Chicken in a Hut

Here is the recipe I mentioned in a previous post. I feel the need to post daily, so that no one confuses the lack of posting for me being in labor. This recipe was given to me at one of my wedding showers by Mrs. Anne Reynolds. It's a great way to use leftover chicken. This only makes four "huts," and Jonathan normally eats at least two. To freeze them, I baked them and then froze them.

Chicken in a Hut
2 cups chicken, cooked and cubed
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 package crescent rolls

Combine all ingredients except rolls.
Set aside.
Divide rolls into 4 sets of 2 rolls each.
Press seams together of 2 rolls to form a square.
Spoon ¼ of chicken mixture onto the middle of the square.
Fold corners up to make the “hut.” Place seam side down on foil covered cookie sheet.
Bake according to crescent roll package directions.
To make a little bit fancy drizzle melted butter on top of the hut and sprinkle finely crushed breadcrumbs on top.

Nursery Pictures

Here are the pictures of the completed nursery. We've added just few more pieces of decor since the last posting. I'm particularly proud of my Martha Stewart project on the right side. I had shelves that I bought in college for some unknown reason. I painted them the wall color and then glued little wooden animals that were from the cake at my Raleigh shower. Atop them are pictures of Jonathan and I as kids. Top left is Jonathan reading to both his siblings. Too cute.

I found two of these pictures at a local Target and Mom found the giraffe at one near her. They make me happy.

In the corner we have changing table stocked with diapers and wipes, ideally to last us a couple of days at least. The Diaper Champ is ready too.

And our bag is packed and ready to go, standing there outside our door...

Check!

I had a number of things on my to-do list once we moved here, mostly things that I wanted to do before the baby arrives. Slowly, but surely, I've managed to knock most of the things off. Now I'm a little at a loss about what to do with myself! Let me validate myself here by posting the checks off my list:

• Make freezer meals (chili, spaghetti sauce, chicken in huts, chicken stew, stuffing casserole, quiche)
• Finish nursery (need to post some pictures)
  
• Write thank-you cards
• Read some parenting books (still could do more of that)
• Get car seat inspected
  
• Visit Target/Wal-Mart/Babies 'R' Us/Stein Mart 50+ times for decor/baby/returns/groceries errands
  
• Get haircut (I was tempted to buzz-cut it in this heat!)
• Get running shoes (preparation for post-baby weight recovery)

There are lots of other little things that I won't bore you with of course. I naively keep thinking that once everything is finished I'll just go into labor, but I think that being this prepared will actually make me go a week past my due date.

Post Addendum: I realized after posting that this might sound like complaining. Last night, I was reminded by Leslie that I need enjoy this more relaxed time because it will probably be my last for quite a while! I need to remind myself to be grateful for this season...however long it lasts.

Happy Birthday, Jaclyn!

This is one of first dances that my cousin Jaclyn and I "choreographed" together. We used to try and charge our family members to see our shows. Most of them looked a lot like this picture: me looking at Jaclyn, trying to keep up. We always have fun together. Love you cousin!

Single Digits!

Omigosh...check out the ticker. Only 9 days! Yikes...

Young Mothering Skills

Jonathan has a younger sister, Anna, who was born when he was 12. I always comment that this has given him some experience with babies that I lack because my brother and I are a mere 14 months apart.

But I was looking through some old pictures and discovered this proof that Parker did help me develop some maternal instincts at young age...

So young, so many skillz.

Happy Anniversary to Us!

Jonathan and I are five years old today. The time has flown by, but the Lord has blessed us so richly. We celebrated with a hike this morning at Oak Mountain State Park, and we'll be going out to dinner at the Bright Star (thanks, Parker and Rachel!).

(This picture was taken by his grandmother in Romania, and it's one of my favorite pictures of the two of us.)

I'm Sorry, Mom!

For being born in August in the South. I now understand that this is no easy task to be nine months pregnant in blazing hot temperatures.

Yesterday I ventured to run errands in the 100 degree heat. I was really just running errands...hurrying from one air-conditioned facility to another, but it still took it out of me. I like to do my errands in one fell swoop, but I think in this heat I should space them out. I was smart and packed a 32 oz. Nalgene of water...and drank half of it before I left the driveway.

While out buying stamps, the man in front of me in line at the post office commented, "You sure picked a time to be pregnant!"

As if I, or my baby, had made a concsious decision to do this. But I do understand the sentiment now.

