tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77931665223296328942024-02-19T01:49:02.928-06:00Josh + Ashley = Joshley!est. 6-12-2009Ashley @ ReallyRussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00923151288141626885noreply@blogger.comBlogger115125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793166522329632894.post-78487811313072572782014-05-21T13:40:00.003-05:002014-05-21T13:40:50.766-05:0039 weeks<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5zAMchpqoys/U3zxayYaY1I/AAAAAAAACl4/YVQZA-bfEWo/s1600/photo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5zAMchpqoys/U3zxayYaY1I/AAAAAAAACl4/YVQZA-bfEWo/s1600/photo+2.jpg" height="400" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">hurry up, baby!</span></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How far along:</b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 39 weeks 2 days</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>size of baby: </b>a small watermelon</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Gender:</b> baby boy</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Weight gain: </strong>19 pounds</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Maternity clothes: </strong>lots of leggings and whatever is comfortable. I actually sold what I'm not using anymore to Clothes Mentor. Do I sound ready or what?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Stretch marks:</b> the same</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Belly button in or out: </b>pretty flat...on a positive note, it's easy to clean!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Sleep: </strong>up a lot to switch sides, use the restroom, drink some water, or put in eye drops. I feel like I see every other hour on the clock. Peyton is sleeping better now that my mom is here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Best moment this week: </b>We had a great Mother's day and have enjoyed having my mom here. She's helped me so much with Peyton, laundry, and last minute things for baby. Josh and I got several boxes packed yesterday which is a good feeling. Peyton's last day of school is tomorrow and my Bible study ended on Friday. We made dinner for 2 couples with new babies and got to have Peyton's buddies Jack & Paul over for dinner on Sunday.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Worst moment this week: </strong>Just kind of bummed that he's not here yet.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Miss anything: </strong>not really...our life is kind of crazy with baby coming, Josh finishing intern year, buying a house, preparing to move, and planning a trip to Texas for a wedding. It's stressful but we're excited for new things!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Movement:</b> Baby is very powerful and when he does move, it moves my whole stomach. I enjoy watching it and putting my hands on my belly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Cravings or aversions:</strong> no change. I've been eating a lot of peanut butter M&M's and baked Cheetos lately. I've slowed my roll on Oreo smoothies at the gym. (Even though they always sound good.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Symptoms: </strong>Starting to feel some pain when I walk and I'm having more and more contractions. Just nothing consistent. I try to bounce on my birthing ball a few times a day to get things going. I've also been doing squats and stretching.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Looking forward to: </strong>I'm hopeful we'll have some good news at my appointment on Friday and maybe a holiday weekend baby!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's a few pics from our maternity shoot. I'm so happy we decided to take them!</span><br />
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Ashley @ ReallyRussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00923151288141626885noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793166522329632894.post-57666113781814651072014-05-07T18:56:00.000-05:002014-05-07T18:56:01.629-05:0037 weeks<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rjecbcEz_Jk/U2rHl3j1sSI/AAAAAAAAClY/gTp5qEWj0j0/s1600/Ribbet+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rjecbcEz_Jk/U2rHl3j1sSI/AAAAAAAAClY/gTp5qEWj0j0/s1600/Ribbet+collage.jpg" height="366" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">37 weeks with both boys! (we start Aggie brainwashing early hehe)</span></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How far along:</b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 37 weeks</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>size of baby: </b>a bunch of swiss chard</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Gender:</b> baby boy</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Weight gain: </strong>18 pounds</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Maternity clothes: </strong>seriously whatever is comfortable. My underbelly jeans from Gap aren't working so well anymore. I'm constantly having to pull them up. I refuse to buy any new maternity clothes at this point.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Stretch marks:</b> about the same, I think I'm seeing some new ones above my belly button</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Belly button in or out: </b>borderline sticking out, sensitive</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Sleep: </strong>I'm up every 2 hours or so at this point. My hips are hurting from laying on my side, even with using my preggle pillow.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Best moment this week: </b>Spending time as a family of 3 before baby comes. We went to Chuck e Cheese on Friday afternoon and then decided at the last minute to go to the circus that night. I took Peyton to the park on Saturday and Sunday. It's starting to sink in that his days as an only child are numbered.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Worst moment this week: </strong>nothing really</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Miss anything: </strong>I'm excited to not be pregnant. It will be nice to feel normal again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Movement:</b> He's starting to get hiccups once a day and his movement makes my stomach feel really tight.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Cravings or aversions:</strong> It's pretty much the same. Not really wanting big meals and sweets always sound good.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Symptoms: </strong>some hip pain from when I lay on one side for too long. My back also starts hurting if I stand for too long. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Looking forward to: </strong>My mom coming in town so that I can have some help with Peyton. I'm also excited to have a girls night out tonight!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I ended up being induced with Peyton at 37 weeks. So early in this pregnancy I thought I would be upset or super miserable if I had to go past 37 weeks. Well, here we are and I'm actually fine. I'm not nearly as swollen and I'm not hurting as much as I did with P. I know he'll come when he's ready and the wait will be worth it.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-evIoe3DVcyw/U2fqwsZ3-1I/AAAAAAAACkw/ylVUO5PptvY/s1600/IMG_1231+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-evIoe3DVcyw/U2fqwsZ3-1I/AAAAAAAACkw/ylVUO5PptvY/s1600/IMG_1231+1.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">8 lbs 8 oz newborn Peyton<br />
April 6, 2011</td></tr>
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Ashley @ ReallyRussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00923151288141626885noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793166522329632894.post-31319868724269335602014-04-29T13:24:00.004-05:002014-04-29T13:47:21.897-05:0036 weeks<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z1cI3j6T_JY/U1_tVZpT31I/AAAAAAAACkM/_Z8SCFha6S4/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z1cI3j6T_JY/U1_tVZpT31I/AAAAAAAACkM/_Z8SCFha6S4/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">P loves to stare at himself in the mirror. Also, proof that I'm still working out!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>How far along:</b> 36 weeks</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>size of baby: </b>a honeydew</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Gender:</b> baby boy</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Weight gain: </strong>15 pounds</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Maternity clothes: </strong>I'm wearing <a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=796174012&tid=gppl000001&kwid=1&ap=13&sem=true&mkwid=LFhu842j_dc&adid=Cebqhpg+Nqf&pcrid=29942195618" target="_blank">my leggings</a> or <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=41780&vid=1&pid=818368002" target="_blank">maternity workout capris</a> a lot. Trying to see what I can get away with. Leggings with a long shirt, why not? It covers my butt. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Stretch marks:</b> no new red ones, I need to be better about using the stretch mark cream.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Belly button in or out: </b>borderline sticking out</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Sleep: </strong>It's ok. Who needs sleep anyway, right? I'm glad I finally gave up and just started letting Peyton sleep on a pallet next to our bed. It makes for a better night for all of us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Best moment this week: </b>Since my last update I had my 27th birthday, met with the doctor who will deliver me, fun Easter weekend, took maternity pictures, and got a ton of stuff done on Josh's days off. We even made a trip up to St. Paul to go to the Como Zoo! Peyton had a great time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Worst moment this week: </strong>Lots of emotions lately. I'm lucky to have an understanding hubby that will put up with my mood swings and let me vent.