Taylor’s birth story is just a little different than we all expected but at the end of the day we were all healthy and happy and that’s all that matters.

It all started a week or so earlier – I started having some practice contractions that would pick up for a couple of hours and then stop. Jon and I headed to my 40 week appointment on Thursday, May 9th, and watched regular contractions (that were actually kinda painful) on the stress monitor for two hours. After the appointment we headed home and were positive that we were having a baby that night. After another hour or two of contractions, they started to slow down and by the time I woke up the following morning, they were gone. The same thing continued to happen the next day and the next and the next.

By Sunday, Mother’s Day, when I woke up to some uncomfortable, though not painful, contractions, I was pretty sure they were fake. As the day continued and the contractions didn’t go away (though they were still very irregular and nothing to write home about), I started to secretly get my hopes up. Around 3pm, after P woke up from her nap, we went to take a walk around the neighborhood. My contractions started picking up a bit during our walk and continued to increase in frequency once we were home. By 4:30ish they became regular and increasing in strength. We decided that it was the “real thing,” called Jon’s mom to come to our house and started to prepare (I wanted to make dinner for P and Jon wanted to clean up). By 5 they were 4-5 minutes apart and I was in pain. By 6 they were 3 minutes apart on average and I was barely dealing with the pain. Around 6:30 Jon’s mom arrived and Jon and I pulled together the last minute items, gave her a few directions, kissed our only child about 5 million times, and headed out the door.

We arrived at the hospital by 7:30pm and after being monitored for a few minutes in Triage were admitted. I was at 5-6cm in triage and 7cm by the time I got admitted. Labor was progressing hard and fast and I decided to ask for the epidural. Once that was in, it only took me another hour or two to reach 10cm, the official “push time.” The nurse said I was progressing incredibly fast and she expected that we’d be holding our baby girl within the half hour.

At 10pm the midwife and doctor came in and we were ready to get started. Usually the midwife is there for the beginning and the doctor comes in to “catch the baby” (meaning, last couple of pushes when the baby comes out). However, the way things were going they were positive that she would be out in a handful of contractions. I was thrilled (it took me over 3 hours to push Peanut out) and braced myself for the hard part.

This is where things started to change.

I pushed for 4 hours, switching positions and trying everything anyone had to offer to get the baby out. The doctor left the room, coming back periodically to check on me and leaving to deliver the other babies in her care. Around 2 the midwife checked the baby’s position and determined that she was sideways. We tried more tricks and she thought the baby had turned but my contractions were getting milder and milder and she was nowhere near where she needed to be. After some conversations we decided on pushing some Pitocin (the drug used to induce or increase contractions) and increase my Epidural to give my body some rest time while bringing the baby lower. I “rested” for an hour (it was less labor than pushing but deff still not what I would call resting) and we all watched the baby’s heartbeat drop with every other contraction. I switched positions, got on my knees, laid back again and did everything to help get the baby heart rate back up but after an hour, the doc came in, watched the monitor, watched the baby, and told us that we needed to do something to get the baby out immediately.

After some tears and a lot of questions from me, we decided to try the Vacuum for 3 contractions before going to a C-section. The doctor told me all the risks (after I begged for statistics) and I cried some more while they prepared.

The room went from a nurse, a midwife and a doctor to about 3 nurses, 3 Pediatricians, the doctor, my midwife and a couple other people. They all prepped their respective equipment and I dealt with the facts and was ready to proceed.

The first contraction brought the baby lower. The second had her almost out and her head appeared on the third. I can’t (and won’t for those of you wanting to have babies) go into the gory details or the pain that this process introduced, but let’s just say that it was beyond unpleasant. After her head appeared I had to stop pushing while they unwrapped the cord from around her neck (it was preventing her from coming down) and then without a contraction per my pleading I pushed the rest of the baby out. She cried her sweet cry and was immediately taken by the Pediatricians. After checking her over, I got to hold our baby girl for a couple of minutes. She wasn’t doing well breathing on her own so they took her to the NICU while I had to stay and continue with the birth stuff (you know, delivering placenta, being stitched up, etc).

Taylor was born at 3:25am on Monday morning, May 13th.

