Friday, September 28, 2012

Pumpkin Butterscotch Cookies

It's officially fall in Minneapolis and I never thought I'd say this but....HALLELUJIAH. 
Fall in Minnie is gorgeous and I love this time of year but never, ever, ever in my life have I wanted summer to end, 
but this year...bring it on!
On top of my constant craving for sweets, I have been lusting over anything pumpkin flavored. I could literally drink a Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte every single day....if only they weren't like $18.

I came across a recipe for Pumpkin Butterscotch Cookies and couldn't contain myself! They turned out SO frickin' yummy and I'm already planning on making a second batch once this first one is gone {which will probably be tonight}. 

Here's the recipe {originally found on joythebaker.com} in case you too would like to sweeten up your fall! 

INGREDIENTS: 
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 2 eggs
* 1 cup sugar
*1 1/2 cup canola oil
* 1 cup canned pumpkin
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup butterscotch chips

DIRECTIONS: 
* Position a rack in the middle of the oven & preheat 325 degrees. Line {or spray} two baking sheets.

* Stir the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon together in a medium bowl and set aside.

* Beat the eggs and sugar together at a medium speed until smooth and lightened in color {about 1 minute}. 

* On low speed, mix the oil, pumpkin and vanilla until blended. 

* Slowly stir in flour mixture until well incorporated. Then mix in the chips. 

* Using a large tablespoon, scoop mounds of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing the cookies at least 2 1/2 inches apart. 

* Bake the cookies one sheet at a time tuntil the tops are firm and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out dry {about 14-16 minutes}. Cool them on sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely....or eat them warm because they are DELICIOUS warm! 


Thursday, September 27, 2012

My Belly {34 weeks}

It's been a really tough week for me. Throughout my pregnancy I've been trying really hard to stay positive and be thankful that I have had it pretty easy. Whether you have an easy pregnancy or not there are ALWAYS things you can find to complain about, and I've tried my hardest to be grateful and happy and keep the gripes to myself {and my husband}. But this week it got hard. I had my routine doctor's appointment on Monday morning, which I always look forward to because I LOVE my doctor and I LOVE hearing how great me and the baby are doing. This week, however, I got nothing but discouraging news. 

First, they did a routine blood test and it turns out I'm anemic. They're not worried about the baby because I am taking my prenatal vitamins every day and that provides the baby with all the iron she needs, there's just nothing left for me. The good news is that this can be fixed with an iron supplement that my doctor prescribed and could also be an explanation as to why I have been so painfully tired and have had a hard time breathing.

Next they discovered that I have a urinary tract infection, which at this point isn't super alarming because it's pretty normal during pregnancy and can be cured with medication. What's not great, however, is if the infection has anything to do with my kidneys because this can cause preterm labor. 

Finally, my doctor was concerned about me losing weight. I didn't think too much of it because I have been trying hard to keep track of what I'm eating so that I'm making sure to eat enough as well as not overeat. So, I figured the weight loss was due to my body evening out (because I most certainly was not keeping track before). Nonetheless, I should be gaining at least a pound a week and I am losing weight. Then she measured me and my uterus is measuring small. You are suppose to measure to approximately the number of weeks you are at, so I should have been somewhere around 33-34 centimeters but only measured at 31. So, my doctor wants  me to come in for an ultrasound to make sure the baby is growing properly. 

I lost it.
I got so nervous and angry and scared. I've had a perfect report card up until this point and hearing three negative things in one appointment pushed me over the edge. Thankfully, none of these things are super serious BUT I do have to wait two weeks (well, 11 days now) for my ultrasound...which means I'll be worrying nonstop until then. Jason brought up a great point, though, if it was something serious they wouldn't want to wait to do the ultrasound, so I try to keep telling myself that.

Again, I am so grateful and thank God every day for keeping me healthy throughout this pregnancy and I know deep down that everything is going to be OK but I'm just having a hard time not worrying...plus the fatigue and hormones certainly don't help. 

