1. Parker and I went to the Trader Joe’s that HAS THE TINY CARTS the other day. Aside from him taking down a few small kids, it was GREAT. No really, no kids were harmed in the pushing-of-the-cart and he takes it so seriously. Like, he was 3 going on 15 and nary a tantrum was in sight. At Marshall’s yesterday, however, different story…
2. Sentimental posts about kids going back to school, move aside for a moment. The lack of fighting (that always seems to take place when I’m well within earshot and I know they do this on purpose) has been a welcome respite. Take, for instance, the spat (one of the ten million) they had late August that began like this: [with lots of sass in her voice] “William, whyyyyy do you bother eating outside if you’re just going to eat in the shade?”
Well. Where does one begin. And what on earth is the purpose of the sun-umbrella industry then. Why even wear a hat, people?!
3. Parker was up a lot last night with a cold. It felt a little like the newborn days. Which, I realized over my coffee, were coming upon me quickly and in the dead of winter. Not even the dead of winter, actually, but like just before the dead. Give me strength.
4. The other day Steve was all, “Your birthday’s coming up, we’ll have to do something special.” (Because, it’s my thirtieth.) I was feeling momentarily gracious and said, “Ohhh, don’t worry about it.” Lying through my teeth. He knew it. Let’s be serious: I want this and fifteen other really expensive things. And fine, a big party too. But no one can drink since I can’t.
5. There are some ridiculously awesome travel instagrams that are sort of killing me. My to-visit list is infinitely long already. I should delete them off my instagram roll but they’re just too effing beautiful, I can’t. The latest favorite.
6. This post of Blythe’s about her latest obsessh (like obsession, and, not to worry, I just slapped myself for doing that) was really funny. Also, I met her at the Hundred Event and she’s really cool. If she lived on the East Coast I could see us doing a playground meet up or something is all I’m saying.
7. Boy names. We haven’t picked one. I’ve got my sister texting me ones (that are mostly too cool for Steve to latch onto. I mean, do keep in mind the fairly tradition names he’s got going so far), and I haven’t yet dived (dove? doven? diven? I know those last two aren’t right.) into the Baby Names book (probably won’t) but I’m asking for suggestions over here so lend me your hand (name) would you?
8. What are your go-to fall recipes? I’ll take what you got. The dutch oven hasn’t moved from the stovetop (it’s like the most beautiful–and heavy–thing I own so I don’t actually care) since last week and will probably be stationed there through March so if it’s a dutch oven recipe, bonus points.
I also have a gorgeous dutch oven…on top of the fridge…near impossible to reach, let along lift…sooo heavy! But I'll be attempting Dutch Oven Pot Pie in the near future:
Frozen veggies, cream of mushroom soup (if you're feeling adventurous, you could make your own creamy substitute), shredded chicken…layer a can of biscuits on top, bake until the biscuits are cooked —real recipes found on the interwebs, I'm sure.
And good luck on the baby names…I could hardly name my dog, so no advice there.
you had me at pot pie. (chicken pot pie is legitimately one of my favorite foods ever.)
Oh boy names are sooooo tough. Way harder than girls I think. I have two boys – Aaron and Nathan. We have a long Polish last name, so that ruled out a lot of options for us. Probably my favorite name we couldn't use was Oliver. I just love that name. Also Jonah. And Nolan. I have a friend who has a Parker and her other boys' names are Owen and August. Good luck!
ugh boy names. Don't get me started. Going to read all of the suggestions now just in case we are having a boy because WHO KNOWS.
I used to love the stores with little carts when I was a kid! And I'm only 16 weeks but I feel like we will never pick a name…. Parker is one name that my husband is actually ok with though!
Love those mini carts! There isn't a Trade Joe's anywhere near us, but my mother in law is purchasing a Melissa and Doug mini metal cart for my daughter's birthday. I'm sure glad she is hip and thinks of these unique gifts!
Baby names. You must read the book "Beyond Ava and Aiden." It was right on for me and predicted the same sibling names I used for my kids! It's not a traditional baby name book that lists 1,000s of names, but gives names based on themes and patterns which is how people name siblings. All very fascinating.
thank you!
I'm at 35 weeks and we JUST (as in 3 days ago) started the discussion. We're miles apart. Boy names are so hard!