Ends up that the baby was Sunny side up (turned the wrong way, facing the ceiling rather than the floor) and unable to progress down on her own. The cord was wrapped around her neck, preventing her from moving as well. And to top it all off, she was almost 8lbs – a little different from my first 6lb baby and a little large for my very small frame. The doctor assured me that doing the vacuum was the best decision in this case and there wouldn’t be a chance that I was going to have this baby without assistance no matter the effort on my part.

Immediately after the baby was out I looked over at my husband who was white as a ghost. It took two nurses to sit him down and tend to him and make sure he didn’t pass out. Apparently it was just as intense for him. Well, almost.

After another hour or two I was finally unhooked from the Epidural and was allowed to be wheeled to the NICU to see my baby girl and try nursing. She was breathing, but now her breathing was elevated beyond the doctor’s comfort level. I stayed with her for over an hour, nursing most of that time (the little nugget was a champ!). Once she finished nursing and receiving at least 5 million kisses from her two adoring parents, we left her to be monitored for another hour or so while we moved to our room.

Upstairs in our room Jon and I took a quick nap, got checked up about 3 times, washed up and at 11am we were finally reunited with the baby. Aside from a sizable bruise and a few cuts on her head (think large circle from where the vacuum suction cup attached to her head and a cut in the center of it), she was perfect and doing great. Aside from a bunch of stitches and extremely sore abs from pushing, so was I.

1.  Urban Decay Naked2.  Obsessed, you guys.  It’s my favorite.  Like, ever.

2.  Benefit BENE TINT Rose.  This is the perfect blush for that pinched cheek look.

3.  Benefit High Beam.  I don’t leave the house without this one if I’m going out at night.  It’s like applying an after-hot-shower bright and shiny look to your face.

4.  Maybelline Great Lash mascara.  My every-day mascara.  It’s perfect, never cakes, and doesn’t give me a rash.

5.  Neutrogena Healthy Skin EnTancer.   My every-day face make-up.  Just enough tint to even out my skin tone but never feels like I’m wearing any make up.

6.  Neutrogena make-up remover towlettes.  When I can’t wash my face properly, or we’re going somewhere, this is my must-go-to item.

7.  Mary Kay Ultimate mascara.   My going-out evening mascara.  It seriously doubles the size and thickness of my lashes.

8.  Mary Kay NouriShine Plus Lip Gloss.  Love, love, love this lip gloss.

I do have some great news!  Ms. Taylor Elizabeth is finally here!   I will have al the gory (ok, not tooooo gory) details for you coming up along with another thousand or so pictures, but until then, here are a few from my iPhone (in case you haven’t been stalking us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram).

The short of it:  I went into labor on Mother’s Day and after waiting for Jon’s mom to drive to CT from Massachusetts, we headed to the hospital at 7pm where we, along with all the nurses and midwives and doctors, expected to have Taylor by 10 that evening based on how my labor was progressing.  But, true to her genes, Ms. T had a plan of her own.  We finally met our little girl at 3.25am on May 13th.  She weighed 7lbs and 14oz (yes, friends, I was shocked too) and is 21.6 inches long. Other than a few bumps and bruises, we’re all just perfect, but that’s a story for another time.

Here she is – gorgeous and perfect (and completely different from her sister in almost every way).

I have a few pre-written posts set up for the next couple of weeks while we get back into a routine, so you’ll see some of those mixed in with the birth posts, the hospital posts, and big sister posts.

As for now, I’m off to sit back and smell the top of my newborn’s head.

1. Canon 5D Mark II: love of my life (well, you know, aside from my children, husband, etc). I upgraded to this body about a year ago and I have been absolutely obsessed with it. It’s heavy which is a definite downfall but the full frame photos are spectacular. I bought this without the kit lens (the lens that comes with it) and instead use my lenses.

2. Canon EF 50mm f/1.8. Ever look at a photo and can’t get over the way the subject pops right out while everything around said subject seems to be blurred in the background? That effect is called bokeh and this lens is among my very favorites to achieve that affect. The low aperture allows you to separate your subject from the background, while also giving you a ton of flexibility for lower light situations. Back when I bought this lens, it was the only option but now there is a 50mm f/1.4 – totally worth the extra $$.

3. Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L, the other (other) love of my life. After years of going back and forth I finally bit the bullet and bought this lens (I got it used on amazon) and since that day it barely ever leaves my camera, or my sight. I love the versatility, the quality of the images, the way I can be up close or just a little further away from my subject and get a number of different shots without moving. Add the speed, full-frame capabilities and I can’t think of a better lens. There is also a new version available.

4. 32GB Compact Flash card. I initially purchased a CF card at WalMart. It wasn’t cheap but it was cheaper than the one I’m showing you here. Within a week or two I ended up upgrading to this one. Trust me when I say the speed on the card, as well as how many pictures it holds, can make a huge difference. This isn’t the fastest, but I find that it suits my needs.

5. Tripod. If you’re a pro and you use the tripod a lot, you may want to go for a slightly more upgraded version. But to be honest with you, I’ve had this lightweight tripod with me for years and I haven’t looked back. I don’t find it to be cheap or poorly made. It stands the weight of my camera body with the 24-70mm lens (that’s a TON of weight). Plus it’s lightweight enough for me to just grab it and bring it places (I even bring it with me on our family vacations so I can have photos with my family).

6. Canon RC-6 Wireless Remote Controller. With a $20 price tag I don’t know how you wouldn’t buy this! I can’t tell you how much I use this little guy – to take pictures of me with my kiddoes as well as to make sure that I don’t get the camera shake in those lower light situations. This remote has a 2 second delay option which is just enough time to hide it in the palm of your hand so no one can tell that you used a remote. Seriously, just get one.

7. CF card reader. I’ve gone a couple of different routes by using a cord to load directly from my camera as well as purchasing a different card reader. The cord is annoying because (1) you have your camera sitting there taking up way too much space and (2) if your driver doesn’t support you deleting the photos from the camera afterwards it could drive you mad (this is me). The other readers I bought all broke within a month or two. This one’s great in price and quality.

8. Canon Speedlight 430EX, my flash. I used to use a 200 series older flash that I got as a hand-me-down but between the delay and the fact that it only went off every 5th or 6th time drove me bonkers. About a year ago I finally upgraded to this flash and I love it. I’m not big on shooting in the dark or indoors so I usually use it to offset the harsh effects of the sun. It also helps to catch those funny moments at home in the evening when the light isn’t great but your tot is being hilarious.

9. Canon camera backpack, my current camera bag. I’m thinking of switching to one of those cute purse bags, but I’ve had this backpack for years and I can’t seem to let go. Like many of my other bags, I just seem to always choose a backpack over a shoulder bag. It fits more stuff, Jon carries it without feeling embarrassed, and it’s convenient to have both hands free.

10. Light reflector 5 in 1. Ok so this doesn’t fit in the bag, but, kinda like the tripod, it’s totally worth mentioning. I love this reflector – it’s incredible for bouncing light or defusing it when there’s too much direct light. It’s amazing how much it can help inside to bounce the light from the windows or outside to even out the sunlight or light up the faces.

{Note: some of the links used are part of an affiliate program and I will receive commission on your purchase. I promise to never recommend anything that I don’t own and love.}

For real, you guys?

I really didn’t expect to post this.  Today is Tay’s official due date (not that I really buy into the whole due date thing, but, ya know, if a date had to be named, this would be it).

I thought I’d celebrate the occasion by taking some pictures.

And an official eviction notice:  effective immediately.

Dearest Ms. Taylor,

Please consider this to be your official eviction notice.  Daddy and I have been super patient up until this point, but we do believe that it’s time for you to come on out and join us in this world.

If you’re anything like your sister, I know you’re super comfy in there and will probably choose to stay a couple of extra days.  If you’re anything like your mommy, you’re stubborn and probably won’t come out because we want you to.  If you’re anything like your daddy, you’re just laid back who’s happy to kick back and relax until you’re ready.  Either way, we’re hopeful that this week will be it and we’ll finally get to meet you.

Love,

Mom, dad and your big sister Addison.

• Size of baby: watermelon and looks like it (19-22 in, 6-9 lbs)
• Total Weight Gain/Loss: 35-ish lbs
• Movement: T likes to sleep in, which I am super thankful for.  She is usually very calm in the mornings and then picks up pace by the late-morning and kicks me non-stop all afternoon and evening.  It’s incredible that we’re starting to see patterns emerge from this tiny little baby.
• Great Moment this week: spending the weekend as a family of 3 and enjoying every last moment of it.  And remembering 40 weeks with Peanut.

