I know it is a little outside of the realm of the "baby blog", but I had to share this delicious recipe! We had these last week three nights in a row (a bit of overkill, but I was not aware how much it would make)

The recipe comes from Ina Garten (The Barefoot Contessa)

Chive Risotto Cakes

2008, Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics, All Rights Reserved

Prep Time:

10 min

Inactive Prep Time:

2 hr 0 min

Cook Time:

40 min

Level:

--

Serves:

6 servings

Ingredients

• Kosher salt
• 1 cup uncooked Arborio rice
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 extra-large eggs
• 3 tablespoons minced fresh chives
• 1 1/2 cups grated Italian fontina cheese (5 ounces)
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3/4 cup panko (Japanese dried bread flakes)
• Good olive oil

Directions

Bring a large (4-quart) pot of water to a boil over medium-low heat and add 1/2 tablespoon salt and the Arborio rice. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes. The grains of rice will be quite soft. Drain the rice in a sieve and run under cold water until cool. Drain well.

Meanwhile, whisk together the yogurt, eggs, chives, fontina, 1 1/4 teaspoons of salt, and the pepper in a medium bowl. Add the cooled rice and mix well. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight, until firm.

When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 250 degrees F.

Spread the panko in a shallow dish. Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Form balls of the rice mixture using a standard (2 1/4-inch) ice-cream scoop or a large spoon. Pat the balls into patties 3 inches in diameter and 3/4-inch thick. Place 4 to 6 patties in the panko, turning once to coat. Place the patties in the hot oil and cook, turning once, for about 3 minutes on each side until the risotto cakes are crisp and nicely browned. Place on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper and keep warm in the oven for up to 30 minutes. Continue cooking in batches, adding oil as necessary, until all the cakes are fried. Arrange on a serving platter and serve hot.

I know it is a little outside of the realm of the "baby blog", but I had to share this delicious recipe! We had these last week three nights in a row (a bit of overkill, but I was not aware how much it would make)

The recipe comes from Ina Garten (The Barefoot Contessa)

Chive Risotto Cakes

2008, Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics, All Rights Reserved

Prep Time:

10 min

Inactive Prep Time:

2 hr 0 min

Cook Time:

40 min

Level:

--

Serves:

6 servings

Ingredients

• Kosher salt
• 1 cup uncooked Arborio rice
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 extra-large eggs
• 3 tablespoons minced fresh chives
• 1 1/2 cups grated Italian fontina cheese (5 ounces)
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3/4 cup panko (Japanese dried bread flakes)
• Good olive oil

Directions

Bring a large (4-quart) pot of water to a boil over medium-low heat and add 1/2 tablespoon salt and the Arborio rice. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes. The grains of rice will be quite soft. Drain the rice in a sieve and run under cold water until cool. Drain well.

Meanwhile, whisk together the yogurt, eggs, chives, fontina, 1 1/4 teaspoons of salt, and the pepper in a medium bowl. Add the cooled rice and mix well. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight, until firm.

When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 250 degrees F.

Spread the panko in a shallow dish. Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Form balls of the rice mixture using a standard (2 1/4-inch) ice-cream scoop or a large spoon. Pat the balls into patties 3 inches in diameter and 3/4-inch thick. Place 4 to 6 patties in the panko, turning once to coat. Place the patties in the hot oil and cook, turning once, for about 3 minutes on each side until the risotto cakes are crisp and nicely browned. Place on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper and keep warm in the oven for up to 30 minutes. Continue cooking in batches, adding oil as necessary, until all the cakes are fried. Arrange on a serving platter and serve hot.

Approaching the half way mark

I cannot believe I am almost 20 weeks along! The time is flying by- so much to do! We have a really great idea of what we want the baby's room to look like, and I have started putting together a binder with all of my (our) ideas in it for the nursery, strollers, etc.  It is a bit overwhelming, but I think if we tackle it one thing at a time, it will all seem a bit more managable. Right now, the baby is about 8 1/2 ounces, and 6 inches long, with arms and legs now proportional to the body.  By now, they say the baby can hear our voices too.  Pretty cool!

I bought my first purchase for the nursery over the weekend.  It came from the Hallmark store, and is a plack that says "If you can dream it, you can do it" - it is a walt disney quote and has a little mickey mouse on it as well.  There is another one we want to get that says "sent from heaven straight to you" from the movie Dumbo.   

