Busy Morning

Jada and Saniya, my nieces, are staying with me for a few days since I have not really had much time to spend with them over the past couple months. They are so much fun have around and definitely help keep me busy.

Since 7:30 this morning: (Note-I am writing this @ 9:30)

got a 4 & 5 yr old up an dressed, got a 7 month old up and dressed, attempted to make waffles, failed, made pancakes, OJ and turkey bacon instead, fed girls and Tanner, dealt with argument over which movie to watch, started Scooby Doo for girls, put Tanner down for a nap, washed all my dishes, cleaned up waffle fiasco, swept and cleaned kitchen, swept and cleaned dining room..now time for me to eat and get dressed before we "start" our day....

a day in the life....

Better have some coffee :) I have a busy few days planned for us!

Oprah’s Book Club

As you may see to the left, I am currently reading an Oprah book club pick. I can’t wait to tune in and actually know what my girl Oprah is talking about this time. OK..so I have to admit that I am not the MOST loyal Oprah fan, although I do love her. My watching her mainly depends on if it fits into my schedule. I have always LOVED the book club idea. It is not very often where you actually get to see an author go into such depth about what their thought process and intention was while writing a book.

The book is called “Freedom” by Jonathan Franzen. It takes place in Minnesota and has (so far) really kept my attention. The writing is REALLY good. Being the literary snob I can sometimes be, I truly appreciate a good writer (even though “good” is completely a matter of subjectivity). I am also happy to announce that I am almost on pace to finish in time to be ready for the discussion with the author. I talk like I am somehow going to be part of this discussion when in actuality I will be watching it on my DVR and drinking a glass of wine while nodding in simple understanding rather than saying “wow, this book sounds good. I should read it,” like I normally do.

I am really getting into the Oprah book club idea (went to the Book club website and everything) and might have to participate in all the ones on Oprah’s final season. Who’s with me on this one????

Changing it up

Many who know me, know that I am not one to shy away from challenging endeavors in my life. I like to label these endeavors as “adventures.” I consider myself a very adventurous person and Paul, legally bound by marriage to me, has developed his own love of adventure. We actually make quite a great team and I feel that together we can do just about anything we wanted. (There was a legitimate conversation the other day about moving to a tropical destination after watching House Hunter’s international and see what houses go for in Belize) These are the kind of adventures we are talking about….OK..maybe a move to Central America is not in our immediate future but we may just need to change things up here soon.

I guess I’m not ready to talk about it yet, because honestly we don’t even know ourselves what may happen…BUT the idea of change is exciting. If you battle change and try to keep your life as static as possible, change can be terrifying. But if we embrace it and roll with the punches as we carve out our little space in the world, it can be the most exciting thing ever. It is consuming my mind and thoughts these past few days. Sorry there are not more specifics but I promise to share with my LOYAL blog followers (all 14 of them) as soon as I know myself. I guess the point of this blog post is to express my need to follow my heart and intuition knowing that if I am real, and generous with all I have to give (love, respect, time, kindness, empathy, etc), I can’t help but be happy right??

“There is nothing wrong with change if it is in the right direction” –Winston Churchill

PS. I am NOT pregnant for the 13,000th time. That may change in the near future too but is NOT the big change I am talking about :)

# 4,167,354th reason to LOVE Minnesota

The unpredictability of the weather really keeps you on your toes and causes you to keep clothes for all types of weather on hand…just in case. **4 and under can get away with the sans clothes option**

Last year on this day in Danube, MN it was 17 degrees and SNOWING!!!! Today it is 88 degrees and SUNNY!!! Feels like SPRINKLER WEATHER!!!!! Oscar and I had to cool off after our walk to the park. Tanner missed out on the fun because he was sawing logs in the stroller before we even got home.

Visitors and practicing for 2

Wednesday my mom came to visit us.  Well, I use the term “us” loosely because her main objective was to visit Tanner.  I realize that I am no longer the main event around here and have been replaced by a cuter and much cuddlier 6 month old.  That is totally alright with me :)  Along with my mom came a VERY welcomed surprise visitor…

My niece Saniya (Sah-Ni (N+eye)-ah) 

Her big sister Jada goes to school now so Saniya got some exclusive Nana time and was able to visit her favorite little cousin!  From what I hear, Jada was more than a little jealous but will have her own time down here with us soon.

While Mom and Saniya were down here we did lots of fun stuff including going to the park, playing outside, going to get pumpkins, and decorating my yard for Halloween.  The GORGEOUS Minnesota fall weather makes is so enjoyable to be outside!

Here are some pictures of Tanner getting pumpkins and swinging at the park(His first time in a real swing)

Tanner LOVES his Nana and cousin! 

Come back and visit soon!!!

