Nine!

Today, Thomas is nine months old. It is amazing how quickly the time has gone and how much he has grown. Each day brings something new...and usually it involves a bit of trouble. He still loves his sister, his blankeys, and his pacifier. He is great in the pool and loves to go underwater...today he was even paddling his arms while he was "swimming." He also stood up alone today at the YMCA...after we swam, we played in the splash pad for a bit. Thomas loves the running water...it's fascinating. I stood him in the middle of a fountain and let go, he was holding the streams of water so he thought he was being supported...but he wasn't and alone he stood, until he realized. It's just a matter of time before he is walking (no shit, right?)...He still isn't the best sleeper, but I guess I am not the strongest parent and will go to him as needed. Plus, he is cute and sweet and gives me snuggles and kisses...we are surviving happily.

Today was also a bit sad...we sad a final goodbye to our favorite pediatrician, Dr. Ng. She is moving up north to be with her husband. She cried (which made me cry) saying goodbye, she is awesome and I am so glad that she was our doctor...Lillian was one of her first babies...being a dork, I brought the camera in and took some photos...we sure are going to miss Dr. Ng!

Otherwise, we've just been living the dream here in South O...a little adventure mixed with a lot of routine...but that's how we like it...xo -ag

It's okay...

go night-nighty...you're ok...go to sleep...

hum, I wonder if I will ever sleep through the night again...

Am I happy? actually, yes I am. I wouldn't change it for the world and regardless of how many moments I spend complaining about this, that or the other...in the big picture, in this lifetime, I am happy. I love being at home with my kids, I love my kids, and more importantly, I love my husband. As I learned in my book club reading of "...Bliss...", I can keep the good and discard the bad...I can be genuine and a fraud all at the same time...and I always ask myself does it really matter? and really who cares? often.

And in the end...I am happy, only certain parts of it really matter, and I try to put 1000% of myself there...and the other parts...well maybe it's just me pretending...being in the moment but somewhere else at the same time...maybe I should move to India...now I need to get back on track with recipes...I have been slacking for the last few weeks, lacking inspiration...but I will persevere...see you soon..xo-ag

Poor Posting Habits...

I am currently suffering form PPH, I will apologise to my two readers in advance. I have been completely into my routine, it is a busy one at times, and I am still very focused on trying to be fit and maintain my weight loss...I have lost 20 pounds since January and I am wanting to lose about 10 more before summer. I am feeling great and I am completely amazed at the fact that my clothes are too big, it blows my mind each time I put something on.

I am also happy to say that my TNR Tuesdays are going exceptionally well. I have exposed my family to new foods and learned a bit about cooking. Sometimes, I do struggle for inspiration, but I love that on one night a week, it's something new for all of us.

I think that is all I am giving you tonight...I have a post about happiness brewing in my mind, but I still need to finish my book club book (even though we already meet to discuss it)...The Geography of Bliss; One Grump's Search for the Happiest Places in the World. Until then...I hope you are all well...can't believe it is already March...xo -ag

Double Up

Apparently, I am not so good at this blogging thing...I guess Exercise TV has been distracting me...at least I hope it has...so I missed a few weeks...Here's a recap

Chicken and Bean Chilaquiles (or Silly Lilly's as we were calling them)

Cooking spray
1 cup thinly sliced onion (SKIPPED)
5 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups shredded cooked chicken - I was feeling lazy so I bought a rotisserie chicken...
1 (15-ounce) can beans (recipe calls for black, I used pinto)
1 cup chicken broth
1 (7 3/4-ounce) can salsa de chile fresco (I didn't have this so I used some salsa)
15 (6-inch) corn tortillas, cut into 1-inch strips
1 cup shredded queso blanco

Directions - Preheat oven to 450. Heat large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat with cooking spray (I used olive oil). Add onions, saute for 5 minutes (or until lightly browned). Add garlic, saute 1 minute. Add chicken, cook 30 seconds. Transfer mixture to medium bowl, stir in beans. Add broth and salsa to pan, bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside.

Place half of the tortilla strips in bottom of an 11 x 7-inch bakign dish coated with cooking spray. Layer half of the chicken mixture over tortillas, top with remaining tortillas and chicken mixture. Pour broth mixture evenly over chicken mixture. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 450 for 10 minutes or until tortillas are lightly browned and cheese is melted.

-->Good dish, super easy. Jeff didn't like the green things from the salsa and I used the wrong cheese so it didn't get meltly. I enjoyed as leftover lunch, too. I served it with salad and called it a night. I will make this again and I see how easy throwing this together with leftovers from a taco night could be.

Hearty Frittata
4 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
8 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
8 oz artichoke hearts
1 cup thinly sliced leek
3/4 cup grated fontina cheese
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Directions: Preheat oven to 450. Cook bacon over medium-high heat in a 10-inch oven-proof nonstick frying pan or well-seasoned cast-iron skillet until crisp. Transfer bacon to paper towels, reserve 2 tbsp. dripping in pan (discard the rest) and set aside.

