tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-260417092024-03-14T08:16:33.134-05:00StaffordvilleThe latest adventures of Ben and Jenni: A peak into our lives full of fun, recipes, entertaining, family, friends and everything else!Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13174972321971548649noreply@blogger.comBlogger178125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26041709.post-60165226865420073352011-12-11T19:20:00.001-05:002011-12-11T19:20:36.614-05:00Photo Card<div class="sflyProductPreviewWidget" style="width:425px; height:494px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetTop" style="height:6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/top.gif);"></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetCenter" style="height:482px; padding: 0 6px 0 6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bg.gif); background-repeat:repeat-y;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewLogo" style="width: 105px; height: 34px; padding: 14px 0 0 14px;"><img src="http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/logo.gif" style="padding: 0; background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none;"></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewContainer" style="height:350px; text-align:center; padding: 0;"><a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AcNHLdo0aMWLCdA&cid=SFLYOCWIDGET&eid=115"><img src="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/prs/v1/0AcNHLdo0aMWPA/0AcNHLdo0aMWPPPA/p/67b0de21b3127d902548/JPEG/1323649225000/0/" style="padding: 0; background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none;"></a></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewMessageContainer" style="height:55px; background-color:#f4f4e9; text-align:center; padding: 15px 0 15px 0; line-height: 19px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewTitle" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 15px; color: #333333; font-weight: bold;"><span>Picture Joy Christmas</span></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewSEOText" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px; color: #333333;"><span>Shop Shutterfly for unique,<a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-cards" style="color: #6666cc;">Christmas card designs</a>.</span></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewViewCollection" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px; color: #333333;"><span>View the entire <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery" style="color: #6666cc;">collection</a> of cards.</span></div><img width="1" height="1" border="0" style="padding: 0; background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none;" src="https://os.shutterfly.com/b/ss/sflyshareprod/1/H.15/111?pageName=sharekey&c1=msc&c2=blogger" /></div></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetBottom" style="height:6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bottom.gif);"></div></div>Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13174972321971548649noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26041709.post-38902485773329478202011-03-18T22:04:00.000-05:002011-03-18T22:04:07.064-05:00Long long long time ago....Hello blog world this is Ben aka Jenni's hubby. I am posting an update because after having Tipp in our lives time seems to fly by and I noticed that it has been too long since the last update. A lot has has happened since December! Our sweet boy has now started to crawl, wave, and today understand sign language and relay his needs this way! We did the sign language for "more" and he repeated it today! Super exciting to see our boy grow and develop, but a little bit sad to see him grow so fast. A stage in his life is about to be over and the next is coming up way to fast. This reminds me of my mom and how she loves to hug my neck, and now I know why, because when she can via the help of stairs, it makes that moment feel like she is still holding that small little baby a long time ago. When I hold my son, I know one day I won't be able to hold him like this for ever and a hug around the neck might be the next best option. <div><br />
</div><div>Our son like I said before is starting to crawl and it is fun and funny to watch. It is more of a "just got shot in the leg" using only my arms kind of crawl but hey he is going forward and that makes us proud! Since Christmas time we have had the pleasure or not of Tipp's daycare sickness, and doing this whole "parent" thing for the first time has put a toll on our saneness. Not knowing what to do exactly we resort to doctors, friends, family, and blogs to help our boy during his times of being sick. At times it feels like, we have been in the past 3 months in the doctor's office more than in our own bed!</div><div><br />
</div><div>Recently our boy turned 9 months old and it seems just like yesterday that we celebrated his half year mark, soon he will be a year old! At the beginning, my thought process was oh I can't wait till he is old enough to play ball, golf, soccer, or help me brew beer! haha But know I notice myself craving and wanting him to stay small and hold him a little bit longer. I guess Jenni and I are learning just as much as Tipp is but for us it is how and what to do right for him, but for him it is what and how this world works! </div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEAAceiZmyu4ccf5c45IJb-Dlu9k7Obd2Xpx7IzvD_SfLhtR4c44UpoCN0-_sihTmjhKtY-UdyPYd-X1G3GoBFqDF_qpuJr34q4ONubh-hQrWthfGYHe-i8iuqVb5wizRFo15kKA/s1600/IMG_3981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEAAceiZmyu4ccf5c45IJb-Dlu9k7Obd2Xpx7IzvD_SfLhtR4c44UpoCN0-_sihTmjhKtY-UdyPYd-X1G3GoBFqDF_qpuJr34q4ONubh-hQrWthfGYHe-i8iuqVb5wizRFo15kKA/s320/IMG_3981.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-3nMrv-PSlAtjE422jtfljDLlZ0z0_trzoJhuyv5JET2nqrxWbJ9nIvHnYX7scqJp7CmWXSVbK3zisVyYadvVLmUY0E7-GoBvugJLeljPtXNXMQ0QF6bJ5ys-u7upSfI2D27_wg/s1600/IMG_4017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-3nMrv-PSlAtjE422jtfljDLlZ0z0_trzoJhuyv5JET2nqrxWbJ9nIvHnYX7scqJp7CmWXSVbK3zisVyYadvVLmUY0E7-GoBvugJLeljPtXNXMQ0QF6bJ5ys-u7upSfI2D27_wg/s320/IMG_4017.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div>Besides Tipp activities, Jenni and Marianne ran the Raleigh St. Patrick's Day Run and they did very well! Tipp and I cheered them on! I recently turned a year older = 31, but I find my son's upcoming bday way more important than mine! </div><div><br />
</div><div>FYI he loves laugh and that might be the best part of our day! </div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFsjlohskbd3_IX_D5c7yLDwGX-5o9KFsewptiyNb0_3tVvm26kE8OwF5hGZfemJ4JCvU76mgIz-UKpg_L9V2SNo97vaZaEsKaj8lT6X1FaaUyfz9Il9Mp7Jg8vEJ0AqkOSEBDmw/s1600/Ben%2526Tipp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFsjlohskbd3_IX_D5c7yLDwGX-5o9KFsewptiyNb0_3tVvm26kE8OwF5hGZfemJ4JCvU76mgIz-UKpg_L9V2SNo97vaZaEsKaj8lT6X1FaaUyfz9Il9Mp7Jg8vEJ0AqkOSEBDmw/s320/Ben%2526Tipp.jpg" width="320" /></a>\</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Above is me at on the left at 7 months and Tipp on the right at 8 months. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvE5hsjTpiW0i7tzmnbvZd1CzBWS7Gg6_WoEWOyhbXXSXY-X2tJOKjUuMLQp5_532KQx0yqabHLLuU3E_Mg6O6jYaLT9nb4aiQ1ShFOCoVGjms6OP3icgq8f_6CMqubQKdxRqoA/s1600/Ben%2527s+Iphone+Pics-Vids+769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvE5hsjTpiW0i7tzmnbvZd1CzBWS7Gg6_WoEWOyhbXXSXY-X2tJOKjUuMLQp5_532KQx0yqabHLLuU3E_Mg6O6jYaLT9nb4aiQ1ShFOCoVGjms6OP3icgq8f_6CMqubQKdxRqoA/s320/Ben%2527s+Iphone+Pics-Vids+769.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09785588520257760642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26041709.post-49655428902849153192010-12-23T21:42:00.001-05:002010-12-23T21:42:17.520-05:00Merry Christmas from Our Family to Yours!<p>This is the Christmas I have been waiting years for!  The one where we will celebrate as a family of three, just as Joseph and Mary did so many years ago while holding their baby early in the morning in the manger.  And now that I have a son of my own – I think it means so much more…more than I actually describe!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TRQIa5Q-WUI/AAAAAAAAC8s/QtUcc3C6s8E/s1600-h/image%5B3%5D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TRQIc9G2pGI/AAAAAAAAC8w/y85J_jKrK6o/image_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="468" height="340" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TRQIfPxh50I/AAAAAAAAC80/O59s04wbzrw/s1600-h/image%5B10%5D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TRQIgmQJkzI/AAAAAAAAC84/r9jgXtTYJ0U/image_thumb%5B4%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="349" height="254" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TRQIhZj3LhI/AAAAAAAAC88/PzKrMsX-l9A/s1600-h/image%5B11%5D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TRQIiGSsV7I/AAAAAAAAC9A/kU9j4mYAmVE/image_thumb%5B5%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="349" height="254" /></a></p> <p>Over the next few days I am looking forward to many firsts – Tipp’s first Christmas Eve Church service, Our first Christmas morning of bounding down the stairs to see what Santa left, the first of many gifts with Tipp’s name on them from “Mommy & Daddy”, taking Tipp in his adorable Christmas outfit to visit family and hopefully a White Christmas (a first for all of us)!</p> <p>Luckily I have the next 10 days off to spend with Tipp…so let Christmas Vacation begin!!  We have lots of fun things planned – but secretly I want to be snowed in with no where to go.</p> Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13174972321971548649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26041709.post-46580825914841408922010-11-30T21:05:00.001-05:002010-11-30T21:05:18.799-05:00Happy 5 Months!<p>Yes – this is a little late considering we are halfway to 6 months, but such is the life of a working mother!  I cannot believe Baby T is 5 months old.  He has cut his first tooth and another one is on the way!  <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TPWtVXn9GyI/AAAAAAAAC7Q/EvUqyiuobmA/s1600-h/IMG_6870%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_6870" border="0" alt="IMG_6870" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TPWtV67z2PI/AAAAAAAAC7U/g8SlFIXgNNI/IMG_6870_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="362" height="238" /></a></p> <p>We are now getting much more structure to our lives and it’s quite possible that it is the result of me returning to work.  Going back was easier than the anticipation, but there have been a few days when I would just love to stay at home all day playing with Tipp!  Ben keeps Tipp Monday, Tuesday and Fridays.  On Wednesday and Thursdays he goes to Nana’s house.  They usually have fun playing, cooking, running errands or just hanging out with the girls after school.  I’d say we have settled into a nice little routine.</p> <p>My first day off was Veteran’s Day and it was heavenly to spend the day with Tipp doing what we used to do.  We both snuggled in bed and slept in until 730am.  We spent the morning watching The Today Show and Kathi Lee & Hoda, then went shopping with Aunt Sara.  </p> <p>We have adjusted to nursing and pumping while I am at work and so far that is going well.  I cannot believe my initial goal of 6 months is coming up!  </p> <p>This month has been filled with visitors and weekends away.  We took Tipp to the Outer Banks for the first time while Ben and I ran the OBX Half Marathon.  We celebrated Halloween in Sanford at a big neighborhood party.  Tipp rode the hayride to trick or treat for a few houses, then decided he would much rather ride in the comfort of his own car seat.  We also survived daylight savings time – which is a curse to anyone with children!<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TPWtW2TM8rI/AAAAAAAAC7Y/3WDp6lWzb6g/s1600-h/IMG_6758%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_6758" border="0" alt="IMG_6758" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TPWtXeNAUhI/AAAAAAAAC7c/CcUWU3OMPC4/IMG_6758_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="224" height="341" /></a></p> <p>Tipp is “talking” a lot more, reaches well for objects and can sit with assistance.  He also loves his Jumperoo and can finally reach the ground to bounce.</p> Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13174972321971548649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26041709.post-62108220113496107312010-11-06T08:28:00.001-05:002010-11-06T14:33:07.147-05:00Holiday Wishes Made Easy<p>As the holidays are sneaking up on us and I’m thinking more and more about simplicity this year, I have fallen in love with <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-photo-cards" target="_blank">Shutterfly holiday cards</a>.  Every year Ben and I take a picture to send in a Christmas card to our family and friends.  Many of you may remember last year’s card where we “announced” the upcoming arrival of Tipp by standing in front of our Christmas tree holding one of the first ultrasounds we had of our baby.  </p> <p>For over 5 years now, I have used Shutterfly as a means to <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/upload-pictures/" target="_blank">upload and store photos</a>, print pictures, and make photobooks for our wedding, vacations and other special moments.  After Tipp’s arrival I made it easy on myself and ordered his <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/birth-announcements" target="_blank">birth announcements</a> - I could not have been more thrilled with them and they were a piece of cake to make!  Never mind the quick turn around!  Typically for Christmas cards I find them on sale the previous year, print each photo and stuff them myself.  But, this year I think I would much rather let someone else do that work and spend the time with Tipp.  </p> <p>I love receiving Christmas cards, especially with photos of our family and friends.  As our families are growing it is a treat to see updates, as well as get personalized wishes for the Holidays and New Year.   And honestly, my first thought when we found out we were expecting was being able to send adorable Holiday photo cards featuring Tipp year and after year!  This year Shutterfly has so many bright and cheery designs that I do not know how we will narrow down our choice.  They range from classy to whimsical and have cards to fit every personality.  Here are a few of my favorite designs:</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TNVX0GDstpI/AAAAAAAAC64/mvfNDOW96dc/s1600-h/image%5B2%5D.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TNVX1KjbYTI/AAAAAAAAC68/o0NQM5TpfYk/image_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="309" height="223" /></a> Perfect with 5 pictures…because how could I ever choose just one of Tipp!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TNVX4fPRK7I/AAAAAAAAC7A/ca2PzU473jk/s1600-h/image%5B5%5D.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TNVX5j5J0MI/AAAAAAAAC7E/SJ0zHV03rKU/image_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="223" height="223" /></a> So classy…now we just need a family picture!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TNVX8CsqSWI/AAAAAAAAC7I/2koV0-cS8lk/s1600-h/image%5B8%5D.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TNVX8zylpVI/AAAAAAAAC7M/PQ_zEfcjSPU/image_thumb%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="223" height="223" /></a> I love this one…I have dreamed of a holiday picture in black and white with Tipp laying in a pile of lights!  </p> <p>Now the only other hard part will be narrowing down my favorite photo or photos of Tipp to send!  </p> Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13174972321971548649noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26041709.post-34819273274378197932010-10-20T12:34:00.001-05:002010-10-20T12:34:01.499-05:00Happy 4 Months!<p>Tipp-</p> <p>Oh My Goodness…I can’t believe you are 4 months old!  You are no longer a newborn and growing into such a big boy with a bright personality.  Although at times you are very unpredictable…when you decide you want something – you want it NOW!  That must be a Stafford trait!</p> <p>It’s been a busy month with lots of milestones for you.  You have discovered your hands, started reaching for toys and you can roll over!  Mostly you enjoy rolling over from back to front, then get frustrated being on your belly.  Once on your belly you have gotten great at pushing up onto your elbows and holding your head up.  As soon as I can flip you back you have rolled back to your belly.  You have also started bearing weight on your legs and love “standing up.” </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TL8n59b_LmI/AAAAAAAAC6c/JOUNWiI3ZMo/s1600-h/IMG_6459%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_6459" border="0" alt="IMG_6459" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TL8n6T07k-I/AAAAAAAAC6g/zb8MoNX9_IE/IMG_6459_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="190" height="279" /></a></p> <p>We had your 4 month appointment where you weighed 12 lbs and 4/5 oz…still at 10%, but gaining appropriately.  You are 25 inches tall and your head is 16 1/2 inches…both are in the 50% range.  We are learning you are going to be a lean baby!  In the past month breastfeeding has gotten a lot easier and you have become an efficient nurser, but becoming more distractible!  You also got 3 vaccines, which made for a sad and fussy evening.  You were so pitiful and we felt so sorry for how bad you felt.  </p> <p>You spent your 4 month birthday weekend in Williamsburg shopping with me and Gommy.  You were such a trooper spending 10 hours shopping with the girls and everyone thought you were so cute.  I hope you enjoyed your weekend with the ladies since next year you will be having a boys weekend with Daddy – he missed you so much!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TL8n_KXxJFI/AAAAAAAAC6k/gBztJ3Hu6so/s1600-h/image%5B2%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TL8oA9d9CZI/AAAAAAAAC6o/a_rLSeFVABw/image_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="299" height="223" /></a> </p> <p>I am enjoying every second with you as the next few weeks are the last of me being at home.  Even when you wake up at 5am for the day, I look forward to bringing you to bed with me and dozing together while you nurse.  I also love playing with you and making you smile…I could stare at your smile all day as literally smile with your entire face.</p> <p>  <img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_6473" border="0" alt="IMG_6473" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TL8oCDztzKI/AAAAAAAAC6w/RMgDIzYbios/IMG_6473_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="335" height="222" /></p> <p>We love you Baby T and look forward to what the next month brings to our lives!</p> Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13174972321971548649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26041709.post-75897720491953965282010-10-13T12:51:00.001-05:002010-10-13T12:51:35.382-05:00Peanut Butter Banana Bread<p>Gracing the cover of the newest Cooking Light was Peanut Butter Banana Bread…a perfect idea for the extremely ripe bananas I threw into the freezer the morning Tipp was born.  I had planned on making an extra loaf of banana bread, but time got away from me.  Whenever I have ripe bananas, but no time to make banana bread, I peel the bananas and freeze them in chunks.  </p> <p>This issue had several versions of Banana bread including a Bananas Foster recipe, which I think we will making very soon!</p> <p>The Peanut Butter version was awesome!  I could have drank the icing!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TLXxoNvx61I/AAAAAAAAC6U/MvCZx-VdqsU/s1600-h/image%5B3%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TLXxpk_JxFI/AAAAAAAAC6Y/78jZYQ0z47Y/image_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="295" height="295" /></a> </p> <p><strong>Peanut Butter Banana Bread</strong> (Cooking Light)</p> <p>Bread: </p> <ul> <li>1 1/2  cups  mashed ripe banana </li> <li>1/3  cup  plain fat-free yogurt </li> <li>1/3  cup  creamy peanut butter </li> <li>3  tablespoons  butter, melted </li> <li>2  large eggs </li> <li>1/2  cup  granulated sugar </li> <li>1/2  cup  packed brown sugar </li> <li>6.75  ounces  all-purpose flour (about 1 1/2 cups) </li> <li>1/4  cup  ground flaxseed </li> <li>3/4  teaspoon  baking soda </li> <li>1/2  teaspoon  salt </li> <li>1/2  teaspoon  ground cinnamon </li> <li>1/8  teaspoon  ground allspice </li> <li>2  tablespoons  chopped dry-roasted peanuts </li> <li>Cooking spray </li> </ul> <p>Glaze: </p> <ul> <li>1/3  cup  powdered sugar </li> <li>1  tablespoon  1% low-fat milk </li> <li>1  tablespoon  creamy peanut butter </li> </ul> <p>Preheat oven to 350°.</p> <p>To prepare bread, combine first 5 ingredients in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed. Add granulated and brown sugars; beat until blended.</p> <p>Weigh or lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour and next 5 ingredients (through allspice) in a small bowl. Add flour mixture to banana mixture; beat just until blended. Stir in nuts. Pour batter into a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 1 hour and 5 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from oven; cool 10 minutes in pan on a wire rack. Remove bread from pan; cool.</p> <p>To prepare glaze, combine powdered sugar, milk, and 1 tablespoon peanut butter in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk. Drizzle glaze over bread.</p> Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13174972321971548649noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26041709.post-18913293379562687592010-10-13T11:54:00.001-05:002010-10-13T11:54:58.950-05:00Tipp Rolling Over<p>Sunday morning, Tipp rolled over for the first time and since then he has not stopped!  He is best at rolling from back to belly, then gets frustrated…he hates tummy time!  As soon as I help him roll to his back again-he rolls over to his tummy.  He is quite proud of himself and smiles immediately after his “trick” then gets fussy out of frustration.  Luckily he is forced to get more tummy time and in the past few days he has been able to push up on his elbows more.