My Initiation Continues...

...to having a boy, that is.

I've lost track of how many times I've been pee-ed on. Though I've had a cloth diaper always near and poised it never fails! Ha ha!

Diapering a boy is SOOOO different! All of those tiny newborn diapers I had saved from 3 years ago are useless. I'm already through my Pampers Swaddlers from the hospital and have moved on to my leftover Huggies #1's. Still though, when this little man has to go, it's like the Hoover Dam just let loose.

Tips from any of you mommas of boys out there?

I consider myself a pretty good diaperer. Keep it as high as possible in the back (the site of most leaks these days), fold down the front a bit, aim his wee-wee down, and keep the tabs snug at his waist...am I missing something?

Is it just inevitable that I'm going to go through 4-6 outfits in a 24 hour period? I honestly don't remember Natalia going through outfits this quickly due to diaper duty--mostly spit-up.

Adam is still only 7 lbs. or so, so I didn't think a bigger diaper was the solution. Maybe I need to go back to Pampers until he's bigger?

Any advice ladies?

My Baby Girl Is 3!

Can you believe it?!

Today, 3 years ago, at 7:55am, a squirming little baby was laid on my belly, and I was shedding tears of joy as Pete said, "I was right! It's a girl!" Our lives were forever changed in that magical moment.

Such a journey of grace and provision God has led us on in the years since. We have a perfectly healthy and rapidly growing little girl who continues to delight us with her wit and humor, her love and innocence.

Just this week as I was talking to Pete (in code) about something and spelled a word in the middle of my sentence, her reply was to counter what I said with an "E-I-E-I-O" thrown in the middle! HA HA! Isn't she a hoot?! :o)

Since the holidays are jammed full of get-togethers and it was stimulation overload in past years, we celebrated her 1/2 birthday in early July with our family and friends. However, we hoped we'd be able to set aside some time, when it was just us, on her real birthday to have a special dinner, cake and to open our gift for her. And so that is what we did tonight.

Pizza topped with black olives (a woman after my own heart!), a butterfly cake, and a Mr. Potato Head family set later...she's a happy girl!

Enjoy the pictures!

White cake with strawberry buttercream filling and chocolate butterflies.

One Week Old

Adam's 1 week milestone was welcomed in earthshaking fashion!


Just after midnight this morning there was a 3.3 earthquake within 5 miles of our house. Both Pete and I were awake to take notice. The whole house shook and there was a loud boom-like thunder sound. Honestly though, our house in MD shook worse when the nearby military base would set things off over the Bay. Of course this comparison was followed by comments from my hubby on the nature of sound waves...that's my honey for ya! :o) Ever thinking of the science behind things.


We had a very relaxing Christmas Day at my parents house preceded by a short visit with Pete's mom and brother here on Christmas Eve. I personally felt so much more rested the morning of the 25th because our little man decided to sleep/feed a bit better. The two nights since have been even better. He's still more alert during the night, but is making that transition steadily. I find my mental faculties have improved too--surprise surprise--as he now is pretty much on a 2-3 hours schedule.


Things are SOOOOOO different this time around. I know some of it is just the plain and simple facts--Natalia came home from the hospital with her feeding schedule already established by the nurses, she ended up being formula fed for various reasons, AND I physically didn't recuperate for weeks after because we were traveling nearly every day.


What a blessing to have this sweet little one home already, to be feeling nearly back to my normal self, and to have my hubby home on Christmas break!


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Here are a few pictures from yesterday and the big family gathering at my grandparent's house last night.

B-Day Plus 3

I realized after my "He's Here" post that you all hadn't seen his head of black hair under that cap! My mom said today that he looks like her babies, and I think he definately has Stauffer eyes and chin.


Here is a pic from this morning.




Were having Pete's mother and brother for dinner tonight, so he's been preparing a few things to add to what they're bringing. Natalia was thrilled to help stir the nalesniki (crepe) batter. All of the chopping he was doing earlier for the Polish Vegetable Salad wasn't something she could lend a hand with. If I remember later I'll take a picture of our traditional spread.