Erica and I at Brunch on Sunday

WEEKLY UPDATE

How far along? 19 weeks  

Total weight gain: + 3lbs  
Maternity clothes? nothings changed here... still rocking the belly band, a few maternity blouses that are flow-y, and lots and lots of Maxi Dresses for after work and the weekends 

Stretch marks? none yet
Sleep: our AC was out over the weekend (perfect timing with the 90 degree heat and all!) so that was a bit rough, but we have it taken care of now, and are both sleeping much better    
Best moment this week: getting the fabric swatches for the nursery bedding!!  

Miss Anything?: allergy medicine!    
Movement: still nothing :(  patiently (ya right) waiting 
Food cravings: cereal with fruit, Applebee's Oriental Chicken Salad, Nordstrom Cafe's Cilantro Lime Vinagerette
Anything making you queasy or sick: eating normal, with a few extra snacks throughout the day, and a few pregnancy modifications   
Gender: Not finding out and couldnt be more excited!  
Symptoms: I'm feeling really good. Don't have too many symptoms, other than the ever growing belly. Although this heat wave was a bit of a reality check for the months to come

Belly Button in or out? in
Wedding rings on or off? on
Happy or Moody most of the time: HAPPY!! (with the occasional mood swing)

Looking forward to: feeling the baby move for the first time!! continuing to see my bump grow

I cannot believe I am almost 20 weeks along! The time is flying by- so much to do! We have a really great idea of what we want the baby's room to look like, and I have started putting together a binder with all of my (our) ideas in it for the nursery, strollers, etc.  It is a bit overwhelming, but I think if we tackle it one thing at a time, it will all seem a bit more managable. Right now, the baby is about 8 1/2 ounces, and 6 inches long, with arms and legs now proportional to the body.  By now, they say the baby can hear our voices too.  Pretty cool!

I bought my first purchase for the nursery over the weekend.  It came from the Hallmark store, and is a plack that says "If you can dream it, you can do it" - it is a walt disney quote and has a little mickey mouse on it as well.  There is another one we want to get that says "sent from heaven straight to you" from the movie Dumbo.   

Erica and I at Brunch on Sunday

WEEKLY UPDATE

How far along? 19 weeks  

Total weight gain: + 3lbs  
Maternity clothes? nothings changed here... still rocking the belly band, a few maternity blouses that are flow-y, and lots and lots of Maxi Dresses for after work and the weekends 

Stretch marks? none yet
Sleep: our AC was out over the weekend (perfect timing with the 90 degree heat and all!) so that was a bit rough, but we have it taken care of now, and are both sleeping much better    
Best moment this week: getting the fabric swatches for the nursery bedding!!  

Miss Anything?: allergy medicine!    
Movement: still nothing :(  patiently (ya right) waiting 
Food cravings: cereal with fruit, Applebee's Oriental Chicken Salad, Nordstrom Cafe's Cilantro Lime Vinagerette
Anything making you queasy or sick: eating normal, with a few extra snacks throughout the day, and a few pregnancy modifications   
Gender: Not finding out and couldnt be more excited!  
Symptoms: I'm feeling really good. Don't have too many symptoms, other than the ever growing belly. Although this heat wave was a bit of a reality check for the months to come

Belly Button in or out? in
Wedding rings on or off? on
Happy or Moody most of the time: HAPPY!! (with the occasional mood swing)

Looking forward to: feeling the baby move for the first time!! continuing to see my bump grow

5 month mark

So according to "What to Expect When You're Expecting", at 18 weeks, I am currently 5 months. Holy Moly- 5 MONTHS!! We are half way there...

We had a check up last Wednesday, and everything is looking great. I am right on track with my weight gain(3lbs total) and the baby had a great heart beat- we even heard some kicks, though I have yet to feel them :(

WEEKLY UPDATE

How far along? 18.5 weeks  

Total weight gain: up 3lbs  
Maternity clothes? still rocking the belly band, a few maternity blouses that are flow-y, and lots and lots of Maxi Dresses for after work and the weekends 

Stretch marks? none yet
Sleep: 8-10 hours each night, depending on the night, though my allergies are getting the best of me now   
Best moment this week: hearing the baby kick on the dobbler. We always hear a kick before the heartbeat 

Miss Anything?: allergy medicine!!   
Movement: pretty bummed that I haven't felt any yet. I know it is normal to not feel anything at 18 weeks, but doesnt make me any more patient!  
Food cravings: PICKLES (laugh away), fruit, cereal, red licorice
Anything making you queasy or sick: eating normal, with a few extra snacks throughout the day, and a few pregnancy modifications   
Gender: Not finding out and couldnt be more excited!  
Symptoms: I'm feeling really good. Don't have too many symptoms, other than the ever growing belly (pictures to come- promise!!)

