Big Bed!

As Noah has gotten older, I've had this desire to snuggle with him in a bed before he goes to sleep. We typically snuggle in his rocking chair after reading stories, which he loves, but I was wanting to change it up. All summer long I wanted to transition him to a big bed, but with how I was feeling it just didn't happen until yesterday. I am happy to report that his big bed went in without a hitch and he loves it. We were going to go with a double, but we decided to go with a twin bed instead (long story). When we were at Costco we found this cute twin bed with storage (did you hear me...STORAGE!!!) underneath, and it wouldn't take up too much room in his room. 

Last night was night one and I don't have anything adventurous to tell!! He didn't try and get out, and he even slept in an extra 30 minutes. So far the big bed is a huge success, and I got to snuggle with my little man in his big bed!! It was a moment I will never forget. 

Here are a few not so great iphone photos...;)

I look forward to the day when it won't need to be against the wall, and then I can maximize on the storage!! 

It's Happening

We will be a family of four come February! Justin and I are thrilled to rock Noah's little world ;)

You see...the blog and "morning" sickness don't really mesh well. Side note: I would love to know who coined the phrase morning sickness. Mine sure stretches into ALL of the day-suck! This summer has been all about resting and snacking and a lifesaving drug called Zofran. At 7 weeks pregnant the nausea hit full throttle and I couldn't keep a thing down (this was very different from Noah mind you). It was then that I went begging and pleading to the doctor for help. Anyways, you get the picture. Our summer has been drastically different with how I have been feeling. I am getting a little more used to it and thankfully it's not quite as severe. I am still on the Zofran and have really yucky evenings, but I am so grateful for what this sickness means for our family. 

I am thirteen weeks pregnant and beginning to show just a little bit. Noah knows there is a baby in my belly, but other than that he has no clue what is to come...haha! 

Adios for now!

Blackberry Pie

I had never made a pie, until Friday. The whole thought of the homemade crust kept me from trying it. I love baking, but I have always been more of a cookie, cupcake, crisp...kind of gal.  I had always wanted to give it a try, so when Justin suggested we go blackberry picking in our neighborhood I figured this was my chance. He was beyond thrilled at the thought of a pie so I couldn't say no...:)

I searched the internet for tips, read many different recipes, and chatted with my mom about how she made her pies. After reading this pie tutorial and looking at a few different recipes I decided to give it a go! The one decision I kept going back and forth about was the lard/butter ratio. In the end I decided to do a 50/50 mix for some flavor as well as flakiness.

Below is the recipe I completed after picking and choosing what I liked from a few different ones:

The Crust (for a nine inch, two crust pie)

2 ½ cups all purpose flour, sifted
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon sugar (for a fruit pie. Omit sugar for a savory pie.)
1/2 cup cold butter, cut into chunks

1/2 cup cold leaf lard, cut into chunks

1/4 cup cold water

I used the food processor for ease and it worked out really well. I rolled out the dough between two pieces of parchment paper, which was really helpful. I refrigerated the dough for about 30 minutes before rolling it out. I followed the tips from the above tutorial for the crust and it worked out really well.

The Filling

6 cups blackberries
3/4 cup of sugar
3 tablespoons of tapioca for thickening
1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon

After I assembled the pie I dotted the top of the filling with a few tablespoons of butter and splashed a little lemon juice over the top (about half a lemon). I brushed the top with an egg/water wash and then it was ready to go!

There are a few other tips I followed about the cooking time, etc. and they can all be found on the tutorial link above. I found it really helpful! Then again, I am new to all of this :)

Here are a few pictures of the pie! It was really yummy and we already went out and picked more berries to freeze so I can make another one in the near future! At some point I may try a varied crust with a little more lard...I never said this was a healthy pie!! I am the type of dessert person where I go all in and just enjoy! Everything in moderation right?!?!

PS. In the next week or so I will really try to get better about blogging. Check back soon for another post :)

Here are a few pictures of Noah!

Working with Daddy. I love the filthy face!

Blackberry picking

We let it keep growing just for kicks!

Listening to music in the park with Nonni