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Miss anything: </strong>I've realized that</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I'm not able to keep up with Peyton like I used to. I feel like he's getting away with more because he can tell I'm not my normal self. Luckily Josh has been home to help me keep him in line. He's a sweet boy, but sometimes he likes to argue or wander away from us in a crowd.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Movement:</b> Lots of kicks and punches and I've started to notice some hiccups.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Cravings or aversions: </strong>My appetite isn't very big anymore. I still have my sweet tooth.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Symptoms: </strong>some pain in my rear and the top of my abs are sore by the end of the day</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Looking forward to: </strong>Hopefully my Dr. will check me today and we'll have some progress! I'd still like to go 2 more weeks because my Mom doesn't get here until May 10. I also can't wait to see how our maternity pics turned out. Lastly, it's looking like everything is going well with our house in West Virginia. Josh and I still feel like we're holding our breath and can't get too excited just yet. We would love some prayers that everything falls into place. </span></div>
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Ashley @ ReallyRussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00923151288141626885noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793166522329632894.post-42907256771316100422014-04-14T10:00:00.000-05:002014-04-14T10:00:00.764-05:0034 weeks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifR-mQygV-64nruwDBmLKRNlNm5tWCxuhx8P4Jgq96ohe521y8Lp0Iaq7kUqYoRjeH3ndd9KydJ_pCaVTSulPavwOu8U1e8zNTIU3Pos99L_LKeblEO7ElSpWxmBUQzCKlWR52aXQMCKsS/s1600/IMG_4895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifR-mQygV-64nruwDBmLKRNlNm5tWCxuhx8P4Jgq96ohe521y8Lp0Iaq7kUqYoRjeH3ndd9KydJ_pCaVTSulPavwOu8U1e8zNTIU3Pos99L_LKeblEO7ElSpWxmBUQzCKlWR52aXQMCKsS/s1600/IMG_4895.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>How far along:</b> 34 weeks</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>size of baby: </b>a butternut squash (I believe it)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Gender:</b> baby boy</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Weight gain: </strong>I'm thinking maybe 12 pounds at this point. I'm meeting the doctor who will deliver me on Friday and will know for sure then.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Maternity clothes: </strong>oh yes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Stretch marks:</b> noticing some new ones around my belly button</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Belly button in or out: </b>very shallow and sensitive</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Sleep: </strong>Still having crazy dreams and waking up once or twice to use the bathroom. I'm making more sound effects when I get out of bed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Best moment this week: </b>Since my last update I passed my 3 hour glucose challenge, my parents came to visit, we had Peyton's 3rd birthday party, finished a 3 session childbirth review class, went to Morgantown to house hunt and we're under contract for our first home!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Worst moment this week: </strong>flying to West Virginia 2 weeks ago was pretty uncomfortable, but worth it to find our house.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Miss anything: </strong>my belly not bumping into everything...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Movement:</b> Tons! You can see it through my clothes. It sometimes takes my breath away.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Cravings or aversions: </strong>I'm eating pretty much everything that bugged me at the beginning of this pregnancy now. Dinner never really sounds good. I'd rather have a power bar or bowl of cereal.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Symptoms: </strong>back and sciatic nerve pain and calf cramps a few nights a week</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Looking forward to: </strong>Meeting Dr. Gil on Friday, Josh having some time off, and working on my massive checklist before the move.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QscksP5gjL8/U0tVhlFmsTI/AAAAAAAACjc/jUe_aiAU6WA/s1600/IMG_4877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QscksP5gjL8/U0tVhlFmsTI/AAAAAAAACjc/jUe_aiAU6WA/s1600/IMG_4877.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>This picture cracks me up. I went to the mall with a friend and her 2 boys the other day. We saw that the Easter bunny was there and decided to say hello. Her boys had no problem sitting by him, but this is where Peyton chose to stand. "Keep your distance, Bunny." lol</i></span><br />
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Ashley @ ReallyRussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00923151288141626885noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793166522329632894.post-86442263530629370842014-03-07T16:52:00.001-06:002014-04-13T22:29:35.276-05:0028 weeks<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--xmoOT_qp1I/UxpKeqzhGqI/AAAAAAAACh4/6_Tqjfkukvo/s1600/IMG_4634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--xmoOT_qp1I/UxpKeqzhGqI/AAAAAAAACh4/6_Tqjfkukvo/s1600/IMG_4634.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ninja Turtle Peyton and me</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>How far along:</b> 28 weeks and 4 days</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>size of baby: </b>an eggplant</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Gender:</b> baby boy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Weight gain: </strong>I'm thinking 11 lbs, but will know for sure at my next Dr. appointment on Tuesday.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Maternity clothes: </strong>all the time...still trying to wear old t-shirts when I lounge around the house and I look kind of silly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Stretch marks:</b> staying the same</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Belly button in or out: </b>starting to get flat</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Sleep: </strong>It's ok. Still waking up with P. When I roll from side to side, it's getting more difficult.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Best moment this week: </b>Going to Madison, WI for Josh's STEP 3 exam. P and I got to swim, shop at a nice mall, visit the Children's museum, and try some fun restaurants. It was a fun little family trip...even though Josh had a 2-day test that was 8 hours each day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Worst moment this week: </strong>P had croup that lasted almost 2 weeks. I hated hearing my little man cough and struggle to breathe. He's finally doing better now. The good news is we have a nebulizer now in case any of us needs a breathing treatment.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Miss anything: </strong>nothing really at the moment. Warmer weather would be nice.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Movement:</b> He's a ninja! Especially when I'm laying down. I forgot how cool it feels.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Cravings or aversions: </strong>Sweet tooth...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Symptoms: </strong>still feeling a few Braxton Hicks each day. I've just started having a little sciatic nerve pain, ouch!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Looking forward to: </strong>my glucose test next week! (NOT, fingers crossed that I don't have to do the 3-hour test as well) But it will be nice to check on baby. I get to take Peyton to a sibling's class on March 17 which will be fun.</span></div>
