DC - Day 1

Arrived bright and early in DC at 9:30.

I got quite sick on the plane. Had to use the barf bag thing for the first time.

After landing, we headed to the Metro where I almost threw my luggage on the tracks. We had been given incorrect loading directions twice. It had caused us to miss our train twice. Ridiculous.

Finally made it to the hotel. We took a quick nap.

We went to Ted's Montana Grill. While sitting there, our doctor called and told us we needed to pick up a prescription for some infection that could possibly affect the baby.

We rushed to Walgreens, but they were out.

We headed to Arlington National Cemetery. We saw JFK's burial site, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the Iwo Jima Memorial.

We headed back to the Metro and came across a CVS that did have the prescription.

We headed back to the hotel to meet my friend Erin.

Erin took us to her mom's house (where her family is staying) to hang out with her beautiful family.

We all then went to Mexican.

After that, we came back for some awesome blueberry pie.

Sadly, we had to say goodbye to Erin. She dropped us back off at the hotel.

I am now about 30 seconds away from hitting the hay!

Great great first day in DC!!

Pregnancy #3 Week 5

I am grateful for the sweet ladies I spend Wednesday nights with at Hopeful Hearts.  

After today, I'm especially thankful that they introduced me to Fertility Associates of Memphis.

This practice specializes in all things infertility.  

Whether it be the inability to get pregnant or recurrent loss.  

I had made an appointment for the end of March initially.  But, after we found out we were pregnant, we couldn't wait that long.  We had our first appointment today.  

I learned more in this hour and a half visit about miscarriages than I have from doing my own research in the past months.  You always hear people say that it was probably a genetic or chromosomal issue.

  Today, I actually was taught exactly what that meant.  

The entire staff was awesome.  I am especially in love with my doctor and the ultrasound technician.  She was phenomenal.  She was so smiley and cheerful.  I feel like heaven will be full of angels just like her.

This next picture may look like a whole lot of nothing, but it is a picture of hopes, dreams, love, and the future.  This is our little twinkle in the eye.  

That's a picture of our baby at 5 weeks.   

Of course, it's too early for a heartbeat, but the doctor said everything looked really good.  It's sizing out exactly as it should be.

After the ultrasound, I had some blood drawn and some other routine stuff done.  

The doctor wanted to see me in a week, but we'll be in Washington DC, so we won't be able to come back until Monday, March 18th.  To prove how awesome my doctor is, he gave me his cell number to call in case of any problems in DC.  I mean, have you heard of that ever happening?  Not me!

I am so prayerful that this pregnancy will stick.  My hopes are definitely up.  Michael says he's not quite ready to get too excited, but he did ask me my thoughts on a few names today.  That made me smile.

100 Things to Eat in Memphis: Arcade's Sweet Potato Pancakes

Today's stop on the 100 Things to Eat in Memphis Before You Die Blog takes us to one of the most legendary restaurants in Memphis.

The Arcade Restaurant

Mom, Michael, and I headed downtown for breakfast this morning.  

According to the diner's website, Arcade is Memphis's oldest restaurant.  It was founded in 1919!

And you can definitely tell it's been around a while...

The bathroom stalls even have ash trays in them.  No one uses them anymore, but it's a clue to the past of this restaurant. 

Another clue is the layout of the restaurant.  Don't you feel like you've stepped into a time machine?

Another cool thing about this diner is the many movies that have been filmed here.  Mystery Train, Great Balls of Fire, The Client, The Firm, 21 Grams, Elizabethtown, Walk the Line, and My Blueberry Nights have all filmed scenes in the diner. 

Now... to the food!  

The list says you're supposed to get Sweet Potato Pancakes.  And, I did.  

It was a really good breakfast.  Everything I want out of hearty Sunday morning breakfast.  The pancakes were sweet and fluffy.  The eggs and bacon were also great.  I was not that into the hash browns.  They were a little bland.  Other than that, no complaints.  

