Baby Class

This past weekend Michael and I attended baby class!  We learned a lot!  

Some things I learned were encouraging (Breast feeding burns 500 calories!) and some things I learned weren't so pleasant (As many as 90% of vaginal births require an episiotomy!  Ouch!)  

Before class, I was pretty dead set on having a natural birth, but after watching the birthing videos, I've decided I'm open to the idea of an epidural.  I changed my mind because they showed two videos.  In the first video, the girl got an epidural.  The pain did not take over the labor process.  She seemed to be able to enjoy the experience.  The other lady did not have an epidural.  She was acting CRAY CRAY! She was moaning and swaying and appeared to be summoning the gods of labor during her experience.  I don't want to look coo-coo.  So, I've decided that I'll go in with the hopes of going natural, but if it gets too painful, and it's not too late, bring on the epidural.  

The first half of the class was all about labor.  The second half was what to do with the little creature after we bring her home.  Bottom line:  Lay her on her back.  It seems if we can remember to do that, we've won half the battle!

Other tidbits I learned:  

Men should massage their pregnant wives often.  We are carrying around about 30 extra pounds.

Body pillows are NECESSARY during pregnancy.  I bought one Sunday.  After two nights with it, I can say sleep is coming more easily.

Newborns have stomachs the size of a marble.  Good to know.

There will be no bow-chicka-bow-wow for at least 6 weeks after birth.

It's important to drink a lot of water while breast feeding.

Michael is better at swaddling than me... for now!  

9 weeks to go!  Come on November 4th!

Michael is wearing a 30 pound backpack here.  He only kept it on for 30 seconds. 

Our awesome instructor!

Michael swaddling! 

Michael sponge bathing.

Labor advice!

Remember!  This side up!

Drink lots of water!

We got to keep this as a little souvenir.

Another angle of Michael preggers!

All new parents should have these in their cupboards!  

A look at the rest of the class!

100 Things to Eat in Memphis: La Guadulapana

This summer I was asked to attend Common Core training at White Station High School.  The best part about it was its proximity to Taqueria la Guadulapana.  My sweet teacher friend Karri and I ate there twice. 

The 100 Things to Eat in Memphis blog says to order Chilaquiles with fried eggs.  It was GREAT!  Very unique flavor.  Also, the service was excellent.  I highly recommend!

100 Things to Eat in Memphis: La Michoacana

So... I had my 3 hour diabetes test yesterday.  The test was preceded by 3 days of following a strict diabetes diet.  It sucked.  I don't know if I failed or passed, but the lab tech told me I was free to eat whatever.  

So, Michael and I went to La Michoacana.  I've heard their desserts are awesome, so I was excited.  Espcecially after a week of eating sugar free.  

The 100 Things to Eat in Memphis blog says to get any flavor of their paletas.  I got coffee.  It was delicious.  I could have eaten three of them.  

The one annoying thing was that the flavors aren't listed.  The girl had to say them all to me.  They need to get a list up.  Maybe it's there, but I missed it.  

List Update!

 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

Need a smile?

Have you seen this??? The guy in the video is the U of M's quarterback, Jacob Karam. Click here for more on the story. The girl in the video is my hero. This video will make your heart smile.

Crib!

The baby officially has a crib!  Michael did a great job putting it together, although, he said it would have been a more efficient process had he not just enjoyed some beverages.  Still, we got it done.  

Our crib is the Nursery 101 Sidney Convertible Crib.

We only came across one problem. The back top of the crib was missing some drill holes.  I don't really know how that happens, but it will have to be fixed before Baby gets here.  Michael says it won't be complicated.  Still, that was a little annoying.  Other than that, the crib was fairly easy to put together.  It took us a total of about one hour.  I would not have wanted to put it together by myself.  I would have gotten frustrated.

I'm really in love with the bedding.  It took a long time to find something I liked.  I am not big into having characters, birds, or anything boring.  I really love the shabby chic look.  Also, the bedding had to somewhat coordinate with our guest bedding, since we only have a two bedroom house.  The nursery will have to have a bed in it for visitors.  So, it doesn't match perfectly, but the two beddings look like they are from the same family.  Also, this bedding was way less expensive that most of the other bedding I saw, including Target.  Our bedding can be found Baby Super Mall.  

Unpacking

Where do we start?  

I'm thankful he used the directions.

Get me out of here!

Just kidding!  This is great fun.  

Stella was a great supervisor.  

It's coming together!

Finally!  

Success!  What a great dad!  

The nursery is looking more like a nursery!  

Everything is still wrinkly.  I'm sure when baby gets here in three months, it'll be a lost smoother.  

I'm really in love with the bedding! 

Cuteness.  

What baby wouldn't want to live here!?

I can't get over what a blessing all of this is.  I truly struggle to not break out into tears every time we do something for the baby.  Tonight was no exception.  I just feel so incredibly lucky to be experiencing this.  Now, she just needs to get here!  :)

Kids Town Consignment

Michael and I recently had our first experience at the KidsTown Consignment Event at the Agricenter.  

Thankfully, I had adequately been prepared for how big and crazy this sale would be.  There are thousands of items to choose from.  

We started by checking out the car seats, strollers, and bigger items.  There were a couple of decent items, but I'm really wanting those items new.  Especially the car seat.  

So, we jumped over the clothes.  Michael was such a good sport.  And so adorable.  I was choking back tears the whole time.  It was just so sweet to see him picking out clothes for his little girl.  

We brought two tote bags.  Other people had other ideas...

Checking out. 

Our loot of clothing.  We also picked up several books and a bassinet.  

We've got to remember that a Honda Civic doesn't usually work well for transporting large items.  This bassinet was my favorite find.  

Here's the line to check out.