</p> <p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:3a33a49a-a89a-40b1-b898-6556905060f8" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="c81ccc65-69d6-4838-acfd-6606b5b181af" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsDGJpbK6CU&feature=youtube_gdata_player" target="_new"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TLXkYj3FrOI/AAAAAAAAC6Q/Vuba_c29SPg/videofd7f96c3818d%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('c81ccc65-69d6-4838-acfd-6606b5b181af'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/HsDGJpbK6CU&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/HsDGJpbK6CU&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> </p> <p>Monday, he kept rolling over anytime I turned away even if just for a second!  But, I finally caught it on camera very early Tuesday morning.  I guess we will start trying to wean him from his Swaddle Me soon and take the bumpers out of the crib as he gets more and more mobile!</p> Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13174972321971548649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26041709.post-64626002112403242492010-09-28T09:09:00.001-05:002010-09-28T09:09:24.499-05:00Sweet & Spicy Citrus Tilapia<p>On our First “Little” Family vacation several weeks ago, we had many opportunities to enjoy relaxing meals al fresco where we could try new recipes.  I found this recipe in the August edition of Cooking Light and it was perfect after a long day on the beach.   You could use this marinade for chicken, pork, shrimp or any other type of fish – it is so versatile.  </p> <p>We enjoyed fresh grilled veggies and lime scented rice as sides.<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TKH3ErMsgsI/AAAAAAAAC6I/IyWcyVQ1Jyc/s1600-h/IMG_5980%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5980" border="0" alt="IMG_5980" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TKH3FBpLxtI/AAAAAAAAC6M/fNlbr7ROEw0/IMG_5980_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="232" height="342" /></a> <strong>Sweet & Spicy Citrus Tilapia</strong></p> <ul> <li>4  (6-ounce) tilapia fillets </li> <li>Cooking spray </li> <li>1/2  cup  fresh orange juice (about 1 orange) </li> <li>3  tablespoons  fresh lime juice </li> <li>1  tablespoon  brown sugar </li> <li>1  tablespoon  extra-virgin olive oil </li> <li>2  teaspoons  lower-sodium soy sauce </li> <li>1/2  teaspoon  salt </li> <li>1/2  teaspoon  ground cumin </li> <li>1/4  teaspoon  black pepper </li> <li>1/4  teaspoon  ground red pepper </li> <li>2  garlic cloves, crushed </li> <li>1/2  teaspoon  paprika </li> </ul> <p>Arrange fish in a single layer in a shallow roasting pan coated with cooking spray. Combine orange juice and next 9 ingredients (through garlic); pour over fish. Let stand 15 minutes.</p> <p>Preheat broiler.</p> <p>Sprinkle fish with paprika; broil 15 minutes or until desired degree of doneness. Drizzle sauce over fish.</p> Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13174972321971548649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26041709.post-62712911920823484492010-09-28T09:02:00.001-05:002010-09-28T09:02:11.341-05:00Tipp’s Baptism<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TKH1HLaUiAI/AAAAAAAAC5U/d_AgbuY_Ixg/s1600-h/image%5B3%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TKH1IsZ94LI/AAAAAAAAC5Y/dpUTUlbjUVc/image_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="230" height="304" /></a> Tipp was baptized on Sunday, September 19 and this was an extra special occasion.  Our new pastor, Dr. Carl Frazier was appointed to our church in June.  Coincidentally he was my previous pastor at my parents church in Sanford and married Ben and I at Duke Chapel.  <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TKH1LvlSzrI/AAAAAAAAC5c/TziUW5uZqvc/s1600-h/image%5B15%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TKH1NC1wwxI/AAAAAAAAC5g/CoIqFDwZjIU/image_thumb%5B7%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="231" height="305" /></a>The service was wonderful with all of our families in attendance.  Tipp was so peaceful during the ceremony and woke up just in time to be baptized.  He was very alert while Carl walked him through congregation while everyone sang “Jesus Loves You” to him; and I was filled with such emotion knowing not only the commitment we made to raise our child with Christian principles, but also the commitment our entire church family had made as well.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TKH1QGfYNoI/AAAAAAAAC5k/Q0D-vGwrflc/s1600-h/image%5B7%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TKH1RZq4BwI/AAAAAAAAC5o/si225sfX6bo/image_thumb%5B3%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="230" height="338" /></a> After the service we enjoyed a fantastic lunch at Lucky 32 with everyone.  The icing on the cake (or cupcake) was chocolate Cafe Carolina Cupcakes for dessert.  Tipp received many wonderful gifts including photo frames to document the day, a book of Bible stories for children, many cute clothes for the winter season, and money for his 529 plan.  <img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_6108" border="0" alt="IMG_6108" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TKH1R2guWtI/AAAAAAAAC5s/fJ8NRGDGtZw/IMG_6108_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="223" /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TKH1SQFCVVI/AAAAAAAAC5w/PhNbsbwJI_A/s1600-h/IMG_6103%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_6103" border="0" alt="IMG_6103" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TKH1S42vWfI/AAAAAAAAC50/CDoP_eSB0f8/IMG_6103_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="223" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TKH1TEhtfvI/AAAAAAAAC54/monvDBNoWj8/s1600-h/IMG_6105%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_6105" border="0" alt="IMG_6105" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TKH1Tum4dQI/AAAAAAAAC58/VwU7natLNnE/IMG_6105_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="223" /></a>Ben and I feel incredibly blessed that we have such a wonderful family that loves Tipp so much!!  It was truly a special day that we will never forget.<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TKH1XW9R0HI/AAAAAAAAC6A/JsriDoOwGUg/s1600-h/image%5B10%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TKH1YkWAk6I/AAAAAAAAC6E/hZfBJTbZ_GE/image_thumb%5B4%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="334" height="223" /></a></p> Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13174972321971548649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26041709.post-43378451021961486782010-09-28T08:44:00.001-05:002010-09-28T08:44:51.030-05:00Football and Our House Divided<p>Football season has finally arrived and we are so thrilled to start dressing Tipp in our favorite team colors.  One of the first games of the season was VT Hokies vs ECU Pirates and Tipp cheered on the Hokies to their first win of the season.  I’m sure he was the good luck charm they needed.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TKHxGq7uZFI/AAAAAAAAC4Y/FdHd_9kutQo/s1600-h/image%5B3%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TKHxIVXI2VI/AAAAAAAAC4g/Af2EwuA-UjE/image_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="242" height="321" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TKHxJFSjr3I/AAAAAAAAC4k/raOLp0972L0/s1600-h/IMG_6102%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_6102" border="0" alt="IMG_6102" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TKHxJUxdieI/AAAAAAAAC4o/MrvfVjEX_Q4/IMG_6102_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="223" /></a>In true Stafford-Hedrick fashion we watched the game over lots of snacks and munchies, then followed with a cookout. <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TKHxJ-FbFgI/AAAAAAAAC4s/yYx_pwcUro8/s1600-h/IMG_6096%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_6096" border="0" alt="IMG_6096" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TKHxKoxlJvI/AAAAAAAAC4w/66Nzw6gZDM0/IMG_6096_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="215" height="316" /></a>Virginia Tech and ECU are not the only team Tipp is starting to root for…he has plenty of Carolina Panther gear for the season!  Ben and Tipp enjoyed a Sunday afternoon watching football all day.  The Panthers did not win, but we think we have one cute fanatic to take to the games soon!  <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TKHxLLEN5vI/AAAAAAAAC40/mHDlTxWsNUo/s1600-h/IMG_60233.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_6023" border="0" alt="IMG_6023" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TKHxLvPpBrI/AAAAAAAAC44/G4VUiQss6DA/IMG_6023_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="228" height="335" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TKHxSsYemjI/AAAAAAAAC48/RK0jPFjZdAI/s1600-h/IMG_60254.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_6025" border="0" alt="IMG_6025" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TKHxS3u8NDI/AAAAAAAAC5A/hoqjiuHqPyA/IMG_6025_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="236" height="344" /></a>Laura and Lillie gave Tipp Stripes for a baby shower gift since it’s the Chinese year of the Tiger.  They picked out a Carolina Panther outfit for him to wear, which conveniently Tipp is almost the same size as Stripes and could wear his helmet!   <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TKHxTim5JiI/AAAAAAAAC5E/a_KDczOUGeY/s1600-h/IMG_60372.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_6037" border="0" alt="IMG_6037" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TKHxTxCt0nI/AAAAAAAAC5I/mofNuXdut5c/IMG_6037_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="223" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TKHxUUsrb2I/AAAAAAAAC5M/81ooJdvAj1E/s1600-h/IMG_59142.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_5914" border="0" alt="IMG_5914" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TKHxUkGmjiI/AAAAAAAAC5Q/k-MhU58Zovw/IMG_5914_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="149" height="223" /></a></p> Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13174972321971548649noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26041709.post-64003848306453668882010-09-28T08:38:00.001-05:002010-09-28T08:38:23.919-05:00Miles 8 & 9<p>I am now running into unchartered territory…the farthest I have ever ran!  My mom and I have become training partners and conquered both 8 and 9 mile long runs in the past two weeks.  <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TKHvxNrwEOI/AAAAAAAAC4Q/NjWP30gw4Oo/s1600-h/image%5B3%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TKHvz3ncHWI/AAAAAAAAC4U/SDl7zCxpNJ8/image_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="275" height="363" /></a>This past weekend we braved the rain for a 9 mile run on the <a href="http://www.triangletrails.org/ATT.HTM" target="_blank">American Tobacco Trail</a>.  Running in the rain is so much fun…we did not have a dry bone on us when we returned, but we made amazing time at 10:56 per mile.  </p> <p>We both have enjoyed training together so much we kept thinking of ways we could run the races together.  