I will say that the atmosphere actually beats the food.  Also, this was not our first choice this morning.  We were trying to go to another location on the list, but it had an hour wait.  At Arcade, we were able to walk in and sit down.  That's not to say it wasn't crowded.  The restaurant was full.  The staff here clearly knows how to be efficient with their serving.  

Happy eating!  

-Corrie

Is Third Time the Charm?

I am writing this two hours after getting a positive pregnancy test.  This will be our third pregnancy in less than a year.  We've experienced two miscarriages. 

Yep, we got the double pink line.

I'm thrilled.  Thrilled!  It's like I've got on rose colored glasses.  Finally, I don't have to secretly want to punch every pregnant girl I see.  I don't have to find excuses to not attend baby showers.  I don't have to wake up every single day thinking about the last two pregnancies.  I AM PREGNANT!

On the flip side, I'm nervous as all get out.  I'm scared that in four weeks we'll be finding out we lost the baby.  I'm angry that I don't get to make one of those cute videos where we show us telling our parents, then watching it over and over again to see their excited faces.  (We've got one of those from the first pregnancy.  I can't even watch it without tearing up.)  I'm jealous that I can't be one of those girls who naively gets to enjoy every second of her pregnancy without a serious worry.

As you can see, I've got a mix of emotions.

I couldn't decide how to tell Michael about the pregnancy.  The first time, I framed a fortune cookie phrase we had gotten a few months prior.  It said, "A special gift is on the way to you."  The second time, I tearfully told him after he got home from work.  This time, I thought I'd communicate with the help of technology.  I texted him a picture of the pregnancy test.  I was standing right next to him when he got it.  His reaction was pretty funny.  He threw his phone up in the air and smiled.

I think we are both so confused about how to feel.  Once you've experienced two pregnancy losses, it's really hard to get excited about another one.  If we get too excited, and something terrible happens, we'll have such a hard time recovering.  We are both pretty matter-of-fact about it.

If we make it to 12 weeks, I think you'll see a change in our attitude.

I cannot wait to talk to Hopeful Hearts about this.  I know I'll be surrounded by ladies who know exactly how I feel.  It's so comforting to be around women who understand.

Please keep us in your prayers during this hopeful time!

Off to start my progesterone suppositories.  Yep, those sound about as much fun as they are!

Love,

Corrie

100 Things to Eat in Memphis: Sharon's

My latest place to eat on the 100 Things to Eat in Memphis blog is Sharon's Chocolates and Bread Cafe.  

One word:  Overrated.  

    

The list says to get bagels.  I decided to go for the poppyseed.  It was good, don't get me wrong.  It just didn't have anything special about it like other things on this list.

When you walk in, the place is pretty dull on the inside.  There's not many decorations at all.  It's open really strange hours, so maybe the owners don't really think of themselves as a restaurant.  I get that, but with it being that bland on the inside, I was expecting for the food to make up for it.  

The bagel was like any other bagel I've ever had.  Panera's bagels are just as good, if not better!  

Poppyseed Bagel

I will give the cream cheese some praise.  It was really good, but there were only two flavors, plain and vegetable.  

Cream Cheese

I guess I was just expecting more.  

I will say that the chocolate case looked phenomenal, but chocolates aren't on the list.  Maybe they should be.  

I'm sure this place has a great story and I'm sure the owners are great, I just wasn't impressed.  

The Chocolate Case and Bread Rack

100 Things to Eat in Memphis: Tao Too

As I write this, I should tell you that my tongue has still not completely recovered from the culinary adventure Michael and I just experienced.

We headed over to Tao Too Asian Eatery in Germantown.

It's the latest stop on our tour of the 100 Things to Eat in Memphis Before You Die Blog.

The item on the list:  Devil's Nest Soup

Yes, this is going to be spicy.  In fact, it's the spiciest thing on the menu, as the three fires indicate.

Michael and I decided to split the soup, because it was huge.  

Here's a look at my bowl.

The soup is delicious.  At first, I told Michael that I didn't understand the fuss.  It didn't seem that spicy. Of course, that was after one bite.  After about three bites, your mouth is ON FIRE!  My eyes started watering, Michael started sweating, I had to ask for a water in addition to my Diet Coke.  It's a great dish, but it does get to be incredibly spicy.  

