Where did my baby go???????

My virtual baby, that is!
(Hope I didn't scare you)

For the past week or so, my baby widget down at the bottom has been broken. (At least, I am hoping it is broken. I keep stuffing down the irrational pregnant side of me that thinks it may be an omen.)

The day countdown is right, but there is no baby showing up in the "womb." What is up with that?

Unless I missed the chapter in "What to Expect..." that details the stealth mode of babies during the 16th-17th weeks.

I can't seem to find any information about it anywhere. Evidently, no one else is having this problem, or it was bound to show up on a message board somewhere in internetland. Oh dear.

I tried reloading.

I tried just getting a whole new one.

I tried praying for my baby to come back!

Where is my baby???

Any helpful ideas or comments of reassurance will be duly appreciated.

AMAZING AVGOLEMONO!!! (Greek Lemon Rice Soup)

So... up until this point(16 weeks preggo), I haven't gotten TOO many cravings. The ones I did have were easy to get (popsicles, coleslaw, mint chocolate ship ice cream).

UNTIL... I craved Avgolemono.
If you've never heard of this, it's a Greek soup, with a creamy lemony broth and rice, and sometimes chicken. It is so delicious!

However, here in West Michigan, we do not have Greek restaurants (just one little gyro shack, which is decent, I'll admit, but no soup!) If you are unaware, I grew up outside of Chicago and now since I live in Michigan have had to deal with intense pizza withdrawls, but that's another story.

My favorite Lemon Rice soup comes from The Commander, a Greek mom and pop restaurant back home. Their avgolemono does not have any chicken in it, and yet, EVERY recipe I looked up, included chicken. I was afraid that if I tried it, I would be disappointed that it wasn't the real thing, and I knew I didn't want to disappoint a craving pregnant woman (especially myself).

So... I held out until this past weekend, when we were coming into town for my cousin's high school graduation party. On our way back, my hero, the hubby, ordered 2 QUARTS of the stuff and we picked it up on our way home (as well as a pizza- I will make a heartburn exception for Chicago pizza)! That was Saturday. It is now Monday and I am down to the last drop of the first quart container. 2 quarts may seem like a whole lot of soup to you, but in actuality, it's really only about 6 bowls.

So, now, with the end in sight, my fabulous grandfather has saved the day! He just sent me an email with the chicken-less recipe from Epicurious.com. Thanks, Gramps!!!

And now... in case there is anyone out there, pregnant or not, who cannot get lemon-rice soup... here is the recipe!

• 4 cups basic chicken stock
• 6 tablespoons (90 g) Carolina or other long-grain white rice
• 8 egg yolks
• 1/4 cup (65 ml) fresh lemon juice
• coarse salt, to taste
• freshly ground black pepper, to taste

In a medium saucepan, bring the stock to a boil. Stir in the rice and cook until tender, about 8 to 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, beat the egg yolks and lemon juice together in a large bowl.

When the rice is tender, slowly ladle half of the hot broth into the yolks to temper them, whisking constantly. Whisk the egg yolk mixture into the broth and place over low heat. Cook, stirring constantly, just long enough to thicken the soup. Do not boil. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Houston...we have a WINNER!!!

Okay, everyone, you can stop holding your breath- here is the story and winning entry of the
Mad Libs Valentine Giveaway-

Dear _J-Man_,

I woke up this _stroke past snack-time_ and my _uvula_ blushed at the thought of you. You are not only _creamy_, but very _bird-like_.

I can't wait till _Tuesday_ night. I have a _gyrating_ surprise for you. I hope you will _conspire_ it.

I will be wearing the _purple_ _fingerless gloves_ you gave me last _Boxing Day_. I know how much you love to _sneeze_ me in them.

Hugs and Kisses!

Your favorite _whale harpoon_,
_K-Woman_

Congrats to Insanity Kim!!! You made me and my co-judge (Greg) laugh the most! Please contact me via email- katskrafts@yahoo.com with your shipping info, so I can send your goodies right out!

However, we did get a chuckle out of everyone's, so.... for your Mad Lib-ing pleasure, here are all the entries. Punch in your answers and giggle (some may make you blush =)

RuJu said...

1) _themanofmydreams 2) _morning 3) _knee cap 4) _hairy 5) _shiny 6) _hump day 7) _gargantuan 8) _bounce 9) _full 10) _left sock 11) _St. Patty' Day 12) _licking 13) _coffee 14) _thewomanofhisdreams

MillieDog Designs said...

