Are you into the Green Monster Movement?

There are always tons of new fads or "movements" going on. With a simple "I lost 20lbs using this product it is so easy" and people will give it a try. I know first hand how that little promise of losing weight, better skin, stronger nails can draw a person in.

So I'm a little hesitant to try these things. What with :

South Beach

"The South Beach Diet is authored by the cardiologist Dr. Arthur Agatston. This diet promises a weight loss of 13 pounds in just 2 weeks.

Adkins

"Dr. Robert Atkins created the well-known Atkins Diet, a low-carbohydrate diet, blaming on refined carbohydrates for the rise in metabolic disorders."

Cabbage Soup Diet

"Also known as the "Mayo Clinic Diet" and the "Sacred Heart Hospital Diet", the Cabbage Soup Diet is based on a fat-burning soup that contains negligible calories."

Baby Food Diet

"Created by celebrity trainer Tracy Anderson, The Baby Food Diet is the latest weight loss fad promising to curb cravings, allow eating on the run, and lose weight quickly. "

Hollywood Diet

"The Hollywood Diet or Hollywood 48 Hour Miracle Diet created by Sunset Health Products promises you to lose weight naturally, while you cleanse, detoxify and rejuvenate your body."

You can see why a person would be a little hesitant. I like food that doesn't come in baby jars and I like carbs. As a runner, I need those carbohydrates.

However, I do like spinach and fruit. Since I already use protein shakes when I'm not getting enough protein in my diet, I thought "why not". I have friends posting all over Facebook about their Green Monster Smoothies.

If you haven't heard of it you can read more about it Here

So I went to the store, got myself frozen peaches, frozen mango, unsweetened almond milk (vanilla) and spinach. Then gave it a try.

And I was HOOKED.

Every morning I make my smoothie. I never make it the same way twice but it doesn't matter because it always taste great. I know exactly what is going into my body (unlike those other smoothies you can buy at the store that are 500+ calories), I can change it up if I want to (add flax seed, different fruits, use kale instead of spinach, and so much more) and it only takes a few minutes every morning.

I have noticed my skin is clear, which is amazing considering I run 5+ times a week and sweat is not always good for the skin. Usually I have horrible break outs in the T zone.

It fills me up and gets me going. If I had a hardcore work out I will put my Vanilla Whey into it to repair my muscles and give me a boost.


Savannah calls them "Shrek Smoothies" because of the bright green color, and she loves them as well. Obviously I don't put whey into hers!

I fully support this movement. I'm smack in the middle of the Green Monster Movement, are you?

If not, give it a try!

Table for Four

After the craziness of Brett's arrival, we were finally a family of Four. Having one baby is a huge change, but having two, is a whole different thing.


Right off the bat, Savannah was in awe of her baby brother. Which made this transition so much easier. She was thrilled to have approval over his name. After finally telling her that her brother's name is NOT going to be Bon Jovi, she was happy with Brett.


We came across the name Brett when I was looking up baby name meanings.

Brett means: Originally from Britannia. Seeing he was born in Britain, we found it fitting. Isaac is a family name.

All Savannah wanted to do was look at her baby brother and help feed him or hold him. Meanwhile, I was trying to adjust giving my attention to two children. Sometimes I would feel guilty about spending more time with one than the other. It is a fine balance.



Thankfully, my mother in law and her mom came out to help us. They kept Savannah busy, helped me around the house while I was healing, and would take turns with him at night.


Since he was early, he was already a week old before they came out. He lost 13% of his birth weight and was down right tiny at that point.

(That is a premie outfit)

I can say now he not only finally started gaining weight but at three months, has doubled his birth weight (yes, my little guy is now 13lbs!!).


But I wouldn't change a thing. I love watching them interact with each other. Now that Brett is three months old, he can laugh and smile when his sister sings or plays with him. It's a whole different world, but it is a happy (and sometimes sleepless) one. We are starting to get the hang of this.

And he arrives

Woah, It has been awhile!

I guess I should catch up on what has been going on.

Well since my last post (August 2011) a lot has happened. I started having labor contractions at 32 weeks and was put on pelvic rest. They slowly started to increase that by the time I was 34 weeks I was in L&D every other day (it seemed) to be monitored. He really wanted out.

It got to the point that they did my group B test juuuust incase my water broke going to another hospital (Our hospital does not have a NICU, so you have to go to Cambridge, a good 30 minute drive). But luckily, I didn't progress (dilate) and I got the pleasure of dealing with the contractions that would last over a minute and I would have them every 3 to 4 minutes. Yea, not fun.