Finally around mile 7.5 I agreed to run the <a href="http://www.runmyrtlebeach.com/" target="_blank">Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon</a> with her on Oct. 24 - she signed me up that night!   I cannot believe I am running not one, but two half marathons within 3 weeks of each other, let alone just months after having a baby!</p> <p>After the Myrtle Beach Mini, I’ll taper off again, but continue training with Ben for the OBX Half while she watches Tipp during our long runs.</p> Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13174972321971548649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26041709.post-40548296241266475592010-09-28T08:25:00.001-05:002010-09-28T08:25:32.597-05:00Happy 3 Months Tipp!!<p>It is already fall and Tipp has turned 3 months!  Where has the summer gone?  He no longer reminds me of a newborn even though he is still on the small side (11 lbs, 2 oz).  He is nursing like a champ now and meeting all of his milestones so his doctor is not worried.  <img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_6081" border="0" alt="IMG_6081" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TKHso-Iq2SI/AAAAAAAAC4A/1v1I44H2s1w/IMG_6081_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="223" />Tipp is incredibly strong and can hold his head up really well now.  He tolerates tummy time a little better, but would much prefer to lay on his back under his play gym.  He loves to bat at the toys and kick which restarts the music and lights.  He is also trying very very hard to roll over.  He rocks from side to side, but favors his left, to rotate himself around the play mat.   </p> <p>He has become much more social and his entire face lights up when he smiles…we will do anything for a smile and a coo!  Generally he has become a happy baby!  Tipp is also becoming more aware of toys, so much so, I went out and bought him new one.  He has also discovered his feet and hands.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TKHsytP2snI/AAAAAAAAC4I/uad1ICK48FQ/s1600-h/IMG_6088%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_6088" border="0" alt="IMG_6088" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TKHszEI37II/AAAAAAAAC4M/-ThAqW_r8HU/IMG_6088_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="203" height="299" /></a>We have been so blessed to have such an awesome sleeper!  Tipp’s bedtime routine is being established with a bath, book, and nursing around 830-9pm every night.  He usually sleeps until 6am hardly waking any during the night.  I think Ben and I will need the sleep training to let him be sometimes and not get up to pop the paci back in!!  Lately we have been enjoying his morning nursing session in bed and Tipp usually falls back asleep.  I come downstairs for coffee and a little “me” time while Ben dozes off beside Tipp.  It’s the sweetest thing to go check on them and see my boys snoozing away!</p> Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13174972321971548649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26041709.post-21329109941930929852010-09-28T06:51:00.001-05:002010-09-28T06:51:35.426-05:00New Friends & New Recipes<p>Since I have such an extended maternity leave, I have been enjoying the benefits of being at stay at home mom.  I joined our church’s MOPS group and love the fellowship every other Friday we share over breakfast.</p> <p>Each group takes turns bringing a huge spread of breakfast that includes casseroles, breads, fruit, grits, coffee and juice – which is an awesome way to start the weekend.   My group was chosen to provide breakfast for our second meeting and I decided to make a Chocolate Zucchini bread after reading several recipes in a latest issue of Cooking Light.</p> <p>This bread is incredibly moist and tasted amazing.  I was nervous about making a recipe without trying it first, but I got so many compliments and requests for the recipe.  It makes 2 loaves and the first loaf I kept for us since I was too anxious to get it out of the pan and it crumbled.  It was still wonderful and between Ben and I we ate it within 2 days!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TKHWvzmrLyI/AAAAAAAAC34/xYDe23sDwWw/s1600-h/image%5B3%5D.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TKHWxpseTsI/AAAAAAAAC38/O8HtvsshYeA/image_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="273" height="273" /></a> </p> <p><strong>Chocolate Zucchini Bread</strong></p> <ul> <li>2 (1 ounce) squares unsweetened chocolate</li> <li>3 eggs</li> <li>2 cups white sugar</li> <li>1 cup vegetable oil</li> <li>2 cups grated zucchini</li> <li>1 teaspoon vanilla extract</li> <li>2 cups all-purpose flour</li> <li>1 teaspoon baking soda</li> <li>1 teaspoon salt</li> <li>1 teaspoon ground cinnamon</li> <li>3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips</li> </ul> <p>Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease two 9x5 inch loaf pans. In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave chocolate until melted. Stir occasionally until chocolate is smooth.</p> <p> <br />In a large bowl, combine eggs, sugar, oil, grated zucchini, vanilla and chocolate; beat well. Stir in the flour baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Fold in the chocolate chips. Pour batter into prepared loaf pans.</p> <p> <br />Bake in preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a loaf comes out clean.</p> Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13174972321971548649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26041709.post-19671459669097533172010-09-27T18:19:00.001-05:002010-09-27T18:19:28.595-05:00Tipp 0-3 Months<object width="425" height="425" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000"><param name="movie" value="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/flashslideshowphotobook/slideshow_pb.swf"/><param name="flashvars" value="xmlURL=http%3A%2F%2Fws.shutterfly.com%2Fpsdata%3FprojectGUID%3D0AcNHLdo0aMWPPHg%26uid%3D001014447948%26size%3D0%26ts%3D1285629555000%26height%3D425%26width%3D425&size=0&ob=0&fc=0&ss=0&sb=0&ft=0"/><param name="menu" value="false"/><param name="quality" value="best"/><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"/><embed width="425" height="425" align="middle" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" name="wrapper" quality="best" menu="false" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" flashvars="xmlURL=http%3A%2F%2Fws.shutterfly.com%2Fpsdata%3FprojectGUID%3D0AcNHLdo0aMWPPHg%26uid%3D001014447948%26size%3D0%26ts%3D1285629555000%26height%3D425%26width%3D425&size=0&ob=0&fc=0&ss=0&sb=0&ft=0" src="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/flashslideshowphotobook/slideshow_pb.swf"></embed></object><p style="width:425px;margin-top:0;text-align:center;"><a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AcNHLdo0aMWLCVg&eid=115">Click here to view this photo book larger</a><img width="1" height="1" border="0" src="https://os.shutterfly.com/b/ss/sflyshareprod/1/H.15/111?pageName=sharekey&c1=photobook&c2=blogger" /></p>Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13174972321971548649noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26041709.post-49285815666244702532010-09-08T10:51:00.001-05:002010-09-08T10:51:43.342-05:00Ready to Run…<p>I must be crazy, but I’m training for the OBX Half Marathon!  I actually registered back in April while I was pregnant knowing it would be great motivation to get back out on the road running again.  I got the go-ahead at my 6 week post delivery check up and have started a 16 week training program.  <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TIexB1Sj_AI/AAAAAAAAC3Q/8KwCw4yePOU/s1600-h/image%5B3%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TIexDg8epfI/AAAAAAAAC3U/DXXIpV2DlRU/image_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="236" height="313" /></a>Not having run a single time since last October, starting back was actually much easier than I thought!  I started slow with just running/walking 2 miles and focusing on covering the distance.  Slowly my pace has gotten faster, my endurance better and my distances longer.  This past week at the beach I did a ton of running and it felt great!  Saturday I ran 6 miles with my mom at a 11:30 pace.</p> <p>13.1 miles seems pretty daunting and I have moments where I ask myself why I thought it would be a good idea, but overall I feel good setting a goal for myself.  2010 will be an awesome year with the birth of Tipp and me finishing my first Half!</p> Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13174972321971548649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26041709.post-78581096267981768152010-09-08T10:43:00.001-05:002010-09-08T10:43:02.892-05:00Tipp’s First Church Service<p>When Tipp was 8 weeks old, we finally decided it was time (or safe) to take him to church for the first time.  Since our day starts around 6 or 7am we decided to go to an earlier service and had intentions of possibly taking him to the nursery if needed.  <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TIethyn0nwI/AAAAAAAAC24/_c_uuk993IM/s1600-h/IMG_5858%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5858" border="0" alt="IMG_5858" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TIeu_n5KQgI/AAAAAAAAC28/rAl4tBro_pA/IMG_5858_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="223" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TIevALTmixI/AAAAAAAAC3A/63mHHgLNCpg/s1600-h/IMG_5862%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5862" border="0" alt="IMG_5862" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TIevAhDXmKI/AAAAAAAAC3E/2l2vrtC7TE0/IMG_5862_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="192" height="283" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TIevBJ0PYKI/AAAAAAAAC3I/HJ4D5MKSo_g/s1600-h/IMG_5860%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5860" border="0" alt="IMG_5860" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TIevBiEmVHI/AAAAAAAAC3M/XtTl4LT2cWA/IMG_5860_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="223" /></a> Our timing was perfect and he ate right before leaving.  At the start of the service he immediately fell asleep and slept the entire time.  All of our “neighbors” loved having him in church and were so happy to meet him.  Ben and I were happy to be back at church and to finally say hello to our new pastor, Dr. Carl Frazier.  Carl is new to First United Methodist Cary, but not new to us.  He was our pastor at my old church in Sanford and actually married Ben and I at Duke Chapel.  We are thrilled he will baptize Tipp on September 19 and that Tipp will grow up with a wonderful church family!</p> Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13174972321971548649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26041709.post-35115890208521892082010-09-08T10:25:00.001-05:002010-09-08T10:25:40.621-05:00Happy 2 Months Tipp<p>Our sweet baby boy is now 2 months old and we are falling in love with him more as each day passes!!  Tipp is becoming more aware and noticing his surroundings.  He loves to smile, especially at his Daddy!  I think the fussy period has finally passed and everyone is getting more sleep.  At night he sleeps like a champ waking usually once around 3 or 4 am to nurse.  