Belly Button in or out? in
Wedding rings on or off? on
Happy or Moody most of the time: HAPPY!! it is beautiful in Elk Grove this week, and will be in the mid 80's this weekend! 

Looking forward to: feeling the baby move for the first time!! continuing to see my bump grow

So according to "What to Expect When You're Expecting", at 18 weeks, I am currently 5 months. Holy Moly- 5 MONTHS!! We are half way there...

We had a check up last Wednesday, and everything is looking great. I am right on track with my weight gain(3lbs total) and the baby had a great heart beat- we even heard some kicks, though I have yet to feel them :(

WEEKLY UPDATE

How far along? 18.5 weeks  

Total weight gain: up 3lbs  
Maternity clothes? still rocking the belly band, a few maternity blouses that are flow-y, and lots and lots of Maxi Dresses for after work and the weekends 

Stretch marks? none yet
Sleep: 8-10 hours each night, depending on the night, though my allergies are getting the best of me now   
Best moment this week: hearing the baby kick on the dobbler. We always hear a kick before the heartbeat 

Miss Anything?: allergy medicine!!   
Movement: pretty bummed that I haven't felt any yet. I know it is normal to not feel anything at 18 weeks, but doesnt make me any more patient!  
Food cravings: PICKLES (laugh away), fruit, cereal, red licorice
Anything making you queasy or sick: eating normal, with a few extra snacks throughout the day, and a few pregnancy modifications   
Gender: Not finding out and couldnt be more excited!  
Symptoms: I'm feeling really good. Don't have too many symptoms, other than the ever growing belly (pictures to come- promise!!)

Belly Button in or out? in
Wedding rings on or off? on
Happy or Moody most of the time: HAPPY!! it is beautiful in Elk Grove this week, and will be in the mid 80's this weekend! 

Looking forward to: feeling the baby move for the first time!! continuing to see my bump grow

I'm a Quarter of a Century Old?!

I was such a lucky birthday girl this year! I had not one, not two, but three birthday dinners with friends and family!  The first was on Thursday night at Paesanos in Elk Grove with David, my parents, Grandma Kay and cousins Liz and Jimmy.  The next night was at Il Forniao downtown with our good friends Dom and Mari, and then Saturday we wrapped up the festivities at Banderas with our friends (that are more like family!) Matt, Tricia, Scott and Anna (the pictures above are from Saturday night).  I feel so lucky to be blessed with such wonderful friends and family in my life, and I can't wait for our little one to experience all the love they have give! I can't believe that at this time next year, we will have a 7 month old son/daughter.  Time is flying by now that I am in the second trimester! My birthday marked three months exactly since we had found out we were pregnant.  Life is changing daily, but we welcome the changes and all that goes with it :) 
Love and Blessings to all this Easter season!

I was such a lucky birthday girl this year! I had not one, not two, but three birthday dinners with friends and family!  The first was on Thursday night at Paesanos in Elk Grove with David, my parents, Grandma Kay and cousins Liz and Jimmy.  The next night was at Il Forniao downtown with our good friends Dom and Mari, and then Saturday we wrapped up the festivities at Banderas with our friends (that are more like family!) Matt, Tricia, Scott and Anna (the pictures above are from Saturday night).  I feel so lucky to be blessed with such wonderful friends and family in my life, and I can't wait for our little one to experience all the love they have give! I can't believe that at this time next year, we will have a 7 month old son/daughter.  Time is flying by now that I am in the second trimester! My birthday marked three months exactly since we had found out we were pregnant.  Life is changing daily, but we welcome the changes and all that goes with it :) 
Love and Blessings to all this Easter season!

Growing

a little blury but better than nothing!

WEEKLY UPDATE

How far along? 17 weeks  

Total weight gain: up about 2-4 pounds I would guess ... will find out Wednesday at my next appointment  
Maternity clothes? lots and lots of Maxi Dresses, a belly band for my work pants, and a few blouses

Stretch marks? none yet
Sleep: 8-10 hours each night, depending on the night   
Best moment this week: for my birthday, my mom and dad got me a few of my favorite books from when I was a baby for me to pass along to our little one

Miss Anything?: uninterupted sleep. i still get up at least once a night to go to the restroom  
Movement: haven't felt any yet, not even the "flutters", but I should feel some in a few weeks 
Food cravings: PICKLES (laugh away), fruit, cereal
Anything making you queasy or sick: still not crazy for meat, and sometimes what I had the day before doesnt sound good, but for the most part, I am eating what I would normally eat, with a few modifications for the pregnancy  
Gender: Not finding out and couldnt be more excited!  
Symptoms: The second trimester is great! I have more of my energy back and can eat most everything now.
Belly Button in or out? in
Wedding rings on or off? on
Happy or Moody most of the time: oh boy are the hormones raging!! :) poor husband

Looking forward to: feeling the baby move for the first time!! continuing to see my bump grow

a little blury but better than nothing!