When you think of us, please pray that we would have the grace and strength to make all the transitions necessary in the upcoming days and weeks. Adam has his nights and days mixed up and is wanting to nurse (or camp out there) constantly. I am so very thankful he's feeding well--just not getting any sleep as a result. (Last night I think he wanted to set a record or something. He rooted like crazy for nearly 5 hours straight.) Talking with a nurse this afternoon gave me a gameplan--but I still need much strength and patience as Adam settles into a routine.




For now though we are simply enjoying having some days at home, relaxing and being with those we love.



Merry Christmas Eve Everyone!

He's Here!

We are so very excited to share that...

Adam Lukas Winkler

was born on Saturday morning, December 20th at 12:09am.

He weighed 7 lbs. 5 oz., and measured 21 inches long.

He is such a handsome little man! Both he and I are doing very well.

It was a very quick and intense labor...I still can't believe it's over and I've got a babe in my arms again. AND that this child of mine actually resembles me! HA HA

God is so good!

I'll post more about the big day a bit later. The brain is a bit foggier than usual! :o)

Latest Stats

Yesterday evening this little boy was teasing me...

Around 5pm I began having definitive contractions (not just a hardening belly and then some wiggling from him to confuse me) every 15 minutes for an hour. They gradually worked themselves down to 7-8 mins. apart around 10pm, but by the time I went to bed and finally fell asleep they had fizzled out to nothing. This morning? Nada. Zilch.

I had my weekly checkup at 9:45 this morning at which time the midwife said, "his head is definately all the way down now (YEAH!) and you're at 2 1/2 centimeters (OK), do you want me to strip your membranes? (Um, yes please!)

So now I'm feeling real crampy, having occasional contractions but nothing regular, and waiting. That 50/50 chance I'll go into labor within 48 hours is pending. I plan to spend Natalia's naptime on the couch with a book.

Will keep ya'll posted...

Favorite Movies

Seen any good movies these days? When you do get a chance to curl up on the couch and take in one of your favorites, which one do you go for?



I recently commented to my hubby that as much as I like movies, rarely do they meet my expectations. I much prefer a well-written and entertaining book! His sentiments are usually the same, though he will admit to being a tortoise when working through a book. I devour books and can't stand it if it takes more than a few days (if that) to finish one!


Anyway, back to the topic at hand: MOVIES


Here is a short list of those that have stood above the rest in my mind. They are in no particular order.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BAND OF BROTHERS

I really like the character "Winters" played by Damian Lewis. The real man behind the actor's portrayal is from this area, so that's especially fascinating, but I found his moral character and courage very inspiring. This film does not glamorize war in the slightest, which was refreshing though hard to watch at times. Gritty.

REMEMBER THE TITANS

I love Denzel Washington! This is technically a sports-drama, but it's also SO much more. You don't have to love football to appreciate the heart behind this well-made movie.

YOU'VE GOT MAIL

I love the quirky interaction between Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan's characters, and I wouldn't call myself a fan of all of their paired work. Maybe it's because I share a fondness for books, freshly sharpened pencils, autumn, and Scotch tape...dunno, but this one is guaranteed to please in my opinion.

PEARL HARBOR

Yeah, it's typical Hollywood drama, but I like it.

THE BOURNE TRILOGY

If you want a thought-provoking plot look elsewhere, but if you want to sit on the edge of your seat it's a thrilling ride!

THE HORSE WHISPERER

This is one of my favorite, non-animated, animal movie. Of course I was obsessed with horses as a young girl, so it's got that element. I also love Robert Redford and young Scarlet Johannson and the journey they take you on as you seen wounds mended and hearts healed (and hearts wounded...it's not all pretty.)

LITTLE WOMEN

I watch this gem at least once a year--usually during the Christmas season. I love everything about it. (I just acquired the movie's soundtrack and it's delightful, especially during holiday baking!)

FRENCH KISS

There are some lines in this movie that are just classic! And it's got a Kevin Kline and Meg Ryan--what more can I say? I love the wonderful French scenery, the music, the hopelessly flawed attempts by Ryan's character to win back the man she loves, and how everything works out in the end.

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

I'm not a fan of many classics, but this one is good. The book is still better (as is usually the case), but it's nice to visualize Gregory Peck as Atticus when reading the book.