Although he is cat-napper during the day, but we’ll take that as long as he continues to technically sleep through the night!<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TIeq7lQP1OI/AAAAAAAAC2o/7zcHOT8udec/s1600-h/IMG_5872%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5872" border="0" alt="IMG_5872" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TIeq7zYbmtI/AAAAAAAAC2s/xM_QKaXj-lE/IMG_5872_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="224" height="335" /></a>He had his 2 month check up and got 3 shots and an oral vaccine and those were not fun.  Luckily he did well with them and we only needed one dose of Tylenol when he got fussy later in the evening.  Fortunately we did not have to experience any fevers.  He is still a little peanut weighing only 9 lbs. 8 oz, which is in the 10th percentile.  His length is 22.75 inches and puts him in the 50th percentile for height.  Hopefully over the next month breastfeeding will become even easier as he gets more efficient and gains more weight, but overall it is going well and I’m so glad we have stuck it out!<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TIeq8dyUwPI/AAAAAAAAC2w/B4Zq1BH4vWg/s1600-h/IMG_5882%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5882" border="0" alt="IMG_5882" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TIeq9KjpbHI/AAAAAAAAC20/RJ8rXHPcdaU/IMG_5882_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="224" height="329" /></a>Over the next month we look forward to watching our little man grow and start to interact with us by cooing more and laughing.   Ben and I cannot stop saying how cute he is…we now cannot remember life without him!  </p> Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13174972321971548649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26041709.post-20407387797098612702010-08-03T13:34:00.001-05:002010-08-03T13:34:11.248-05:00Tipp’s First Trip to the Beach<p>At just 3 1/2 weeks old. Tipp enjoyed his very first trip to the beach.  The thought of taking a newborn on a 3 hour drive was pretty daunting, but he was a champ and slept the entire way.  We only made one stop for a feeding and diaper change!</p> <p>The first night at the beach Tipp slept 5 glorious hours…I felt like a new person after a decent nights sleep.  Saturday morning he was in such a good mood, so we set out on a shopping trip to the outlets.  Of course no trip to the outlets is complete without a stop in Carter’s.  I also did some shopping for myself since I only have 8 lbs to go until my pre-pregnancy weight.  I was getting tired of the lounge pants and camis I’ve been wearing since Tipp was born.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TFhT_DtVirI/AAAAAAAAC1Q/GdVIBbSBCZc/s1600-h/IMG_5569%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5569" border="0" alt="IMG_5569" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TFhT_g-Yc_I/AAAAAAAAC1U/VfWTG7fSzuw/IMG_5569_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="223" /></a>Over the weekend Tipp also met his Great Uncle Robbie and Aunt Linda as well as his Aunt Christie, Uncle Daniel and cousins Payne and Oscar.   <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TFhUAOIZfuI/AAAAAAAAC1Y/cD28I2Js9z0/s1600-h/IMG_5616%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5616" border="0" alt="IMG_5616" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TFhUAp2vbtI/AAAAAAAAC1c/ZtuocYuBKvM/IMG_5616_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="223" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TFhUBYoGf6I/AAAAAAAAC1g/bFOYIxU4-Bg/s1600-h/IMG_5619%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5619" border="0" alt="IMG_5619" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TFhUCq4ai9I/AAAAAAAAC1k/IzHiEodFoTc/IMG_5619_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="223" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TFhUDACoB-I/AAAAAAAAC1o/TnDlvvFCCJ8/s1600-h/IMG_5624%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5624" border="0" alt="IMG_5624" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TFhhB4c95qI/AAAAAAAAC1w/vbcqoIyaQXE/IMG_5624_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="223" /></a>Ben took him into the pool for his first swim, which he sort or enjoyed!  Sunday evening we took a walk to the beach for his first official trip to the beach complete with putting his tiny toes in the sand and surf.   <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TFhhCRt-m0I/AAAAAAAAC10/Wc5vbj1yJME/s1600-h/IMG_5587%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5587" border="0" alt="IMG_5587" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TFhhC8TxpqI/AAAAAAAAC14/ZMt6asao3Ho/IMG_5587_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="223" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TFhhD4U9ayI/AAAAAAAAC18/P-UdpUiycNo/s1600-h/IMG_5592%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5592" border="0" alt="IMG_5592" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TFhhEEKebLI/AAAAAAAAC2A/mI97ja-PT7E/IMG_5592_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="149" height="223" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TFhhE7wfLdI/AAAAAAAAC2E/PdK32YAIkQU/s1600-h/IMG_5603%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5603" border="0" alt="IMG_5603" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TFhhFbnVAOI/AAAAAAAAC2I/jBfLDGBbtzA/IMG_5603_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="271" height="274" /></a></p> <p>The weekend was a great break from home and we look forward to enjoying many more trips to the beach over the next few weeks, months and year as a little family.  <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TFhhF5nITrI/AAAAAAAAC2M/zcUeQ1-DCWA/s1600-h/IMG_5632%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5632" border="0" alt="IMG_5632" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TFhhGKjMFFI/AAAAAAAAC2Q/CH4n8yYs_qk/IMG_5632_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="149" height="223" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TFhhHEyAPqI/AAAAAAAAC2U/IARiTjiH7kM/s1600-h/IMG_5630%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5630" border="0" alt="IMG_5630" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TFhhHpxGVNI/AAAAAAAAC2Y/snqnN7-WmR0/IMG_5630_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="223" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TFhhINpn9HI/AAAAAAAAC2c/ISntnlsdL8c/s1600-h/IMG_5637%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5637" border="0" alt="IMG_5637" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TFhhInPE15I/AAAAAAAAC2g/J0ZRXyMejLM/IMG_5637_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="223" /></a></p> Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13174972321971548649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26041709.post-21002807224370145662010-08-03T12:18:00.001-05:002010-08-03T12:18:37.372-05:00Happy 1 Month<p>The days are flying by…so much so it has taken me 2 weeks to post this!  We celebrated Tipp’s One Month with an informal photo shoot followed by his first dinner out at Tyler’s Taproom.  Our friends Chris & Sam and Rick & Tara also joined us.  Tipp loved Tyler’s and mostly slept the entire night.  <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TFhPZ976vUI/AAAAAAAAC1I/XF6Sz24LbBM/s1600-h/IMG_5650%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5650" border="0" alt="IMG_5650" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TFhPaqWECEI/AAAAAAAAC1M/SLJtS0sB0b0/IMG_5650_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="223" /></a>At one month we are still figuring each other out.  He is finally over 8 lbs, and still nursing every 2-3 hours.  Some nights are better than others, but I am really excited that I made it to my first goal of one month for breastfeeding.  </p> <p>We are looking forward to getting a little bit more sleep and seeing Tipp grow, although not too fast!  </p> Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13174972321971548649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26041709.post-50940749853279395622010-07-21T14:15:00.001-05:002010-07-21T14:15:28.324-05:00Fourth of July with Our Little Firecracker<p>Since Tipp was only 2 1/2 weeks old, we stayed home for the 4th this year rather than heading to the beach.  Nana, Big Daddy and the Aunt’s were also in town, so we finally left the house for more than an hour to enjoy a little cookout.  My dad made ribs and we had homemade peach ice cream.  <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TEdHTpMeVwI/AAAAAAAAC0o/rTC9b1nH6k4/s1600-h/IMG_5535%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5535" border="0" alt="IMG_5535" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TEdHT9gugpI/AAAAAAAAC0s/98DjYzpxKbk/IMG_5535_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="149" height="223" /></a>We had such good evening being out of the house and I think Tipp enjoyed his first 4th of July!</p> Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13174972321971548649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26041709.post-43550483181888734922010-07-06T11:06:00.001-05:002010-07-06T11:06:07.986-05:00Happy Father’s Day<p>My wish came true and Tipp arrived just in time for Father’s Day!  We could not have had a better day, celebrating with Ben and my dad and finally bringing home Tipp.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TDNUW7ubi_I/AAAAAAAAC0I/_Ofr1mXGtOs/s1600-h/IMG_5433%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5433" border="0" alt="IMG_5433" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TDNUXgRTOnI/AAAAAAAAC0M/IZ-iRboSc0A/IMG_5433_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="149" height="223" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TDNUYUVrywI/AAAAAAAAC0Q/9MHL2FBD5CI/s1600-h/IMG_5434%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5434" border="0" alt="IMG_5434" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TDNUZLm5HNI/AAAAAAAAC0U/b2S4P__o5Q0/IMG_5434_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="149" height="223" /></a></p> <p>My dad, or Big Daddy, and the girls came over for lunch.  They brought us a wonderful lunch of pork tenderloin, cranberry salad, broccoli salad, rolls and peach ice cream.<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TDNUaACACcI/AAAAAAAAC0Y/8feX9vUDeSk/s1600-h/IMG_5431%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5431" border="0" alt="IMG_5431" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TDNUahpUJrI/AAAAAAAAC0c/6w9XdUEwTQc/IMG_5431_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="223" /></a>   </p> <p>Other than the birth of his son, I gave Ben a braided leather bracelet with Dad inscripted on it.  He received a couple of Fatherhood books from both of parents as well as a new Polo shirt.  <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TDNUbFjYV0I/AAAAAAAAC0g/_I0FTswUJc8/s1600-h/IMG_5419%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5419" border="0" alt="IMG_5419" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TDNUbjnFiRI/AAAAAAAAC0k/-UG6FmV-iCU/IMG_5419_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="223" /></a> </p> <p>We are so happy we could share this first Father’s Day as a family celebrating the newest arrival to our little family!