 

Today, I am babysiting for Paul’s cousin. They have a 2 year old, Oscar.  (His birthday was just on Wednesday)  He is funny, full of life, and provides great entertainment for Tanner.  This morning we watched Barney, colored, played play doh, went for a walk, had a snack, watched Dora and went down for a nap.  (well, the boys did..hence my time to blog)

Here is Oscar making PlayDoh creations :)

***Side Note: the wound is from an earlier date and not on my watch so people CAN trust their children with me***

Tanner watched on with healthy enthusiasm plotting how he can be like Oscar in a few months.

It is a good experiment having a toddler AND and infant in my care….It sorta gives me a great idea to expand this “Quist Club” of ours :)

6 Month Stats

Tanner went to the doctor yesterday for his 6 month check up.  He got his shots (including a flu shot) and was feeling a little icky yesterday but is back to his normal self today.  He’s such a happy baby.  Here are his 6 month stats:

Height:  27 inches  75th%

Weight: 19 lbs 8 oz  80th%

Head Circumference: 45.5 cm 90th%

 

Happy and Healthy…Just how I like it!!

 

Also, a side note:  With our busy summer and my travels, I had gotten away from using cloth diapers.  Tanner grew out of the first size and I never ordered the next size up.  However, I am HAPPY to report that we got our shipment of medium (15-30lbs) diapers and Tanner is digging the cozy cloth once again.  Anyone interested in going cloth- I HIGHLY recommend Green Mountain Diapers for your diapering needs.  We do organic prefolds, with hemp and cotton doublers and cute waterproof covers.  I feel so much better that we are actually using cloth again.  I was really seeing the effect of disposables…both in our garbage can each week as well as our packet book.  This size should last the rest of his diapering years!!

Adventures in Baby Food

Today I am attempting to make Tanner some homemade baby food.  I really don’t mind buying the premade fruits and veggies for him but the protein or “meal” food just really grosses me out.  PLUS,  I’ve read that to help develop a well rounded eater and get them acquired to the taste of your cooking, you should feed them the same meals you make for yourself- only pureed.  So…Here is today’s adventure in baby food.  I am going to turn this: 

(My Yummy home made Chicken Noodle Soup)

Into a yummy homemade chicken noodle soup puree for my favorite little boy :)

How did I do it????  EASY-

1- Take left over chicken noodle soup out of the fridge (or spaghetti, steamed veggies, etc)

2- Fill up your Magic Bullet 

(I guess a blender would work but the bullet is so easy to use and clean when working with small portions…PLUS they make a mean daiquiri for “Mommy time”)

3-Puree (when you think you’ve pureed enough do a little more for safe measure)

4-Spoon mixture into baby food containers you have saved and freeze

**Gerber has AWESOME plastic baby food containers**

OR

 

Lightly spray a ice cube tray with Pam and spoon mixture and freeze then place frozen cubed food in freezer bag for storage.

5-Take out and thaw as needed for baby to enjoy:)

Bon Appetite Babies!!!

 

Can’t wait to make try and convert my other favorite fall dishes into Tanner-friendly food!!!

Home Sweet Harvest

I made it home! Tanner was an angel on the flight again and had the flight attendant wrapped around his chubby little finger. She couldn't get enough of him and OF COURSE he ate it right up-smiling, giggling and cooing at her. And I got 3 unsolicited comments about how he looks "just like his Mama." Paul picked us up from the airport and we went out to lunch. It was so nice being with my boys again! I had lots of fun in Florida and I know Bonny really appreciated my help but I did miss having my nice little family of 3 together.

As we drove from"the cities" (as I now call them) west toward home, there were combines busy in the fields and you feel the harvest buzz in the air. This is my favorite time of year. I hate that Paul has to work such long hours but I just love the energy that surrounds it. It is a rush against the weather and time to get the crops out. It is the crisp morning and evening air that require you to put on your favorite big comfy sweatshirt and slippers. It is the bright orange sun setting against miles and miles of slowing disappearing crops.

It's my Home Sweet Harvest time and I love it!

Just another day..

Today's pictures are of Tanner and Anella chilling on the couch. He looks so big next to her. I remember when he was that little *tear*.

Here he is "checking her out". I have yet to teach him that lifting up girls' skirts is inappropriate. Seriously though, Tanner just wants to touch her, stare at her and figure out what this little person is. Seeing them together definitely solidifies Paul and my decision to have another baby as soon as we can!!