Ashley @ ReallyRussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00923151288141626885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793166522329632894.post-75949051432651000602014-01-22T14:31:00.003-06:002014-04-13T22:29:48.126-05:0022 weeks<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wjnzlkGFjns/UuAkRwAq8kI/AAAAAAAACeQ/Hgoj6ri_Spk/s1600/IMG_4184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wjnzlkGFjns/UuAkRwAq8kI/AAAAAAAACeQ/Hgoj6ri_Spk/s1600/IMG_4184.jpg" height="400" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Gym selfie! Determined to stay fit this pregnancy.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>How far along:</b> 22 weeks</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>size of baby: </b>a papaya</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Gender:</b> baby boy! (still undecided on name...)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Weight gain: </strong>9 lbs...As mentioned in a previous post, too much Chic-fil-a and Tex Mex while in Texas lol.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Maternity clothes: </strong>oh yeah</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Stretch marks:</b> staying the same</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Belly button in or out: </b>getting very stretched out</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Sleep: </strong>pretty good, with the exception of P waking up in the night</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Best moment this week: </b>the anatomy scan on Monday. I loved every minute, even though it took over an hour since he was so active.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Worst moment this week: </strong>After I dropped Peyton off at preschool, I almost slipped while walking back to my car. Luckily I grabbed my door handle in time. Still not used to the weather up here.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Miss anything: </strong>I've decided that I miss having a glass of wine every now and then.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Movement:</b> lots more than the previous update! He's getting </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">stronger.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Cravings or aversions: </strong>nothing new. Now that I'm back in MN, I've cooked some of our favorite dishes and it's been fine.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Symptoms: </strong>some stomach tightening if I push myself too much with cleaning or carrying Peyton. My Dr. said to listen to my body and drink lots of water.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Looking forward to: </strong>getting back into a routine and buying a few essentials for the new baby</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">hello, sweet baby! (from anatomy scan on 1/20)</span></td></tr>
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Ashley @ ReallyRussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00923151288141626885noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793166522329632894.post-80554606253179014802014-01-06T10:04:00.002-06:002014-01-06T10:04:58.458-06:0020 weeks: Halfway there and an appearance from my future nephew!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Due in late May/early June: Elijah Aaron and baby Russell #2!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>How far along:</b> 20 weeks</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>size of baby: </b>a banana</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Gender:</b> baby boy! (I *think* it's between 2 names, hopefully we can share soon!)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Weight gain: </strong>2 lbs...haven't stepped on the scale for a few days</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Maternity clothes: </strong>yes, with the exception of my black stretchy skinny jeans</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Stretch marks:</b> I've been using </span><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mustela-Stretch-Marks-Double-Action/dp/B002B46H6Y" target="_blank">this cream</a></span><span style="color: black;"> twice a day. I feel like my old stretch marks are itching and you can feel the indentions.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Belly button in or out: </b>starting to look less deep</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Sleep: </strong>hit or miss, still having crazy dreams</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Best moment this week: </b>Seeing Peyton play with his uncles and Josh's parents, and getting to see my sister-in-law Chelsey and her baby bump! We're due 6 days apart and both of us are having boys. They're going to be best buds!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Worst moment this week: </strong>nothing really</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Miss anything: </strong>my husband! We'll be back in Minnesota next Friday. So thankful that he let me have this long trip to Texas before baby comes.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Movement:</b> a little each day, but it's very faint. I know his kicks will only get stronger.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Cravings or aversions: </strong>chex mix sounded awesome the other day and the smell of spinach cooking made me nauseous</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Symptoms: </strong>Itchy stomach and back pain</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Looking forward to: </strong>Soaking up my last few days in Texas. They weather in MN is looking brutal. I've also been reading Baby Wise and I'm excited so far. I hope we can help this baby be a better sleeper.</span></span></div>
Ashley @ ReallyRussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00923151288141626885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793166522329632894.post-88292013349624816082013-12-27T07:30:00.000-06:002013-12-27T09:34:07.625-06:00Five on Friday<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://alizadventures.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGqiVuWk145li8hSBbjUJcx3L9dK9rPP9dpmVd8jBhn5zaXSLxwZdOUqmrOKMcOwTGukB11x5ycv1LlVUSmgyC_73kdzzXjHkmnxHHXidTcTxAwGo57NmLEMbw4cZPIIXskonA-wYty6EX/s320/5+on+Friday+-+logo+option1.jpg" style="background-color: white; border: 0px solid rgb(201, 201, 201); color: #666666; line-height: 22px; padding: 2px;" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">ONE</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's finally here! Today, we're heading up to Palestine, TX to go on the <a href="https://www.texasstaterr.com/polar-express/" target="_blank">East Texas Polar Express Ride</a>. I can't wait to see P's face when he sees "the north pole" and gets a bell from Santa. I'm also curious as to what a Laura Bush cookie is.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">TWO</span></h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">back away dog!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm really happy to be back in Texas. We're catching up on Tex-Mex and Chic-fil-a and loving this weather! It's kind of a zoo with my sister's cat, my mom's 2 cats, and the energetic labradoodle named Nike...but Peyton is enjoying it! They are his buddies.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">THREE</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hello maternity pants! My normal jeans are starting to become uncomfortable. I can't get away with just unbuttoning them when I sit down, because thanks to my pregnancy brain I'll forget and possibly embarrass myself! My mom got me <a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?vid=1&pid=589030002" target="_blank">this pair from Gap</a> and I love them! The demi panel is perfect for this stage of my pregnancy. The color and quality are great too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I also got <a href="http://www.mountain-mama.com/collections/fall-winter-maternity-nursing-apparel/products/topanga-fleece-pant#.Urz3O3lR8Ts" target="_blank">this pair</a> from Mountain Mama. I needed some comfortable pants to wear around the house or to the gym. They're super soft and keep me warm. This brand even has maternity baselayer leggings to go under your pants. They are pretty much the only brand of maternity thermals I could find. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">FOUR</span></h3>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JYOqEiEvtN4/Urz5pspugrI/AAAAAAAACdo/BfVPWm9GcPk/s1600/rocksbox-review-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JYOqEiEvtN4/Urz5pspugrI/AAAAAAAACdo/BfVPWm9GcPk/s1600/rocksbox-review-3.jpg" height="280" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm pretty excited about my Christmas gift from my sister. She got me a 6 month membership to RocksBox. You take a survey and they send you 3 pieces of jewelry based on your interests. It's basically Netflix for designer jewelry. You can send them back whenever you're ready to try new pieces. (but you have to send all 3 back at the same time) If you want to keep a piece in your box, they give you 20% off the retail price. I love jewelry, but I'm also a very indecisive person who gets buyer's remorse. My sis knows me too well. Can't wait to try it out!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">FIVE</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've gotten pretty used to being a stay at home mom. Part of my morning routine is to drink coffee and watch the Today show, while Peyton eats breakfast and plays. Today I saw this video and was in tears! It's the sweetest thing I've ever seen a son do for his mom. And it hits home since I'm going to have two sweet boys. Maybe I need to stop watching the news until my emotions are back to normal...</span><br />
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Ashley @ ReallyRussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00923151288141626885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793166522329632894.post-28442536545805897132013-12-25T18:03:00.001-06:002013-12-25T18:03:43.637-06:00Christmas 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Merry Christmas from the Russells! Sending love and joy to you today and throughout the new year.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">so excited for his "Buh Lighyear bay rocket"</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9dl61e6x1y_z5BialXaIGYf9pwIHUs8eriw1bHSNUQS3mMtpCNKggeh2DZ-rAYzgb1ZRKxyiEHdkVyQv6Fxjek9Qh-HlryEsOOxSDt-gdi5kpcG4592jhB_qnt6yWvACFJr0KhjgHNK-W/s1600/DSC01493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9dl61e6x1y_z5BialXaIGYf9pwIHUs8eriw1bHSNUQS3mMtpCNKggeh2DZ-rAYzgb1ZRKxyiEHdkVyQv6Fxjek9Qh-HlryEsOOxSDt-gdi5kpcG4592jhB_qnt6yWvACFJr0KhjgHNK-W/s1600/DSC01493.JPG" height="472" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Daddy joined in the fun all the way from Minnesota (thankful for technology like this!)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Dnal24i3g8/UrtdB3aNUoI/AAAAAAAACcM/8Ue9x7kEDUU/s1600/IMG_4030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Dnal24i3g8/UrtdB3aNUoI/AAAAAAAACcM/8Ue9x7kEDUU/s1600/IMG_4030.jpg" height="640" width="376" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">brother love! Let's hope this sticks...</span></td></tr>
