Girlfriends' Guide to Baby Gear - Month 5

week 20

I think my friends on Facebook and Twitter were getting annoyed with me asking for the best strollers and baby products out there. Finally two friends suggested I go out and get The Girlfriend's Guide to Baby Gear by Vicki Iovine. So I did.

Okay, great advice. This book has been wonderful because after reading it, I realized there are many things I don't need. Plus, things I thought I needed that are totally not safe (i.e. a lot of borrowed items from family, friends, garage sales, etc.) and this book names off the really great products that have busy mom's talking.

For instance, I'm not a mom (yet). I have no clue how having a baby is going to add to my already crazy, busy life, but this book helps. It reminds you that most of the time you'll have maybe one hand free, so why get the crib that requires two? The book was written by moms who have already been there, done that.

For instance, I have a really hard time picking up packaged food right now in the baby food section thinking, "I'm going to feed our baby something that has a shelf life of a couple years???" I don't even make those types of packaged foods for Karl and myself to eat. So I was really excited to come across the site Kid Co Inc, thanks to the book. I will be purchasing this awesome Baby Food Mill for sure. And with luck, I realized they are sold in Edina at Amma Parenting Center! Will be checking out this store.

One other thing is a lot of people will offer to lend you their stuff, but there are always recalls. Tons and tons of recalls and big time safety issues. It's a MUST to buy a brand new car seat and crib. Though expensive, these are where a lot of injuries happen and you just don't mess around. Also, I read that most of the cribs sold at places most of us register at are kind of, uh, crap... Sure, the book was written in 2003, and maybe these stores have improved the quality of their products, but I'm not sure I want to risk it. I will need to venture out and focus on department stores or furniture stores and look for labels like, Child Craft, Legacy, Simmons, Sorelle, Morigeau-Lepine, Pali and Ragazzi. So that'll be our next project. Maybe I'll be taking grandma for a little shopping trip when she and grandpa are here next. :)

Things that I registered for that I should take off - (However, I'm really getting fed up with Target's website. This is the third time I can't get to our registry to make changes to it.)

• Car seat toy bar (dangerous)
• Any car seat head and seat padding (they test these things without the padding for a reason)
• Wipe warmer (kind of a waste)
• Powder (bad for baby's lungs)
• Jumper that hangs from door or ceiling (danger, danger) 

Items I really need to look into more:

• A big and small diaper bag (needs to be waterproof just in case something leaks or explodes - easy clean up. They suggest Lands End but I didn't find any I liked... or else www.babystyle.com, www.bellybasics.com or www.mobilemoms.com). And the cool part is the author lists everything that needs to be IN the diaper bag. Phew! I will say the "backpack" seems to be the clear winner. Frees up hands... Seems to be the common theme here...
• Umbrella stroller (for those quick trips...they are light and simple and Maclaren, Combi and Peg Perego are the way to go).
• Baby Bjorn (way better to carry baby in front than back).
• 4 side-snap shirts (yes, annoying because they slide up but baby doesn't like umbilical cord getting all rubbed on that first week or two by onesies).
• Graco Pack N Play with the bassinet and changing table (easy to travel with and easy to leave on another level of the house...good because we have three levels!)
• Bookshelf for all those awesome books coming!!
• Diaper Champ (or one that doesn't require you to go out and buy specific garbage bags. It gets expensive. The reviews I read about Diaper Champ aren't good, so I'm still stuck. But I read I will be changing over 100 diapers a week. OMG.) 
• And some sort of net laundry sack for delicates like socks and things that laundry machine will have no problem chewing up.

So love this book!!!! Did you read anything that helped you through your pregnancy?

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Triple Tomato Orzo

Triple Tomato Orzo
serves 4
recipe found in Health Magazine, May 2011 (recipe developed by Nadia G, host of Bitchin' Kitchen)

I used red bell peppers instead because they were on sale!

