Thursday, January 26, 2017

Grandma's Funeral, Potty Training and Lots of Baking


Well, it hasn't been the easiest past few weeks.  My sweet beloved Grandma got suddenly ill and passed away on January 19th.  This was the first death I have actually ever had to deal with and I have to say my most dreaded one.  I had always feared losing my precious grandma, ever since I was a little girl, because I loved her so much and didn't know what I would do without her.  However, it finally came to be her time and I am now at peace with it all. I am not sad for her because I know she is happy in heaven with Grandpa but rather for myself because I know how much I am going to miss her.  I must stop typing about this now, though, or else I am going to burst into tears yet again.  So onto how I have been coping with all this, besides the sweet support of my loving family and dear friends... baking.  And lots of it!  

I have been baking and cleaning ever since we got back from the funeral.  As usual making healthy yet delicious recipes that are good for me, my family and of course baby #2 :) My favorite recipes from this week are these zucchini marinara boats and greek yogurt brownies.  Both super nutritious and delicious!  

Other good news, Lawson is now fully potty trained.  Honestly it has all been a blur and I'm not sure I have even come to the realization about the whole thing, but it has happened virtually overnight and even through all the traveling back for the funeral and everything, he has managed to use the potty the whole time without any accidents (except for a few in the very beginning).  It is amazing and I am counting my lucky stars that I will only have one in diapers instead of two when Lawson's little brother arrives. 

I will attach the links to the recipes that I used, the brownie recipe I did not alter at all and have already made 2 batches, they are very fudgy and have a slightly different taste/texture since they are uber healthy but I like that about them because I know that they are actually good for me yet they have chocolate in them so I still feel like I'm eating a decadent dessert.  I also REALLY appreciate the fact that they don't have eggs in them, therefore I could eat as much batter as I wanted before actually baking them.  The zucchini recipe was also great but needed extra seasoning at the end to keep them from tasting bland, so a little extra salt, pepper and grated parmesan cheese sprinkled on top after they are out of the oven, goes a long way and really makes them come to life.  I have tried freezing both of these recipes for after the baby and will let you know if that works or not, fingers crossed!

http://www.thewholesomedish.com/chicken-parmesan-zucchini-boats/
http://backforseconds.com/fudge-brownies-made-with-greek-yogurt/2/
*you can use melted butter or any type of oil instead of coconut oil if you don't have any on hand

Potty Training

Testing out the double stroller for baby brother
(I love this one - Brittax B Ready and it is Lawson approved as well)

My sweet friend sent these to me and it really made me feel so much better

Lots of travel in a short period of time had these boys tired out!

Ready for grandma's funeral, bump and all

SO proud of this little guy, he handled everything like a champ

Grandma's beautiful casket, she would have loved that shade of blue and all the flowers

My amazing brother with an ever leaning shoulder to cry on

She was loved by many

My favorite greek yogurt brownies (I bake everything in tin foil lately, so I don't have to clean the pan, lol)

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

London and Paris Trip

Well, I took a nice little hiatus over the past 6 months or so, but briefly wanted to do a quick update! We are almost 7 months pregnant with Lawson's little brother :)  Lots of kicking and stretching going on in there!  We tried to get as much traveling done as possible before the arrival of our new little guy, most recently London and Paris, which were truly magical and such a neat experience with Lawson.  He traveled on the plane like a champ, slept the whole way there and then kept himself pretty entertained on the way back.  He had a blast riding in the black taxis, watching the big red busses go by, visiting the royal guards, checking out the London Transport museum and even going ice skating for the first time.  He is talking up a storm, giving plenty of orders and currently working on potty training before his third birthday and arrival of little brother.  Wish us luck!