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<br />Ashley @ ReallyRussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00923151288141626885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793166522329632894.post-4786595839423043352013-12-24T10:00:00.000-06:002013-12-24T10:00:07.325-06:00early Christmas in Minnesota<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On December 19, we celebrated Christmas with Josh before leaving for Texas. Josh got home from Oklahoma City the night before and we started setting up as soon as Peyton went to bed. Earlier that day we went to Target for stocking stuffers and Peyton decided that he needed <a href="http://www.target.com/p/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-rc-control-shellraiser/-/A-14550245#prodSlot=medium_1_3&term=shellraiser" target="_blank">this Ninja Turtle car</a> for Christmas. I had a store associate help me hide it up front so that he wouldn't see it. He had an epic meltdown because he thought we weren't buying. Complete with everyone staring at us, and a store associate coming up to him with a sticker. Nice.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had to wake up at 4:45 am to do Christmas since Josh had to be at work by 6 am. Peyton was SO excited. Before he unwrapped each gift, he said "Is this my Ninja turtle car?" We saved it for last for this reason. Overall, it was a success! P and I went back to sleep until we had to wake up for school.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCXO0n_X6mY7LpCmVyOQe1wYQfGKn1_QtFLkMZPjM4FA7gTJ5skElyNzcnenTNGPGHrXY_uQKdSraeExqPAXrDDnxJbCRizfAeY8-B7LeJNUCL3tCaM7D23KfkTpRBbY8BFvOM8aZZYH1j/s1600/DSC01097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCXO0n_X6mY7LpCmVyOQe1wYQfGKn1_QtFLkMZPjM4FA7gTJ5skElyNzcnenTNGPGHrXY_uQKdSraeExqPAXrDDnxJbCRizfAeY8-B7LeJNUCL3tCaM7D23KfkTpRBbY8BFvOM8aZZYH1j/s1600/DSC01097.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KrYZYcq24ow/UrYXHlYxY0I/AAAAAAAACbQ/z2plTt98hfk/s1600/DSC01100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KrYZYcq24ow/UrYXHlYxY0I/AAAAAAAACbQ/z2plTt98hfk/s1600/DSC01100.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RsoQSFQvAWE/UrYW_4RiK1I/AAAAAAAACbI/XN_36ULA3l8/s1600/DSC01101.JPG" height="426" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">one of his favorite gifts was <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006C0NNGU/ref=wms_ohs_product?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">this stomp rocket</a> (which also happened to be the cheapest!)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisSRoCTrWlwuua0yqBO_PI0UjhnoWDOpX0hsY2MOKZNG1CjDcEXpJ2-0CA1FfWWl3tnYxQnjqw7b9SpNtxveF13T495Kf_mHAwwkMf4rQ868aWe89UL9yG_w39vAc6-p8K5xIu4sfHamdV/s1600/blast+off.jpg" height="296" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">blast off!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrhF1fgK8WLmdAUeO1CF1y4lwmLuvwj9r9BhOWlOYhPyaikSVEOKXw2vrULQFpGpWeOH2xLTuiHjKl5ELnQrhyVKz58lzGbjEoX-8ZJCPCVeirczMkXXm1yyXipZBrzBP0_045PJO4Rw7N/s1600/DSC01137.jpg" height="640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="426" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">yay, Skittles!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Da9GqoTf7i8/UrYXkVNP70I/AAAAAAAACbY/FbXzdOhU_p4/s1600/DSC01144.JPG" height="426" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">...and they're all over the floor. Maybe if I look cute, Mom won't get mad.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wvyCqruKRwE/UrYX2B-chaI/AAAAAAAACbw/NdsWWsULpDU/s1600/DSC01179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wvyCqruKRwE/UrYX2B-chaI/AAAAAAAACbw/NdsWWsULpDU/s1600/DSC01179.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></span></a></div>
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The tractor is a gift from Josh's parents. We procratstinated and had to put it together the night before. Josh started around 9:30 and finished it around 11 pm. I'm so proud of his hard work!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqKtSlVlCZyjBUdBGpOVHtJGojx80a_C8-3f9kGqqGpqmplkBiEpRtrzbFR83vqaohAS7J4FbdUO8KY7soTkS2rg3ZICM47Bve0cFnety621epXYkr_tNOmUeaR6WK94LkbCAVIyn4Fcpg/s1600/DSC01088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqKtSlVlCZyjBUdBGpOVHtJGojx80a_C8-3f9kGqqGpqmplkBiEpRtrzbFR83vqaohAS7J4FbdUO8KY7soTkS2rg3ZICM47Bve0cFnety621epXYkr_tNOmUeaR6WK94LkbCAVIyn4Fcpg/s1600/DSC01088.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">He wanted me to take a picture of him to document his first "Dad job" at Christmas</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdXTScPwBo-_DGfYis7zkkNxTFH3Hn2l0_DTp41E2wWB5WOKFVbVtD1Gze7LLC5VcNxF2ueWlqzbrZHvyR1hdL41Imw9V3Z63CUXJ4tJ5wWXuT7xQGTedHlN5HIW_17OGqe1Q7K4YH-eWZ/s1600/DSC01091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdXTScPwBo-_DGfYis7zkkNxTFH3Hn2l0_DTp41E2wWB5WOKFVbVtD1Gze7LLC5VcNxF2ueWlqzbrZHvyR1hdL41Imw9V3Z63CUXJ4tJ5wWXuT7xQGTedHlN5HIW_17OGqe1Q7K4YH-eWZ/s1600/DSC01091.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">look at those instructions!</span></td></tr>
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<br />Ashley @ ReallyRussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00923151288141626885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793166522329632894.post-90897853624446453122013-12-23T09:30:00.000-06:002013-12-23T09:30:02.524-06:00Menu Monday: Holiday treats edition!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I think that fall is best time of the year to be pregnant! You get Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas…and if you're having an April/May baby like I have, you also get Valentine's Day and Easter. Lots of great food and candy. Last week I had a craving for these peanut butter balls and decided to make two other treats to share with our neighbors.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">*As always, click on the purple link for the recipe.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.twotwentyone.net/2011/12/traditional-christmas-treat-peanut/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Peanut butter balls</span></a></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These were a huge hit! I love that this recipe has Rice Krispies in it for an added crunch. I recommend shaping the balls and then freezing or refridgerating them for a while until firm. I was too impatient to wait and had a hard time dipping them in the chocolate since they were too soft. I dipped some in vanilla almond bark and some in Wilton milk chocolate candy melt.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.thegunnysack.com/2013/11/peppermint-patty-stuffed-ritz-crackers.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Peppermint patty stuffed Ritz crackers</span></a></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I found these on the blog and thought they sounded good. It's a nice combination of salty and sweet. Don't over microwave them or they will melt too much. I thought these were easier to dip than the peanut butter balls.</span><br />
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*The blog that features these is called the Gunny Sack. It's funny because my neighbor uses a gunny sack when her sons have too many toys out. The gunny sack "eats" up the toys and if you behave, he'll give them back. I will probaby be using this tool once the baby is here!</span></div>
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<a href="http://craftingandcooking.wordpress.com/2012/12/17/pretzel-mm-and-candy-cane-kisses/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Pretzel, M&M, & Candy Cane Kisses</span></a></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These are another great combination of salty and sweet. I use butter snaps and they taste great. When we made this batch, Josh and I got busy and forgot they were in the oven! They were a little too soft, but it still worked out. Watch out because it's hard to just eat one :)</span></div>