As you can tell, Tanner and I are still in Florida helping Bonny out until our replacements get here. Ryan (her husband) got a week of approved leave from his deployment to come home and visit. He will be here tomorrow. Then on Saturday her in-laws are coming for 10 days and shortly after that her mom and sister will be coming down for a long weekend. Tanner and I fly home early on Thursday morning. I am excited to get home and see my Farmer Paul. This is the longest we have ever been apart and it has been really hard. I miss him like crazy and can't wait to get back to some good ole fashioned Minnesota sweatshirt weather. Florida sun is great but I really do LOVE the autumn too!! Paul misses us too. He sounds just sort of out of it and kinda bummed when I talked to him on the phone. I know he REALLY misses his little man Tanner and will have LOTS of cuddling and playing to make up for when we get back to MN.

While I have been here though I am trying to be as helpful as possible and my main objective is to take care of Tommy (the ALWAYS talking, ALWAYS full of energy 3 year old) He is really a hoot and so fun to spend time with. Plus he really likes me so we have been having a good time together while Bonny takes care of Annella and recovers. Today I dropped him off at daycare so Bonny could get to sleep and had a 15 minute conversation with him about why it was still dark outside. I don't think he understands everything I say but I hate to "dumb" things down for kids so I talked to him like a little adult. He didn't seem to mind and is really good at using his words when he wants to tell you something.

Today I will attempt to take Annella's newborn pictures, however I am going to wait to edit them until I get home so don't expect to see the FABULOUS photos for about a week. I am getting really into this photography thing and am seriously considering making it my 2011 goal: to start a part time, on location photography business. Nothing too serious or anything that will make me rich by any means. Mainly turning my hobby into a business for some extra spending money here and there. (This stay at home mama still needs to look good so salon trips are a NECESSITY) Along with Bonny's maternity photos, Tanner's photos 3month and 6 month, I have another Maternity shoot scheduled with a friend's sister in-law, and a family photo shoot scheduled with Bonny's sister. I am just building my portfolio to get my new project up and running in 2011- Let me know if you or your family needs family photos, senior pictures, baby/kid milestone pics. I am offering DEEPLY discounted rates (aka FREE) until I am actually a legitimate business. Just let me know!!

I guess that's it from Heidi's world today! Have had my morning coffee and feeling like I can conquer the world-(or at least a shopping trip with a 6 month old in tow)!

Just a little Monday morning pick me up quote from my good buddy- Mahatma Ghandi-

"The future depends on what we do in the present."

Be happy, and SPREAD THE LOVE people!!!

Half a year....

This week Tanner hit his 6 month milestone!! (As you could probably tell from the pictures below) I just can't believe it. They (that illusive group of whoever "they" are) say that time flies when you are having fun. Well I must be having the time of my life being his mom because it honestly seems like just yesterday Paul and I were in the hospital getting ready to have him. He is my sweet, funny boy and I love him more that I could ever imagine possible. I feel so lucky to be his Mom and that Paul and I have the opportunity to raise him, teach him, comfort him, discipline him and love him unconditionally! I feel like if I blink it will be his first birthday before I know it.

Also this week, Bonny had her sweet, perfect baby girl. Her labor started on Wednesday the 22nd and Annella Liane Cunz made her world debut @ 2:03 am and Sept 23rd, 2010. She is 8 lbs 3 oz and 20 inches long. Here is a picture of the little angel h=just 10 hours old!

Comparing these to Tanner's 6 month photos below- I am just BAFFLED at what a difference half a year makes. It makes me step back and take a deep breath and completely appreciate the wonderment of life. AMAZING!!

Hashbrown Egg Bake

No baby news to report today so I thought I'd share my FAVORITE and much loved egg bake recipe. I used to make a different one, but found this one by Paula Dean and changed it a little. I have gotten so many raving reviews from it, I can't believe I have never shared it before. Plus I was telling Bonny about it last night and we might make it while I'm down here. Everyone likes a good "breakfast casserole" as Miss Paula Dean would say. Us Minnesotans prefer "egg-bake". I suppose we could call it a "breakfast hotdish"-just a thought.

Ingredients

3 tablespoons butter
1 small yellow onion, chopped
4 cups frozen shredded hash browns
1 pound sausage or ham (if you buy the already cubed ham at the grocery store it is SUPER EASY)
2 1/4 cups whole milk
8 large eggs
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
8 cups cubed bread (I use plain cheap white bread and leave the crusts on-you can remove them too if you prefer)
2 cups (1/2 pound) grated Cheddar
2 cups (1/2 pound) grated Parmesan, Mozzarella or other Favorite Cheese (I like Pepper Jack)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Spray a deep 13 by 9-inch casserole dish with vegetable oil cooking spray.

Melt the butter in a large frying pan. Add the onion and saute over medium-low heat until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the hash browns and break apart. Saute until soft, about 5 minutes.

In a second frying pan, saute the sausage, breaking apart large clumps. When the sausage is cooked through, remove it from pan.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk, eggs, salt, pepper, nutmeg and mustard, briskly to blend.