I was born in August, my mom born in early September, and my baby any day now...the cycle continues...
(And no this is not a subtle reminder about my birthday - promise.)

Baby Bump Silhouette

I looked over and thought this was a cool shot, and I made Jonathan take it. The battery was dead, so we only got one try. I might try to do it again without the hinge there by my neck.
Almost 38 weeks. Hurray for full-term!

Blessing for Baby Moseley

I was so touched to receive this gift. Rachel (my friend/sister-in-law) wrote this beautiful prayer for Baby Moseley and framed it for his room. I read it aloud at the shower, and needless to say, I had a difficult time making it through. I wanted to share it, especially for those who are expecting little ones or already have them. I love how Scriptural and thorough and beautiful it is...

Father,

The child who sleeps here is loved by many, but especially you. He was fearfully and wonderfully made by your very hands. His days have been numbered by you, so it is on his behalf that we offer this prayer.

Like Abraham, may this child grow up to be your friend. May he believe your promises are true for him and for all those who would trust you. Let him not hesitate when you call, but let him cherish you above any other. Like Moses, may he long to see your glory and to experience your presence. May his very face reflect the intimacy of true fellowship with you. We know that this kind of relationship is costly, Lord. It can mean walking the road with only you at times. It can be lonely, and it can be difficult. It is sacred, holy ground that few tread. May he walk there with you, Lord.

As he matures, may he grow in favor with you and with men. May he achieve much and use all the gifts and abilities you have given him. May he bear fruit early in his life, Lord, that you may be glorified. Like Paul, may he count all that he has earned and received as loss for the sake of knowing you. Let him love your Word, Lord. Speak to him through it, and woo him to yourself. Give him a contagious passion for others to know you in the same way. Surround him with friends who will sharpen him as iron sharpens iron. Provide for him the encouragement and accountability he needs in this harsh world. Mold him into the kind of friend that others need too. May he be a man after your own heart.

Fill this child with the fullness of your Spirit that he may walk in obedience and freedom. May his cherished body be a glorious dwelling place for you. Equip him with everything good for doing your will. May he fully accept your forgiveness and always dwell in your mercy. May he have a deep and abiding faith. May he believe you and know that you are God.

You have said, Lord, that your kingdom is made up of little ones like him, and we should not hinder them from coming to you. May it be that those who love him most would not in any way deter him from answering your call. May they love him enough to give him to you and trust you fully with his life.

Above all, Lord, make yourself known to this little one who sleeps here. May he be a living sacrifice to you all the days of his precious life. You alone know the measure of his days. May the road he walks on this earth resemble your own, and may he dwell with you forever.

Family Pictures

Susan, Aunt Gail, Me (and baby boy), Mom and Rachel. We're just missing Jaclyn and Grandma! Aunt Gail came all the way down from Charlotte, and we caught Rachel before she and Parker move to Boston (sniff sniff).

With the grandmothers-to-be.

Mama Sharon and Anna came down on their way through to Birmingham/Montgomery. I hitched a ride back with them. When we got back we found Jonathan...
On the roof of course...Not where we expected, but we had had a big thunderstorm and he was cleaning out our gutters.

Atlanta Shower #2

The blessings just went on and on. On Sunday, Carrie Anne and her mom, Kathy, hosted a shower for youth group buddies, family, and some Complex Sale ladies. It was in my old youth building, which was a fun trip down memory lane.

In the picture above, I'm opening the group gift from Aunt Gail, Uncle Ronnie, Susan, Ryan, Jaclyn and Hank - our infant car seat and stroller! It was a huge blessing; now we can bring the baby home. We received so many awesome gifts - sentimental ones, practical ones, and just plain cute ones. Our cup overflows with all the love...

Here's mom and Kim Lowenthal - one of my surrogate youth group moms.

Lindsay, Erin, Carrie Anne and me. These girls were my cohorts in many a youth group adventure. It just warmed my heart the whole weekend to be back with all these RUMC people.

And some Carolina girls! Megan (far left) came all the way down from Nashville for the shower. It was so great to get to hang out with her and all the family this weekend.

Carrie Anne, as God intended her to be, holding a baby. This is Selah (pronounced Say-lah with a proper twang. As Carrie Anne says, "There's nothing like Southern Hebrew").

On the left are two more youth group moms - Mama Kathy (Carrie Anne's real mom) and Mama Dee (Erin's real mom).