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Ashley @ ReallyRussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00923151288141626885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793166522329632894.post-75983384781348143222013-12-22T10:00:00.000-06:002013-12-22T11:40:11.689-06:0018 weeks<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Q845m4afho/UrXy1NC7zMI/AAAAAAAACaY/Es0IMONSHcI/s1600/18weeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Q845m4afho/UrXy1NC7zMI/AAAAAAAACaY/Es0IMONSHcI/s1600/18weeks.jpg" height="640" width="540" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>How far along:</b> 18 weeks</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>size of baby: </b>a sweet potato</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Gender:</b> baby boy! (his name still isn't final yet...)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Weight gain: </b>2 lbs (waiting to see what Christmas treats/meals do...one of the cons of being pregnant during this time of year)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Maternity clothes: </b>mainly maternity shirts, with leggings or Denizen jeans from Target</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Stretch marks:</b> It looks like my old ones from P are "brightening" or something...YIKES! I read on a blog that <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002B46H6Y" target="_blank">this cream</a> works well, so I just ordered some from Amazon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Belly button in or out: </b>starting to look less deep</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Sleep: </b>crazy dreams, seriously it feels like "work" to be sleeping...hoping to get more sleep now that I'm in Texas and my Mom will help with night duty. P is getting up most nights around 3 am with bad dreams.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Best moment this week: </b>Seeing family and friends, and eating Tex Mex. I love Lupe Tortilla! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Worst moment this week: </b>the most difficult day was flying to Texas with a toddler in tow. I felt like the little engine that could. I kept thinking "If I can just make it to this point..." The shuttle from Rochester to Minneapolis dropped us off on the curb in the 19<span style="line-height: 16px;">° </span>weather. (with snow, ice, etc.) I had to work quickly to get the car seat out of the shuttle and latched into the travel cart, get P strapped in, and then drag him and our two suitcases (totaling 80 pounds) into the airport. Whew!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Miss anything: </b>having clear thoughts (can't stand pregnancy brain)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Movement:</b> feeling him kick a few times a day</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Cravings or aversions: </b>I told my sister the other day that I was craving a day after Thanksgiving sandwich lol. I don't really have any aversions at the moment. I have a super sense of smell and I can't stand it sometimes. (Yes, man sitting front of me on the plane, I smelled you passing gas and applying your Carmex every 2 minutes.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Symptoms: </b>My back has been sore and I've been more emotional. The song "Mary Did You Know?" came on the radio and I started crying. The line "when you kissed your little baby, you've kissed the face of God." AHHH!! I get goose bumps when I think about it.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Looking forward to: </b>Christmas, of course! Peyton is SO into it this year. Can't wait!</span></div>
Ashley @ ReallyRussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00923151288141626885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793166522329632894.post-22931338193745729892013-12-20T10:30:00.000-06:002013-12-22T11:42:32.867-06:00visiting Santa<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Peyton did a great job visiting Santa this year. Josh and I "talked it up" the entire morning before we went. We tried to tell him how exciting it would be and what to tell him. To our relief, he wasn't scared to go up to Santa. Check out the video below to see how it all went down. (we were laughing because P didn't really want to look at him lol)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm a little sad that we didn't get to take the picture at Bass Pro Shop like the previous years, but I still think it turned out ok. Can you believe how much he's grown?</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9WjPGEp6Hum3sfbj7hdqCT3-QRlpYaaFyw5v8FVxZJ3QO2XcZVd8ZPF2ep0v1xuSpgpb40wGiBog38jikg-OlkEq4_Sw0xorSkvrReb6CmoFlyToyc77ixZUTldzoIwRX01m9-8XgXTmE/s1600/DSC00733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9WjPGEp6Hum3sfbj7hdqCT3-QRlpYaaFyw5v8FVxZJ3QO2XcZVd8ZPF2ep0v1xuSpgpb40wGiBog38jikg-OlkEq4_Sw0xorSkvrReb6CmoFlyToyc77ixZUTldzoIwRX01m9-8XgXTmE/s640/DSC00733.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Let's do this!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLaWqwp-6a8wI-F0SJ_H5ugaHPvS5u2mbAAzE2NEakyy9wL6FEjraQNvGFAw0kxNWgk02EI9azT0NQ4Mp-Hvqje9fSwu5HtWwetNplqHrYHb_hqrZLIDeZSdlUmrjUeckVPfCjm761Fb41/s1600/DSC00742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLaWqwp-6a8wI-F0SJ_H5ugaHPvS5u2mbAAzE2NEakyy9wL6FEjraQNvGFAw0kxNWgk02EI9azT0NQ4Mp-Hvqje9fSwu5HtWwetNplqHrYHb_hqrZLIDeZSdlUmrjUeckVPfCjm761Fb41/s640/DSC00742.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">telling Santa what he wants for Christmas</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RQgIXWN_gRY/Uqon6TU7hfI/AAAAAAAACY8/fHkIoViMRU0/s1600/IMG_1237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RQgIXWN_gRY/Uqon6TU7hfI/AAAAAAAACY8/fHkIoViMRU0/s640/IMG_1237.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">visiting Santa 2011 and 2012…where did my baby go?!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I8w1Hm9okzM/UqonQHSbiTI/AAAAAAAACY0/UkU52vl-r1o/s1600/DSC00745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I8w1Hm9okzM/UqonQHSbiTI/AAAAAAAACY0/UkU52vl-r1o/s640/DSC00745.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">2013</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/jV0ht5_DPmU?rel=0" width="640"></iframe></span>Ashley @ ReallyRussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00923151288141626885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793166522329632894.post-73834361057503890372013-12-18T10:00:00.000-06:002013-12-22T11:42:43.134-06:00The Russell's Christmas Card 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHMB8wG2slYaeTa04noRRjNLXnn2ovgvtMrSsrk6g-KSUfQmieUE5Ef_LppfG1PTwLktZqHsBB807bwPVBXwd4Uuh0LzqmunWSVLRfmiyL_YicmHtXVvlh56ts-R1m3nlxNEua6Ok8rygM/s1600/b9741a2fea55411a83c232aee100fb84.jpg" imageanchor="1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHMB8wG2slYaeTa04noRRjNLXnn2ovgvtMrSsrk6g-KSUfQmieUE5Ef_LppfG1PTwLktZqHsBB807bwPVBXwd4Uuh0LzqmunWSVLRfmiyL_YicmHtXVvlh56ts-R1m3nlxNEua6Ok8rygM/s640/b9741a2fea55411a83c232aee100fb84.jpg" height="457" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sending out Christmas cards is something I look forward to all year long! I like to have our picture finalized before Thanksgiving so that I can order them on Black Friday. With Josh working so much and being gone for interviews, we weren't able to take it as early as I'd like. This photo was taken 5 minutes before our neighbors came over for Thanksgiving. It was freezing outside! (Which is why Peyton didn't want to smile.) My neighbor Kate took a few shots and we ran back inside. Luckily we got a good one!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I ordered the cards from Minted. Not only do they have awesome designs, but they support independent designers. They also printed the addresses on the envelopes for free. Such a time saver! It was easy to do as well. Can't wait to have another little guy in the picture next year :) Enjoy!</span>Ashley @ ReallyRussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00923151288141626885noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793166522329632894.post-81900755657624004212013-12-16T10:00:00.000-06:002013-12-22T11:42:56.669-06:00Menu Monday: It's been a while...<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm hoping to do this more often! If you'd like the dish's recipe, click on the title of the dish above the picture.</span></i><br />
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<a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2010/03/cilantro-lime-shrimp.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Cilantro Lime Shrimp</span></a></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQ0Mgu0UJ7GhVm6SGXBsYVauqKwPTowNtgkS2Wp-6by98IusM6ar7y3xjTCHvf1Zmq6X8wMKTjSaeTXBaoL8kVUM4DV8obeY18jS03rAJYWdOpUZWPd2HBTTiBhm6WFU8hHwDnKTpgBUm/s1600/IMG_2826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQ0Mgu0UJ7GhVm6SGXBsYVauqKwPTowNtgkS2Wp-6by98IusM6ar7y3xjTCHvf1Zmq6X8wMKTjSaeTXBaoL8kVUM4DV8obeY18jS03rAJYWdOpUZWPd2HBTTiBhm6WFU8hHwDnKTpgBUm/s400/IMG_2826.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Served with roasted broccoli and cauliflower. This dish is a huge favorite! It has such great flavor and is low in calories. Will be making again soon.</span><br />
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<a href="http://couponconnections.com/my-dinner-was-yummy-and-i-had-to-share-asian-turkey-lettuce-wraps/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Asian Turkey Lettuce Wraps</span></a></h3>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sI0Oc-ra9S8/UqjZNfFl4II/AAAAAAAACWA/aBQn9_AvGPU/s1600/IMG_2935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sI0Oc-ra9S8/UqjZNfFl4II/AAAAAAAACWA/aBQn9_AvGPU/s400/IMG_2935.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We first found this recipe when doing the Advocare 24 day challenge in August. We put our own flare on it by topping them with sriracha sauce and toasted sesame seeds. So delicious!</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2013/04/mediterranean-quinoa-salad.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Mediterranean Quinoa Salad</span></a></h3>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tD5YQFgdLVI/UqjZRId9MPI/AAAAAAAACWU/mvTYWd76hlQ/s1600/IMG_2950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tD5YQFgdLVI/UqjZRId9MPI/AAAAAAAACWU/mvTYWd76hlQ/s400/IMG_2950.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Josh and I were blown away by this dish. I think I said "mmmm" after every bite! Lots of fun ingredients with great flavor. We topped with shrimp for more protein.</span></div>
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<a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2013/01/perfect-potato-soup/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Pioneer Woman's Perfect Potato Soup</span></a></h3>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NH2cFVUFIyI/UqjZ50Qey6I/AAAAAAAACWk/349Y5YShtMo/s1600/IMG_3867.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NH2cFVUFIyI/UqjZ50Qey6I/AAAAAAAACWk/349Y5YShtMo/s400/IMG_3867.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My Mee Mee has been texting me about potato soup, so I had to make it and satisfy my craving for it. I followed the pioneer woman's recipe since she makes it so easy to follow. We used a stick blender and it worked just fine. I top mine with cheetos and Josh prefers cheez-its. Perfect for the cold weather we've had up here! (Mr. P was enjoying an apple.)</span></div>
