Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken

I have spent the last six weeks learning how to be a mom to Miss Harper with little time left for cooking. We have been blessed by sweet friends who have stepped up to provide meals for Jim and I during these first two months. I can't express how thankful I am for the break I've been given to simply focus on our new little family. On a few occasions when I've had some free time while Harper napped, I've jumped at the chance to whip up dinner for Jim and I. They have to be easy and quick recipes, and have mostly been meals that I've already blogged about here on HWM.

Harper: One Month

Harper, I can't believe you are one month old. On one hand it feels like I was just telling Jim that we were pregnant. On the other hand, it feels like you have been a part of this family forever.

Week one was a tough one for this mommy. I had all these plans and ideas in place and quickly realized that you can't plan unpredictable. I didn't want to give you a pacifier until breastfeeding was well established. Your Nana gave you one after being left alone with you for only five minutes. There went that plan. Nana stayed over on nights one and three with us. She slept on an air mattress in your nursery and comforted you when you cried, and brought you to me when you were hungry. I'm so thankful for those hours I got to rest during week one, knowing you were taken care of allowed me to sleep soundly.

Cinnamon Sugar Nuts in the Crockpot

Before going into labor, I made a batch of cinnamon sugar nuts to gift to the nurses at the hospital. This recipe is one that I've seen numerous times on Pinterest and was curious if it could hold up to the claims of making the crunchy sweet nuts effortlessly in the crockpot. My post is part recipe, part craft project.  Here is how I did it...

Start by mixing 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar, 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, 3 tablespoons cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon salt, a pinch of nutmeg and a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Harper Arrives!

She is here! Miss Harper Grace made a grand entrance on Friday, December 7, 2012 at 1:09 PM after 20 minutes of pushing. Yes, it was fast. Yes, it was painful. Yes, I would do it again in a heartbeat.

At 8 lbs and 21 inches, this little bundle of joy stole our hearts right from the start. She's already a daddy's girl, following his voice, staring at his face when he talks to her. Nothing makes me happier than watching my husband hold her and watching her eyes light up.

Nursery Tour - Under Construction

Although the nursery isn't complete yet (and these days I wonder if it will EVER be done) I wanted to give you a sneak peak at what I've been working on. It all started with these three fabrics. It actually started with about 12 swatches of fabric and after a lot of deliberation and input from my sewing friends, I decided on the three main fabrics above. I was drawn to the soft sherbet orange and the shades of baby pink and bold fuchsia.

With my color pallet chosen, I started designing the bedding and found a seamstress in the area to create the custom dust ruffle and bumper. I'm not sure about the boa, I admit it just may be over the top. I love the ruffles, it's so feminine and I find the pattern modern not baby-ish.

Shrimp, Corn and Potato Chowder

I can't say what it was that made me want this Corn, Bacon and Potato Chowder I found on the Weight Watchers web site. Blame it on the pregnancy, but it sounded so good I had to make it that night. I followed the recipe verbatim and both Jim and I were so impressed with the outcome. He's not a "soup for dinner" kind of guy, so you have to trust me when I say this soup is good. I was kicking myself that I didn't take any photos, and knew instantly I would have to remake the recipe for the blog.

Baby Shower for Harper Grace

I have the best girlfriends. Somer, Shelley, (Me), Dana, Paulina and Nesi. These sweet friends threw me a wonderful shower this past weekend and I felt so blessed by all who came to shower Harper and I with love. Here are some pictures from the memorable day we had.

 

This is the most adorable pink candy bar that I've ever seen. My mom decorated the buffet with a sweet pink dress that she wore as a baby, and that I also wore as a baby!