White chicken chili, made it this week and yum.
Made me laugh SEVERAL times. You're on point. "Like just before the dead." I am preparing myself so hard for this.
oh baby boy names can be a struggle! good luck!
Boy names…Cooper. Myles. Graham. Griffin. Thatcher. Xander. All traditionalish but not boring!
Two of my favorite fall/winter recipes (I've shared this one with you before and I will keep sharing until you make it. It's SO GOOD): Salsa Verde Chicken and Dumplings (http://bit.ly/YyaE59) and North Woods Bean Soup (http://bit.ly/1rJqmBc). I make both of these in the dutch oven. They're staples when the weather dips below 65 degrees.
I love the name 'Truman' mostly because it lends itself to a cool nickname. You could argue that it's traditional being a President's name and all! Best wishes!
Just went back to find Parker's middle name. And THAT'S RIGHT! I loved it! And then also noticed his birth weight was the same as my daughter's 🙂 Hard to believe I've been reading your blog since before Parker was born (back when a child of my own was only a dream…!)
But, right. Name suggestions. I recommend nymbler.com, because you can put in your kids' names and find suggestions that are similar. But, I love: Archer, Hugh, Jasper, Reu(ben), Oliver, Lachlan, Jurgen, Edward…. funny that girls' names are harder for us.
Fall food suggestion: Tomato & Eggplant soup. Sounds complicated to make, but actually easy and totally worth it. http://www.marthastewart.com/313184/roasted-tomato-and-eggplant-soup. (Cilantro: optional.)
Also, pretty much any pot pie – throw in any 3-4 veggies on hand (squash is good! Or even a bit of kale…), some heavy cream & stock, some chicken or turkey, poultry seasoning, some herbs/spices. Top with biscuit 'crust' and YUM.
Wyatt. Mason. Lionel. All former crushes. All favourite names!
Your crushes must've been cooler than mine.
I would suggest Ethan, Seth, or Joshua! They may be a little more mainstream than all of these other suggestions though. Also, we'll be doing the winter newborn thing together! I'll send you as much warmth as possible from AZ!
Boy names are so much harder than girl names. How do you find something cute that can also be professional and that half of his class won't also have? We thought we had it with Henry, but now everyone is naming their boy Henry. Parenting fail #1 right off the bat. 🙂 Some of the ones I like are Graham, Colby (like the cheese so my husband won't let me use it), Todd, Thaddeus (Thad for short), Theodore (but Grace stole it first), and Jonah.
This hamburger soup recipe from Pioneer Woman is AMAZING. Perfect for the dutch oven. http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2014/01/hamburger-soup/
Trust me… you won't be sorry.
Those little carts steal my heart every time I go to TJ's and then I'm not so pissed about their parking lots. True story.
My dutch oven never leaves my stove top. I love all things soups and stews. Potato soup has been on my mind way too much. I no longer eat them so needless to say I want them all the time. Good luck with a baby in the winter. I had all three of my girls during the summer in Texas!
I think this is great! I love hearing things that are important to other people, it really gives you a look into their lives! And you have got me hooked on these travel insta accounts, if I am being honest… I didn't know there were accounts JUST for this, so.. thanks? My bank account will bill you later! 🙂 Can't wait to hear more!
Sincerely, Shelbi
http://www.sincerelyshelbi.com
Can't wait to try these Maple Dijion Crock Pot pork chops:
http://www.eatliverun.com/crock-pot-maple-dijon-pork-chops/
But this is my very favorite crock pot recipe, so yummy even though I had bad pics. I was 6 months prego in these pictures!
http://thehumbleonion.com/2013/01/12/lamb-curry-with-spinach-and-a-side-of-snow/
Gosh I love your candor. I hope he throws you a spectacular alcohol free party (with a signature Bridget-ini mocktail) in addition to that bag with a big red bow.
Picking a name for our daughter (Jillian) was way harder than picking our boy name-Justin
Also-I made this the other night, fantastic! http://crockpotgourmet.net/2014/06/16/crockpot-spaghetti-and-meatball-soup/
Sam, Seth, Milo, Simon, Cameron…we love soups and our favs are a Arizona Corn Chower (super easy and de-lish!), potato leek, chicken & wild rice, beet soup.