SENSE AND SENSIBILITY

I have both the Emma Thompson/Kate Winslet version and the Masterpiece Theatre version that aired on PBS this past spring. The latter is longer and deals more faithfully with the book, but both are excellent.

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

One of my favorites! Not only do I love Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle as Mr. Darcy and Ms. Bennet, but you can't help but love and cringe everytime Mrs. Bennet and Mr. Collins appear on screen. When they open their mouths you're guaranteed giggles. They're utterly ridiculous!

WILD HEARTS CAN'T BE BROKEN

It's one of those family-friendly, feel-good movies I first saw as a teen...and again it has a horse in it. If you can find it I highly suggest you check it out the next time you want a refreshing movie experience. Alittle predictable, but low on the cheese factor as far as small films go.

CHARLOTTE'S WEB

I can't help but sing the songs for days afterwards everytime I watch this. One of my favorite childhood books and I look forward to introducing my kiddos to this movie when they're a bit older.

RATATOUILLE

Aside from CINDERELLA and FINDING NEMO, this is a recent animated favorite--I don't have many favorites in this category though.

THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE

One of my favorite books by C.S. Lewis! I thought it was particularly well-made and loved those cast as Lucy, Mr. Tumnus, The White Witch, and Liam Neeson as the voice of Aslan. A delight for the eyes, even though some scenes can appear a bit technically enhanced...that's part of the fantasy genre I guess.

GLADIATOR

I just find this time period and the Roman culture fascinating, and Russell Crowe does an excellent job in his role. Goes along with my love of Francine Rivers "Mark of the Lion" book series.

STEPMOM

When you get Julia Roberts, Susan Sarandon, and Ed Harris together on one screen--you're guaranteed movie magic! Add some real-life challenges, imperfect people, humor and sorrow...have a box of tissues handy for the end!

SUPER-SIZE ME

A really enlightening documentary that challenges your mindset about fast food and our food "culture" in general. Did it cure me of my occasional cravings? NO! But it definately makes me evaluate my overall choices.

FAR AND AWAY

I just love this movie. Kidman is feisty, Cruise is scrappy, and both are trying desperately to make a better life for themselves in early America.

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Any "must-see's", old or new, that you'd recommend?

Will It Amount To Anything?

After our unseasonably warm 60 degree day yesterday, this is what greeted us this morning. What wacky weather!

Should I Be Admitted?

I think my hubby was about to admit me yesterday...to the mental ward!!! :o)

What do you think? Was I behaving normally, or would you describe it as last-ditch efforts to go into labor?

I laundered 3 loads, I vacuumed both floors, I mopped the kitchen floor on my hands and knees. I thoroughly washed the living room window, inside and out (Yes, it was 32 degrees outside, but I had an extension handle thingy for that part with a sponge and squeegy so it took only 5 minutes!), and dusted our bedroom.

Verdict?

Hanging In There

"How low can you go?" is how I would describe the state of my belly these days. Though according to my doc yesterday, this little boy still has room to drop...that's hard for me to imagine.

Anywho--she did have some good news for me! Apparently I went from not being dilated at all last Friday to being 2 centimeters! YAHOO! Of course, that's not indicative of labor in the next day or so, but you never know! I was 2 1/2 the day I went into labor with Natalia, but that was 2 days past 40 wks.

When Pete heard the report and came home from school yesterday, he asked if I wanted to go to BOSTON MARKET for dinner. Why there? Well, that was our "last meal" before going to the hospital to have Natalia. (It didn't work...nice try though Honey!)

All in all, everything is ready for the big day and I'm just going about my normal routine. I'm finding my anxiousness is a bit less than last week after not being dilated at all. Now, I'm just trying to enjoy each moment before the big transition to being a family of 4.

We'll keep you updated...

Polish Vegetable Salad

This made my short list of favorite holiday foods in a recent tag I posted. It is absolutely essential to the Christmas Eve menu in my husband's family. (I may post more about our traditional Polish celebrations later.)

Every December 24th the same thing happens. The whole day, and that's no exaggeration, is spent cooking and preparing dishes for the evening meal. (And usually we consume it in about 20 minutes, but I digress...) I'm not sure when it became my husband's job to make this salad, but it has been awhile. Since I came on the scene I've helped and somewhat taken over now that a little one is underfoot.