This is what was left of the big bowl after Michael and I had filled our two smaller bowls. 

If you look carefully, I think you can see the devil.  This soup certainly was hot enough for Satan!

I asked the waitress how anyone is ever able to eat an entire bowl alone, and she told us that yesterday a man had ordered the soup and asked for EXTRA spices.  Say WHAT?!?!  I would have had call the fire department if I had eaten anymore of that soup.  

Anyway, we loved our experience at Tao Too.  The service is excellent, which is a breath of fresh air.  We had terrible service at the last restaurant we visited.  That restaurant has also been featured in my blog.  We were incredibly disappointed with our treatment at THAT place.

I'll be back to Tao Too, and if it's a cold enough night, I might order Devil's Nest again!

Happy eating!

Sesame Chicken - Thankfully, there were no fires on the menu next to this item!

The hottest dinner partner a girl could ask for!

The MANY waters and sodas we had to order. 

Where should I eat next?

 100 Places to Eat in Memphis blog.

Where should we go next???  I'm marking through the places where we've already eaten.



1: Greek burger at Alex's Tavern, 1445 Jackson, (901) 278-9086.

2: Cheeseburger at Tops Bar-B-Q locations, including 1286 Union, (901) 725-7527.

3: Soul burger at Earnestine and Hazel's, 531 South Main, (901) 523-9754.

4: Burger at Dyer's Burgers, including 205 Beale, (901) 527-3937.

5: Colossus burger at 3 Angels Diner, 2617 Broad, (901) 452-1111.

6: Joyce roll at Sakura Japanese Restaurant, 2060 West, Germantown, (901) 758-8181.

7: Guacamole and chips at Las Delicias Mexican Bar and Grill locations, including 4002 Park, (901) 458-9264.

8: Sweet potato pancakes at The Arcade Restaurant, 540 S. Main, (901) 526-5757.

9: Barbecue spaghetti at Bar-B-Q Shop, 1782 Madison, (901) 272-1277.

10: Barbecue bologna sandwich with slaw and hot sauce at Payne's Bar-B-Que, 1762 Lamar, (901) 272-1523.

11: Popovers with strawberry butter at Paulette's Restaurant, 50 Harbor Town Square, (901) 260-3300.

12: Coconut cream pie at Germantown Commissary, 2290 Germantown Road S., Germantown, (901) 754-5540.

13: Sausage and cheese plate at Charles Vergos' Rendezvous, 52 S. Second, (901) 523-2746 .

14: Acquisto sandwich at Fino's, 1859 Madison, (901) 272-3466

15: Fried chicken at Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken locations, including 310 S. Front, (901) 527-4877.

16: Fried chicken at Uncle Lou's Fried Chicken, 3633 Millbranch Road, (901) 332-2367.

17: Mr. Bruce's Nachos at Molly's La Casita, 2006 Madison, (901) 726-1873.

18: Barbecue nachos (on homemade chips) at Central BBQ locations, including 2249 Central, (901) 272-9377.

19: Chilean sandwich at Pop's Deli, 6755 E. Shelby Drive, (901) 366-3463.

20: Milkshake at Wiles-Smith Drug Store, 1635 Union, (901) 278-6416.

21: Sno cream sno-cone at Jerry's Sno-Cones, 1657 Wells Station Road, (901) 767-2659.

22: Tamales at South Memphis Grocery, 9 W. Mallory, (901) 775-2135.

23: Tamales three ways at Dino's, 654 N. McLean, (901) 278-9127.

24: A M breakfast appetizer at Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen, 712 W. Brookhaven Circle, (901) 347-3569.

25: Devil's Nest Soup at Tao Too Asian Eatery, 2072 West St., Germantown, (901) 737-3988.

26: New Orleans doughnuts at Gibson's Donuts, 760 Mt. Moriah, (901) 682-8200.

27: Sausage po' boy at DeJaVu Restaurant, 936 Florida, (901) 942-1400.