1) Don 2) evening 3) arm 4) glistening 5) blushed 6) Sunday 7) tiny 8) type 9)loveable 10) socks 11) valentines day 12) smile 13) lips 14) niki

w said...

1) Elmo 2) crack of dawn 3) sternum 4) disinfecting 5) cylindrical 6) holy Sunday 7) collossial 8) jingles 9) new 10) toe socks 11) ground hog day 12) picks 13) barbie doll 14) wendiwinn

demmi said...

1) _richard 2) _night 3) __leg 4) _scary 5) _happy 6) _sunday 7) __smirck 8) ____now 9) __clapping 10) __socks 11) _mothers day 12) washing 13) ___cat 14) _dorothy

Jen said...

1. BOB 2) 2 AM time of day 3) TOES 4)SWEATY 5) HAIRY 6) WEDNESDAY 7) SCARY 8) SPITING 9) SLIMY 10) JOCK STRAP 11) ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS DAY 12) COUGHING 13) FISH TANK 14) jENNIFER

MBush said...

1. Paul Bear 2. middle of the night 3. pinky finger 4. salty 5. gooey 6. Thursday 7. sweltery 8. touching 9. squishy 10. sock 11. Presidents Day 12. pushing 13. elephant 14. Marcie

NewYorkMemos said...

1) Andrew 2) Evening 3) Leg 4) huge 5) chocolatly 6) Tuesday 7) sticky 8) ea t9) moisty 10) bra 11) St. Patrick Day 12) lay 13) door 14) Nyny

Digital Misfit said...

1)Curtis-2) late evening 3) elbow 4) fragrant5) chewy6) Tuesday7) dreamy8) cough9) invisible10) panties11) Presidents Day12) eat13) hedgehog14) Heidi

Nascarnana said...

1)Randall 2) __midnight 3) _heart 4) _purple 5)rosy 6) Tuesday 7) _lovely 8) run 9) pale 10) skirt 11) _Easter 12) _swim 13) __cat 14) Haze

peggysuewho said...

1) Steffen James 2) evening 3) big to e4) enticing 5) hideous 6) Monday 7) fantastic 8) sits 9) beautiful 10) old-man-slippers 11) labor Day 12) jumps 13) bathtub 14) Peggy

Sinje Ollen said...

1) Adam 2) morning 3) elbow 4) chewy 5) sticky 6) Sunday 7) sleepy 8) chews 9) grumpy 10) sweaty socks 11) Valentines 12) dives 13) Cake 14) Sinje "Zinnia"

Lisa ~ Knitsburgh said...

1) Otto 2) morning 3) elbow 4) bruised 5) cold 6) Thursday 7) shiny 8) yelling 9) pointy 10) socks 11) Halloween 12) vacuuming 13) iPod 14) Lisa

Susan said...

1) Piglet 2) midnight 3) eyelash 4) drippy 5) sweet 6) Tuesday 7) red 8) licks 9) hairy 10) sock 11) Groundhog's Day 12) types 13) potato 14) Susan

DreamON said...

1. Bob 2. evening 3. patella 4. convenient 5. red 6. Saturday 7. appropriate 8. do 9. rough 10.bra 11.President's Day 12.want 13.cabbage 14.Mary

Linda said...

1. John 2. bedtime 3. arm 4. big 5. huge 6. Wednesday 7. fast 8. lie 9. slowly 10. lingerie 11. Valentine's Day 12. makes 13. heart 14. Linda

What the Hubby brought home...

These gorgeous flowers!

After helping me grocery shop (bless his heart), he stopped off on the way home and picked these up, "just because I love you" flowers.

What a sweetheart!


P.S. Don't forget to enter my fun Mad Libs Valentine GIVEAWAY for a chance to win some fun free stuff!
http://kreatingsmiles.blogspot.com/2009/01/mad-libs-giveaway.html

MOMS- I need your ADVICE!

Calling all experienced mothers out there!

I need some advice,
(being pregnant with my first child and all =)

Firstly, Greg and I are planning on stocking up diapers slowly as we prepare for our darling. So, I would like to know:

*What brands are the best deal/work okay? (I've heard store brand Meijer is cheap but leaky and Target's are pretty good)

*What is a good price?

*What sizes/how long are they in them? I want to buy a few sizes so I can be prepared, so let me know what you think is smart!

