Wednesday, September 28, 2016

What's Up Wednesday


What we're eating this week...
Sunday - Beef Stew
Tuesday - BBQ'd chicken, sweet potatoes and side vegetable
Wednesday - Crunchy Beef Mac and Cheese and Salad
Thursday, Friday and Saturday - Up to the grandparents because I will be at the hospital, having a baby (no big deal)

What I'm reminiscing about...
When we welcomed our little E into our family five years ago, and all of the things we dealt with looking after a newborn.  I kind of forget everything, but I'm sure it will come (screaming) back.  I watched a video about breastfeeding over the weekend, which was a good idea, because I totally forgot most of the steps for establishing a good latch. 

What I'm loving...
I love my new soap that I got at Maison Apothecary in Bloor West Village.  I stopped in to see what they had for natural baby products but ended up getting some soap for me us instead.  It has a light pumpkin spice scent and so moisturizing. 


What we've been up to...
I posted our photos of the baby's room, and I've been completing my September Goals.  I got some party supplies for E's birthday next month and I'm happy to report his Flash costume still fits so that is what he will be for Halloween.  #planningahead

What I'm dreading...
Only one thing, recovering from my c-section.  I've done it before and it wasn't bad, and really doesn't take that long in the end, but I am not looking forward to struggling to get out of bed and holding my stomach while I cough and sneeze, and not being able to drive for at least four weeks.  But I will have lots of help and E is good at understanding that I have a sore tummy so I won't feel bad for not being able to pick him up for awhile.  

What I'm working on...
Finishing up a few things before tomorrow (!).  I have to pack my hospital bag, finish writing my thank you cards, and apply for Employment Insurance (for you Americans, that's the government funded pay for the year I'm taking off work for maternity leave; to be clear it's not 100% of my income by any stretch of the imagination, but it is very welcome). 

What I'm excited about...
For E to meet his little brother.  I am an only child, which is fine, but there is something special about a sibling relationship that I never got to experience.   I think he will be a great big brother and the larger age gap will be great; he can help out, he understands what is going on, and he has a lot of love to give.  

What I'm watching/reading...
We are watching The People vs. OJ Simpson, that I love.  We are watching the US Presidential race (with trepidation, come on you guys, make the smart choice.  Even if you don't like Hillary or the Democrats, she would do so much less damage than Donald Trump.  And you cannot honestly say that he follows the teachings of Jesus, in any sort of way).



I finished up the books on my nightstand and my next book club book has arrived at the library so I will be starting that soon (you know, in all of my free time!).  


What I'm listening to...
Relative quiet for now.  I am rarely at home by myself, so while I am off work the last couple of days, E is at school, and Dave is working in the basement, I have some peace and quiet.

What I'm wearing...
Soon I will be wearing non-maternity clothes.  I got these pink shirts at J. Crew in late summer that I'm looking forward to wearing.



What I'm doing this weekend...
Likely coming home from the hospital on Saturday and welcoming our new son home.  I won't be blogging for at least a week, so if you're interested in newborn photos, follow me on Instagram for updates @SMacTO

What I'm looking forward to next month...
Thanksgiving, E's birthday, Halloween, seeing the Raptors back in action, and the start of E's fall program, swimming and t-ball. I'm also hoping to be looking forward to seeing the Blue Jays in the playoffs. 

Last year's birthday party

What else is new...
Dave has set up his office in the basement. We are waiting for the window to be replaced, and we need some cushions for the bench, but it has really come together.  It's not ready for a photo, but here is a sneak peak.



My favourite fall recipe...
This is a tough one since there are so many good things, but I'll pick a classic, apple pie.  


Crust 
2 cups+2 tbsp+2 tsp pastry flour (I know, weird amount but trust me)
1/3 lb lard
1 tsp salt
1/3 tsp baking powder
 ice cold water

Cut lard into dry ingredients until crumbly.  Add cold water gradually until the dough sticks together. Don't over mix or it will be tough.  Gather into a ball with your hands.  Divide into two, roll one out at a time on a floured surface.  Place one in a pie dish, don't trim the edges yet. 

Filling
6 apples, or enough to fill the pie (I never know, I always have to cut extra to fill up the crust). Use a good pie apple, like spys, galas or macintosh
1 cup sugar
sprinkle nutmeg
1 tsp cinnamon
1/8 cups cold butter
milk and extra sugar

Slice apples thinly but they don't have to be pretty.  Toss in sugar, nutmeg and cinnamon.  Pour into the pie crust.  Top with thinly sliced cold butter.  Cover with the other rolled out crust.  Trim the edges and pinch to seal together.  Cut some vents in the top.  Brush with milk and sprinkle with sugar.

Bake in a preheated oven of 450 degrees F for 15 minutes, then turn down to 400 degrees F for 30 minutes or until it is bubbling.  You may want to cook on top of a cookie sheet depending on how full it is and it bubbles over. 

Yum!

Thanks for stopping by today!

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