28: Prozac cupcake at Muddy's Bake Shop, 5101 Sanderlin, suite 114, (901) 683-8844.

29: Mojo cookies at River Oaks Restaurant, 5871 Poplar, (901) 683-9305.

30: Bibimbap at Kwik-Chek Food Store, 2013 Madison, (901) 274-9293.

31: Duck confit grilled cheese at Automatic Slim's, 83 S. Second, (901) 525-7948.

32: Jalapeño chips at Flying Fish, 105 S. Second; (901) 522-8228.

33: Onion loaf at Corky's Ribs & BBQ locations, including 5259 Poplar, (901) 685-9744.

34: Banana cream pie at McEwen's on Monroe, 120 Monroe, (901) 527-7085.

35: Sticky toffee date cake at Acre Restaurant, 690 S. Perkins, (901) 818-2273.

36: Chilaquiles with fried eggs at Taqueria la Guadalupana, 4818 Summer, (901) 685-

6857.

37: Fried catfish at Soul Fish Cafe locations, including 862 S. Cooper, (901) 725-0722.

38: Desayuno (a savory breakfast pastry) at Caminos de Michoacan, 3896 Macon, (901) 458-5550.

39: Paletas, any flavor, at La Michoacana, 4091 Summer, (901) 555-1234.

40: Bourbon Street chicken at Buckley's Fine Filet Grill, 5355 Poplar, (901) 683-4538.

41: Coconut cake at Café Palladio, 2169 Central, (901) 278-0129

42: Pancho's cheese and hot dips at Pancho's, 717 N. White Station, (901) 685-5404.

43: Stuffed jalapeño peppers at Fuji Cafe, 875 West Poplar, (901) 854-7758

44: Potato chips with blue cheese dip at The Majestic Grille, 145 S. Main, (901) 522-8555.

45: Shrimp and grits at Sweet Grass, 937 S. Cooper, (901) 278-0278.

46: Gyros at Jr's Fish and Chicken (formerly Castle Restaurant), 3992 Park, (901) 320-1020.

47: Meatloaf at Peggy's Heavenly Home Cooking, 326 S. Cleveland, (901) 474-4938.

48: Cinnamon toast at Otherlands, 641 S. Cooper, (901) 278-4994.

49: Original steak sandwich at Jack Pirtle's Chicken locations, including 1370 Poplar, (901) 726-6086.

50: Sampler breakfast at Bryant's Breakfast, 3965 Summer, (901) 324-7494.

51: Onion rings at the Belmont Grill, including 4970 Poplar, (901) 624-6001.

52: Amazing Island club sandwich at Bardog Tavern, 73 Monroe, (901) 275-8752.

53: Chicken and waffles (Friday lunch) at Felicia Suzanne's, 80 Monroe, (901) 523-0877

54: Banh xeo, or Vietnamese pancake, at Shang Hai, 1400 Poplar, (901) 722-8692

55: Roasted sea bass on black Thai rice with soy beurre blanc at Tsunami, 928 S. Cooper, (901) 274-2556

56: South Side Italian sausage sandwich at Wiseguys Chicago Pizza and Sandwiches, 5441 U.S. 51 N., Horn Lake, (662) 342-5334

57: Southern eggs Benedict with blackened catfish and Creole hollandaise at Rizzo's Diner, 106 G.E. Patterson, (901) 523-2033

58: Spanikopita omelet at Brother Juniper's, 3519 Walker, (901) 324-0144.

59: Pizza, your choice, at Trolley Stop Market, 704 Madison, (901) 526-1361.

60: Barbecue pizza at Coletta's Restaurant locations, including 1063 South Parkway E., (901) 948-7652.

61: Around the World pizza at Pete & Sam's Restaurant, 3886 Park, (901) 458-0694.

62: Irish breakfast at The Brass Door, 152 Madison, (901) 572-1813.

63: French fries trio at Fuel Café, 1761 Madison, (901) 725-9025.