Atlanta Shower #1

The ladies in my mom's reunion/accountability group through this shower for me and Baby Boy. It was a really sweet time with a group of women who pretty much watched me grow up. It was mostly people from my parents' Sunday School class (which they've been in for 20+ years) and their daughters. Some of them have known me since I was in diapers.

My Aunt Marisa came all the way down from Asheville for this shower. It was so great to have her there and get to catch up with her over the weekend.

Here are some of the Berean baby/youth group gals. We're all grown up now!

Isn't this a cute Noah's Ark blanket?

While I was opening presents they passed the camera to Ruth Fletcher, who is an amazing photographer. Not everyone gets a professional to shoot their baby shower.

I think Mom might be excited about this grandbaby.

This little toy was hysterical. Every time you shook it, it let out this explosive giggle, which had everyone howling. It also went off in the car when we were driving home and scared Jonathan when he was unpacking it from the car.

North Carolina Shower

We have been so blessed to have three baby showers in the last two weeks. I traveled with mom up to Raleigh for the first one. It was so great getting to see some friends who we hadn't seen since we moved. I also got to see my old college roomie Amber all-pregnant, but I'm not regretting not having a picture with her (I'm regretting not having lots of pictures from this shower).
The hostesses stuck with the safari theme that we're going for in our room. This cake was so adorable...and tasty. The shower was thrown by Mrs. Pike, Mrs. Fisher and Courtney Pike. The Pikes and the Fishers are dear family friends for the Moseleys, and Jonathan grew up going on family vacations with them.


Yes, the baby has lots of Carolina gear, all provided various sources (this one by Aunt Joan). When Reba sent her Carolina present, she wrote, "Consider this a 'starter kit' for raisin' that youngin' right." Preach it sista!

Southwestern Salad Bar

Couldn't really think of anything to blog about these days. I would like to have posted some pictures of my shower in Raleigh, but alas, I forgot my camera. Then I forgot to borrow my dad's. Sweet Mrs. Pike, who helped throw the shower, said she would send a CD of hers though. I had a wonderful time seeing friends and family. Thanks to Mrs. Pike, Mrs. Fisher and Courtney for throwing it!

I always enjoyed it when friends posted recipes, so I decided to follow suit. This is a salad bar that I put together for the Atlanta group that came down a few weekends ago. It worked well for a few reasons: 1) people could choose their toppings, so it fits a variety of taste preferences 2) I had everything prepped beforehand and just moved everything out to serve 3) healthy. Even the guys liked it because as Jonathan claims that salads are good for meals if there is meat on them.

I didn't do the green onions and radishes at the end. I would suggest also putting some jarred salsa out for those who like it. I used fresh mango instead of bottled, and it was a yummy addition. You'll need more salad dressing and cheese than this lists if you're really going to serve 8 people. You can get this recipe off myrecipes.com (which is a fantastic place for recipes. You get access to all of Cooking Light, Southern Living and Real Simple recipes, which are probably my three favorite magazines).

Southwestern Salad Bar
Ingredients
1 tablespoon fajita seasoning
2 cups fresh corn kernels (about 4 ears)
5 teaspoons fresh lime juice, divided
2 teaspoons minced fresh cilantro
2/3 cup chopped red onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (7-ounce) bottle roasted red bell peppers, drained and chopped
1/2 cup diced peeled avocado
3/4 cup light ranch dressing
1 1/2 teaspoons minced canned chipotle chiles in adobo sauce
12 cups packaged chopped romaine lettuce
3 cups chopped skinless, boneless rotisserie chicken
1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) preshredded reduced-fat Mexican blend or cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups unsalted baked tortilla chips, crumbled (about 2 1/2 ounces)
1 cup bottled sliced peeled mango, chopped
1 cup sliced green onions
1/2 cup thinly sliced radishes

Preparation
Cook the seasoning in a large saucepan over medium heat 2 minutes or until toasted, stirring frequently. Combine fajita seasoning, corn, 1 tablespoon juice, and cilantro in a medium serving bowl.
Combine onion, garlic, beans, and bell pepper in a medium serving bowl. Combine avocado and 2 teaspoons juice in a small serving bowl, tossing gently to coat. Combine dressing and chipotle in a small serving bowl.

Place lettuce in a large serving bowl. Place chicken in a medium serving bowl. Place cheese, chips, mango, green onions, and radishes in individual serving bowls. Arrange the bowls, buffet-style, beginning with lettuce and ending with dressing.

