Spring in January

Hey friends! How was your weekend? Can you believe the weather forecast for this week in Kansas City?

Amazing. I never thought I would be taking so many walks in January. Crazy.

We are putting some serious miles on the stroller. And Jake is in dog heaven with how many walks off the leash he is getting.

On our walk last Friday, we passed a small child and his mom as I heard:

Mom: That's a pretty dog, isn't it [child's name]?
Kid: Yeah, he looks like an oreo. But only double stuffed.

Ha! Kids are so cute!! I can't wait until Carson says really cute and the darnedest of things.

As mentioned last week, we joined friends at J Gilberts for Restaurant Week on Saturday. I had heard a ton of positive feedback about this place. My verdict: It was good, but I honestly expected more. Will I go back? Yes. I always give places a second chance. Why? Because I believe in second chances.

I think it is mainly because I compare all steakhouses to Capital Grille. And it might have been due to the pre-set/limited menu and the amount of the same dishes being prepared in the kitchen. I have worked in quite a few restaurants and know how happy "specials" make chefs and cooks.

Carson slept the entire time at dinner. It's so easy to take him places right now.

Now...getting out the door? Not so much. If there's one thing I have learned to change about myself since becoming a mommy, you have to be flexible. Which is really hard for an extremely planned person like myself. At any moment, your plan can change. Scratch that, you don't really get to have plans with a newborn:).

Right as we were walking out the door for dinner, Carson spit up all over his clothes and we had to change him. Right as we put him in the car seat (in the new clothes), he spit up again. Needless to say, we were late. I swear, we are late everywhere we go these days. I promise we will be on time again someday. 

Speaking of dinner, I tried a new recipe last week worth mentioning. It will definitely be making friends with the other recipes in my cookbook. The best part? It was pretty easy to make.

Spinach Lasagna with Pesto and Mushrooms. This was really tasty. The hubs loved it. It made a huge pan of it, so be ready for left overs. Good thing lasagna is super yummy as leftovers.

I made several modifications per the reviews and personal preference:

- Added shredded chicken because I love me some meat
- Added some crushed red pepper
- Used more mozzarella cheese in place of the shredded provolone (I couldn't find shredded provolone)
- I used fresh spinach as the recipe calls for, but next time might try frozen as the reviews suggest, easy peasy.

Hope everyone has a great week! Off to enjoy our daily stroll in this beautiful sunshine spring weather.

I could get used to this.

Bobble Bobble

Let's not shake it shake it.
Don't drop it drop it,
can you take it take it

How was that for a 504 Boyz revised version of the song Wobble Wobble?

There's a reason for my lyric weirdness. Promise. Stay with me.

Carson has been doing extremely well with holding his head up lately, so Brian talked me into giving the Bumbo its first try.

Verdict: Bobble Bobble

Say hi to Big Boy Bobble Head! :)

He did really well, just not quite ready for the Bumbo. His little head was a-bobblin' and a-shakin'. Made mom a little too nervous to let him do it all by himself.

Incoming! {A glimpse into the future} BAM!

I pictured Carson asking me to climb a tree at 5 years-old and me saying no and freaking out for his safety. Am I going to be that mom that won't let her kid be adventurous or do anything risky?

I'm already known to be somewhat of a worry wart...hmmm...we'll leave the risk taking activities to dad. Having a girl would be so much easier. Sans their teenage years that is. :)

Speaking of 5 years...wanna know what you get for five years of service?

This beauty.

Brian celebrated 5 years with his company and he got to pick a gift from a book full of a variety of options.

What does he pick? A panini maker. Not the pearl necklace or CZ diamond ring (it was really pretty for a CZ) for his wife. Just kidding, the panini maker is cool.

It makes yummy sandwiches.

Buffalo Grilled Chicken Cheese was on the menu the other night. They were delicious.

A little on the hot side, but we like it hot around here. I can't wait to come up with some other panini concoctions. Does anyone else have a panini maker or a good recipe to pass along to this first timer?

Ending with the Friday Phone Dump. Why? Cuz it's Friday! 

Lots of fun adventures for me and Big Boy this week. We enjoyed several walks, had lunch with Caitlin, visited Daddy's office, tried two new recipes, met baby buddies Heidi and Beau, and caught up on the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Those are some crazy bias, but I can't stop watching.

And since this post was musically inspired, click here to put some real Friday pep in your step. Makes me laugh every time I hear it.

Oh and guess what? I found an App for the Blackberry similar to Instagram, called InstaPhoto. Now I can join the cool kids with insta-photos, although this version isn't as cool.

