Recipes - BBQ Chicken Salad

BBQ Chicken Salad

Need:
2 chicken breasts
romain lettuce
Cucumbers
frozen corn
black beans
BBQ sauce
Ranch

Directions:
Cube and cook chicken.  While cooking cut up lettuce and cucumbers for salad.  On a plate layer lettuce, cucumbers, corn, and black beans.  Set aside half of the cooked chicken for another meal.  Coat left over chicken with BBQ sauce.  Top salad with chicken and drizzle on BBQ sauce and ranch.

The Pregnancy Chronicles

What have I learned about pregnancy from actually being pregnant? That I know nothing about being pregnant from actually being pregnant. Did I think that all of a sudden I would know everything I needed to instantly? Yes. Of course! It's genetic. My brother hated it when my mom tried to teach him numbers, letters and reading before school. On the first day of school he got dressed, grabbed his backpack and climbed onto mom's lap. "Ok, teach me." Well, he was ready now.


I'm ready now. Where's my instant knowledge? Sheesh. I must admit I have an abundance of friends who have had kids who I can learn from. I also have many friends who are due close to my due date. There's just something about knowing. Their experiences might not be what I experience. I have this overwhelming need to know exactly what is going to happen...and that can't happen.

I heard the heartbeat today. Kind of. It was more like a fuzzy TV sound mixed with a tiny thump but the Dr. seemed to know exactly what it was. 170 (I learned today that this is normal).

I've learned about cravings. Craving Panda Express? Are you kidding me? Disaster. What baby wants, baby gets...no matter the consequences to me.

I've learned how to visualize food to find out if that is really what I want. And then to not rely on wanting that food once it is ready.

I've learned that crying is not in my control. It will come at any time, any place, and for any number of reasons...including no reason at all.

I've learned sleep is also out of my control. I must sleep in, take naps, and go to bed early. I'm known for having weird dreams if I eat late at night - but nothing compares to the dreams I have now. What I worry about during the day becomes a twisted nightmare or at least very real when I sleep.

I've learned that I am going to mess up or forget things. It's called "baby brain" and I don't like it (which takes me back to the crying).

People tell me I will forget the sickness, the pain and the emotional part of pregnancy and do this all over again. So I will have to learn this stuff all over again? Great.

Home Sweet Home

Life has been crazy to say the least.  Baby announcement, new home, and two Texas trips.  My brother leaves for Mexico in April and I wanted to see him as much as possible before he goes. (more on why he's going here and here)

Baby is the size of an apple now and we're at 15 weeks.  Sickness has subsided but I think it has more to do with knowing what I can eat more than getting out of the first trimester because I still have my moments.  I was asked if I was pregnant for the first time by someone who claims they had not been told previously.   I guess my next step needs to be coming to terms with the baby bump.

We closed on the house on Monday and slept there for the first time Tuesday night (on an air matress).  Tuesday Mr. H and his dad painted out bedroom so we can move in our bedroom stuff today.  I get to find places for everything. I tried last night but I didn't get very far before I had to lay down and take a nap.  (I have the entire top floor decorated on Pinterest)



From the 3 of Us

When my parents told my Grandma Mary they were expecting me they sent her flowers with a card that said, "From the three of us."   I've always thought that was the cutest thing.  So, a couple of weeks ago the following picture was sent to our parents in a text.

We then waited until after my first doctor appointment to tell friends and family.  We told Matt Duncan he would soon have a new title, Uncle Matt.  He giggled the whole time we talked to him on the phone.  We told family we had news to go along with the new house but we were still waiting to make it Facebook official.  Because you know once it is on Facebook, it's official, and we were still trying to make it feel real.  We specifically told people it wasn't Facebook official yet but that it would be soon.  And what does my dad do? He announces to the world that he is going to be a grandpa.  Thanks dad for sharing my Facebook news first. 

So far there aren't any weird cravings.  I just need to eat constantly to settle my stomach.  I did buy cheetos and green olives last night but that's something I would have eaten before I was pregnant. 

Mission Call and Texas

Shortly after Thanksgiving my little younger brother received his mission call.  No one was home but I happened to be on the phone with him.  He waited for the parents to get home and then announced he was called to the Tuxtla Gutierrez Mexico Mission.  Since then he has been nervous about the language and we're all trying to reassure him he will be fine. 

Mr. H and I also went to Texas a couple of weeks ago to see my family.  We didn't see them for Thanksgiving and won't be able to make if for Christmas.  We only told my dad and surprised the rest of the family by getting them to go with dad to pick up a "coworker."  Actually said coworker was supposed to be a "big boss" who wanted to meet the family. Mom was mad at first but I think she warmed up to the idea of us staying for the weekend.  Even though she thought the house was a mess.

It's tradition, or convienent, to take family pictures anytime I am in town.  This year was my favorite.  The colors were fun and it took maybe 30 min total. Nice!  I would like to say the kids didn't complain a bit but the little younger brother was a little sick.