If you decide to try it, I'd suggest making it a day or two before serving as it is ALWAYS better then. (Why don't we do this? Dunno. We'll see where we're at on the 23rd this year--it may be the first time we follow our own advice.)

Oh, and I do need to add that I for one DO NOT like regular potato salad, but this is different because of the subtle sweet and tangy flavors that the apple and pickle bring to this dish. And one way my mother-in-law beefs up the salad is to boil a turnip or two to add. It doesn't really change much about the overall flavor--just helps if you don't want to use as many potatoes. (Now, if any of you regularly have turnips in your household pantry, fess' up! Because I sure don't!)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

3-4 large potatoes
4 carrots
2 hard-boiled eggs
2 dill pickles
1-2 Granny Smith apples
1 small can sweet peas
mayonaise (I like to use Hellman's Light Mayo)
salt and pepper to taste

For garnish: 1 hard-boiled egg, leftover peas, tomatoes and/or radishes

Cook the potatoes and carrots separately in their skins until soft. Cool completely and peel before coarsely chopping and mixing with most of the peas, peeled and finely minced pickles and apples, and chopped eggs. Stir together in a large bowl adding mayo, salt and pepper to get the "salad" consistency you prefer. Garnish and refrigerate. (We spread a thin layer of mayo on top and don't add as much to the vegetable mixture, then garnish.)

***If you do make this a day or two ahead of time, save adding the mayo and garnishing part until shortly before serving.

Smacznego!

Making The Season Bright

After being inspired by all of you and how you're decorating for the holidays, I decided to snap a few photos from around our house. I tend to go for a "more with less" approach...and having little inquisitive hands helps to curb my enthusiasm to what's financially frugal and easily put away come January! :o)


Welcome to our home...

This is my attempt at the snowflake wreath idea I posted a few weeks ago. It's hard to see the gingham bow and old brass bell in the center, but I had fun finding treasures in our basement to reuse...and my parents' backyard supplied all the fresh greens.



Entryway closet door...



I stole this idea just yesterday from my friend for our hallway stairs. If we ever decide to do stockings, I think I'll hang them here...



The nativity pieces on my china hutch...





Bowl of pinecones, walnuts and berries on our dining room table...



And our version of a traditional Polish tree with the straw ornaments. (It'd be even more European if I'd use real candles on the branches, but alas' we're not wishing to burn down the house!)...

Waiting

Cramping, Softening, But Not Dilating.

That's probably enough information.

I'm praying this Friday's doctor's appointment yields some news of the latter of those categories.

Last One...At Least Until Next Week (Ha Ha)

My friend Libby was contesting the amount of dessert recipes that were being posted lately...just reading them was making her fatter. (Hardly!)

Well, this one is more figure-friendly than my most recent recipe posts. And though it's not expressly a Christmas treat, it IS super easy and who doesn't want that?

ALMOND BISCOTTI

You can be the one to decide if you want to slather it with Nutella or dip it in melted chocolate! :o)

1 stick butter, softened

3/4 c. sugar

2 eggs

1/2 tsp. almond extract

2 1/2 c. flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 c. finely ground almonds

(I usually take whole, unsalted, roasted almonds right from my freezer, put a handful in a small freezer ziplock, and pound with a tenderizer hammer. Works like a charm.)

1. Preheat oven to 350.

2. Cream together the butter and sugar, then add the eggs and almond extract and mix well.

3. Sift flour, baking powder and salt into wet ingredients, then add almonds.

4. Knead in bowl until dough forms (add a bit of flour at the end if it's still too sticky to handle).

5. Divide into 2 parts and flatten on parchment lined cookie sheet into 8 x 4" rectangular loafs (about an inch high).

6. Bake for 35 minutes, then remove but leave oven on while loaves cool for 10 minutes.

7. Cut into 3/4" slices, lay biscotti on their sides and bake for 5 mins. Flip biscotti and bake 5 mins. more. Cool completely.

Makes about 2 dozen small biscotti.

Not Quite Twiddling My Thumbs Yet

I am soooo glad I did my holiday baking and extra meal prep weeks ago...my energy level has just taken a nose-dive!