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<a href="http://couponconnections.com/recipe-sweet-potato-skillet-hash-with-spinach/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Sweet Potato Skillet Hash with Spinach</span></a></h3>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RD1o2NhgWgA/Uqjaiu9a2iI/AAAAAAAACW0/QzJ2BrTxfxU/s1600/IMG_3550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RD1o2NhgWgA/Uqjaiu9a2iI/AAAAAAAACW0/QzJ2BrTxfxU/s400/IMG_3550.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is another 24 day challenge recipe that I would consider clean eating. Josh said that he would have preferred red potatoes. I thought the sweet potatoes were interesting and the flavor was unique, but I don't think we'll make this again.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/black-bean-tamale-pie" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Black Bean Tamale Pie</span></a></h3>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hhTXZJbR4pM/UqjaiRW3Z_I/AAAAAAAACWw/L2CU4Ptq7eU/s1600/IMG_3582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hhTXZJbR4pM/UqjaiRW3Z_I/AAAAAAAACWw/L2CU4Ptq7eU/s400/IMG_3582.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Love this dish! I've made it a handful of times. We like to make our own "tamale" portion by using cornmeal instead of a cornbread mix. I googled a standard cornbread recipe and didn't use sugar. We liked it much better this way. It's a fun change up of our standard taco salad Tuesday. Try it!</span>Ashley @ ReallyRussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00923151288141626885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793166522329632894.post-30459646494428403652013-12-14T10:00:00.000-06:002013-12-22T11:43:29.509-06:00Discover the Dinosaurs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LsvWQfnl4jg/UqjUwbLuaWI/AAAAAAAACUI/s8KiduxlIno/s1600/DSC00782.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LsvWQfnl4jg/UqjUwbLuaWI/AAAAAAAACUI/s8KiduxlIno/s400/DSC00782.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last week we went to Discover the Dinosaurs at the Mayo Civic Center. I was a little hesitant to go because of the price, but I'm so glad we went! Not only were there lifelike dinosaurs to check out, there was a dino dig, inflatables, miniature golf, a dinosaur ride, and more. I'm so proud of Peyton. He wasn't scared at all! The dinosaur sounds were loud and it was dark in some parts of the exhibit. Let's just say there were lots of upset children there. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFT8GgR7l74JgSy1PSmUOv0NtLWBVbkQf4Vo1gly1ORCURUpOPGStLmWrrmeFs2hLdmD2vaVNsU7DytMBo6fY4bpEQ9x42wsQDIvIsFO0fJFf1AhaOwreVkZDHgIAne4s3wZRyNPSz4lr8/s1600/DSC00777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFT8GgR7l74JgSy1PSmUOv0NtLWBVbkQf4Vo1gly1ORCURUpOPGStLmWrrmeFs2hLdmD2vaVNsU7DytMBo6fY4bpEQ9x42wsQDIvIsFO0fJFf1AhaOwreVkZDHgIAne4s3wZRyNPSz4lr8/s400/DSC00777.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">digging for bones</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ttkq5wopVUo/UqjUzaOUQ0I/AAAAAAAACUU/mmSsS_2WSkE/s1600/DSC00788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ttkq5wopVUo/UqjUzaOUQ0I/AAAAAAAACUU/mmSsS_2WSkE/s320/DSC00788.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">hitching a ride</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aPobyCuISHQ/UqjUp8XornI/AAAAAAAACTw/BDV1s5M1S20/s1600/DSC00769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aPobyCuISHQ/UqjUp8XornI/AAAAAAAACTw/BDV1s5M1S20/s320/DSC00769.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">P got to push buttons to make them roar or move</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jet3D9SXm_Y/UqjU6DS96DI/AAAAAAAACUk/x0V4ohz8mow/s1600/DSC00792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jet3D9SXm_Y/UqjU6DS96DI/AAAAAAAACUk/x0V4ohz8mow/s400/DSC00792.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">all smiles</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">static hair!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">scary alligator slide</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">P and his buddy Kason (too busy to smile)</span></td></tr>
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Ashley @ ReallyRussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00923151288141626885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793166522329632894.post-33308581990722541762013-12-13T00:00:00.000-06:002013-12-22T11:44:13.519-06:00Five on Friday<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm so proud of myself for making the cake pops for our gender reveal! I followed <a href="http://www.topsecretrecipes.com/starbucks-birthday-cake-pops-recipe.html" target="_blank">this recipe</a> and used chocolate candy melts instead of pink. To dye the cake batter I used Wilton's icing gel. I read online that this would work great in dying icing or cake batter. Peyton had fun helping me dip them in the chocolate. Apparently I made them pretty big, because it made 20 instead of 36. I gave most of them away to Peyton's teachers and friends. They are dangerous to have around your house ;) If you ever decide to make them, Wal-mart has all of the supplies! And for better prices than Michael's.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Loved seeing my sweet little boy's profile on Monday! I'm so curious to see what he will look like.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is a public service announcement! Go download SnipSnap to your iPhone ASAP! If you're anything like me, you can't STAND to go somewhere without a coupon. (Bed Bath & Beyond, Babies R Us, Michaels, Dick's Sporting Goods, etc.) With this app, you can upload your coupons or "clip" coupons that other people have uploaded. It's been successful every time I've used it at the register. The coupons have a popularity ranking which is helpful to know if it works or not. If you upload your own coupons, it will even remind you before one expires so you don't forget to use it! So cool. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So I know I'm late to the party, but Downton Abbey is my new favorite show! My neighbor told me about it and I decided to start watching it one day when Josh was working nights. I was hooked! I had watched all 3 seasons for free on Amazon Instant Video in just a few short weeks. I even brought my iPad to the gym and watched it while doing the elliptical machine. Season 4 starts in January and I cannot wait to watch!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We leave for Texas in a week! Eek! So much to do to get ready. Can't wait to see family and friends…AND be in warmer weather. I feel more prepared for this flight and bought a few new travel essentials:</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wKjCpQaOxVY/Uqk5LU-QWdI/AAAAAAAACXY/DqroJATf7yk/s1600/Britax-Car-Seat-Travel-Cart-lifestyle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wKjCpQaOxVY/Uqk5LU-QWdI/AAAAAAAACXY/DqroJATf7yk/s400/Britax-Car-Seat-Travel-Cart-lifestyle.jpg" height="250" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Britax-Seat-Travel-Cart-Black/dp/B005CNEQK0" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Britax Car Seat Travel Cart</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So glad that Peyton will be in a car seat when we take the shuttle to the MSP airport. With this, I won't have to bring a stroller as well. (totally necessary when you travel with a curious little boy!) </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CWVYMI/ref=ox_ya_os_product" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jeep Car Seat Travel Bag</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've read that if you're going to fly with a car seat, then protecting it with a cover is a must! The Britax cover was too expensive. So after reading the reviews I went with this one. </span></div>