The other day I was looking at the last Day in the Life post that I did and it’s incredible what a huge different just 4 months can make.

Also, you should know, that this is like the longest post ever with about a gagillion pictures. I won’t be offended if you just skim it, but then you’ll miss out on things like our kid eating leftover crumbs out of her chair cushion after every meal.

Good morning, Peanut. You wake up between 7 and 7:15am on weekdays and between 7 and 8am on weekends. It’s incredible that you’re starting to sleep in on weekends – or at least lay in your bed quietly while we get to sleep in. Most mornings you wake up happy and ready to take on the world. But never ready to get changed – that is your least favorite part of the day. I think if it was up to you then you’d be walking around in a wet, full diaper and pajamas the rest of the day.

You love climbing into our bed on weekends and terrorizing daddy and your puppy. Since you’ve learned to communicate rather effectively, you tell us that you need “8..9..10 toyz and bla-key’s” (a lot of toys and blankets) to come with you. We oblige. You also know that your little sister is in mama’s belly…you call her “baby Taylah.” It’s absolutely adorable.

One of your favorite things to do in the morning is to sit on our dresser and play with Chapstick, buttons, necklaces and just about anything else you can get your little paws on.

You are absolutely hilarious these days – not only do you copy everything that we do (words… actions… ) but you’re coming up with little funny things to do on your own. We love watching your little mind at work.

Once we’re all awake (and mama brushes her teeth), we head over to the kitchen to make coffee and have some breakfast.

You love to participate in every task.

I think breakfast is your favorite meal. Mostly because we let you have a lot of sugary food in the morning – chocolate chip muffins, waffles with syrup, pancakes. Most of these options are also whole-wheat, all natural, blah blah blah but you don’t seem to notice that when there are chocolate chips involved.

On days that you’re not filling up with sugar, you love yogurt, cereal, and bananas. We do give you a go-gurt and some fruit with every breakfast and you gobble them up.

And this here, my little Peanut, is your daddy. I know, I know… you’re one lucky gal.

And of course, since daddy got some cereal, you had to have some too (“Addi…bowl…my…cereal….ralf” :: translation: Addi wants her own bowl of cereal with milk).

Since it’s the weekend, we take the party to the living room where you play and daddy and I enjoy some coffee.

Today we’re catching up on all the little things to prepare for your baby sister’s arrival. On the to do list: put up name decal, clean basement, steam-clean rugs, and enjoy a day with our one and only (for now) baby girl.

You usually have a snack between 9 and 10am when you’re home. Sometimes it’s the remainder of your breakfast with some fruit, other times it’s whatever you found in the pantry – one of your favorite places to snoop around in.

It’s a beautiful day so after snack time we head out to the porch to play with your toys.

We got all of these at tag sales (also known as garage or yard sales) in the last couple of years. You love spending hours playing outside, especially with your water table.

This guy? Not so much. He would rather just lay on the couch all day long.

Around 11:30am I head inside to get lunch ready while daddy mows the lawn. It’s absolutely incredible that you can not only entertain yourself, but be trusted to be on your own (with me checking in every minute or two…don’t worry our porch is 100% secure and closed off). I love the independence…and the time to be able to get some things done.

Today we’re having leftover taco chicken on top of a salad.

You’ve been eating so much better the last couple of months – it amazes us. Your new favorite thing is olives.

Which you could, and do, eat with a fork right out of the can.

Of course, right after I took this picture you knocked the whole thing to the ground. We’re still working on you being more aware of your surroundings.

After lunch we clean up, change clothes, and you head to your room for a nap. I read you 2 books while laying in your bed and then let you read and play on your own. Usually you fall asleep within 15-20 minutes.

The really weird thing is that if we miss the 12-12:30 nap time and put you down later on (even if it’s 12:35), you will be up and playing in your room for an hour or two before falling asleep. Those days you wake up extra grumpy around 4pm and we usually have to spend at least an hour consoling you. It’s a terrible feeling, watching you cry out of frustration of being awake…but I can’t say that I’m surprised. Much like your love for olives (this is a joke), your disorientation and hatred for all things when you wake up from your nap is hereditary (this is not a joke). There is a well-known reason that I do not take naps – I am an absolute monster when I wake up (seriously, if you haven’t seen it, consider yourself lucky). I hope that you outgrow this with age…unlike your mama.