1 cup dried orzo
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1 small red onion, minced
1 red chile, minced
1 (14.5-ounce) can whole tomatoes
12 sun-dried tomatoes, minced
4 basil leaves, torn
1/4 teaspoon brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
6 kalamata olives, minced
1/4 cup minced parsley
4 large tomatoes
1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella

Preheat oven to 375°. Cook orzo until al dente; set aside.

Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté garlic 1 minute. Add onion and red chile; sauté 6 minutes.

With clean hands, crush canned tomatoes; add to pan.

Add minced sun-dried tomatoes, basil leaves, brown sugar, sea salt, and pepper to pan; bring to a simmer. Cook until most of liquid is cooked off (25-30 minutes).

Add olives and parsley to pan; remove from heat. Add orzo to sauce, mixing well. Core tomatoes; stuff with orzo-and-sauce mixture. Top each tomato with 2 tablespoons mozzarella. Bake for 30-35 minutes.

Karl's reaction: "Ohhhh, I like this a lot. This is really good babe."

My take: This was excellent. Will be making again...even with red bell peppers!!!

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Chicken Couscous

Chicken Couscous

serves 4
recipe found in Fitness Magazine, October 2011

Chicken Couscous

2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup sliced almonds
3/4 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, fat trimmed, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 bunch scallions, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced
1 zucchini, cut in half lengthwise and thinly sliced
2 carrots, cut in half lengthwise and thinly sliced
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
1 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken stock
1 large tomato, chopped
1/2 cup canned chickpeas, drained
1/2 lemon, zest peeled into 1/2-inch- thick strips, juice to taste
1/3 cup raisins
3/4 cup whole-wheat couscous
1/4 cup chopped parsley

1. Warm the oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the almonds; toast until golden, 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer them to a bowl.

2. Season the chicken with the salt and black pepper, add to pot and cook until browned, 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer chicken to a plate. Add the scallions, zucchini and carrots; cook 6 minutes. Mix in the cinnamon, cumin, coriander and turmeric; saute 1 minute.

3. Add the chicken stock, tomato, chickpeas, lemon zest and raisins; bring to a simmer. Return chicken to pot, cover and simmer 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer chicken and vegetables to a serving bowl. Season with lemon juice. Cover and keep warm.

4. Add the couscous to the liquid remaining in pot, cover and turn off heat. Let rest 5 minutes; fluff couscous with a fork. Serve chicken and vegetables over couscous, garnished with almonds and parsley.

Karl's reaction: "The house smells really good. This looks awesome. I wish there were more raisins in this. Wait...is there curry in here?" So my husband hates Indian food and curry. There was no curry in here but for some reason he thought it tasted too Indian. Sigh.

My take: I liked this. Seemed like there could be more juice to it though, but I'd make again (without Karl being around).

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Spinach-Tomato Pasta Shells

Spinach-Tomato Pasta Shells
serves 4
recipe found in Health, July/August but developed by Guy Fierie (host of three Food Network shows)


Spinach-Tomato Pasta Shells (sooo good)

 3/4 pound whole-wheat medium pasta shells
1 tablespoon butter
1 thinly sliced shallot
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 (5-ounce) package baby spinach
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup half-and-half
1/4 cup grated pecorino Romano cheese
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 (8-ounce) container grape tomatoes
Garnishes: 1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, additional grated cheese
I also added Jennie-O Italian turkey sausage to get more meat in the recipe (it really added good flavor too)

Cook pasta shells according to package.
 
Meanwhile, heat butter in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add sliced shallot and crushed red pepper; reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 1-2 minutes or until translucent.
 
Add spinach and chicken broth; cover and cook for 1 minute. Add half-and-half, 1/4 cup grated pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper. Stir to combine, and cook for 3 minutes.
 
Add grape tomatoes, halved lengthwise, and the cooked pasta; toss. Garnish with flat-leaf parsley and additional grated cheese. Serve.

The meal all put together.

Karl's reaction: "Ohhh, I like this one a lot. Might be a titch too spicy for me, but I do like it."
 
My take: I love this recipe. Really good. Tasted better the next day even.