</p> Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13174972321971548649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26041709.post-79660193418700443812010-06-27T19:27:00.001-05:002010-06-27T19:27:13.045-05:00Tipp’s Arrival!!<p>Tippett Jefferson Stafford arrived Wednesday, June 16 at 5:40pm.  He was 7lbs. 6 oz. and 20 1/2 inches long.  Other than that he is just PERFECT!</p> <p>On Monday, Jun 14 we went for my 39 week appt. with Dr. Anya.  I had noticed a slight decrease in movement, but convinced myself it was normal due to his cramped quarters.  However, I brought it up for reassurance with Dr. Anya.  She suggested a Non-Stress Test and we sat hooked up to the monitors for 30 minutes in the office.  It was exciting to know I was already having small contractions on my own, but they did not get a clear reading of his heart rate and movement, so we went to Labor & Delivery at Rex for a longer NST.  Tipp responded well there with a little ice water and sugary popsicle so we were sent home.  Dr. Gunter, the doctor on call wanted us to come back Wednesday for another NST.  We were not at all prepared as Ben had left his cell phone at home and I did not have any numbers for his parents on my phone.  I finally had my bag packed, but left it at home.  </p> <p>I was already working from home and getting quiet bored waiting on Tipp’s arrival.  On Tuesday evening I went to my mom’s house for dinner and a long 2 mile walk to hopefully get things moving along.  We also made plans to get a pedicure Wednesday evening and then eggplant parmesan from Daniel’s for dinner as it supposedly can help start labor.  </p> <p>Prior to Wednesday I was not really Nesting, but I spent the morning deep cleaning our stove and it suddenly dawned on me maybe I’ll go into labor Wednesday night.  </p> <p>At 2:45pm we headed to our appointment and spent 30 minutes on the monitors.  Other than Tipp’s hiccups I did not experience any movement and his heart rate remained steady around 146.  Dr. Gunter seemed a little concerned that it was a “perfect” test and when it comes to babies he wanted perfect.  They got us an appointment at Duke Perinatal immediately for a Bio-Physical Profile.  </p> <p>We walked into ultrasound at 3:45pm.  Everything on the ultrasound looked great - fluid levels were good, all of his organs were great, and the ultrasound tech estimated he was around 8 lbs.  She left the room and said the Dr. would be in shortly.  Two minutes later the tech returned and said we should head over to Rex and they were expecting us.  She also added I should not eat or drink anything just in case they wanted to admit me.  My first thought was “Oh wow – this baby might be born late tonight or early tomorrow morning”  And slightly worried about an induction as opposed to going into labor naturally.  Again we did not bring our bags to the doctor’s appt.</p> <p>At 4:10 we walked into Labor and Delivery triage.  I was gowned up and hooked up to the monitors again just as we had spent the afternoon 2 days ago.  Within a few minutes Dr. Placide came to talk and they heard from Duke, but only that Tipp had scored a 4 out of 8 on the BPP and they wanted at least a 6.  He was concerned it could take days to induce me since I was not dilated so he recommended a c-section.  Still, I was calm and thought we would schedule it for a few hours from now when the OR would be available.</p> <p>In between people coming in to talk to us I was able to call my parents to let them know what was going on.  The anesthesiologist<em> </em>came in to discuss the spinal and risks while I had a nurse putting in an IV and another nurse taking off my jewelry.  I was instructed to take out my contacts and I suddenly lost it realizing the c-section was happening faster than we had planned and there was no time for Ben to go home and get my bag.  I am blind without my contacts and I knew it would be hours before I’d be able to SEE my baby.  Never mind we did not have our camera and I was upset we would miss those first photos of his daddy holding him, being weighed and getting his first bath.  </p> <p>Our nurse Helen, was amazing and could read me like a book.  She knew I was overwhelmed!  Dr. Placide came back in and said the OR was ready and it would be an hour before my initial blood results would be back from the lab and a spinal was not an option.  I was going to be under general anesthesia.  Part of me was relieved since I was very anxious about being awake for the surgery, but the other part knew the consequences of being groggy and a longer time in recovery without Tipp.  Luckily, the lab expedited the results and they determined I was able to get the spinal.  </p> <p>Next thing I know I’m being wheeled to the OR and Ben gave me a kiss as he went to get his scrubs on.  They prepped me and I sat on the OR table to get my spinal – pretty terrified that a huge needle was going into my spinal column.  I really surprised myself and remembered to use the relaxation techniques we learned in our birth classes.  The spinal was in place within 2 minutes and by the time they got me lay back down my legs were already going numb.  </p> <p>Everyone finished their preparations while the nurse anesthetist stayed with me and explained the entire surgery and what was going on.  I thought they were still getting set up when I heard suction and knew they had already started.  I was pretty relieved knowing the incision was already made and I had not felt a thing.  Ben was brought in and sat by my head.  I was told to prepare for some pressure and then one more round of pressure – then we heard the sweetest sound – Tipp’s cries, then our cries of joy.  Someone said 5:40, although I had no concept of time and then I heard "strawberry blonde hair.”  Our son was born.  <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TCePTm3FbZI/AAAAAAAACy0/OCPpnVGehs8/s1600-h/IMG_0066%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_0066" border="0" alt="IMG_0066" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TCePUNNpQ8I/AAAAAAAACy4/KrCdsyohJKc/IMG_0066_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="205" height="274" /></a> </p> <p>Ben went with Tipp next door to be weighed and assessed, then he brought him to me.  I could barely make out his features, but knew he was perfect! <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TCfsNv5yw_I/AAAAAAAACzA/mGI1hnPawY0/s1600-h/IMG_0069%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_0069" border="0" alt="IMG_0069" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TCfsN-XVkPI/AAAAAAAACzE/s-wANtuznHk/IMG_0069_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="204" height="273" /></a> </p> <p>Recovery was a bit of a blur.  It took a good 30-40 minutes to get me put back together.  I remember hearing Dr. Placide and an OR Tech making small talk and then discussing the new dissolvable staples they were using.   I was wheeled to recovery where I met up with Ben an d Tipp.  I had given Ben my Iphone to get a few non-professional pictures of Tipp and was finally able to hold the pictures close enough to see our son.  Once Tipp was given his first bath where he was still crying, he was handing to me to hold him – it was amazing – the moment I had waited for and I could finally comfort him!<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TCfsPPfy3OI/AAAAAAAACzI/9lwiyFL6gE8/s1600-h/IMG_0075%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_0075" border="0" alt="IMG_0075" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TCfsPawlTQI/AAAAAAAACzM/UUwJVGP00Js/IMG_0075_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="199" height="266" /></a></p> <p>We were finally moved to a post-partum room on the east side of the hospital since the Birth Center was full.  At 8pm I was able to nurse Tipp and at 8:45pm our family was brought back to meet their newest grandson and nephew.  My mom had gone to our house to get our bags and I finally put on my glasses to officially see my baby…he was perfect and absolutely gorgeous.  We are so in love!<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TCfsQQxBwqI/AAAAAAAACzQ/BvpkIoSfhBk/s1600-h/IMG_5303%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_5303" border="0" alt="IMG_5303" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TCfsQ0OaDtI/AAAAAAAACzU/zzfPWCRasvc/IMG_5303_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="322" height="215" /></a> </p> <p>Our first night was a blur (as were the first few days now), but one of my favorite moments was finally cuddling and taking an early morning nap with my son the next morning.  I was a little sad we never got the initial bonding time right after his delivery, but this moment made up for it!<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TCfsRQhUUYI/AAAAAAAACzY/xEhUxD9XkHc/s1600-h/IMG_5313%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_5313" border="0" alt="IMG_5313" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TCfsSa0SarI/AAAAAAAACzc/M95NZzuJYdA/IMG_5313_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="216" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TCfsSzzz7LI/AAAAAAAACzg/zLhPChP63vY/s1600-h/IMG_5323%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_5323" border="0" alt="IMG_5323" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TCfsTYdtpxI/AAAAAAAACzk/zs2snlPk0lg/IMG_5323_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="198" height="297" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TCfsT5-x3WI/AAAAAAAACzo/RFURpUdCwkg/s1600-h/IMG_5059%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_5059" border="0" alt="IMG_5059" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TCfsUVDo18I/AAAAAAAACzs/B5oM-JoZ36c/IMG_5059_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="329" height="220" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TCfsU6aYugI/AAAAAAAACzw/7MSVgoBDnLU/s1600-h/IMG_5074%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_5074" border="0" alt="IMG_5074" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TCfsVXjKyII/AAAAAAAACz0/sW1LiXAYRvI/IMG_5074_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="329" height="220" /></a>Ben has been absolutely amazing and jumped right into fatherhood.  He even took over the first diaper change and has become a master at diapers and swaddling.  I always knew he would be a great father.  We shared a special moment the night before we were discharged.  We had sent Tipp to the nursery to get a few hours of sleep and Ben gave me a beautiful David Yurman pearl and diamond ring as a commitment to Tipp and our family.      </p> <p>For the next two days we had a ton of visitors stopping by to see us.  On Saturday, June 19, Tipp’s due date we were discharged and could not wait to get home.  Tipp loved his car seat and slept the entire ride home.  We were greeted with a huge “Stork” announcing our bundle of joy from my brother and sister in law as well as a huge blue bow on our mailbox from my parents.