After an early nap (you slept for a couple of hours while daddy and I tackled the basement), you join us in the basement with a snack in hand and some Dora on the iPad.

We still had ways to go to finish cleaning the basement which was absolutely terrorized during the bathroom remodel (and we haven’t made it a priority to get to it), so you hang out with us, helping clean and playing.

P – at 27 months something hasn’t changed – your love of cleaning. In fact, I think it’s getting worse. Not only do you love to clean (especially dust or wipe things up), but you’ve gotten obsessed with spills or having even a tiny spec of something on you. You will demand that we either let you or clean up the mess ourselves. It makes me laugh…you are so much like your mama.

Once we’ve moved all the furniture, reorganized the closets, vacuumed and washed the floors, daddy set out to steam-clean the rug (we borrowed a steam cleaner from my folks for a few weeks to do some spring cleaning). This is one of those things that can’t have a little tot running around, pulling on cords so you, Travis and I head outside to play.

Daddy and I think we have this whole toddler thing down – we take turns letting each other get some things done while still giving you plenty of attention and spending some time together. It’s tough having 2 working parents so we try to make up for it on the weekends.

Around 5:30pm we head inside to get dinner ready (offload the already full memory card) and hang out for a bit.

All that cleaning and organizing gave mommy quiet the back ache so we opt for some more Dora time while I recover on the couch.

Your daddy makes dinner – he’s pretty incredible. Dinner is usually between 6 and 6:30pm.

Tonight we’re having Pelmeni.

Which happens to be one of your favorite things. Right along with peas. However, tonight you decided that you are boycotting peas.

They’re somehow offended you while we weren’t looking. Honestly, being a toddler must be really tough – things keep changing almost minute by minute…it’s hard for even us adults to keep up.

Daddy and I were both a little shocked since this is your favorite meal…so we let you go wonder around while we ate.

It’s a little trick we picked up from my bff and her family. It didn’t take you long to realize that no one is paying any attention to you and that you’re hungry, so you might as well eat your dinner.

So long as you picked all the peas out of your spoonfuls.

One of these days I’m hoping you can tell me what it is that they did to you that day.

Another note about 27 months old toddlers: they are messy. In case you’re not counting, this is the third outfit that Peanut wore this day along….and now it’s just about time to change her again.

Oh and Peanut? In case you’re reading this when you’re 16 and you think we don’t spend enough time embarrassing you (who am I kidding…I’m sure we will), let me tell you about one of your favorite activities at 2 years old. We call this, chair-snack-diving or Sofa Pizza.

It goes something like this: when you eat, you drop a lot of food. Most of that food is kept off the floor by your wonderful chair. After the meal, when we clean you up and take you out of the chair, you immediately inspect it for leftovers. Which you then eat.

It doesn’t seem to matter that you didn’t like that particular food while sitting at the table (I’m looking at you, offending peas). Somehow when it’s in your chair and left over after your meal, you eat it.

We’d stop you but we find it so funny that we spend the whole time trying not to pee our pants from laughing so hard. Oh well. At least you’re eating?

After dinner you grab a Pediasure which has to be warmed up in the microwave…with your help, of course, and head for the couch for some Dora and Addi time.

Oh and speaking of how funny you are…tonight you decided to break into a little jig while picking out your Pediasure. I have no idea where you got this or why you decided to show us this little half-squat-dance move tonight, but I almost fell over with laughter.

Don’t ever change, kid.

After some milk and Dora, we head over to the bathroom to brush you teeth.

Here’s another thing we learned from my bff and her toddler – 2 toothbrushes. You get to pick your toothbrush and after you play, we get to brush your teeth with the other one. It’s genius, really. Thanks, Inna!

It’s 7:30(ish) and your bedtime. We crawl into your bed for some books, snuggles, and bedtime kisses.

Something else that’s new at 2 years old – your bargaining abilities. You’ve gotten incredible at bargaining for more toys/water/blankets/tucking in/lights on/lights off/blanket on/blanket off/more books/8..9..10 kisses.