One night we thought "This is it!" I could barely walk or stand up the contractions where so strong. I was in horrible pain and I could do was cry. So they had me come in, we dropped Savannah off and started talking about names (at this point Kyle was out) because we were pretty sure we were going to be bringing home a baby. I was 36 weeks by this point.


Well after being monitered for 6 hours I was sent home for an hour to come back in. After showering and going back in I was sent home because "there is nothing we can at this point until your water breaks or you dilate further". Ok. So home we go. We go on with the day. As we get ready for bed I felt I couldn't take much more. My poor husband could just hold my hand and tell it will be alright.

At 4am, I woke up out of a sound sleep. I felt a "pop" and jumped out of bed. The minute I landed on the floor I felt something going down my leg. I look down and I realized my water just broke!

I ran the bathroom to get off the carpet, because at that point in time that was what was on my mind. Jeremy calls L&D while I yell "It just doesn't stop! Its not stopping!!! THIS IS NOTHING LIKE THE MOVIES!"

We arrive at the hospital at 0430 and they start preping me for surgery. At our hospital, they do NOT do VBACs. So if you have had a c-section before that is what you are getting again. Fun, huh?!

As I continue to say this isn't like the movies and I can't believe the amount of fluids is inside one person, I was wheeled off to the OR. At 0618 I heard his first cry. My sweet baby boy was born, 3 weeks early. He was perfect.

Brett Isaac Grenfell
22 Sept 11
6lbs 11oz
18 ins long

Fix and Freeze

Last time I had a baby (four years ago), I ended up having an emergency c-section. Needless to say the "Emergency" part, we were not prepared for the recovery, AT ALL.

This time, I am having a planned C-section (our base does not offer VBACs), so I'm going in this prepared. And that would mean, putting together Fix and Freeze meals; as the husband does not cook but he can thaw and bake!

I have been asked by other Mama-to-bes to post some of the recipes. Since I only like to endorse what I have actually tried, here are some of the dishes I have prepared.

* Every recipe I will rate based on taste, they are out of 5 stars (*****)

Chicken Burritos

Yield: Makes 2 batches (1 dozen per batch)
****

1 large onion, chopped
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
6 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups chicken broth
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes and green chilies
2 tablespoons chopped jalapeno pepper, optional
1 teaspoon EACH ground cumin and chili powder
1/2 teaspoon EACH garlic powder and salt
1 can (15 oz) chili with beans
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, cubed
8 cups cubed cooked chicken (8- 12oz canned)
24 flour tortillas, warmed
6 cups (24 oz) shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese
Salsa, optional


1. In a large skillet, saute the onion and green pepper in butter until tender. Stir in flour until blended. Gradually stir in broth.

2. Bring to a boil; cook and sir for 2 minutes. Reduce heat; add the tomatoes, jalapeno pepper if desired and seasonings. Cook for 5 minutes or until heated through. Stir in chili and cream cheese until cheese is melted. Stir in chicken (or do what I did, and put chicken in large bowl, stir in sauce).

3. Spoon about 1/2 cupful down the center of each tortilla; Sprinkle each with 1/4 cup Colby-Montery Jack cheese. Fold ends and sides over the filling. Wrap in foil or place in 2 greased 13x9 baking dishes.

4. Cover and freeze for up to 3 months.


COOKING DIRECTION FOR FROZEN BURRITOS:

Thaw in the fridge overnight. Bake at 350 for 50-55 minutes or until heated.

Serve with salsa if desired.

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Mostaccioli Casserole
Yield: Makes 2 casseroles (6 servings each)
***

1 package (16 oz) mostaccioli (I used rigatoni)
1.5 lbs ground beef
1 1/4 cups chopped green pepper
1 cup chopped onion
1 jar (26 oz) spaghetti sauce
1 can (10 3/4) condensed cheddar cheese soup, undiluted
1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
3/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups (8oz) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided


1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook the beef, green pepper and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the spaghetti sauce, soup, Italian seasoning and pepper.

2. Drain pasta. Add pasta and 1 1/2 cups cheese to beef mixture. Transfer to two greased 11x7 baking dishes. Sprinkle with cheese.
* Or do what I did, put pasta in one 9x13 greased dish, pour mixture on top; stir in well. Sprinkle with cheese.

3. Cover and freeze for up to 3 months.


COOKING DIRECTIONS FOR FROZEN CASSEROLE:

Thaw in the fridge overnight. Remove from fridge 30 minutes before baking. Cover and bake at 350 for 50-60 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted.