Whisk together eggs, milk, chives, salt and pepper. Stir in bacon and artichoke hearts and set aside.

Return skillet to medium-high heat. Add leeks and saute in reserved bacon drippings until softened, 1-2 minutes. Reduce heat to medium. Add egg mixture and stir to combine. Cook for 1 minutes, then gently stir in 1/2 cup of fontina cheese and the parmesan. Cook without stirring until deges of frittata are set and the center is still a bit soft, approximately 2 minutes. Edges should appear firm when the pan is gently shaken, the top layer should appear wet.

Sprinkly remaining 1/4 cup fontina over top and transfer skillet to oven. Bake until eggs are fully set and the top is golden brown., 5 - 7 minutes. If top is not browned, broil for about a minute or so.

--> YUMMO! I loved this. We had this frittata, salad, and oven roasted potatoes...so good. I did modify the recipe since the only oven-proof nonstick skillet I had was smaller than what was called for I made this with 6 eggs (I also felt like 8 eggs was a lot of my family), changed the milk to 6 tbsp...left the rest the same...which made it a bit heavy with artichokes, which I like, Jeff and Lillian, not so much. I will definitely made a frittata again...it will be our version of breakfast for dinner, since I have never been able to let myself just make scrambled eggs for dinner...

Happy cooking -agatha

T.N.R Tuesday Menu...

Spice Rubbed Flank Steak...
mix 2 teaspoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon thyme (didn't have any) pat onto flank steak. Broil 6 to 7 minutes per side. Thinly slice...

I served it with some rice pilaf, brussel sprouts, and salad. Lillian ate all her meat and salad, but did not like the brussel sprouts or rice. Jeff loved and ate it all...but I am pretty sure he would eat anything meaty...he did mention that he liked that the steak was thinly sliced, he was able to eat it easily, no knife necessary. For me, I enjoyed to seasoning on the steak, which is always a challenge for me...what to put on my meat to make it yummy, so this worked nicely and was super easy. The flank steak was on sale at Ralph's making this meal fairly cheap! Definitely something I will do again...happy cooking -ag

TNR Tuesday

Lemony Lentil Soup with Greens

1 tsp oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
2 stalks of celery, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
6 cups of chicken broth, plus more as needeed
8 ounces of lentils
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp salt
one bunch of kale, chopped
1 1/2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
zest of one lemon

Heat oil is 3-quart pot over medium-high heat. Cook onion, stirring, 3 to 5 minutes, or until softened and translucent. Add the carrot, celery, and garlic. Cook, covered, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes or until the carrots are softened. Add 6 cups broth, the lentils, basil, thyme, and salt. Bring to boiling. Reduce heat to low; add kale. Cook 30 to 35 minutes, or until lentils are tender, adding additional broth if necessary. Stir in lemon juice and zest before serving.

--> I found this recipe to be yummy! Jeff thought it was good, but he's not a soup guy and it had no meat...Lillian slurped up a ton of broth and got a few bits of kale and lentils and thought they were yummy. So overall it was a successful recipe. I am always looking for ways to use kale, it holds up well in soup for sure, and lentils are one of my favs (in case you didn't pick up on that already). This was good El Nino Winter Storm 2010 weather, warm, filling, and comforting. Each serving boost 313 calories and 19 grams of fiber. A keeper for sure! Happy Cooking! xo -ag

Happy 4th Birthday Lillian

My baby girl is four today...it's amazing to think four years ago I was at the hospital in labor for the first time...so eager to see what flavor baby we were having, so excited to begin our adventure as parents. Little Miss Lillian, ahhh, she is smart, snugly, and cute...but she can also be whiny and naughty. She responds well to structured events and routines, sometimes needs her mommy to count to 10 before we can understand her because of tears, and does way better in stressful situations when I keep my cool. She is the queen of the castle at times, and rules the roost...and has her daddy wrapped around her finger. She is a loving big sister and does a great job with her brother. I love watching her grow, watching her learn, and I cannot wait to see what this next year brings for her...Love you Lilly! Here's some photos of her cuteness over the years! And, Yes, I do love me a number shirt! xo -ag

One Year Old

Two Years Old

Three Years Old at Disneyland for her first (and only) time

Three Years Old

My big four year old!