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Ashley @ ReallyRussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00923151288141626885noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793166522329632894.post-68869101048473599752013-12-12T10:00:00.000-06:002013-12-22T11:44:32.221-06:00Minnesota lately...<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm reminded on a daily basis that I'm not "in Texas anymore." Whenever I open my mouth to speak, whether it be at the gym or a restaurant, the average response is "Where is your accent from?" Hilarious!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yesterday at my Side by Side Christmas party I overheard a girl from Iowa say "there's the United States and then there's Texas. Know what I mean?" I started laughing and she said to me, "Wouldn't you agree?" Not really sure about that! She's a super sweet new mom that always makes us laugh, so I know she didn't mean it rudely. I think it's interesting to live outside of Texas and see what people think about it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There's also the snow. Maybe this should have been it's own post. I'm a total rookie when it comes to this weather! I heard some people at the gym say that this is a particularly cold December. Awesome. My neighbor moved here from California around the same time as us, so it's nice to have another newbie to complain with. Today she told me that she hates how it sounds driving on snow. It kind of sound like you're driving on styrofoam.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My poor little Peyton. He's not too sure about the weather too! But he knows more about how to dress for the cold than I do. The teachers sing this song to his class while they get dressed for recess:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We're also learning how to "winterize" our skin. Your hands and lips get pretty chapped up here. Poor P gets really rosy cheeks if he goes outside for too long. I've found that Aquaphor or Vanicream work really well. We're also having to deal with static hair from wearing hats and scarves. This causes you to shock things when you touch. P thinks its funny when that happens.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My other neighbor is a native of Minnesota. She has been so sweet to help prepare us for winter. Yesterday she sent me a text that made me laugh. It's currently 1<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;">° outside and the windchill feels like -</span><span style="background-color: white;">20</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">°. I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around that! We're supposed to get some warm weather soon…maybe it will feel like I'm in Texas?</span></span></span></div>
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Ashley @ ReallyRussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00923151288141626885noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793166522329632894.post-79121422560729358312013-12-11T14:59:00.000-06:002013-12-22T11:44:49.051-06:0016 weeks with baby #2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>How far along:</b> 16 weeks 2 days</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b style="color: #444444;">size of baby: </b><span style="color: #444444;">an avocado</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Gender:</b> a sweet boy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Weight gain: </b>2 lbs </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Maternity clothes: </b>Some, but I mainly wear comfy leggings and stretch jeans from Target. I went ahead and unpacked all of my maternity clothes and put away my summer clothes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Stretch marks:</b> no, but I got them towards the end with P</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Belly button in or out: </b>no change</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Sleep: </b>up a lot to go to the restroom or to switch sides with <a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11745820&mr:referralID=606ad51f-552d-11e3-9104-001b2166c62d&cagpspn=plab_10516212&camp=PLAPPC-_-PID10516212&KPID=10516212" target="_blank">my Preggle pillow</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b style="color: #444444;">Best moment this week: </b><span style="color: #444444;">finding out what baby #2 is</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Worst moment this week: </b> Sorry for the TMI, but peeing when I cough or sneeze :( Ahh! Josh thinks it's hilarious. I follow another mama's blog and she had the same thing happen to her!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Miss anything: </b>sleeping on my stomach</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Movement:</b> maybe some flutters? Not sure.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Cravings or aversions: </b>Carbs always sound good to me. I'm currently grossed out by sweet potatoes, mushrooms, and the smell of raw meat cooking.<b> </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Symptoms: </b>fullness/soreness in my lower stomach, sore chest, some mood swings (sorry Joshie!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b>Looking forward to: </b>Finalizing a name and listening to baby's hearbeat. I got</span><span style="color: #444444;"> </span><a href="http://www.clinicalguard.com/id/sonoline-b-handheld-pocket-fetal-doppler--p-174.html?kw=%7Bkeyword%7D&gclid=CN2f2PS94roCFdJj7AodEVcALw" target="_blank">this pocket doppler</a><span style="color: #444444;"> in the mail and I love it! Peyton is really into it as well.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5aUxnKtr1y8/UqjP0JfOUpI/AAAAAAAACTE/Uk43OGGm__M/s1600/DSC00869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5aUxnKtr1y8/UqjP0JfOUpI/AAAAAAAACTE/Uk43OGGm__M/s400/DSC00869.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">He wanted to lay by me while we did the gender scan. So cute :)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5IgPos76ukA/UqjQr6yyKRI/AAAAAAAACTY/XwoSlEmVSD0/s1600/IMG_3883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5IgPos76ukA/UqjQr6yyKRI/AAAAAAAACTY/XwoSlEmVSD0/s320/IMG_3883.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">blue cake pop! (and God bless America! He love his flag.)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kLoqjSkbCXY/UqjQzUnnURI/AAAAAAAACTk/ye1VxuxEbX0/s1600/boy1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kLoqjSkbCXY/UqjQzUnnURI/AAAAAAAACTk/ye1VxuxEbX0/s400/boy1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Our elf, "Christmas" joined in the celebration!</span></td></tr>
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<a class="comment-link" href="http://littlebabygarvin.blogspot.com/2013/11/17-weeks.html#comment-form" style="background-color: white; color: #f62f57; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 12px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;"></a><br />Ashley @ ReallyRussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00923151288141626885noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793166522329632894.post-52368079619367084582013-11-24T10:15:00.000-06:002013-12-22T11:45:03.267-06:00Peyton's Buddy Jackson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Back in March, we noticed that there we had neighbors moving into the house behind us. Our townhouse was built up high, so if you looked out from our porch you could see into their yard. One day while playing outside with Peyton, Josh introduced himself to them. Megan and Chauncey had just moved to San Antonio from Oklahoma City for Chauncey's job. They have an adorable little boy named Jackson, who Peyton clicked with right away. The next day, Josh asked if we could have their boxes since we had an upcoming move. They gladly gave them to us. If we hadn't asked, the moving service would have picked them up the next day. What a blessing to us! Boxes are expensive.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We know that God put this family into our lives at the right time. Even though it was a few short months, I know we will keep in touch. I see family vacations together in our future! </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">sweet little buddy</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">our first time having them over for dinner (I love the way they look at each other!)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Future Aggie brothers! (while his parents were on date night, the Russells began the brainwashing...I mean let him borrow Peyton's pajamas and dressed Peyton in his matching pair) </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKXnQOL63ZPChr5mwuQPqGrD4lssHR_-k4Qh8dBILd8rwwtjATCvF3Iah-T6n2D0SVqb-CELfbvY2ZFFpLxC0E28sWsOTEW_5raMBFsZG1YUqgiLB2y7ip7D9twldRhSN8yESo2za0XiS4/s1600/IMG_1733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKXnQOL63ZPChr5mwuQPqGrD4lssHR_-k4Qh8dBILd8rwwtjATCvF3Iah-T6n2D0SVqb-CELfbvY2ZFFpLxC0E28sWsOTEW_5raMBFsZG1YUqgiLB2y7ip7D9twldRhSN8yESo2za0XiS4/s320/IMG_1733.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">having fun at Beto's</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">they spent lots of time in the corn pool</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">more corn pool fun</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhOBOdUAutmNPIzu9if1zQ9oXF-z8D_wrapHiqiuLmG8jpTX8e64aXjkMz27jOkS8YCq6i4PmXHCzFiJssBDdRmk_tHDx3YmPuvsiFnNsv_DHwYeaCHJInqS303BFN6IL0K-v8LIAmJSE/s1600/IMG_2047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhOBOdUAutmNPIzu9if1zQ9oXF-z8D_wrapHiqiuLmG8jpTX8e64aXjkMz27jOkS8YCq6i4PmXHCzFiJssBDdRmk_tHDx3YmPuvsiFnNsv_DHwYeaCHJInqS303BFN6IL0K-v8LIAmJSE/s400/IMG_2047.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">last time hanging out, the day we left San Antonio</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;">Happy 2nd birthday Jackson! We miss you :)</span><br />
<br />Ashley @ ReallyRussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00923151288141626885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793166522329632894.post-77665070964323416732013-09-13T14:04:00.001-05:002013-09-13T14:04:33.055-05:00my poor little blog!Hi there! Sorry for the lack of posts. August was a crazy month! Peyton had a virus that lingered for almost 2 weeks. We also started school and our new Bible study. I'm currently working on some posts...come back soon! Also, you'll notice we have a new blog name and a design in the works. Happy Friday!Ashley @ ReallyRussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00923151288141626885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793166522329632894.post-59978086923272807942013-08-05T10:00:00.000-05:002013-08-05T10:00:09.166-05:00Menu Monday: a tale of two leftovers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last week we had more company in town! Josh's Mom, Dad, and youngest brother made the drive up here and stayed a few days. It's SO nice to see family. (be looking for a few posts on their visit) They were awesome and brought us HEB marinated fajitas, HEB tortillas, and green tabasco. While they were in town, we grilled twice and ate out a few times. After they left, we still had a ton of fajitas leftover, so I set out to reuse the meat. I love a good challenge! (click on the blue title above the dish's picture to link to the recipe)</div>
