial cost to fly privately. If you actually think about it, I'd be willing to bet that a flight from Vancouver to LA is less than the cost of a week in a suite in the Chateau Marmont. And it may be all a studio ploy to play up the upcoming release of New Moon, but I'm just saying.


Okay so back to VF and the pictures. Here I go... I've told you how embarrassed I am to write this post but I hope after you take a look at the photographic evidence you won't hold it against me. They are simply too yummy not to share! Drool away my friend...

Phheww, now that that's totally out of my system, I promise not to post anything like this again. Okay, who am I kidding? How about, I promise to TRY not to post anything like this. Frankly folks, that's the best I can offer you!

Mea Culpa,

Ouiser

Nesting Compulsions Finally Take Hold

Why didn't someone one tell me I was having a baby? And he's coming in like a week! And an even bigger surprise... he's going to need stuff.... like a lot of stuff.

Apparently with all my blogging and tweeting and running around with my son I somehow put off the realization that I have a looooong list of things to do with less than a week to do it all.

Well that must explain why I didn't post anything on Friday. I mean I didn't even post a football update, helloo that takes like two seconds to mention who UT is playing (OSU) and what time kick off is. Okay, maybe 5 minutes if I want to find a funny picture of Bevo... perhaps like this one?

But alas I was completely absorbed with baby deux's pending arrival.

Oh and YES DH and I have finally settled on Baby Fig's official name! Yiippeee!!! I really really really like it but I can't share it with you. I know I'm such a tease but we are keeping mum till his arrival. Feel free to throw out guesses in the comments. I have one friend who is still suggesting we call him "Neon". Huh? I don't even get that one but I can tell you this, that wasn't even in the running.

Thank goodness we're having another boy as it makes the last minute prep work all that much easier. After sorting through all our bins and bins and bins and bins (seriously a lot of clothes) I found the newborn and 0-3 months onesies. My Lord if they aren't tiny and adorable. I fell in love all over again with so many of the precious little outfits. Arrgh, babies are so cute!

And then I found a major discovery... baby blankets. Anyone out there need any? I've seriously got at least 40 baby blankets. I mean this child could be wrapped in a new blanket every hour for at least the first week of his life and we'd still have extras. Why did I even bother taking three from the hospital? Yes, I'm admitting to pilfering the baby's cart at the hospital. Frankly I'd forgotten about it and maybe I'll bring them back with me when I return next week to make up for it. Maybe not. Either way I'm not taking anything extra home with me this time around, that's for sure! But I wouldn't mind having my own adult sized baby blanket. Man are they soft and cuddly!

So after all the rearranging and sorting through clothes, bath towels, sheets, blankets... and the painting and hanging and measuring and moving. We are almost ready. Today our new glider is arriving and DH is building the new crib. Yes we're now a TWO crib family. Never really wanted that but I think 17 months is a tad early to put our first son in a big boy bed no matter how much I wanted to find a way to justify it.

One of our best friends and his wife are coming over to help build the crib and hang out for the afternoon. I'm so looking forward to it but I still don't know how DH got him to agree. I mean after all he helped paint our first nursery AND put together our first crib. A VERY good friend! So of course I'm going to ply he and his wife with dinner, dessert and vino... obviously the best way to thank someone, right?

Perhaps I'll share the recipe for the pasta dish I'm serving tonight with you next week. It's one of my all time favorites and the very first meal that sweet DH made for me when we were dating. So of course it's extra special.

Cheers,
Ouiser