Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Growing Like a Weed

Brennan went to the doctor on Monday and he gained 7 ounces!  He's still a little peanut but you can already see his face filling out. He'll be 7 pounds in no time if he's not already.  Soon he'll be wearing all those 0-3 months clothes in his drawers.  Brennan's days are spent primarily sleeping, and of course eating every couple of hours.  We actually have to wake him at night to eat, I think if we didn't he might just sleep through the night. He seems to like all of the "gear" that we have, he sleeps great in his pack n play, spends time in his swing and of course we are using the boppy constantly for feedings.  He also like riding in his car seat and has even went for a ride in his stroller already.  Nate went back to work this week so that was sad for everyone, but we've had company from Grandma and will have company the rest of the week as well. 



As Brennan grows, so does our garden and the weeds in that we don't have time to pull.  We have lots produce right now including tomotoes, peppers, squash, cucumbers, cantalope, spinach and beans.  Good job, Nate!  If only it were enough that we could open a farmers market stand and quit our day jobs.

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Thank You

Just wanted to say thank you to our family, friends and coworkers for all of your support as we prepared for and welcomed Brennan into the world. Your constant support through visits, phone calls, emails and messages were very much appreciated, as were all of the wonderful gifts, flowers, food, and cards. We are so lucky to have so many wonderful people in our lives.

Thanks so much,
Nate, Tiff, and Brennan

Friday, July 23, 2010

Flips your world upside down

Wow, today Brennan is 5 days old. Already, I can't remember what it was like before he was here. Now, life revolves around feedings, diapers, blood tests, and doctors appointments. It seems like we wake up and then look at the clock and it's 9pm. Where did the day go? It's crazy how a little 6 pounder turns your world upside down, all for the good, even at 3 am when he won't stop crying. We are trying to capture all these moments in our hearts and with our camera as it seems like the days and years are certainly going to fly by.

I can't believe Nate's week off is almost over. It's been so great having him home. He is an awesome Dad. He changes most of the diapers, wraps Baby B in a mean swaddle, all the while taking care of me and keeping up with laundry. I'm so lucky!

Please excuse my absence from blog world as my posts have already become less frequent....I'm trying to figure out how to be a good Mommy.

I'll leave you with a few pics of our cuddly baby boy:)


Hanging w/ Daddy


Quick look at my eyes!

Family of 3

First bath at home





Tuesday, July 20, 2010

40 Weeks- Welcome Home

Today, was my due date, but as you can see below Brennan Keith Horton is here! He was born July 18th at 5:48pm weighing 6 pounds 6 ounces. He is perfect and we are so in love with our baby boy! Welcome to the world little one:)




Ready to go home, look how little he looks in his seat.

He's home!


Chillin in his Pack N Play

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

39 Weeks

One week until my due date, so we wait.... The boy is in charge now, I guess we'll get used to being on his schedule:)
Big Mama 39 weeks (terrible picture, I know)

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Volt Restaurant Review

Volt is located in downtown Frederick, MD. The restaurant has won numerous awards, including being named to the 100 Best list by the Washington Times. The executive chef is Bryan Voltaggio, whose resume is quite impressive including training at one of the top culinary schools in the U.S. and working in numerous high end restaurants in the U.S. and France. He grew up in Frederick County and therefore chose to open his restaurant in downtown Frederick. My Aunt became aware of the restaurant through watching Top Chef, which is what prompted us to make reservations.

We went to Volt for lunch on Saturday and had the 3 course price fixed lunch. Although on the outside the restaurant appears old and historic, on the inside it has been modernized and decorated with trendy colors and furniture. We were seated in the main dining room, where the tables are close together. If you are going for a special occasion and want privacy you will need to request a table that accommodates this, as most would not. We were seated promptly and greeted by one of the many servers who took care of us throughout lunch. The servers were very knowledgeable and explained all of the food, how it was prepared, etc. We both had the ravioli to start with which other diners were describing as "it makes me cry a little inside." The ravioli was somewhat tangy, yet creamy inside. I thought the ravioli was very good but after seeing the vegetable plate I wished I would have ordered it instead. We were also provided with bread-sticks and rolls to start. Next, for our main course, Tammy had the pork which was tender and juicy. It was served with potatoes and lima beans. I had the roasted chicken, this dish was also well prepared and full of flavor. The chicken was served with assorted vegetables which were fresh and tasty. Last but not least, dessert. I had the cheesecake and cherry sorbet. The cheesecake was absolutely delicious, so creamy and melted in my mouth, but the serving was tiny. Tammy had the flavors of chocolate which was a large portion of very smooth chocolate with a thick moose-like texture and served with a little bit of gelato and cocoa. I liked the chocolate dessert as well, but would probably still order the cheesecake if choosing again.