Next, (this might be TMI for some people) certain parts of my "upper region" are getting really dry and lotion does not seem to help. Anyone had this happen and know a good cream or something?

Thanks for all your help! Don't forget- I have an awesome and fun Mad Libs Valentine GIVEAWAY going on right now- click here.

Mad Libs- GIVEAWAY!!!

Remember Mad Libs? They were such a hoot!

This GIVEAWAY will be such a fun one!

The prize: A Valentine Package

Includes a set of 4 mini valentines, heart tags and a greeting card!

The method:
*Include your answers to the categories given, in the comments section.

The timeline:
*Entries must be submitted by Thursday evening, January 22
*Check back in Friday afternoon on the 23rd for the winner

Who wins:
*I will plug in all of your answers to the story. Whoever's is the funniest will win! (TBD by moi)

Here it is: (Hint: It's in the theme of Valentine's Day!)

1) ____________ your sweetie's name
2) ____________ time of day (eg. afternoon)
3) ____________ body part
4) ____________ adjective
5) ____________ adjective
6) ____________ day of the week
7) ____________ adjective
8) ____________ present tense verb
9) ____________ adjective
10) ____________ item of clothing
11) ____________ holiday
12) ____________ present tense verb
13) ____________ noun
14) ____________ your name

Cheat Sheet-
Noun- a thing (ex.- heart)
Adjective- describes a noun (pretty)
Verb- action word (beats)
Adverb- describes an action (quickly)

Can't wait to see your answers!!!
Kat

Wow, it all seems so real now!

On Friday, the hubby and I went to the OB-GYN for our 14 week appointment.

Here's how it all went down:

We were running late and of course, it's snowing like crazy out, but that doesn't deter Greg, AKA Mario Andretti, from driving like a maniac to get us there. But, we made it in one piece (well, two pieces, really) and while registering with the grumpy receptionist, I realized I neglected to bring my urine. Well, since I don't know the meaning of the word propriety, I pretty much shouted, "Oh no- my pee!" This completely mortified Greg, whom I sent on another hair-raising trip back to the house to retrieve said pee. The ever-cheery receptionist was quick to point out that we were already late, but I assured her we only lived 3 minutes away, since my husband is an aspiring stunt driver.

Okay, so if you're wondering why I am bringing my pee there in the first place, it's because (I am told) that urine first thing in the morning is the best to test. (Guess it doesn't matter that I get up 4 thousand times in the night nowadays). So, they give you a little container that you are to "collect" your offering in and bring it in. What they didn't tell me at first is that I have to reuse the container!!! Yeah, the nurse rinses it out and whatnot, but then I have to bring it home and do it all over again next month. I find this repulsive. Anyways, back to the story-

Well, "Bulldog" showed me to be late, by having me wait and wait and wait (in the meantime, Greg made it back with the urine safely in hand, which of course, he immediately pawned off to me, as if it were radioactive or something). But FINALLY, we were able to wait in a room forever and ever.

We were very excited at the prospect of hearing the baby's heartbeat. Our last appointment at 10 weeks was too early. I really wanted to feel more connected, like there actually is a baby in there! Well, our fabulous doctor (Grumpypants could take a lesson from her) placed the doppler on my tummy and we could hear so much! My heartbeat, my placenta whoosh-whooshing, and our baby kicking! In fact, all the kicks were making it hard to hear the heartbeat. So, the doc told me she'd do an ultrasound.

As we waited (so what's new?) in the ultrasound room, I was so nervous and excited. I guess even though I know I am pregnant (boy, do I know!) it still felt pretty surreal that there is a life inside me. Well, when the moment arrived and we saw our little miracle, I was amazed. I didn't cry like I thought I would, just grinned so hard and stared in wonder. Our little darling was kicking with it's long legs and tiny toes and it's arm was draped behind its head, like it was just chillin'. We thought this was cute, because that is exactly how I sleep. Well, we didn't get to hear the heartbeat, but we got to see it, and that was breathtaking, too.

Here's what we saw:



Pretty amazing, huh?

You oughta read this!

'Cause we want everyone to know!!!!

We are going to have a baby!

Yay!

This is our first child, one we have longed for and prayed for and are super excited at the prospect of being parents.

As of right now, I am almost 14 weeks.
We are due July 10, 2009.

Holy cow!!!

I've added a pretty cool widget at the bottom of the page to track my pregnancy, if you're interested.