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Enchilada Casserole
Yield: makes 2 casseroles (4-6 servings each)
****

1.5 lbs ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
1 cup water
2 to 3 tablespoons chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups salsa, divided
10 flour tortillas (8 in), cut into 3/4-in strips, divided
1 cup (8 oz) sour cream
2 cans (15 1/4 each) Whole kernel corn, drained *I only used one can*
4 cups (16 oz) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese



1. In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the water, chili powder, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes.

2. Place 1/4 cup salsa each in two greased 8-in square baking dishes. Layer each dish with a fourth of the tortillas and 1/4 cup salsa.

3. Divide the meat mixture, sour cream and corn between the two casseroles. Top with remaining tortillas, salsa and cheese.

4. Cover and freeze casseroles for up to 1 month.



COOKING DIRECTIONS FOR FROZEN CASSEROLE:

Thaw in the fridge for 24 hours. Remove from the fridge 30 minutes before baking. Bake at 350 for 35 minutes. Uncover; bake 5-10 minutes longer or until heated through.




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Chicken Pot Pies
Yield: 2 Pot Pies (6 servings each)

4 cups cubed cooked chicken
4 cups frozen cubed has brown potatoes, thawed
1 package (16 oz) frozen mixed vegetables, thawed and drained
1 can (10 3/4 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
1 can (10 3/4 oz) condensed cream of onion soup, undiluted
1 cup milk
1 cup (8 oz) sour cream
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 package (15 oz) refrigerated pie pastry


1. In a large bowl, combine the first 11 ingredients. Divide between two 9-in deep-dish pie plates. Roll out pastry to fit the top of each pie. Place over filling; trim, seal and flute edges. Cut slits in top or make decorative cutouts in pastry.

2. Cover and freeze for up to 3 months.


COOKING DIRECTIONS FOR FROZEN POTPIES:

Remove from the freezer 30 minutes before baking. Cover edges loosely with foil; place on a baking sheet. Bake at 425 for 30 minutes. reduce heat to 350; remove the foil and bake 50-55 minutes longer or until golden brown.



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Pesto-Chicken Penne Casserole
Yield: 2 Casseroles (6 servings each)

1 package (16 oz) penne pasta
6 cups cubed cooked chicken
4 cups (16 oz) shredded Italian cheese blend
3 cups fresh baby spinach
1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 jar (15 oz) Alfredo sauce
1 jar (10 oz) prepared pesto
1 1/2 cups 2% milk
1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the chicken, cheese blend, spinach, tomatoes, Alfredo sauce, pesto and milk. Drain pasta and add to chicken mixture.

2. Transfer to two greased 8-in. square baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese and oil; sprinkle over the casseroles.


3. Cover and freeze for up to 3 months.

COOKING DIRECTIONS FOR FROZEN CASSEROLES:

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Remove from the fridge 30 minutes before baking. Cover and bake at 350 for 50-60 minutes or until bubbly.



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Turkey Tetrazzini
Yield: 2 casseroles (4 servings each)
****

1 lb uncooked spaghetti
1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
1 cup chopped onion
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
3 cans (10 3/4 oz each) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
3 cups cubed cooked turkey
1 cup chicken broth
1/3 cup sherry or additional chicken broth
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
3/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups grated Parmesan cheese, divided



1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions.

2. Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, saute the mushrooms and onion in oil until tender. Add the garlic, cook 1 minute longer. Stir in the soup, turkey, broth, sherry, Italian seasoning, pepper and 1 cup cheese. Drain spaghetti; stir into turkey mixture.


3. Transfer to two greased 8-in square baking dishes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Cover and freeze for up to 3 months.

COOKING DIRECTIONS FOR FROZEN CASSEROLES:

Thaw in the fridge overnight. Remove from the fridge 30 minutes before baking. Cover and bake at 350 for 45 minutes. Uncover; bake 5-10 minutes longer or until bubbly.



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12 weeks to go!

Wooohoo, guess who is finally in their third trimester.. yep, this lady right here (*points to myself*). Only 12 more weeks to go, and before you ask, no we STILL haven't agreed to a name, but I have ordered the invites to my shower!


I've also finished, or started, his room! I was way to excited when his bedding came in that I couldn't contain myself. Now to make the decision to buy a crib or wait till we get back to the states (he will 6-7 months old at that point).

Notice the box of clothes. Those are everything I have gotten for him so far! I am stocking up!

*Note: The bassinet was given to us by friends to use while he fits.


Now being in my third trimester means I'm in the last leg of this long haul, but it also means everything is becoming so real! I'm reaching that point where I can't sleep because its too uncomfortable so I'm left to myself to think about all the things that can go wrong.