To assemble, spread the onions and hash browns evenly at the bottom of the greased dish. Place the bread cubes evenly on top of hash browns. With a slotted spoon distribute sausage as the third layer. Pour the milk and egg mixture over these layers. Add Parmesan as the next layer, while then adding the Cheddar.

*Cook's Note: Save a few tablespoons of Cheddar for the last 10 minutes of baking, where you can add a fresh topping of melted Cheddar.

Bake the casserole, uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, until puffed and golden brown.

ENJOY!!!! This is a PERFECT dish to make when you have overnight guests or family functions. I make mine the night before then pop it in the oven in the morning while I enjoy my morning coffee! mmmmmm....mmmmm..mmmmm

6 Month Photos

So...Bonny has still not gone into labor but I have used the free time to take Tanner's 6 month photos. He's a doll as usual. Again I am very impressed with my photography skills and LOVE my camera!! I also took some maternity pictures for Bonny you can see those if you visit her blog.

Jacksonville update

Tanner and I are in JAX until Sept 30th for those of you who have been living under a rock and didn't know that by now. We miss Daddy but he is busy working in the fields harvesting. (well not so much now that they got a bunch of rain over the last couple days but there is plenty of machinery and harvest equipment to fix when they can't get in the fields).

Tanner has been a really good boy (as usual). On the flight down he was PERFECT. Not even one sound that could be interpreted as fussy was heard from him. He has also been steeping up the baby food intake. He loves rice cereal with fruit and yesterday for lunch we tried carrots for the first time and I could not shovel them in fast enough for him. He is getting so big! He'll be 6 months old next week!!

Bonny and I are keeping ourselves busy while we wait for her to go into labor. So far we've gone to the beach, gone outlet mall shopping, gotten pedicures, went out to lunch, and have been working on our tans. The Florida weather is BEAUTIFUL!!! The first couple day here were SWELTERING but now has cooled a little bit and is a nice 87 and sunny! It is perfect weather and is really helping me cope with the end of summer. I hear MN is chilly and damp this week so the sunny weather here is more than welcomed by me!!

Also while I am here I plan to meet up with an old friend who goes to grad school in Gainsville (about an hour from Jax) so I am excited for that. She was my roommate in while I studied in Mexico so we have share some good times together. I can't wait to see her and catch up.

Well, that's it from Jacksonville. Send down all your good baby vibes so Bonny can have this baby girl SOON!!! I'll make sure to keep posting updates and LOTS of pictures of our fall adventure in Florida.

Life's a Beach

~Monday we went to Jacksonville Beach~

~It was FABULOUS~

~STILL NO BABY~

~But Tanner sure did have fun!~

~My little beach bum~

Best Friend Award

As many people already know, Tanner and I are making a 3 week trip to Jacksonville Florida today.  It will be the first time for Tanner on a plane and the first time I will be away from my farmer husband for more than a week, but it is for a very good reason.  From what I have heard from multiple people, it qualifies me for a best friend ever award.

My best friend from high school is due with her 2nd baby any day now.  She has a 3 year old son AND her husband is deployed and overseas until Dec. (he will be coming through Jacksonville for training and a visit in a few weeks but will miss the birth)  Needles to say, Bonny was very relieved when I suggested that I come down for the birth to help take care of her 3 year old Tommy and offer overall support.  She was even more relieve when she called a couple weeks ago panicking about going into labor early and I suggested I bump my flight up and come down early.  I can’t imagine having a baby with out my favorite Farmer present, so I definitely give Bonny props for going thru her last few months of pregnancy, working full time and taking care of Tommy all by herself.  Talk about a SUPER WOMAN! 

Many people have told me what a kind and thoughtful thing I am doing for Bonny and I guess I hadn’t even really thought of it.  My friend needed me and I just naturally wanted to be there to help.  I am happy to be helpful and spend some quality time with a good friend and happy that my lifestyle allows for me to make this trip.  PLUS, I like to fill my “karma bank” up lots of good and positive energy and deeds.  As Bonny says, I’ve got to keep my “positive hippie vibes”.  I also feel VERY lucky to have a friendship like the one I share with Bonny.  I know not everyone has a friendship where they could do something like this and I know both Bonny and I feel grateful that our friendship has endured and strengthened over time.  We talk on the phone constantly comparing mommy notes, venting about life, laughing at funny/stupid things we have seen lately and over all just being friends…true friends. 

I believe Bonny and I had a drunken conversation in my Mom’s kitchen while we were home from college that I still remember us saying “Man, we sure feel bad for people who don’t have a best friend like us.”  What silly girls we were, but I think the sentiment still rings true.  We are pretty lucky!!!