Happy 1/2 Birthday Thomas

Wow...baby Thomas is 6 months old today...time flies. Maybe it's the lack of sleep but it seems like yesterday I was pregnant. Anyway, Thomas is doing well. He still loves to snuggle with his aden + anais swaddle blankets and his sister can always make him smile! He loves to play with his toys and roll around on the floor. He has started to eat solids...rice cereal, banana, sweet potatoes, avocado, and peaches so far...I think he likes the avocado the best, and the rice cereal the least. He has been swimming twice and seems to enjoy the water. He naps nicely but does not sleep through the night. Today at his doctor's visit, he weighted 19 pounds 3 ounces and is 27 1/4 inches long. He sure is cute...and it's a good thing since he, on some nights, likes to wake up every 2 hours...yikes! Here's some photos of his cuteness...xo - ag

July 20th

Happy Birthday Thomas!
One month old

Two months old

Three months old
Four months old
Five months old

Six months old

T.N.R Tuesday

Coconut Chicken Chili

2 boneless, skinless chicken breast, chopped
1 onion chopped (no onion for me, although it really needed it)
1 1/2 tsp chili powder
1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp flour
1 14 oz can of unsweetened coconut milk
1 Tbsp peanut butter
1 can of cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
2 carrots, cut into "matches"
1 stalk of celery, sliced
1 green onion sliced
5 cloves of garlic, minced
2 Tbsp chopped fresh basil
Fresh basil and sliced jalapenos (optional)

Directions: Cook first 6 ingredients with 1/2 teaspoon of both salt and pepper in the hot oil over medium heat for 6 - 8 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute more. Add coconut milk, peanut butter, and 1 cup of water. Bring to boiling, stirring occasionally. Stir in beans, carrots, celery, green onion, garlic, and chopped basil. Return to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, 10 minutes. Serve with rice, top with basil leaves and sliced jalapenos, if desired.

So...it was good. I found it a bit bland, definitely needed the onion (which for Jeff I left out) and I added more salt and jalapeno to my plate. The beans didn't really offer anything, I thought they were a bit mushy, I wanted some more crunch...maybe some cabbage?? Not sure if that rhythms but it sounded good to me. Now, Jeff and Lillian loved it. Lillian ate ALL of hers...even the beans, carrots, and celery and she never eats cooked veggies! Jeff forgot to eat his last night, but took it to work today and apparently everyone wanted to know what it was...I will tweak the recipe a bit for my next use but it was fun to cook with coconut milk, I had been wanting to play with this ingredient. So overall, Coconut Chicken Chili was a success! Happy Eating...xo -agatha

Before it becomes cliche...Best Memories of 2009

My Favorite Memories of 2009...well it was an easy one for me with the birth of Thomas. That was my initial answer and then I asked others (via Facebook) and it made me think more about my favorite things from 2009...

Thomas Malcolm Brown was born on July 20th. A highlight of the year, briefly followed by the stress of having another baby in the NICU. Holding him for the first time on Friday the 25th was amazing, the best feeling ever and finally getting to introduce Lillian to her little brother and bring him home on July 30th was also awesomeness!

First Meeting

First ride in the car together
Snuggling

Some of my other favorite moments came with spending so much time with Lillian. She came with me to each doctor appointment, she listened carefully to the babies heartbeat. She ran errands and helped me all summer long. It was good times spent together. I painted her toenails for the first time during the summer. Ahhh, she loved it!

This favorite memory Greta helped me remember...Our sister friends trip to Arizona was great and the best part was definitely Maja pulling up at the airport to pick me and Greta up...in this convertible wearing that lovely orange hat...and she had hats / wraps for each of us! Oh what a trip that was! Can't wait to do another sister friends vacation!

2009 also involved adding on to our house...it was a year filled with adventures and quality time with the family! I can't wait to see how 2010 turns out...so many cool things in store for us...Jeff and I will celebrate our 10 year wedding anniversary, Thomas will turn 1, Lillian will be four....Wow, hopefully I can appreciate it for all it's worth! xo -ag

Try a new recipe Tuesday

As part of my new year's goals I am going to try a new recipe every Tuesday.
Hooray for new food...


Tuesday, January 5th
Lentil Chili...from Better Homes & Gardens (modified a bit)

2 cans diced tomatoes
1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup dry red lentils, rinsed and drained
chopped onion & chopped bell pepper, but Jeff won't eat food with onion or bell pepper any...so I added chopped carrot and shredded zucchini
1/8 cup of chili powder
1 TBSP garlic powder
salt
4 ounces tomato sauce
3 ounces tomato paste


It was pretty easy, and most of the ingredients I had on hand...I mixed all the ingredients expect the tomato sauce and paste in a big pot with 1 1/2 cups of water...brought it to a boil and then simmered it for about 40-45 minutes, the recipe said 30 minutes, but my lentils were still kinda hard at that point...once it's done simmering, add the sauce and paste...put some cheese or sour cream on top and there you have it...


I thought it was delicious...Lillian tried it and said it was yummy but barely ate more than a lick, and Jeff ate all his and went back for more...but I apparently ruined it when I said it was lentil chili...I also added sausage since my husband needs meat in his meal, but it definitely was not needed nor did it add anything...so overall, this recipe is a keeper...yum yum xo -ag