May 3 - D Day

Delivery day has been moved up to May 3. Conflict with the hospital on getting the OR.

Let the countdown begin!

Philadelphia

I am sipping tea out of my Philadelphia mug.

My grandparents lived in Philadelphia for as long as I can remember, so I probably should be thinking of them when I drink from it. Nonna and Pop-Pop. Nonna died about 7 years ago. I remember the day because it was near my first wedding anniversary and Mr. Bean and I had just made an offer on the condo where we are now living.

String Bean has recently gotten into the story of Noah again. Instead of Noah, she says Nonna. It has led to some very confusing moments for me because she never knew Nonna and we haven't been talking about her lately. But it is a nice reminder of my grandmother.

No, instead of thinking of my grandparents, I am reminded of my husband's friend, Bryan. He lives in Philadelphia (not the suburbs like my grandparents) and used to work at Starbucks. One time when we visited, we spent some time with him and he gave us the Philly mug that I enjoy my tea out of this morning. Thanks, Bryan!

Pop-Pop turns 90 in August, so we will be visiting Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love, then....as a family of 4!

Two More Weeks

Ooh-Ah is scheduled to be evicted from her uterine utopia on May 4. If she comes earlier, that's OK, but there will be no more of the easy life come 7:30 am on the 4th!

String Bean is getting excited!

Typical Toddler Behaviors

String Bean has been exerting her independence lately, which I'm told (and I read) is typical behavior of a two-year old. Here are some examples:

• No longer am I allowed to button her jacket.
• Nor unbutton it.
• Shoes are apparently up to the wearer to pick and put on.
  
• And take off.
  
• If I give String Bean two choices of dresses to wear, she will chose neither. It is as if she is saying, "I need options, Mom!" (I had my best success when I laid 9 dresses on her bed and sent her into her room alone to pick out one.)
• When told, "You are wearing your monkey pajama pants," a toddler remembers that she has 2 pairs of monkey pajama pants. No matter which one I pull out, it would be the wrong one. Tears follow.
  
• Although coloring is a favorite activity, if it is my idea, String Bean isn't interested...until 15 minutes later.
  
• Leaving the house has become a chore. "I need this," is the common cry I hear as String Bean goes around the house picking up random objects and toys to take along on the quick run to pick up the babysitter.
  
• Don't get me started on accessories.
  

New Shoes

Photo by Ro Potter
December 19, 2009

String Bean's Words

This morning I told String Bean it was naptime. She looked at me and said, "Boom, boom, pow!" and then turned away and said, "I need Star Wars."

Resurrection Rolls

Our family tradition at Easter time is to make Resurrection Rolls. This afternoon when String Bean finished her lunch, we set up the workstation to make the Rolls. She did not enjoy getting her fingers dirty (typical). However, once she realized the dough was not cookie dough, she had fun trying to wrap the marshmallows up in it.

While we waited for the Rolls to cook and cool, String Bean, Mr. Bean, and I watched the Charlie Brown Easter Beagle special. String Bean is the biggest Charlie Brown and gang fan you've ever seen. (All we've heard the last few days is "New Brown? Please?")

We set the ready-to-eat Resurrection Roll in front of String Bean and told her to look and see if Jesus was still in there. When she popped it open, she just looked at me with a blank stare unsure of what to say since Jesus had disappeared. I said, "Where is he?" She replied, "Bye-bye." Mr. Bean and I taught her to say, "Risen."

It is a precious tradition especially with preschool aged kids. If you and your family don't have a tradition and are looking to start one, we highly recommend Resurrection Rolls!

Chicken Parmesan

I made this delicious meal for dinner. I hope if you make it, you enjoy it, too!

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
1 cup plain bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan (divided into 1/4 cup portions)
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
1/4 to 1/2 cup flour, in a shallow bowl
2 eggs, lightly beaten, in a shallow bowl
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 jar prepared tomato sauce (2 cups set aside)
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella

Place chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound out to 1/2" thickness using a mallet or rolling pin.

Combine bread crumbs, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil and cayenne in a shallow bowl.

Coat each breast in the flour, shaking off any excess flour. Dip each breast in the egg and then into the bread crumb mixture. Set coated chicken aside on a plate. Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet. Cook until golden on both sides.

Spread one cup of the tomato sauce in the bottom of a baking dish and top with golden chicken breasts. (You will have to decide how big the pan needs to be. a 9x9 pan was not quite big enough for me, but a 9x13 would have been overkill.) Top each breast with the remaining sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.

Bake in a 375 degree oven for 20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly. Serve hot with spaghetti and tomato sauce.

I also recommend some hearty bread to enjoy with this meal. Very yummy!

Physical Therapy Complete!

I'm happy to say that I have completed my physical therapy and feel tons better. Thanks to all who prayed for my pain in the butt over the last month. (That's funny to type out!) Of course, my chiropractor did his part, too.

We have 37 days until the due date for Ooh-Ah and I hope to remain (relatively) pain-free as we move forward. I highly suggest you visit your chiropractor for any kind of back/butt/hip pain. I didn't have enough of a chiropractic benefit for my chiro to do all the therapy I needed which is why I was referred out.

I must say the bare-butt massages will not be missed. They were necessary and did the trick, but pulling down your pants for anyone is awkward!

It is Much Too Early

I got a text message today that said, "Can I pick up String Bean for a date tomorrow night? I'd like to take her out to dinner."

Is it just me, or are kids dating younger and younger these days? Perhaps Mr. Bean needs to start practicing at the shooting range!