Epcot World Showcase

Me in front of the big orb...

I know it's been a several weeks since we got back from our Florida vacation... but I wanted to post a few things about what we did.

I'm not a huge fan of theme parks, since I'm not crazy about heights or falling... I usually just end up be a nervous wreck on 2 or 3 rides, then just watch everyone else ride.  So, Epcot was a perfect park for me.  They do have a few rides, but I couldn't ride most of them anyway, being prego and all. No biggie.  We spent about 7 hours in the "World Showcase" area of Epcot, enjoying the exhibits and shows.  There were a couple of small flume type (water) rides that we rode... and being that we were there at the World Showcase when it opened at 11 a.m., there were no lines and no waiting.  Sweet.

Chicken Parmesan Soup

I had a craving for Chicken Parm last week... as in, I couldn't stop thinking about chicken and marinara sauce and parmesan cheese.  And when I can't stop thinking about it, I will inevitably make some variation of it.

I got the idea for this soup from a Pampered Chef party I went to a while back.   Their version included croutons made in the microwave, a special seasoning blend, mozzarella cheese and baking the whole thing in the oven.  It was pretty good.

For my version, I decided to keep things a little simpler and do the whole thing on the stove top.

Week 22

How far along? 22 weeks

Baby is the size of: A papaya (approximately 11 inches)

Maternity clothes? Mom sent some new maternity tops, including a nursing cami... that'll come in handy later.  Thanks, Mom!

V-Day

Jalapeno Popper Eggrolls

This year, I wanted to do something special and creative for Valentine's Day, but didn't want to spend a bundle of cash.  I did some checking around online and came up with some fun ideas...

I made a twist on M's favorite appetizer, Jalapeno Poppers...  I did a jalapeno and cheese filling stuffed into eggroll wrappers, then baked them like I did with the Buffalo Chicken Eggrolls a few weeks ago.  They turned out really good!!! M said he would have like it to be a bit spicier, so next time, I'll leave some of the jalapeno seeds and ribs in. Check out the recipe on my recipage, here.

Week 21

How far along? 21 weeks

Baby is the size of: A pomegranate (approximately 10.5 inches)

Baby weighs:  Approximately 14 ounces, according to my ultrasound this week.

Weight gain so far:  I am estimating 10 pounds.

Maternity clothes? MOST DEFINITELY! My midwife commented that she was surprised at how much my belly had grown since my last appointment. Thanks? I think?

Homemade Peanut Butter Hearts

Just like the delectable-ness that comes in the orange and brown wrappers.  Except better.

WAY better.

Like, won't give you a sugar crash after just one.  Like, I don't have to pack my guilt trip bags, because these really aren't that bad for you.

Ok, so they're still kind of  bad for you. They are a treat, after all.  But if you're looking for an alternative to sugar, soy and preservatives... these babies are your ticket!

Banana Bread Love

Banana bread is my comfort food... the aroma takes me back to childhood and simpler times.  It reminds me of good times laughing around a table with loved ones.  It reminds me of all the times my family showed love to a friend or neighbor by sharing a mini loaf of home baked banana bread goodness.

Banana bread was my first successful baking venture.  I won't go into the disaster cookies I baked previous to that first banana bread experience... who knew eggs were important?  Thank goodness for an almost 10-year old brother who would eat pretty much anything... I digress...