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Introducing Your Dad - Month 5

week 19

Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces, and measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the size of a large heirloom tomato. The hair on her scalp is sprouting. This is a crucial time for sensory development: Your baby's brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Some research suggests that she may be able to hear your voice now, so don't be shy about reading aloud, talking to her, or singing a happy tune if the mood strikes you. 

Me at 19 weeks!

Baby K,

This is a letter to you. I wanted to talk about someone super special - someone who is dying to meet you.

He's your dad, Karl.

He felt you for the first time on Sunday. We'd come home from a weekend at your Grandpa and Grandma Koester's cabin (yes, your dad got another buck!) and we both wanted to take a nap. We were lying in bed, watching the Minnesota Vikings lose badly and then started watching the Chicago Bears win big time (I'm totally fine with you becoming a Bears fan by the way), and you started kicking (or punching) - I haven't figured it out quite yet.

I had your dad place his hand on my belly and you kicked right away. You literally took his breath away. He gasped. And then this huge smile broke on his face (kind of like when I told him I was pregnant with you). And I looked over at him again and a single tear spilled down his cheek. The moment was really something special and I could just tell he was thinking all sorts of things about you.

Sometimes he talks to you too. He tells me to butt out of the conversation, but I have a tendency to eavesdrop because your dad makes me laugh. Just warning you but soon he'll start making you listen to Weezer now that he knows you can hear. He really can't wait to meet you. Sometimes he says he's scared - I say that too. But that's because we don't know what to expect. Will you cry all the time? Will you sleep okay? Will you throw up all over your dad....causing him to throw up all over me? He kind of doesn't like puke very much. Or poop. But I think he's past the poop part thanks to your mom and Gpa-Bear in Illinois. Honestly, we don't know what's to come and that sometimes can be scary. But what we do know is we're pretty excited to meet you and can't wait to see where things go. I want to know who you're going to become.

You should've seen your dad when we were registering at Babies R' Us. Off he went to the Lego's and then off to the Matchbox cars. He was pulling me in every direction like he had sacks of gold to show me. He couldn't believe all the cool toys out there. He was going on and on how he can't wait to build the best race tracks and Lego houses with you.

Yes, I do have to remind him that you could end up being a girl. And that's going to be just as awesome because, well, I'm a girl. And your father loves me very much. Sometimes I can just tell by the way he looks at me or how he calls me right away when he's done with work to let me know he's coming home and to make sure I made it home safe. I like that. Plus, the cool thing about being a girl is I'm really close with my dad...we even played catch quite a bit in the yard together. He even told me the best days of his life were watching me play volleyball. Mine too.

Sooo...to start...I met your dad at work in 2006. It was funny how that all started. I really think God was behind it all because how does a girl from Illinois end up at an engineering firm that tests soil in Bloomington, Minnesota?? So because of how we met and how I feel about your dad, I have to believe God does work in all of us and wants the best for us. That freewill stuff kind of gets in the way sometimes though. We like to make our own choices and decisions and sometimes they are the wrong ones and lead us in directions we never intended to go. But if we keep trusting in him, we get back on track and good is waiting for us. Sometimes it's easy to forget about God, but he really does know best. That's the greatest lesson I can teach you. Believe in him and you will get very far.

Now...getting back to your dad. He was shorter than me and had long hair. Sometimes I wondered if he had just rolled out of bed, walked into the shower and forgotten to dry his hair when I saw him walking the halls at work. He'd usually have a coffee cup in hand and baggie jeans with these crazy funky shoes. Sometimes the coffee cup had breakfast in it... Ramen noodles. But there was something about those eyes of his. They sparkled. And then he laughed. That was it for me. That, and there on his face was the cutest dimple ever. I knew I had to know him.

Your mom and dad's first night out - a work party in 07

Soon we began talking and your dad sure talked about your grandpa like he was the President of the United States. I could tell he loved your grandpa very much. Then I started sharing stories about my family and how I loved to travel with your Uncle Mike and how your Uncle Mark was always making me laugh with all his crazy shenanigans. And how lucky I felt to have such a close family, but how crazy we could be when we all got together. I couldn't quite explain what was happening inside me, but I knew I needed to know your dad more and more. I couldn't get enough of him.