It’s actually pretty hard to say “no” or to even notice that we’re giving in. I guess we all have a little something more to learn about this toddler stage.

By 8pm you are usually winding down in your bed, on your own. Lately you’ve been falling asleep within 15-20 minutes of being in bed.

And that completes a full day in the life of Peanut at 27 months. Probably one of the last days as an only child.

In case you missed them, here are the other Day in the Life posts:

• Routine of a 5 week old
• Peanut – 4.5 months
• A glimpse into our lives, 6 months old (Peanut): day 1, day 2, day 3, day 4, day 5, day 6, day 7
• Schedule of a 9 month old
• Peanut – almost 1 years old
• Peanut – 17 months
• Peanut – 23 months

Linking up with Ashley, Parenting by Dummies, Live and Love Out Loud, Seven Clown Circus, 5 Minutes for mom, Better in Bulk, Mama to 4 Blessings, Baby Baby Lemon, Nurse Love Farmer.

I’m serious you guys – I literally just ate a dozen of these in one sitting.  I’d blame it all on the pregnancy but somehow I just don’t think that’s going to fly since I would have probably done the same thing if I wasn’t pregnant.

I have to warn you guys that if you’re into totally sweet cookies, you may want to substitute a semi-sweet cocoa powder instead of the unsweetened.  But for me?  A lover of all things dark, unsweetened chocolate, these are incredible.  I love the slightly bitter, a bit salty aftertaste of these cookies – you know, the kind that you have after biting into a 80% cocoa Ghirardelli chocolates.

And the best part is that they’re not completely unhealthy.  Sure, there’s chocolate powder and chocolate chips and butter, but there’s also oatmeal, whole wheat flower and brown sugar.  I’d like to think they balance out (lie to me, I’m pregnant).

Chocolate chocolate chip oatmeal cookies

 

Print

Prep time

10 mins

Cook time

10 mins

Total time

20 mins

 

Chocolate oatmeal cookies with chocolate chips and whole wheat flour

Author: Kat

Recipe type: Dessert

Serves: 2 dozen

Ingredients

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup packed ground sugar
• ¼ cup butter or stick margarine, softened
• ¼ cup shortening
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon pumpkin spice
• ½ teaspoon vanilla
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 large eggs
• ¼ cup unsweetened Ghirardelli cocoa powder (you can substitutde semi-sweet cocoa if you don’t like the bitterness of unsweetened chocolate)
• 1.5 cups quick-cooking or old-fashioned oats
• ½ cup whole wheat flour
• ¼ – ½ cup chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Beat all ingredients Except oats, flour and chocolate chips. Mix in the remaining ingredients.
2. Drop cookie mix on a cookie sheet (I am a big fan of using the Silpat but you can also grease the cookie sheet) with about 1-2 inches between them.
3. Bake at 375 degrees for 9-11 minutes.

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3.2.1230

Another week down – hard to believe that we’re still just a family of 3.  I honestly thought that our little one would be here by now.  Oh well – another week to relax and get a few hours of sleep isn’t so bad.  With the due date next week I’m still being patient, but it’s starting to get to me.  Mostly it’s about the anticipation and not knowing – that bothers my Type A personality.  I am, however, loving spending time with my hilarious little 2 year old.  She’s getting funnier and funnier by the day.

How was your week?

Join in the fun – the rules are pretty simple: take pictures throughout the week (it can be your phone, iphone, camera, whatever) and post them with a link back to this post. Then come back here, link your posts, and check out some others.

Actually, majority of this pregnancy was spent eating take out food and not because I didn’t want to cook anything – but because I didn’t want to eat anything I cooked.  It’s been the weirdest feeling – I had no distinct cravings except that I wanted take out.  All. the. time.  Not so great for my wallet and I’m really looking forward to eating what I cook again once this little chicken nugget is born.

But anyways, about these quesadillas.

They’re super easy, require very few ingredients, and can be made from start to finish in under 30 minutes.  They’re our go-to snack, lunch or dinner when we’re running short on time.  And, unlike most other things, I am always up for eating these.

We’ve done them with whole wheat and plain wraps and they taste delicious either way.

My favorite is adding some super ripe avocados to the southwest salsa and then topping the whole thing with a ton of sour cream.  Because sour cream is the greatest thing ever (Jon says this is a Russian thing).