Fun Baby Presents

Here is a few catch-up posts on some of the fun baby gifts we've received.
Mom and Dad Page came down and bought us our crib (on the left). On the right is the rocker that Grandmother and Granddaddy Moseley passed along. Both Jonathan and Jonathan's dad have been rocked in it, so it has a sweet heritage.


Mom and Dad Moseley and Anna came down last week. They gave us our pack 'n' play, a mattress for the crib and the gift of helping us paint the nursery.

Here they are assembling the pack 'n' play (practicing for when it comes to their house to visit!). Sorry for the blurry pic!

Here is Jonathan with the mobile for the playard that he really didn't like. It's not very colorful or eye-catching for a baby, so he refused to register for it until he confirmed that it detached.

We found this great storage piece and the changing table for a steal at Baby Depot. On display are a few of the gifts we've already received for Baby Mo. I'm planning on getting some baskets for the shelves instead of just stacking things there.


When Parker and Rachel were down, they brought us their gift: another rocking chair. Even though we already had the one from the Moseleys, this was also such a sweet and precious gift that we'll get to use to start another family heritage with. Do I look like a mom yet?

I "helped" Parker put the chair together.

We now have furniture and a painted room - this baby thing is starting to become more and more real! The color is a sage green, and the Moseleys did a wonderful job with painting - it only took one coat.

Hopefully we'll pick up some more decorations soon with the safari animal theme we're going with. It's come a long way since we moved in. I feel better knowing our little one has a place to sleep, but even better knowing how loved he is already by so many people.

Georgia Visitors

My brother Parker, sister-in-law Rachel, cousin Ryan, and friend/cousin-in-law Susan came up from Atlanta for a day trip today. We had a great time exploring Birmingham and just hanging out. Jonathan, sadly, had to work all day, but we did swing by the hospital to visit. Everyone was very disappointed though because Jonathan came down without his lab coat or wearing a stethoscope or anything fun and doctor-ish (except his pager).





















We didn't get to do that much sightseeing because it was raining, but we did get to go see the Vulcan. Here is Parker posing like Vulcan (yes, I made him do it, but as his older sister, I retain the right to make him do silly things like this. Not that he really puts up that much of a fight).

The Vulcan is sort of the symbol of Birmingham. He overlooks the city from the top of Red Mountain, and being the Roman god of fire and forge, he symbolizes the city's steel-mining heritage. It's also the large cast-iron sculpture in the world, and it had a good view of the city from the top.

I don't think it's a good thing that the symbol of Birmingham is a pagan god, but golden calf or not, they should have at least put a loin cloth on his backside or something. I mean how does that side of Birmingham feel about constantly being mooned by this guy?

Baby Story

Sheesh.
I've never been much of a crier. Though marriage and growing up have gradually made me more of one (in a good way), I'm still not an emotional, watch-a-sappy-movie crier.
But watching TLC's A Baby Story just kills me. I used to watch Wedding Story pretty often in high school/college, but never cared much for the baby show...until recently. I watched one episode pretty early on in pregnancy, probably around 8 weeks or so. I was on the treadmill in my parents' basement and totally shocked myself. When the baby came out on the show, I just uncontrollably lost it. I didn't even feel it coming on...all of a sudden I gasped and bawled - just for a minute.

Well, I just watched my second episode and thought by now I would be more emotionally prepared. Nope, lost it again. Totally uncontrollable. Jonathan and I have discussed how we don't even know what our emotions are going to be like or how much we're going to love this little one until he gets here. I mean, can anyone really be prepared for that moment? But my primal reaction to seeing someone else's child for the first time is giving me a little hint of how I'm going to feel. We'll see how much I lose it after delivery.

Bird Hangout

We stopped hanging our bird feeder up at our home in Chapel Hill because it was mostly squirrels getting at it, but we decided to put it up again here. Apparently Alabama birds are a lot less skiddish or our feeding location feels safer because birds just come and hangout here. In Chapel Hill, they would land quickly, nibble and fly away fast. But ours just hangout here - lots of birds - and they eat a lot. We got through at least a tube of birds seed a week if not more.

32 Weeks

Here is a requested belly shot at just over 32 weeks (which by the way Jonathan would like to correct my previous post saying that this is 8 months; It's a little deceptive, true). Apparently I'm showing enough now that strangers have the boldness to ask me when I'm due. I feel like I'm ballooning each day, and I'm definitely significantly bigger than when I arrived in Birmingham.