64: Yellowjack with Gulf shrimp, heirloom tomatoes and harissa cafe au lait at Restaurant Iris, 2146 Monroe, (901) 590-2828.

65: Gator Bites at Brothers Grill & Seafood, 2204 Whitten, (901) 590-4637.

66: Brie and fresh pear sandwich at Café Eclectic, 603 N. McLean, (901) 725-1718.

67: Moussaka at Casablanca, including 1890 Germantown Pkwy., (901) 433-9712.

68: Louisiana-style calamari at Jim's Place, 518 S. Perkins Ext. (901) 766-2030.

69: Ahi tuna tacos at Boscos, 2120 Madison, (901) 432-2222.

70: Bananas Foster at Frank Grisanti's Restaurant, 1022 S. Shady Grove Road, (901) 761-9462.

71: Mul-naengmyun at DWJ Eastern Grill & Sushi Bar, 3750 Hacks Cross Road, (901) 746-8057.

72: Crème brûlée at Café Society, 212 N. Evergreen, (901) 726-9212.

73: Fried green tomatoes at Miss Polly's Soul City Café, 154 Beale St., (901) 527-9060.

74: Macaroni and cheese at Interim, 5040 Sanderlin, (901) 818-0821.

75: Macaroni and cheese at Mollie Fontaine Lounge, 679 Adams, (901) 524-1886.

76: Banh-you, banh-mi sandwich at The Elegant Farmer, 262 S. Highland, (901) 324-2221.

77: Sock it to Me cake at Neely's Bar-B-Que, 670 Jefferson, (901) 521-9798.

78: Baklava (served warm) at Petra Café, including 1560 Union, (901) 722-4040.

79: Flan at VGM Foods & Deli, 6195 Macon Road (901) 937-7798.

80: Elote con cotija y mayonesa at Los Tortugas Deli Mexicana, 1215 South Germantown Road, Germantown (901) 751-1200.

81: Hot wings at Ching's Hot Wings, 1264 Getwell, (901) 743-5545.

82: Fresh vegetable plate at The Grove Grill, 4550 Poplar, (901) 818-9951.

83: BBQ shrimp appetizer at Memphis Barbecue Co., 709 DeSoto Cove, Horn Lake, (662) 536-3763.

84: Bagels at Sharon's Chocolates & Bread Cafe (Saturday only) at 2881 Poplar, (901) 324-4422.

85: Salad plate at Calvary Waffle Shop (during Lent only); 102 N. Second, (901) 525-6602.

86: Chicken salad at La Baguette French Bread & Pastry Shop, 3088 Poplar, (901) 459-0900.

87: Hot fudge pie at Westy's, 346 N. Main, (901) 543-3278.

88: Deep-fried ribs at 10 Bones BBQ, 5960 Getwell, Suite 126, (662) 890-4472.

89: Ribs at Cozy Corner, 745 N. Parkway, (901) 527-9158.

90: Rib tips at Tom's Bar-B-Q, 4087 New Getwell; (901) 365-6690.

91: Hummus with ground meat at Mango Restaurant, 2733 Getwell, (901) 369-4334.

92: Hummus at Sean's Café, 1651 Union; (901) 274-3917.

93: Love Boat at Edo Japanese Restaurant, 4792 Summer, (901) 767-7096.

94: Banana pudding cheesecake at Stone Soup Cafe, 993 S. Cooper, (901) 308-2349.

95: Papa's Pimiento cheese (with jalapeño is good, too) at Holiday Deli & Ham, including 2087 Union, (901) 881-6433.

96: Firecracker corn dip at Patrick's Steaks & Spirits, 4972 Park, (901) 682-2853.

97: Lacy Special at Little Tea Shop, 69 Monroe, (901) 525-6000.

98: Mexican shrimp cocktail at El Mezcal Mexican Restaurant, 402 N. Perkins Road, Memphis; (901) 761-7710.

99: Gelato cake at YoLo Bakes at 6 S. Cooper; (901) 343-0438.

100: Cheese fritters at Amerigo Italian Restaurant, 1239 Ridgeway, (901) 761-4000