What to Expect When You Have No Idea What to Expect - Week 2

Oh. My. Frickin. God. Yes, I've said that more than once over these past two weeks. What on earth just happened to my life? Who am I anymore? While I was pregnant, I heard over and over the first two weeks are the hardest. I tried to shake it off. I tried to tell myself I was different, stronger...that I could handle more than most. Ummmm...who was I kidding? I'm here to admit that, yes, the first two weeks are hard. Very hard. But...

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Welcome to the World Jackson James Koester - Day 3

My Labor Journey Our son Jackson James Koester entered the world on Sunday, April 15 at 4:30 p.m. He weighed 8 pounds, 3 ounces and was 21 inches long. He came out perfect. And that's one thing I remember saying over and over again when he was handed to me. "He is perfect!" Jackson's Labor Story Thursday, April 12 Karl and I both got home from work and decided to go on a walk. It ended up being a lot longer than I thought. I...

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Favorite Maternity Photos - Month 9

39 weeks We received our awesome maternity photos back from our friends Sam and Shannon Storie, who also took our wedding pictures! We love how the pictures turned out and I wanted to share some of our faves. Love all of these!!! Tweet ...

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My Freak Out Moment - Month 9

39 weeks Your baby's waiting to greet the world! He continues to build a layer of fat to help control his body temperature after birth, but it's likely he already measures about 20 inches and weighs a bit over 7 pounds, a mini watermelon. (Boys tend to be slightly heavier than girls.) The outer layers of his skin are sloughing off as new skin forms underneath. (babycenter.com) My growing belly...now at 39 weeks! Major Meltdown Alert! OK,...

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Super Cute, Creative Baby Gifts - Month 9

38 weeks Totally loving these gifts from the heart... Karl and I have received some really awesome, creative baby gifts for Baby Koester since finding out we're expecting. Three of which we just received recently. I would love to go through every awesome gift, but since these just came about, I wanted to share! Check out this incredible quilt made by Donna Shay. I grew up across the street in Illinois from the Shay's. My mom and Donna...

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Grilled Venison Loin Dinner

Karl's Secret Grilled Venison Loin Dinner serves 4 recipe from a family friend A nice low-fat dinner on the grill Thaw venison Let soak in marinade 6-8 hours in a Zip lock bag Marinade: 2-4 TBS Olive Oil 2 TBSP soy sauce 1 TBS worcestershire sauce You +1'd this publicly. Undo 2 tsp garlic powder 1 finely chopped small onion 1 TBS black pepper 3 heaping TBS brown sugar 1 TBS red wine vinegar 1/4 cup ketchup Throw meat on grill. Don't...

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"Better than Sex" Chocolate Nutella Cupcakes

“Better than Sex” Chocolate Nutella Cupcakes serves 16 recipe adapted from Cupcake Project and Chockylit I never bake and this turned out SOOO good. 1/2 C butter, room temperature1 1/4 C sugar2 large eggs, room temperature3/4 C flour1/2 t baking powder1/4 t baking soda1/4 t salt1/2 C unsweetened cocoa powder1/2 C milk1 t vanilla  Preheat oven to 350°F. In a mixing bowl, beat butter until softened and smooth. Add sugar and beat for...

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King Ranch Chicken Casserole

A recipe I had to try King Ranch Chicken Casserole serves 8 to 10 recipe found on MyRecipes.com This recipe keeps showing up on my email so I thought I'd give it a whirl. Good flavor! 1 (4 1/2- to 5-lb. ) whole chicken (I bought a rotisserie chicken) 2 celery ribs, cut into 3 pieces each 2 carrots, cut into 3 pieces each 2 1/2 to 3 tsp. salt 2 tablespoons butter 1 medium onion, chopped1  medium-size green bell pepper,...

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Sweet Mustard Chicken Thighs

Easy grill recipe Sweet Mustard Chicken Thighs serves 4 recipe found on MyRecipes.com So easy to make and really tasty! 1/2 cup prepared mustard 1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar 1 teaspoon ground allspice 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper 8 (3-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken thighs Cooking spray I didn't have allspice so I mixed in some Ginger and Nutmeg and that seemed to do the trick. I also mixed yellow mustard and some...

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38 Weeks and Counting - Month 9

38 weeks Your baby has really plumped up. She weighs about 6.8 pounds and she's over 19 1/2 inches long (like a leek). She has a firm grasp, which you'll soon be able to test when you hold her hand for the first time! Her organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb. Wondering what color your baby's eyes will be? If she's born with brown eyes, they'll likely stay brown. If she's born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may...

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