Anyways, on to more fun stuff...
Nugget this week...
*is recognizing and reacting to certain songs! (baby girl is already a Sade fan)
*is urinating a pint a day!
*if born now may only need a short stay in the hospital! Babies born between 34-37 weeks generally only have some short-term health issues but do just as well as full-term babies. WHOOP!

Size of the baby?  
Hard to say because I am measuring small...but on average she's probably about 4.75 pounds and measuring almost 18 inches long.

Total Weight Gain/Loss?  

Maternity Clothes?  
I'm in maternity jeans & tank tops but everything else is just a bigger non-preggo size.

Stretch marks?  
Still nothing...wahooo!

Best Moments?  
Standing up as a bridesmaid at my friend Christina's wedding. It was such a beautiful wedding and special day and I am so honored to have been a part of it (Nugget too).

Movement? 
Little lady is still active, but now instead of kicks and flutters I'm getting full on body rolls. Sometimes it feel like I'm going down a big drop on a roller coaster.

Food Cravings?  
Fruit. I can't get enough fruit, particularly red grapes.

Anything making you queasy or sick? 
It's either the iron supplement or the medication for the infection, or maybe the combo of the two but I have been super nauseous the past couple of days.

What I miss?  
I miss not being pregnant. There's a lot of really amazing things about having this baby inside of me, but I am really ready to return to my pre-pregnancy body.

Nausea/Vomiting?  
Just these pills.

Symptoms? 
Major fatigue & shortness of breath.

Labor signs?  
No labor signs, but baby is still head down!

Gender? 
BABY GIRL.  

Belly Button In or Out?
Still rockin' the innie.

Wedding rings On or Off?  
All my rings are still on and aren't showing signs of coming off {yet}

Sleep?
Sleeping great...it's ALL I want to do!

What I'm looking forward to? 
I am looking forward to my ultrasound on the 8th...I want to see that baby girl and get some peace of mind that she is doing just fine.



Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Christina & Aaron's Wedding Weekend.

This past weekend one of my best friends, Christina, got married! 
Christina and I have been friends since middle school and she was one of my bridesmaids, and this weekend I was so honored to return the favor. Christina and Aaron are an amazing couple and this weekend was perfect proof. It was a weekend filled with family, friends and lots of love. Sadly, Christina's dad passed away when we were in high school, but he was honored in so many ways this past weekend and I have no doubt that he was there with Christina all weekend and is incredibly proud of her. 

The wedding weekend kicked off on Friday evening with a rehearsal at the church.

Aaron's parents hosted the Groom's dinner at their home in Lakeville and it was a fabulous night. They catered in delicious BBQ, the father of the groom gave a great toast and Christina and Aaron were surrounded by all those closest to them.


 Saturday morning we were up bright and early to get our hair and make up done.

 The morning went super smooth and we were right on time. We went to the church to get the beautiful bride ready for her big day.

 Christina was THE most stunning bride and FINALLY, after a morning of primping, she was ready to see her groom.

We spent the next few hours taking photos and after a long morning, it was time for the ceremony! Christina, however, was starving and the only thing that sounded good was Chicken Nuggets. It was perfect, because one of my favorite memories of Christina was after a drunken night she started to pout and wine and beg Aaron to "let her be a Nug Nut." Remember those commercials?
It was totally appropriate that literally 3 minutes before Christina was walking down the aisle, she was  chowing down on some nuggets.

The groom & his parents:

My BFF, Libby & Christina's brother Charlie

Me & my groomsman, Josh

THE BRIDE and her Uncle Ned

After the ceremony, it was time to party! Well, for everyone but me. Christina & Aaron rented a trolley for the wedding party and we cruised around town, popped champagne and took some more pictures.

The reception was at the Minneapolis Golf Club and it was absolutely gorgeous.

I was having a little pity party for one at the reception...I was so upset that it was one of my best friend's weddings and I was too tired from the day to really enjoy all the festivities. I so badly wanted to drink champagne with the wedding party and tear up the dance floor with my best friends, but nonetheless I had a blast and was so happy to be there with Christina & Aaron.
My teeniest little friend, Abby

drunky hubs and the bride!


Congratulations Christina & Aaron! 
I love you both and was so honored to be with you on your special day!