WEEKLY UPDATE

How far along? 17 weeks  

Total weight gain: up about 2-4 pounds I would guess ... will find out Wednesday at my next appointment  
Maternity clothes? lots and lots of Maxi Dresses, a belly band for my work pants, and a few blouses

Stretch marks? none yet
Sleep: 8-10 hours each night, depending on the night   
Best moment this week: for my birthday, my mom and dad got me a few of my favorite books from when I was a baby for me to pass along to our little one

Miss Anything?: uninterupted sleep. i still get up at least once a night to go to the restroom  
Movement: haven't felt any yet, not even the "flutters", but I should feel some in a few weeks 
Food cravings: PICKLES (laugh away), fruit, cereal
Anything making you queasy or sick: still not crazy for meat, and sometimes what I had the day before doesnt sound good, but for the most part, I am eating what I would normally eat, with a few modifications for the pregnancy  
Gender: Not finding out and couldnt be more excited!  
Symptoms: The second trimester is great! I have more of my energy back and can eat most everything now.
Belly Button in or out? in
Wedding rings on or off? on
Happy or Moody most of the time: oh boy are the hormones raging!! :) poor husband

Looking forward to: feeling the baby move for the first time!! continuing to see my bump grow

Bumps Ahead

WEEKLY UPDATE

How far along? 16 weeks- Four Months!

Total weight gain: up about 2 pounds I would guess 
Maternity clothes? a few pair of leggings (thank goodness for Gap Maternity!), a belly band for my pants, and lots and lots of Maxi Dresses

Stretch marks? none yet
Sleep: 8-10 hours each night, depending on the night   
Best moment this week: had the office manager at one of my offices I sell to ask if I was pregnant  
Miss Anything?: a nice glass of wine (wasn't a big drinker to begin with, but knowing I can't have one makes me want one) 
Movement: haven't felt any yet, not even the "flutters", but I should feel some in a few weeks 
Food cravings: PICKLES (laugh away), fruit, cereal
Anything making you queasy or sick: still not crazy for meat, and sometimes what I had the day before doesnt sound good, but for the most part, I am eating what I would normally eat, with a few modifications for the pregnancy  
Gender: Not finding out and couldnt be more excited!  
Symptoms: The second trimester is great! I have more of my energy back and can eat most everything now. 
Belly Button in or out? in
Wedding rings on or off? on
Happy or Moody most of the time: Had a roller coaster of emotions this week due to other things (mom's surgery)... but so very happy to have a healthy little one growing in me
Looking forward to: feeling the baby move for the first time!! continuing to see my bump grow

WEEKLY UPDATE

How far along? 16 weeks- Four Months!

Total weight gain: up about 2 pounds I would guess 
Maternity clothes? a few pair of leggings (thank goodness for Gap Maternity!), a belly band for my pants, and lots and lots of Maxi Dresses

Stretch marks? none yet
Sleep: 8-10 hours each night, depending on the night   
Best moment this week: had the office manager at one of my offices I sell to ask if I was pregnant  
Miss Anything?: a nice glass of wine (wasn't a big drinker to begin with, but knowing I can't have one makes me want one) 
Movement: haven't felt any yet, not even the "flutters", but I should feel some in a few weeks 
Food cravings: PICKLES (laugh away), fruit, cereal
Anything making you queasy or sick: still not crazy for meat, and sometimes what I had the day before doesnt sound good, but for the most part, I am eating what I would normally eat, with a few modifications for the pregnancy  
Gender: Not finding out and couldnt be more excited!  
Symptoms: The second trimester is great! I have more of my energy back and can eat most everything now. 
Belly Button in or out? in
Wedding rings on or off? on
Happy or Moody most of the time: Had a roller coaster of emotions this week due to other things (mom's surgery)... but so very happy to have a healthy little one growing in me
Looking forward to: feeling the baby move for the first time!! continuing to see my bump grow