Try these with some red and green bell peppers if you have those on hand.

Cheese and chicken quesadillas with caramelized onions

 

Print

Prep time

10 mins

Cook time

20 mins

Total time

30 mins

 

Delicious, light cheese and chicken quesadillas with caramelized onions, seasoned chicken, and munster and cheddar cheese.

Author: Kat

Recipe type: Dinner

Cuisine: Mexican

Serves: 4

Ingredients

• ½ cup munster cheese
• ½ cup cheddar cheese (you can use all cheddar or all munster)
• 2-3 breasts of chicken
• chicken seasoning (I actually buy this at a local store, but you can always just use salt, pepper, and garlic powder, paprika and some red pepper flakes)
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• Whole wheat or plain tortilla wraps
• Optional: salsa, avocado, and sour cream toppings

Instructions

1. Peel and cut the onion in half, then cut thin strips, yielding half moon, thin strips of onion. In a frying pan, melt about ½ tablespoon of butter and ½ tablespoon of olive oil, then add the onions, breaking them apart. Cook on medium high for about 2 minutes or until they are transparent then turn the heat to low and add a tablespoon of brown sugar. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. While the onions are caramelizing, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
3. Remove the onions from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, add some olive oil and cook the chicken with the chicken seasoning for about 10 minutes.
4. While the chicken is cooking I shred the cheese. You can always buy it shredded but I love the freshness of just-shredded cheese.
5. Once the chicken is cooked, add the onions back in, mix it, and then remove and set aside in a bowl.
6. Now this part is up to you but I prefer to use tiny slivers of butter on the quesadilla wraps. I put a tiny amount of butter in a pan, then cook one side of the quesadilla wrap for about 30 seconds before turning it over and filling it.
7. Fill the shell to the halfway point (don’t overfill them because they’ll just fall apart) – about a tablespoon or two of chicken with onions, a pinch or cheddar cheese, a pinch of munster cheese. Then fold the shell over and cook on each side for about 1-2 minutes on medium heat or until crispy.
8. Cut into triangles. Continue until all the filling is gone.
9. Serve hot, preferably with salsa, avocado and sour cream.

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3.2.1230

In fact, I am actually happy I’m still pregnant.  I know that probably sounds weird and very much unlike me (since I am like the most impatient person ever), but I’m waiting patiently and enjoying these last couple of weeks.

The knowledge that this is our last pregnancy and, although I am not a fan of being pregnant, that this will be the last time that I’ll have this belly to carry around is bittersweet.  Sure, I’m uncomfortable and I am dying to meet our baby girl, but I’m also savoring these moments.  These moments of being a family of 3, these moments of feeling the tiny little feet moving around in my belly, the sight of my big, round belly in the mirror that signifies that I’m carrying this life in me.

I spent a lot of time in the last week of pregnancy with Peanut wishing that she would come and that I would not be pregnant anymore.  This time I’m not wishing a single moment away.  Although I won’t miss the discomfort, the extra weight, the…well…all the fun things that go along with pregnancy and the body changes….I will miss knowing that we created another human being and that I was lucky enough to carry her for 9 months.  It’s an incredible feeling and a wonderful experience.

Oh, and let’s just be honest here, I’m not looking forward to labor.  Now that I know what that’s like…yeah…I could do without that.

• Size of baby: watermelon (19-22 in, 6-9 lbs)
• Total Weight Gain/Loss: 34 lbs
• Movement: T likes to sleep in, which I am super thankful for.  She is usually very calm in the mornings and then picks up pace by the late-morning and kicks me non-stop all afternoon and evening.  It’s incredible that we’re starting to see patterns emerge from this tiny little baby.
• Great Moment this week: getting the big items of the to-do list crossed off.  The car seats are in and have been reviewed and installed by the local police station (if you haven’t heard of this one – you can call your local police station and/or fire station to find out when they do car seat installations and clinics).  The house is clean – I bleached most of Peanut’s plastic toys and washed all of the baby’s toys, as well as clothes.  I still have to get to the Spring cleaning…but if we don’t, I’m going to let it go this year (ok…try to).

Ok, a little comparison of P and T.  Peanut is on the left, Ms. Taylor is on the right.