He also started making all these weird origami things...and putting them in my cube. I'd get a new one every day. Pretty soon I had a collection. I never had a guy pay so much attention to me in such a unique way. I don't think the CEO ever understood (as the bathroom was right next to my cube and he was able to see your dad's art collection every day)...or else he thought I was just another weird engineer who was fascinated by origami.

The origami your dad made me at work

Then your dad and I sat by each other at an event that the company put on. We had to dress up all nice and your dad could've sat anywhere at this really fancy golf resort, and with anyone, but he sat by me. And we sat close to one another and everything in the world felt really great. I couldn't stop smiling. We couldn't stop talking. We even sampled each other's food. There was so much to talk about. And he looked good that night with his long hair and suit coat. I didn't want the night to end. But it did.

We were both dating these duds at the time, so we couldn't really start anything more. So we continued having really great conversations with one another.

Then one day my shower broke. The dud I was dating told me to go look it up online and figure it out. Your Uncle Mike was off traveling in some exotic place, so he was out. And then for some reason I decided to call your dad. And he took me to Home Depot. He even came into the town home you are coming home to after you're born and fixed the shower.

So then I had to ask myself...how could I resist a man who dropped everything for me? And was so nice to me? And was handy? I knew I had a small window of time to share how I felt, so over a slice of pizza I told him if he were single, I'd scoop him up in a second.

I wasn't very nervous like I would have been with any other guy. The words felt right. And he seemed to like what I said. But a couple weeks went by and nothing. (Well, he did lead me on a scavenger hunt around the office to some dead roses, but that's a story for a different time.) Then Valentine's Day came. My doorbell rang and your dad was on the front steps. He asked me if I'd go out with him that Saturday night. I invited him in but all he wanted to do was ask me on a date in person. So I did what any women would do...I fell in love with him. And I have been ever since. Over and over.

I just want you to know how lucky you are to have a dad like Karl. He is amazing. And I mean amazing. And he already loves you and hasn't even met you! He's working extra hard right now so his career takes off in another year or two. You should see all the cool legs and arms he makes for people. He really is talented. I can't wait for you two to meet and to watch the bond grow between the both of you. It's going to be fun to watch. Your dad and I love each other very much and can't wait to have you join all our fun adventures...cuz we have many!

Love,
Mom

P.S. Oh, and this is the big buck your dad got. Probably the biggest he'll ever get. He even made the front page news. Your dad's kind of a big deal....

Your dad with "The Freak"

             

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Registering for Baby - Month 5

week 18

Head to rump, your baby is approximately 5 1/2 inches long (about the length of a bell pepper) and weighs almost 7 ounces. He's busy flexing his arms and legs — movements that you'll start noticing more and more in the weeks ahead. If you're having a girl, her uterus and fallopian tubes are formed and in place. If you're having a boy, his genitals are noticeable now, although he may hide them from you during an ultrasound.  (info found on babycenter.com)

I know...seems a bit crazy to be registering this early. I mean, anything could happen yet. I'm trying to stay positive and give all my worries to God. Still hard when really sad things have happened to my friends at 21 and 22 weeks. I hear the super safe zone is after 26 weeks... I have some weeks ahead of me yet. But I do feel baby moving around more and more. Such a great feeling. I so can't wait for Karl to feel the baby! We also asked both our parents to come to our 20-week ultrasound. We moved the date to a Friday so my parents could come. So on December 2, we'll all be checking out baby K in action. Bring the tissues!!!

Back to registering stuff... My mom wanted to have a shower for me back home in Illinois before she and my dad leave for Arizona and we all head to Vegas as a family for my younger brother's 30th birthday! Makes sense, and if invites were going out in December, that meant Karl and I had to get our act together. The rest of November is full of Thanksgiving dinners with family or crazy Black Friday (who in their right mind would want to register then??). So we went to Target and Babies R Us last weekend. But before we could even begin I had to turn to friends and family for advice.