But there are a few things remaining on my To Do List...

1. Get a haircut and color treatment--folks, the amount of grey was hideous! I told my hairdresser last night that I'd try not to fall asleep in the chair. Two hours later I felt transformed, and ready to go to bed. She has strong fingers and the wash and style at the end was literally a massage...good times.

2. Stock up on household stuff at BJ's: toilet paper, paper towels, diapers for Natalia, laundry detergent, etc.

3. Pack my hospital bag--I've been avoiding it because it means saving a laundered pair of lounge pants that I've practically LIVED in when not leaving the house.

4. Prepare Natalia's things for when we're at the hospital.

5. Clean my refrigerator--it needs a good wipe-down.

6. Knit baby booties. (Just kidding! I have no idea how to do this.)

7. Draft my Christmas letter. (I plan to send it out via email this year--sorry folks if you think that's cheesy, but the finances are tight. Besides, with this blog you practically get a newsletter AND pictures every week.)

8. Take as many naps as possible! (Thank you Lord that Natalia is not on strike from naps this week!)

9. Buy another warm air humidifier.

10. Request some good books from the library. (Any suggestions?)

Just Call Me Paula Dean (Part 2)

Cream Wafers

The buttery flaky crust literally melts in your mouth! And of course there's more butter in the frosting. Soooo yummy!

Dough:

2 c. flour

1 c. unsalted butter, softened

1/3 c. heavy cream

(You'll need regular sugar to lightly coat dough later.)

Frosting:

1/4 c. unsalted butter, softened

1 egg yoke

3/4 c. powdered sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

(add red or green food coloring)

1. Mix dough ingredients and chill for 1 hour.

2. Roll out dough with flour and cut with baby food jar dipped in flour.

3. Dip each dough circle in sugar (both sides).

4. Place on cookie sheet close together and jag with a fork 4 times. (This makes a squared pattern.)

5. Bake at 375 for 6-8 minutes. Do not overbake!

6. When cooled, fill with frosting and sandwich together.

(Makes about 2 dozen.)

Overheard

Once again Natalia has provided more than a few laughs in our household with her comments.

The other night Pete was headed out to watch a football playoff game soon after dinner and so when he sat down at the table decked out in his winter duds (complete with a silly wool hat), Natalia took one look at him, looked at me and said, "Mom, check it out!" as she pointed and giggled. Needless to say, there were laughs all around at that one! (Doesn't that sound so grown up--like a teenager?! Scary!)

On more than one occasion lately when Natalia first gets her lunch or dinner plate and takes a bite, she's said (completely stonefaced), "Mmmmm, this is kinda' good Mom. It's tasty!"

When in the car, she will occasionally give me directions... "turn weft, den weft, den white."

And since two of her buddies are now going to preschool a few days a week, she's been distressed at times because she has to have a few more birthdays till she can go to school too! "How many birt-days till I ride da' bus Mom?"

Just Call Me Paula Dean! (Part 1)

Fans of the Food Network will recognize that name. It's synonymous with the word "butter". Paula is not afraid to use this au natural ingredient and neither am I. You just don't eat a whole plateful of these folks! My philosophy: small portions of really good food is better than alot of something with unpronounceable ingredients.

So here is Part 1 of my favorite holiday cookie recipes.


Pecan Tassies

(This is a Stauffer family recipe that my dad's mother used to make when he was a boy.)



Pastry:
2 c. flour
6 oz. cream cheese, softened
2 sticks unsalted butter, softened

(This should yield about 4 dozen cups)

Filling:
2 eggs
1 c. brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. chopped pecans (coconut or raisin)

(This makes enough for 2 dozen cups so double amount or make 2 different kinds)

Directions:
1. Refrigerate dough for 1/2 hour.
2. Roll out dough (no thicker than 1/8") on a lightly floured surface and use a floured drinking glass edge to cut out circles.
3. Form dough cups and lightly place into miniature cupcake pan.
4. Put a small spoonful of filling into each cup--don't fill too full.
5. Bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes, then lower temperature to 200 ad bake 10-12 minutes more.
6. Let stand to cool for a few minutes before removing tassies from pan.