Preparing for Baby

So when you get pregnant you get into to this mood where you have to sign up for everything that's free, look up every baby website that is known to man and visit these websites and continue to look for free stuff up until it's time for the baby to come. 

I've found that my two favorite websites are thebump.com and babycenter.com

One of the nice things about the bump is that they have a checklist for what you need to do during that week to prepare for the baby. Well, my preparation for this week was making freezable meals. So when you have the baby you already have meals ready to go, just heat up the oven and hello dinner. 

Now, there's not much that I pay attention to on these list, but as you continue with your pregnancy the crazier you get about getting ready for the baby. But I thought this was an excellent idea, so me and my husband spent one Sunday evening making dinners for ourselves. 

First on the list:

Baked Mac & Cheese

This is what I made while my husband made the chili

I don't have a recipe link for this one, it was all him. ;-)

Next,

Chicken Enchiladas

Probably one of the easiest meals I've made. 

And last,

Ham and Peas Casserole

We're going to take another evening to do this again. I'm so blessed to have a husband who 1. Likes to cook 2. Puts up with my craziness and 3. Is so ready to have our little girl here with us. 

I hope these recipes are helpful for you.

Enjoy!

Goal for New Years Eve

Yeah, so I know a lot of people like to reset their goals after New Years but I'm going to try something different.

I'm going to be a new Mummy by the end of November and one of my goals is to be more fit than I was before I got pregnant. And when I say fit I don't mean being a size 0, c'mon get real. What I mean by fit is eating better and actually having muscle on my legs and arms. And heck maybe even a two or four pack! :-p

But then I was thinking why not one up that, why not try to lose the baby fat before New Years Eve?! I have this dress that Jim (my wonderful husband) bought me for our first New Year Eve party. I'm sure you all are giggling right now and yes I know that was about oh I don't know 4 years ago..... (maybe longer but who's counting), I want to be able to fit into that dress. I asked Jim if this was a ridiculous goal, and because my Hubby is so supportive he said no. Deep down I know that it is, but hey it's worth the try right? And if I don't make it to that night, no big deal I have the whole entire year to complete that goal. Positive thinking is always a good thing!

Here's the dress.

One of my favorite pictures of all time, I had no idea that all those people were behind us in this picture, lol it was New Years Eve alright, give me a break!

The dress, and if I do get to the point where I can fit into it again I'm rewarding myself with some new Chucks too and wearing them with the dress. I find it classy ;-)

Brown Sugar Cookies

I found this recipe on Pinterest and had to make them for a family gathering. They turned out wonderful and was declared the best cookies I've ever made. 

A very nice reward indeed!

Ingredients:

2/3 c. butter, softened
1-1/2 c. brown sugar, packed
2 eggs
1 t. vanilla extract
2-1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 t. baking powder
1 t. baking soda
1/2 t. salt
1 c. sour cream

Directions:

Blend together butter and brown sugar.  Add eggs, one at a time; blend well.  Add vanilla; beat until light.  In a separate bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.  Add flour mixture to butter mixture alternately with sour cream; mix well.  

Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto non-stick or lightly greased baking sheets.  Bake at 350 degrees for 8 minutes.  Remove to a wire rack; cool.  Frost with Browned Butter Frosting.  Makes 2 dozen

Browned Butter Frosting
1/4 c. butter
1-1/2 c. powdered sugar
2 T. Milk
Cinnamon As much as desired

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns golden.  Watch carefully as this will happen quickly. Remove from heat. Stir in powdered sugar and enough milk to make a spreading consistency.

Enjoy!

Thank you Susie QQT pies Scraps of Life for the recipe.