I really do a number on myself with that way of thinking. It ranges from him having down's syndrome, to being autistic, all the way to still birth. I know most expetenct mothers do go through some sort of fear/anxious about the health for their bundle of joy. I fully blame the books they give us for "guidance" which after reading will make you want to hide in a closet and never come out.

Between the list of things that can harm the child to the list of things we can't do anymore that can harm the child, I'm convinced that they want us to live in a plastic bubble and drink nothing but bottle water and eat bread (much like prison.. bet they get cookie dough though).

But as I feel him kick (and kick, and kick again) I try to put those thoughts to rest. There is nothing I can do but love him and always be there for him, no matter what. I'm also calmed by my sweet girl, when she puts her arms around my tummy and says "Mommy, I love my baby brother"



I know she will be an amazing big sister. She is already protective of him, yes even while he is IN my stomach, and keeps calling him "cute". Hopefully she won't be TOO mean or should I say BOSSY with him!

As you can tell in the previous picture, I have grown quite a bit in the passed couple of weeks. He has finally decided to show himself, even though no one believes me when I say I'm 28 weeks.

Here is what he looks like inside:



And here is what he looks like from the outside:

I can't believe how fast this is all happening. Only 3 more months and we will be holding our baby boy. It's so crazy..

Coupons, Savings, and such!

So after much debate, I have started (again) using coupons. I know people spend HOURS clipping coupons, but being over here in England, lets just say we don't have any to clip. Instead people send them from the states as our commissary (our grocery store) takes expired coupons (up to 6 months); so I go through GIANT bags of already clipped coupons. Takes forever, a lot are already expired (yes expired from 6 months passed. What, it expires in '09..??) and multiples of the same ones (dog bones, 6 boxes of cereal, ext).

So I've started this blog to see if it is actually worth the hours it takes to go through the bags, sort, and shop.

And so it begins:

July 15: Saved $5.64
July 16: Saved $8.55
July 19: Saved $10.30
July 22: Saved $9.59 (11%)
July 26: Saved $4.25 (11%)
July 30: Saved $13.05 (13%)

Total in Savings of July: $51.38
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August 3: Saved $24.75 (22%)
August 5: Saved $5.65 (15%)
August 8: Saved $25.00 (20%)
August 11: Saved $14.25 (16%)


Total in Savings of August: $69.65


Total of Savings: $121.03

So much to update!

So much has gone on since my last blog, here is the updates:

Savannah FINALLY had her four year check-up (yay!). It's only taken me three months to get her in. Anyways, besides from needing three shots (poor baby) she is great. She is in the 35% for weight and 60% for height! She is exactly where she needs to be and her bmi is perfect. Go baby! She did great in the doctor's office and she has to get her shots this week. I've been preparing her for it.

Savannah also has a new friend she hasn't stopped playing with.


Yes that is a little kitten. We found him on 4th of July weekend. He injured his back leg, had no collar, and isn't microchipped. I know, I have a knack for finding lost kitties.

We are still looking for his mommy and daddy and we do not know if we will be keeping him or not. He is a cutie though, but Dora is not to happy with us at the moment.

Also, we now have a new family vehicle! After much debating (fighting) and frustration, we found what we were looking for and it kind of just fell into our laps (don't you love when that happens?!)

It is an '04 Chevy Trail Blazer. We no longer have our beloved Jetta, as we traded her, yes TRADED, for our new SUV which can hold our ever growing family (kitten included). We all love it and are so relieved and happy this transaction came about.

As for the baby; we FINALLY picked his crib bedding. I can't wait to get it in and I'm so happy we agreed on the same bedding set.


It's only fitting that daddy is a crewchief! Here is a better look at the blanket. I'm so in love with this set!


We still haven't picked a name, but we are getting closer. We now only have 3 names left, slowly eliminating them. Here are the three we have left:

• Kyle Reed
• Michael Spencer
• Shane Michael

Kyle is my number one favorite, but I haven't talked the husband in Reed yet. Hopefully we will be there soon!

I also realized today that I have 93 days to go! WOOHOO. I'm starting to look at baby shower stuff and got to get together with my girls and start planning away. I can't believe its getting close to my third trimester.

And lastly for the update, a picture of my ever growing belly. Since I didn't update sooner I have both 26 weeks and 27 weeks view from BabyCenter.com

26 weeks view (Thank you BabyCenter)

27 weeks view (Thank you BabyCenter)

And then me at 26 Weeks and 5 Days along. Only 93 days to go!