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TCfsV8TcczI/AAAAAAAACz4/1YwkobxUxlE/s1600-h/IMG_5386%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_5386" border="0" alt="IMG_5386" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TCfsWfAjAPI/AAAAAAAACz8/CiASvnFnysQ/IMG_5386_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="326" height="218" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TCfsXXW_44I/AAAAAAAAC0A/_YbOKqGyPB8/s1600-h/IMG_5442%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_5442" border="0" alt="IMG_5442" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TCfsX7GjJcI/AAAAAAAAC0E/KVtYASHETQs/IMG_5442_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="326" height="218" /></a> </p> <p>We finally had our son home after looking forward to this day for over a year.  </p> <p>Right now, Tipp is an excellent sleeper, especially at night.  We are working really hard on nursing and hopefully within the next week things will start clicking.  He has been to the doctor twice for his initial check up and his weight was 6 lbs 13 oz.  Our second appointment was with the lactation specialist and he had gained weight back up to 7 lbs even.  We have even made several outings to Target, Panera Bread and Babies R Us.  </p> <p>Tipp has already brought so much joy into our lives and we are so happy to finally have him here with us.  We are excited to watch him grow and change over the next few weeks, months and years.  I feel like he is already changing and growing in just the 10 days we’ve had him!</p> <p>I’m starting to use our Shutterfly page since we have so many wonderful photos to share.  Enjoy all the pictures we are taking as we watch Tipp grow.</p> <p><a href="http://www.staffordville.shutterfly.com">www.staffordville.shutterfly.com</a></p> Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13174972321971548649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26041709.post-74062424565078038752010-05-31T17:07:00.001-05:002010-05-31T17:07:19.377-05:00The 3rd Annual Girl’s Weekend<p>This year marked the 3rd year myself, my mom, Meg and her mom have gotten together for a Girl’s Weekend.  We have been taking turns hosting and this year we planned the weekend with my baby shower.  </p> <p>Overall our goal of the weekend was to relax and do fun girly type things.  The first year we went to <a href="http://staffordville.blogspot.com/2008/09/girls-weekend.html" target="_blank">the beach</a> and last year we went to <a href="http://staffordville.blogspot.com/2009/07/girls-weekend-in-dc.html" target="_blank">Kathy’s house</a> where my mom and I began our obsession with tea.  This year was no different.  We started the weekend off with a Chilean Wine Tasting at Southern Season - I even enjoyed a few sips.  Then, of course we had to shop at Southern Season and pick up some new tea and other foodie goodies.  I made reservations for us at 411 West on Franklin Street, which I think everyone enjoyed.  </p> <p>Saturday morning we were lazy sipping tea and nibbling on fruit, muffins and scones for breakfast.  We packed a picnic lunch and headed to the Duke Gardens – which ended up being a perfect day and there were lots of people who had the same idea.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQy3KV0baI/AAAAAAAACvw/YAEvdYd3ArU/s1600-h/IMG_4828%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4828" border="0" alt="IMG_4828" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQy3Uc1E4I/AAAAAAAACv0/vs6W5IBUJGQ/IMG_4828_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="223" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQy4SFyGAI/AAAAAAAACv4/DfRpv20Y7-M/s1600-h/IMG_4829%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4829" border="0" alt="IMG_4829" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQy42AU3gI/AAAAAAAACv8/XvyLqq3-Dys/IMG_4829_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="223" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQy56zBxnI/AAAAAAAACwA/LWRa1tiHIag/s1600-h/IMG_4619%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4619" border="0" alt="IMG_4619" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQy6rVkSOI/AAAAAAAACwE/HQvUsYR-Y2o/IMG_4619_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="223" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQy7OJxmwI/AAAAAAAACwI/id2xVxQaB1s/s1600-h/IMG_4833%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4833" border="0" alt="IMG_4833" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQy7nMK9pI/AAAAAAAACwM/7Xuc-Nbjf8A/IMG_4833_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="149" height="223" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQy8sXrrWI/AAAAAAAACwQ/BunH-T5Hx2o/s1600-h/IMG_4832%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4832" border="0" alt="IMG_4832" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQy9MsHziI/AAAAAAAACwU/r6NN_lgWLw4/IMG_4832_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="223" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQy-eTEDxI/AAAAAAAACwY/53wUwGxWARE/s1600-h/IMG_4834%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4834" border="0" alt="IMG_4834" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQy_DfcNGI/AAAAAAAACwc/NisesbR73Q8/IMG_4834_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="223" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQy__vSRBI/AAAAAAAACwg/KJW8UfUf_vg/s1600-h/IMG_4837%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4837" border="0" alt="IMG_4837" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQzAp63unI/AAAAAAAACwk/81eox2j9vT4/IMG_4837_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="223" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQzBuvHowI/AAAAAAAACwo/K3XEZKnzjO8/s1600-h/IMG_4633%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4633" border="0" alt="IMG_4633" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQzCKQ6zUI/AAAAAAAACws/k-TEvsh4JBE/IMG_4633_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="223" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQzCxZPuUI/AAAAAAAACww/XqaluaZOej4/s1600-h/IMG_4848%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4848" border="0" alt="IMG_4848" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQzDL9FkFI/AAAAAAAACw0/zMGrSKvhgVk/IMG_4848_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="223" /></a>After a leisurely lunch and stroll through the gardens we did a little shopping in downtown Apex.  Apex has already grown so much since we moved to our house two years ago.  There are so many fun shops and restaurants downtown and of course one of our favorite tea rooms, <a href="http://www.pineappletearoom.com/" target="_blank">The Pineapple Tea Room</a>, where we had afternoon tea. </p> <p>Ben was a gentleman and offered to make us dinner – some of his gourmet pizzas and salad.  Us girls relaxed with wine and gabbed while he endured many earfuls of girl talk that he probably wished he had not heard!  After dinner we headed back to my mom’s house for a girly movie and lots more relaxing.</p> <p>Sunday was my <a href="http://staffordvillebaby.blogspot.com/2010/04/tipps-first-and-probably-only-tea-party.html" target="_blank">baby shower</a> and it was a slow morning getting ready and heading back to Apex at Hilary’s house, where she and her mom Pat hosted.  I had so much fun and got lots of nice things for Baby Tipp’s arrival.   After munching on all the delicious food at the shower we were barely hungry for dinner.  So we made a spread of munchies and had even more girl talk on the deck with wine.  Who knew girls could talk so much!!!<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQzD9fiQqI/AAAAAAAACw4/glQB2xbSEJU/s1600-h/IMG_4740%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4740" border="0" alt="IMG_4740" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQzEHQvaII/AAAAAAAACw8/D8wuK0W2z_Y/IMG_4740_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="223" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQzEy2kwlI/AAAAAAAACxA/-Zj-3t_ph-Q/s1600-h/IMG_4742%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4742" border="0" alt="IMG_4742" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQzFk_FC2I/AAAAAAAACxE/wWtiCRkyH1g/IMG_4742_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="223" /></a>I think that’s the best thing about our girl’s weekends – we just pick right back up where we left off.  I love this has become an annual thing and every year we reminisce about the first day our parents dropped us off at Virginia Tech and we all met.  It’s amazing how many things have changed since that day – we graduated, had weddings, and now baby showers – all in the past 11 years!  I’m already looking forward to the next many years celebrating our friendship even if I see Meg only once a year! </p> Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13174972321971548649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26041709.post-29311761723097981072010-05-31T16:20:00.001-05:002010-05-31T16:20:20.468-05:00Babymoon: Savannah<p>The second part of our vacation was spent in Savannah.  My mom and Papaw headed north to the beach house and we headed south to the Savannah Waterfront and our hotel, <a href="http://www.riverstreetinn.com/" target="_blank">The River Street Inn</a>.  Our room was perfect and had a wonderful view of the river.  <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQnYIOHuiI/AAAAAAAACss/Sj5OwR8Q3GE/s1600-h/IMG_4645%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4645" border="0" alt="IMG_4645" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQnZW7kRQI/AAAAAAAACs0/FsQjXyf1sMs/IMG_4645_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="223" /></a>For dinner the first evening we ate at <a href="http://www.moonriverbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Moon River Brewing Company</a>.  That specific evening Earth Hour was being celebrated, so we enjoyed dinner by candlelight!  The food was delicious and Ben loved the beer sampler.  For appetizer we devoured Fried Green Tomatoes – a southern favorite -  and I had chicken stuffed with crab and brie.  They also serve an amazing side dish  of brie mashed potatoes.  We ended up making it back to Moon River several times for a mid-day drink, especially since Savannah allows open containers in the historic district – possibly the highlight of Ben’s weekend.<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQnaeq6hUI/AAAAAAAACs4/GVtSu8CJUXQ/s1600-h/IMG_4758%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4758" border="0" alt="IMG_4758" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQnaldoDvI/AAAAAAAACs8/gHe3-koLbQ4/IMG_4758_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="149" height="223" /></a>Prior to any trip I do tons of research on the best restaurants in the area and we plan our trip around eating.  I had read so many reviews about <a href="http://www.goosefeatherscafe.com/" target="_blank">Goose Feathers</a> for a favorite breakfast spot near City Market.  Our first morning we headed straight there for breakfast.  There were so many options and I almost could not decide, but settled on oatmeal with bananas and maple syrup.  Ben had the most amazing bread pudding.  Our only regret was we did not pick up a few whoopee pies while we were there.  