Have a great weekend!

Countryside Cake & Singlets

This past weekend, we drove to Madison, KS, to hang with Grandma, Great Grandma and Uncle Eric. It was Momma K's 60th birthday so a celebration was in order.

I love weekends at Grandma's farm. Nestled in the middle of nowhere, we embrace the peace and quiet and simply enjoy each others company.

Another perk is the savory home cooked meals. This trip we snarfed down chicken and noodles, enchiladas, and bbq ribs. We had a stuffed shells pasta recipe planned in place of the enchiladas, but the local grocery store was out of ricotta cheese and fresh basil. Small town, maybe? :)

Can't forget cake and ice cream and brownies. None of which I turned down. More than once.

Looks like the pregnancy weight will be sticking around until I decide to get serious. Sigh.

Jake enjoyed a savory meal as well.

Some tasty cat food.Yummy. We aren't sure how much he ate, but this is how we found him.

He wanted it so bad that he got the trash can lid (what grandma keeps her cat food in) stuck on his neck!

Saturday, we had the chance to watch my nephews wrestle in a tournament that was just 30 minutes from Grandma's in Eureka.

Ky is a senior and wrestles 162, Kasey a Junior wrestling at 132.

Both took first place. I'm telling you, these boys are bad asses.

The countryside, cake and singlets all rolled in to one great weekend!

Cousin Kenzee with Baby Carson

Momma with fussy baby.

Momma K and Daddy B.

Getting burped by Daddy.

Still likes sucking on his hands.

Yay for winning!

Restaurant Week

It's Restaurant Week in Kansas City and I am actually going to take advantage twice this year.

I always seem to forget about this week and end up missing out on some of Kansas City's finest spots. Not to mention, many of the participating restaurants offer mouth-watering dishes from the top chefs in the metro.

There's more than 100 participating restaurants and lots to choose from. Check out one blogger's Top Ten List for 2012.

I tend to overlook many of the pricier places on the list or would only opt to go there for a special occasion. Since the hubby and I rarely get out to eat for a nice meal, Restaurant week is right up our alley. With pre-set menus and affordable prices, it gives people like us a chance to get to restaurants we normally wouldn't go. It's quite genius.

Yesterday, a friend and I tried a new place downtown called Snow Co.

She had heard about it from co-workers so we decided to give it a whirl. To our surprise, they were a Restaurant Week participant and offered a great lunch deal: Two lunch combos for $15 that include a salad and sandwich of your choice. Lunch for two, for only $15 dollars? What a great deal.

Before I talk about what we ate, I'll give you a rundown of the atmosphere. Located at 18th and Wyandotte, this swanky spot could easily get overlooked. They consider themselves a "cafe and cocktail lounge" offering only fresh squeezed juices and homemade syrups in their cocktails.

Modern and comfortable is what they are going for and it is definitely that. So much that some people walking by might miss that they serve food. Very open, living room-like atmosphere, with a trendy touch.

Well, the food was superb so I'm helping get the word out! We were the only ones in the restaurant, but our waitress was very pleasant and friendly.

I had the Mayo-Free Chicken Salad Wrap and my friend had the Turkey & Havarti on Ciabatta. We both asked for them hot and they accommodated our request with no problems. We both had rave reviews. I can't wait to get back and try out their drink flights.

So, get yourself to this spot and give it a try. Also recommended is its neighboring eatery: Mildred's Cafe. Great sandwiches, salads and of course, coffee.

Saturday, we are hitting up J. Gilberts for Restaurant Week with friends. I have heard SO many positive remarks about this place. Excited.

About food...typical of me.

What about you? Are you venturing out for Restaurant Week?

Watch Me Grow: 2 Months

Carson hit the 2-month milestone last week and had his 2-month check up this week.

I can't believe how much he is growing up! Sounds silly for a newborn, because he is still pretty small, can't walk or even sit up, but his development is ever-changing. This child is extremely alert it blows my mind.

Carson, you are learning to talk make noise, use your hands and fool your momma. You have a fake cry and enjoy using it to your advantage. You babble and coo constantly, and love to bat and smile at the hanging toys of your play mat. You've even started to hold and grip things like your paci, a toy handle or the edges of a blanket.

It's amazing what entertains you. You will watch and smile at the spinning toys on the swing for a good hour until you put yourself to sleep. It's so cute.

Now that you can see 6 to 8 feet and in full color, you can track me moving around the room. My heart just melts when you don't take your eyes off of me. You are becoming more independent every day.