All of the food that we ate and saw others eating was meticulously prepared and presented very elegantly. It can definitely be described as "fancy" food but it didn't have odd flavors or combinations and when reading the menu I could actually understand what was being offered. Further, with the exception of the cheesecake, portions were generous and we left with our bellies full. I would go back to Volt again for a special occasion and when I could have some wine:). Next time, I might enjoy sitting the in the room where you can watch the food being prepared. I should mention that if you want try this restaurant you need to plan well in advance, as it is constantly booked full. I'd make your reservations a month or two in advance of when you want to go, unless you are able to go on a week night then you might be able to get in quicker.

Unfortunately, I forgot to take pictures of the food. Everything really was a work of art, but all I have to show you is dessert.

Cheesecake with cherry gelato.

Flavors of chocolate

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Tiny Tux!

How cute is this!?! Baby Horton will be sporting this outfit at his Aunt and Uncle's wedding in September:)

Tux is from Burlington Coat Factory.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

38 weeks

I've certainly experienced extreme weather during my pregnancy, today at 38 weeks the temperature was over 100, this is quite different than at 17 weeks when I was writing about one of the big snow storms of what turned about to be a very snowy winter. The heat wave is supposed to last several more days. Needless to say, I'll be staying inside. I had a doctor's appointment today, no real news to report. They did a non-stress test and the baby's heart beat and movement looks really good.

Fortunately, I have lots of strong women who've provided me with lots of insight and support throughout my pregnancy. Here's some advice on labor and delivery from a 3 time Mom:

"It's hard. It's particularly hard for women like us....who require a
plan.... just tell me what I need to do and I'll do it. I can DO whatever
it takes.... but I don't like jumping on a ride and not knowing where I'm
going. The physical part of it is (obviously) doable. Because...so many
women...do it. It's just like nothing you've ever experienced. Your body
takes over. Your mind cannot change anything about the process. You just
hang on. My biggest piece of advice is take chapstick with you. Yep.
There you have it. My pearl of wisdom. You get dehydrated because once you
start labor...they won't let you eat or drink. Ice chips is all you can
get. Like THAT helps. I wanted to scream....I'm thirsty dammit....I need a
gallon of water!!!!! And they bring you some lame cup of ice chips. By the
time the whole event is over...your lips are sore and dry. Take chapstick."

I think we are allowed to have something to drink now and even a little snack here and there (I can't imagine that with everything going on that I would want food, but I guess you never know). My bag is packed, including chapstick, and we are just waiting for Baby Horton to decide he's ready to meet us:)

Big Mama 38 weeks. Can you tell I lost 1/2 a pound from last week?:)

Natural Beauty

I don't mind this pretty butterfly eating in my flower garden....it's the deer who jumped the fence into our garden and ate our beets and carrots that I'm furious with. I hope they don't come back for the rest of the vegetables but I'm not holding my breath as they've destroyed several of my flowering plants recently too.

Monday, July 5, 2010

Nursery update

Just an update on the bookshelf- it's up and full of Baby Horton's things. Nate's parents put a lot of hard work into making this great piece of furniture. It' looks awesome!! Thanks so much:)


Friday, July 2, 2010

Happy 4th of July

Have a safe and fun 4th of July!


Along the coast of Maine

Wherever you are celebrating, hope you have some time to sit back, relax, and enjoy summer!Boothbay Harbor, ME

Corolla, NCAlign Center

A couple of suggestions for your holiday picnic, if you're looking for a perfect summer drink may I suggest:

Tiff's Tasty Lemonade:
-1 can frozen lemonade concentrate, put into blender
- Fill can 1/2 full of 3 olives cherry vodka, put into blender
- Fill can 1/2 full of Sprite or water (one or the other, not both), put into blender
- Fill the remaining space in the blender with ice
- Blend until smooth, serve. Yum!

I've made rice krispy treats several times since being pregnant, I seem to like them even more now. Check out these 5 patriotic recipes. Aren't they cute?

Photo from the linked site above.