We eventually came back for them on our last day, but Goose Feathers had already closed.  <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQnbc3AYXI/AAAAAAAACtA/7Gjt5niy6rI/s1600-h/IMG_4653%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4653" border="0" alt="IMG_4653" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQnbzsG9mI/AAAAAAAACtE/lmw_XD9MMRE/IMG_4653_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="223" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQndOVXmzI/AAAAAAAACtI/UK_OlYMpvXE/s1600-h/IMG_4654%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4654" border="0" alt="IMG_4654" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQndrwT2QI/AAAAAAAACtM/y6Nat1eAWok/IMG_4654_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="223" /></a>The rest of the day we spent getting acquainted with the city and took a trolley tour.  It was by far the best way to see Savannah and we were able to make a list of all the historic homes and sites we wanted to come back to.   Included in our tour we were able to get off and on the trolley all day.  <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQneuwdMYI/AAAAAAAACtQ/_tJsk5ZL-0I/s1600-h/IMG_4659%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4659" border="0" alt="IMG_4659" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQnfO0Mx0I/AAAAAAAACtU/YYk5IduOczc/IMG_4659_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="223" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQngNBujuI/AAAAAAAACtY/3bcCZy5A_4w/s1600-h/IMG_4665%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4665" border="0" alt="IMG_4665" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQngxpw5xI/AAAAAAAACtc/zV5mLo2cX_k/IMG_4665_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="223" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQnhrH5aHI/AAAAAAAACtk/duHR2kzVTj4/s1600-h/IMG_4667%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4667" border="0" alt="IMG_4667" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQnh94g_7I/AAAAAAAACto/VYkCdWoXi2M/IMG_4667_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="149" height="223" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQnjNBT9yI/AAAAAAAACts/52aeRb6E78I/s1600-h/IMG_4664%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4664" border="0" alt="IMG_4664" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQnlXodUPI/AAAAAAAACtw/HquLupJ8nUs/IMG_4664_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="223" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQnmYI8PwI/AAAAAAAACt0/FLCMsSJaBB8/s1600-h/IMG_4675%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4675" border="0" alt="IMG_4675" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQnncB8fnI/AAAAAAAACt4/PDEjl66Re4o/IMG_4675_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="223" /></a>After our tour we enjoyed lunch at <a href="http://www.vinnievangogos.com/" target="_blank">Vinnie Van Go-Go’s</a>, a  low key pizza by the slice place in City Market.  Unfortunately as soon as we were finishing our pizza outside the bottom fell out and it took us forever to finagle our way back to the hotel.  Once the rain cleared up we headed down the River Street for a little shopping and dinner at One Eyed Lizzy’s, which was a fun little Tex-Mex restaurant.  (I told you all we do on vacation is eat!)  It was a long day, so I was eager to get back to our room and relax early.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQnoAnY7YI/AAAAAAAACt8/rfe15PJJbq0/s1600-h/IMG_4759%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4759" border="0" alt="IMG_4759" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQno_q74TI/AAAAAAAACuA/bF8KX2lKhZo/IMG_4759_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="149" height="223" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQnp_OuC0I/AAAAAAAACuE/2L2rDY4N3MY/s1600-h/IMG_4762%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4762" border="0" alt="IMG_4762" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQnv_dFrrI/AAAAAAAACuI/n7LV2XGXUdo/IMG_4762_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="223" /></a>Monday morning, after a fantastic night’s sleep, we started our day with fresh coffee in real coffee mugs in bed then headed downstairs to Huey’s Southern Cafe on the River front for breakfast.  Huey’s is a New Orleans's style restaurant famous for it’s brunch and beignets.  The brunch was amazing and it was probably the best breakfast I have ever eaten.  I got the Pontchartain Omelette, which had spinach, artichoke and swiss cheese stuffed in an omelette and a side of cheese grits.  Ben enjoyed the seafood omelette which was stuffed with shrimp and scallops.  And of course we both split an order of beignets – I was so sad they were out of their famous praline sauce – nevertheless they were amazing without the sauce.<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQnwWQi5wI/AAAAAAAACuM/aGncQtV73hE/s1600-h/IMG_4692%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4692" border="0" alt="IMG_4692" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQnxoQb8aI/AAAAAAAACuQ/QRDYK_jZxes/IMG_4692_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="223" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQnybEI3KI/AAAAAAAACuU/1EPJ3n5n11A/s1600-h/IMG_4691%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4691" border="0" alt="IMG_4691" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQny1Eg9sI/AAAAAAAACuY/hKhfZY_shuw/IMG_4691_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="223" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQnzvolGDI/AAAAAAAACuc/fXJlZZuTyiM/s1600-h/IMG_4694%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4694" border="0" alt="IMG_4694" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQnz4WkuTI/AAAAAAAACug/4Fr6rU7Fzjc/IMG_4694_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="223" /></a>Our plan for the day was to walk around the many squares and visit some of the historic homes, then head to Forsyth Park and St. John the Baptist Cathedral.  We definitely got our exercise walking around!<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQn1H7gxII/AAAAAAAACuk/oKOtXo6B8RA/s1600-h/IMG_4700%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4700" border="0" alt="IMG_4700" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQn19KjzdI/AAAAAAAACuo/S-lbWowjzr4/IMG_4700_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="223" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQn2fbp9xI/AAAAAAAACus/czjdKuuErUQ/s1600-h/IMG_4704%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4704" border="0" alt="IMG_4704" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQn3A2QpXI/AAAAAAAACuw/DWWXSdiZKJI/IMG_4704_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="223" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQn4Mj_ArI/AAAAAAAACu0/G3K4QJ0BzRw/s1600-h/IMG_4706%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4706" border="0" alt="IMG_4706" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQn5Z6CkaI/AAAAAAAACu4/Rn4s4G0T7Tk/IMG_4706_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="223" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQn7NFyf_I/AAAAAAAACu8/ym-3yflNDvA/s1600-h/IMG_4716%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4716" border="0" alt="IMG_4716" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQn7kUbAEI/AAAAAAAACvA/rzM7085ijbg/IMG_4716_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="149" height="223" /></a><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4723" border="0" alt="IMG_4723" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQn8CuZ5bI/AAAAAAAACvE/DB6OwZTO_po/IMG_4723_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="149" height="223" /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQn8_X04QI/AAAAAAAACvI/pwXcE3x4PVA/s1600-h/IMG_4739%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4739" border="0" alt="IMG_4739" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQn-a5XogI/AAAAAAAACvM/AYKFkqJcDr4/IMG_4739_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="223" /></a><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4743" border="0" alt="IMG_4743" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQn-xpvMCI/AAAAAAAACvQ/NakJt9lh-aA/IMG_4743_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="149" height="223" />       </p> <p>For dinner we had made special reservations at the Olde Pink House which receives rave reviews.  We ended up waiting almost an hour for our reservation, but luckily our dinner was amazing so we didn’t mind.  We had been eating so much, so we skipped an appetizer although they looked amazing.  I ordered the Crispy Scored Flounder with an Apricot Shallot sauce, stone ground grits and collards.  I was quite shocked when they brought it to me and I had an entire fish to eat!  It was different than I expected, but very good.  Ben had an amazing piece of chicken with a berry reduction sauce.  Since we skipped an appetizer we shared their infamous dessert – The Praline basket – served with vanilla bean ice cream, mango sauce and berries.<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQn_raNDWI/AAAAAAAACvU/UHZH9T--hKc/s1600-h/IMG_4756%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4756" border="0" alt="IMG_4756" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQoADBakPI/AAAAAAAACvY/vglbII7aD-I/IMG_4756_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="223" /></a>  <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQoBHAuqCI/AAAAAAAACvc/oUf6f0BAF8U/s1600-h/IMG_4753%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4753" border="0" alt="IMG_4753" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQoBqNebzI/AAAAAAAACvg/nBB2Ke8ZTuk/IMG_4753_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="223" /></a><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQoDAiLblI/AAAAAAAACvk/gIP1vnRKBx0/image_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="200" height="150" />Tuesday morning we checked out of our hotel and immediately headed to get in line at <a href="http://www.mrswilkes.com/" target="_blank">Mrs. Wilke’s Dining Room</a>, which is listed in the book 1,000 Things To Do Before You Die.  And believe us – her food is to die for and well worth the hour and a half wait!   It’s southern food at its best all served family style with 10 people at each table.  There were 22 things on the table and we stuffed ourselves silly before indulging in banana pudding for dessert.  Lunch nearly put us into a food coma before our 5 hour drive home!</p> <p>We arrived home with so many food goodies and had a wonderful little vacation as just the two of us before we bring Baby Tipp into the world.  Although, we cannot wait to take Tipp on many trips in the future!<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQoEMtkw6I/AAAAAAAACvo/mbp1XN5Nyus/s1600-h/IMG_4764%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4764" border="0" alt="IMG_4764" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nlfi-l-v4Ow/TAQoEtpR94I/AAAAAAAACvs/aQaRJmz2VnI/IMG_4764_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="223" /></a></p> Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13174972321971548649noreply@blogger.com0