Carson's 2-month stats:

Weight: 11 lbs. 4 oz. (35th percentile)
Height: 23.5 inches (70th percentile)
Head Circumference: 15.5 inches

In the Closet: 0-3 months, but quickly outgrowing this size due to length

Diapers: Size 1

Grub: Breast milk exclusively

Sleep: Sleeping through the night! About 7-8 hours.

New Activity/Development: Cooing, batting at toys, starting to hold things

Loves: His paci, activity gym, watching basketball with daddy, and the boob:)

Didn't know it was possible to love so unconditionally.

Oh, did I mention that you are sleeping through the night!? Woo hoo! We actually decided to stop breaking the rules of allowing you to sleep with us. We now place you in your crib asleep and you are doing great! 

Big Boy, you got your first shots. Oh man, was it tough to watch! Not gonna lie, I cried like a little baby. I hated seeing you like that. You also had a major meltdown that night, cried uncontrollably for a good amount of time.

Whew. Glad we got through that. Do I really have to watch you get shots every appointment from now until 2 years old?

Big boy and his band aids:(

Daddy and I were questioning where you went, but you returned a few days later, happy as can be!

I love you child.

1 Month
Newborn

TGIF

Fridays are the best, aren't they?

My Fridays haven't really felt like Fridays for awhile now. Being home makes the days runs together and I'm starting to forget how happy Fridays used to make me.

Anyway, something that doesn't make me happy today? A postage increase.

 via We Heart It

Yep, postage will increase another penny to $0.45 this Sunday. I personally think postage is getting ridiculous, making it a hard justification to mail out a mass mailing of any sort (Christmas cards, birth announcements, wedding invitations, etc.)

We've actually received several wedding invitations this past year that were online RSVP only. I've always loved receiving and sending mail. I like sending cards and notes to my loved ones and continually find myself searching for new stationary when I'm out and about.

However, with postage increases every year, e-cards and online RSVP's seem to make the most sense. What's your take?

Carson doesn't know how he feels about it yet. He would just rather gnaw on his hands.

 Nom. Nom. Nom.

There's that little dimple I love so much. He discovered his hands a couple days ago and can't keep them out of his mouth.

 

Notice the bib. We pretty much have to keep one on him at all times. My baby has issues with gas. And lots of spit up. Poor boy.

But he doesn't mind. He's happy!

Something else that makes us happy? Big Boy is sleeping SO well at night.

He went a full 8 hours the past three nights and he's not even 2 months old! Happy Momma right here.

I think I give this kid a million kisses a day. I just can't get enough of him.

He melts my heart. Every. Single. Second.

We have a special bond.

And always stare at each other for hours.

Love my baby.

I almost forgot the Friday Phone Dump!

Whew. That's a lot of photos in one post. All of the same precious booger.

Thanks for hangin' with me. Have a wonderful weekend!

The Feeding Palace

Carson and I have really enjoyed our time together. Being off work for 11 weeks is pretty awesome and allows us to run errands, go on lunch dates and do lots of laundry. Thanks to my spit up boy!

Yesterday, we met our friend Kathy at the delicious Spin! Pizza. Yum yum. Seriously love this place.

After I devoured my Sonoma salad, we headed to Buy Buy Baby. The fairly new baby store that shares the owners of Bed, Bath & Beyond. Big Boy was hungry, so we went straight for the feeding room.

To my surprise, this was no ordinary feeding room. It was the taj mahal of places to whip out your boob and feed your baby. TMI? Sorry, all modesty goes straight out the window after having a child.

Now, when you're breastfeeding, you get really good at feeding anywhere and everywhere. The random places I have fed include the snack closet at my office, the Kohls's dressing room, the Urban Outfitters dressing room, the car, the hospital and the doctor's office bathroom.

I like feeding him while out and about because it then buys us 2-3 more hours of running errands and getting things done without having to race home with a fussy, crying, hungry baby.

Back to the immaculate, every mom's dream room offered at Buy Buy. Complete with uber comfy gliding chairs, side tables, a changing station with an actual changing pad, and fun kid-friendly decor.

I was so appreciative of this room. It was cozy, comfortable and just what a mom needs while parading her newborn child around the city during errands.

Yes, I am blogging about a feeding room at a retail store. I was excited.

So was Big Boy.

Thanks for changing my diaper mom!

Thank you Buy Buy Baby for putting Babies R Us to shame. Your organized shelves, clean restroom, helpful employees, coupons, and resort-feel of a feeding room make a mom's life easier.