A "Bucket List" of Sorts

I hit the beginning of my third trimester last week.  How can that be?!?!  It seems like only yesterday that we received the shock of our lives when we found out I was pregnant and then a month later had it confirmed by the doctor and got to see an image of the little one for the first time. 

The last 28 weeks have been filled with so many exciting moments.  All tests have come back with good results for both the baby and me so far and I have managed to stay very healthy (no swelling, high blood pressure, morning sickness or even a cold).  About 2 months ago we learned our baby is a girl!  I was so happy that I started crying right there on the ultrasound table.  Little C is growing like a weed and makes her presence known on a very regular basis.  I've been feeling kicks for almost 3 months and finally about 3 weeks ago The Hubs was able to feel her move too.  I'm amazed by how strong my love for her is already and I haven't even met her yet.

Little C grabbing and playing with her toes

I know that our lives are about to change forever.  Our time will no longer be completely ours, but will instead be largely spent taking care of and enjoying Little C.  If I'm completely honest, in some ways that makes me a little sad.  For the past 6 years it's been just the two of us (wedding anniversary was this month) and we've really enjoyed that season of our lives.  Although we feel incredibly blessed and cannot wait to bring Little C home, change can be tough.  I know there will be an adjustment period for all of us and yes, things will never be the same, but I'm also expecting these to be really good changes. I cannot wait to see what our little family of 3 is like. 

The Hubs and I

However, I am determined to make the most of these last 10 pre-baby weeks so I've come up with a Pre-Baby Bucket List.  These are things I've always wanted to try/do and if I'm realistic about it, probably won't have the time or energy to try them for awhile once Little C arrives.

1. Attempt a souffle
2. Make a salted caramel sauce that will make my sister drool
3. Cook a meal that includes duck breast for the Hubs (he's been asking for years).  Ideas anyone?
4. Make a batch of these Frappacino Cupcakes
5. Make homemade pasta

My goal is to do a post about each of these as I attempt them, whether I succeed or fail!  Wish me luck. 

Eating for a Great Cause

Yesterday afternoon I headed out to the First Annual Westside Chef's Throwdown.  It was a fundraiser held at La Centerra to benefit MDA.  Think 'Throwdown with Bobby Flay' meets 'Next Iron Chef'.  The secret (and seasonal) ingredient was pumpkin.   

For $25 (or $20 if you planned ahead) you got a bracelet with 10 detachable numbers that could be redeemed for 10 plates of food.  Yes, I said plates of food.  Not just a taste.  What a deal!  You also received a green voting ticket to put in the jar of your favorite restaurant.  I am incredibly opinionated, so this was right up my alley!

U.W.W.H - Days 4 & 5

I did actually cook for Days 4 & 5. 

Day 4 ended up being one of those weird (in a good way) mish-mash meals.  I'm going to call this one  'pretzel-coated artichoke dip-stuffed chicken breasts'.  See, sounds really weird, huh?

I cut a pocket in each chicken breast,

stuffed them with some of the leftover artichoke dip,

and securely closed each breast with a couple of toothpicks.

U.W.W.H - Days 2 & 3

Day 1 of this week's challenge was a smashing success and so I thought the rest of the week would be easy too.  WRONG.

On Days 2 & 3 I cheated. 

Okay, I only kind of cheated on Day 2, but I did thoroughly cheat on Day 3.  I admit it.

Day 2 involved me begging Mexican lunch leftovers from a friend (to combine with my own leftovers) to feed the Hubs for dinner. 

I did cook dinner for myself though - Chicken and Black Bean Quesadillas with a Spicy Ranch Dipping Sauce

Odds and ends this dish used up:
frozen (but pre-cooked) chicken fajita meat
a bag of shredded jalepeno jack cheese
half a can of refried black beans
some leftover corn tortillas
a little Ranch dip
some red salsa

Pretty self explanatory, very simple, very fast, but completely delicious!  I even let the Hubs have a few. 

Day 3 was an epic failure:

Odds and ends this dish used up:

some Pepto to deal with the upset tummy from dinner

I have to do better than this on Day 4...