My question: What are baby must-haves?

There are a million products out there for babies (Karl and I were beyond overwhelmed) and I wanted to make sure I was getting the necessities. I'm so over having the house full of "stuff". Life is so much less complicated when there is less stuff and more time for loved ones and adventure. I learned the hard way, thinking cute outfits and fifty different Bath and Body Works lotions and tons and tons of stuff would make life better. Wrong. It's just more to clean or more things to take up space and create clutter.

Anyway, I thought it'd be cool if I post some of the best must-haves that were recommended to us and then once baby is born, go back and pick the top five or ten from the list. And Karl and I got lucky. While at Target, we ran into a mother of six and a mother of two. Both walked us through the bottles, diapers and swings. Both were on the same page with each product, so we went with what they said.

Here are the products in no particular order:

1. Best bottles (was told these prevent gas big time). Both women raved that they've tried every one out there and these kicked butt.

2. Best swing (was told by woman she went out of her way to buy this because it was so amazing and her baby finally started sleeping.)

3. Stroller (BOB - best for tall folks and runners!!)

4. Car seat (Best ones out there that fit into BOB stroller and are ranked high all across the board...I'm going back and forth between the Graco SnugRide 35 and the Chicco Keyfit 30. I can't decide. But I was told to buy an extra base whatever I do because once it's in your car, you don't want it to come out.)

5. Car Seat Accessories - It's cold in Minnesota. Slip cover is a must have (even in April)

6. Baby Monitor - I know times have changed but I hear the video monitor is the best!!! I hear Summer Infant is a good brand.

7. Mealtime
Medela for breast feeding (heard that some insurance companies will pay for this so call and check)

8. Boppy helps place baby when breast feeding

9. My Breast Friend (also helps place baby in good spot for breast feeding)

10. Good Seat to have and for meal time - Bumbo Baby Seat

11. Bouncer - hear these are good to have (by the bed too when you're too tired to get out of bed and go far)

12. Sleep time - Halo Sleep Sack

13. Wrap em up - Aden and Anais have some amazing swaddle wraps

14. Carrying baby - Moby Wrap

Okay moms...what are your favorites and must haves out there? Please share! I'm torn between a good Pack and Play and bath tub right now. Any suggestions? What am I missing? Also I heard that Gerber clothes shrink once washed and Target sells a lot of these. Is this true?
               

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Pumpkin Swirl Brownies

I'm not quite a baker but these were excellent (and kind of good for you too...the real pumpkin part!)

Pumpkin Swirl Brownies
serves 16
recipe found on Babble.com - I think it's a Martha Stewart recipe

Pumpkin Swirl brownies....ummm...yum

1/2 cup butter
6 oz (6 squares) semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped (or 1 cup chocolate chips)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 3/4 cups sugar
4 large eggs
1 Tbsp vanilla
1 1/4 cups solid-pack pumpkin
1/4 cup canola oil
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)

Preheat oven to 350F and butter an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan.

In a small saucepan, melt the butter and chocolate over medium-low heat, stirring until smooth.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt; set aside. In a large bowl, beat the sugar, eggs and vanilla for a few minutes, until fluffy; beat in the flour just until combined.

Divide the batter between two medium bowls (about 2 cups per bowl) and stir the chocolate mixture into one bowl. Stir the pumpkin, oil, cinnamon and nutmeg into the other bowl. Transfer half of chocolate batter to prepared pan, smooth the top and gently spread with half the pumpkin batter. Drop large spoonfuls of chocolate and pumpkin batter on top, then gently swirl the two batters with the tip of a knife (just a table knife, so you don’t scrape the bottom of the pan with a sharp tip) to create a marbled effect.

Bake for 40-45 minutes, until just set. Cool in the pan on a wire rack. Makes 16 brownies.

Karl's reaction: You never bake. These are frickin good! I had two pieces for breakfast. So good.

My take: LOVE THESE. For one, they aren't super sweet. AND they are so moist. Really good. Will be baking these again!

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