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First up was the chicken...</div>
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Another successful dish! I loved that it was all done in one pan and you didn't have to boil the pasta. I used the homemade salsa that Josh's Mom made and a can of hot enchilada sauce. Josh tasted it before me and his eyes lit up "Yum that's spicy!" (he's a hot head when it comes to food...I'm going to find the video of him doing a spicy wing challenge one day) It really was spicy though. I ended up putting a little low fat sour cream in mine and it helped a bit. It tasted really good with the grilled fajita chicken.<br />
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Next was the carnitas...</div>
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This was a little more challenging. We originally grilled the carnitas and then sliced it. Turns out that the HEB package of carnitas are not pre-marinated. I wanted it to be more like traditional shredded carnitas so I followed <a href="http://ourfullplate.com/recipes/paleo-mexican-makeover-leftover-pork-carnitas/">this recipe</a>, along with a 12 oz can of beer and 1/2 cup of orange juice in the crockpot for 3.5 hours. When there was 30 minutes left on the crockpot, I started making the cornbread portion of the pie. It's a fairly simple recipe to follow. I accidentally used a can of diced jalapeños instead of diced chiles, but it still turned out great. The carnitas turned out really flavorful and were delicious on top of the tamale pie.<br />
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You know it's a good meal when your husband says, "can't wait for you to make that again." Hooray for both being a successful leftover makeover! (try saying that 5 times...)Ashley @ ReallyRussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00923151288141626885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793166522329632894.post-65002693511648875012013-07-30T10:00:00.000-05:002013-12-12T12:24:02.881-06:00first daysI know this is cliche, but it feels like med school flew by! It was a tough road and I'm so proud of Josh's accomplishments. Now he's already finished his first month on intern year! Time to look back on some firsts...<br />
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<b>Med School at a glance</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> July 26, 2009 July 12, 2010 June 20, 2011 (P, 11 weeks) June 25, 2012 (P, 14 months)</td></tr>
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So much has changed over the past 4 years. We went from newlyweds living in a brand new city, to parents that took the plunge to move out of state. The Lord has certainly blessed us, and I'm excited for what He has in store.<br />
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<b>Residency Orientation</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">June 17, 2013<br />
(Peyton, asleep...it was 7 am!)</td></tr>
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Ashley @ ReallyRussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00923151288141626885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793166522329632894.post-7424923158143666272013-07-29T10:00:00.000-05:002013-08-01T17:36:33.029-05:00Menu Monday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you'd like the recipe, you can click on the title of the dish above the picture. It will link you to where I found it. Before I begin, I need to announce that I will have a new blog name soon. It was brought to my attention that Russell Corner is also the name of an inappropriate book :( {tread lightly if you must see for yourself...gross!} If you have any name ideas <i>please</i> let me know!</div>
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<a href="http://www.glamhungrymom.com/2013/05/quinoa-fried-rice.html">Chicken Quinoa Fried Rice</a></h3>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MfNmfLSfAik/UfLOt2H36cI/AAAAAAAACJU/BZ_aE1d3K68/s1600/IMG_2647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MfNmfLSfAik/UfLOt2H36cI/AAAAAAAACJU/BZ_aE1d3K68/s400/IMG_2647.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm on a quinoa roll lately! Fried rice is a guilty pleasure of mine, so if it can be healthy then sign me up. Very easy to make and I actually cooked the quinoa in my rice cooker. Next time I will double it so we can have more leftovers. I kind of want to get a wok, too.<br />
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<a href="http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/2008/09/apple-cheddar-and-turkey-meatballs.html">Apple, Cheddar, Turkey Meatballs</a></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4GLF-2YC7hwLUW54X3lgTDADyR_YSmXVmCAho3YogokvqQcl4L8jJsTWgLvw2oHF0cJCE53C9f_cfAUXkZkT8eHC04EH-6Gz9S1vLdWrahh3ARZuxDgKCX5HJ5cFl-Lv0E0aOTb7a5Xi4/s1600/IMG_2663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4GLF-2YC7hwLUW54X3lgTDADyR_YSmXVmCAho3YogokvqQcl4L8jJsTWgLvw2oHF0cJCE53C9f_cfAUXkZkT8eHC04EH-6Gz9S1vLdWrahh3ARZuxDgKCX5HJ5cFl-Lv0E0aOTb7a5Xi4/s400/IMG_2663.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I've been making these since 2009. I've made them in the crockpot and the oven, but I prefer the oven since it's quicker. We tried two new things this time: we browned them in a pan before putting them in the oven and shredded the apple with a cheese grater according to the recipe. (for some reason I would just cube the apple into small pieces..I guess I didn't read the recipe right, oops.) Both of these improved the recipe! I use Craisins as I haven't been able to find unsweetened, dried cranberries. I would double this as well since Peyton likes them.<br />
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<a href="http://www.glamhungrymom.com/2012/04/pesto-mozzarella-chicken-with-sweet.html">pesto mozzarella chicken with sweet potatoes</a> {crockpot meal}</h3>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b4zDo1ZeNtA/UfLOtQAH7zI/AAAAAAAACJI/k_5KzsccprE/s1600/IMG_2669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b4zDo1ZeNtA/UfLOtQAH7zI/AAAAAAAACJI/k_5KzsccprE/s400/IMG_2669.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This recipe was so easy. Everything (except the salad) gets layered in the crockpot. You can put it on in the morning and forget about it. We used thin chicken breasts, so I'm glad I didn't cook it for the full 7 hours. The original recipe on <a href="http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/2009/07/slow-cooker-pesto-chicken-and-sweet.html">crockpot365</a> says you can use chicken thighs. </div>
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<a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Salmon-with-Sweet-Chili-Glaze-Sugar-Snap-Peas-and-Pea-Tendrils-358190">sweet chili glazed salmon</a> and <a href="http://1cupawesome.com/crispy-gnocchi-pesto-with-tomatoes-and-goat-cheese/">crispy gnocchi</a></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBu8yPs1uznkivkSM6y_xWujewuPj4mc-eHNJkJePTEZ8mS7uuJcUGvNhjVLpanN8PK1MS5HXVpP6u-ojtrgjWZuYuH9xoD6mPu-S1dVL6D-LUioNrlHZU56rppIHZ9EMfnvOW94mQ2qkB/s1600/IMG_2693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBu8yPs1uznkivkSM6y_xWujewuPj4mc-eHNJkJePTEZ8mS7uuJcUGvNhjVLpanN8PK1MS5HXVpP6u-ojtrgjWZuYuH9xoD6mPu-S1dVL6D-LUioNrlHZU56rppIHZ9EMfnvOW94mQ2qkB/s400/IMG_2693.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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These are both repeats from the past month. We seared the salmon in a skillet with olive oil. (we'll try coconut oil next time) Then we put the glaze on top. The gnocchi is so good that Josh requested it again. Yes it was an Asian dish with an Italian side, but we just went with it.</div>
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oriental chicken salad</h3>
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This dish has a funny back story. In med school, we would babysit each others kids to save money and also because we trusted our friends. Before Peyton was born, we watched Lindsay's twins and she made us this salad for dinner. I randomly thought about it recently and sent her a text for the recipe. She had <i>just</i> made it two days before! Great minds think alike :)</div>
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Cabbage mix</div>
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2 chicken breasts</div>
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1 green onion</div>
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2 tbsp sesame seeds</div>
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1/4 c slivered almonds</div>
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1 pack of Ramen noodles, break up noodles - don't cook (I used chicken but want to try oriental or a spicy one)</div>
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Dressing:</div>
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1/2 c veg oil</div>
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3 tbsp vinegar (we used rice wine vinegar...whatever you have on hand)</div>
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3 tbsp sugar</div>
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1 tsp salt</div>
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1 seasoning packet from the Ramen noodles</div>
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The chicken: I sprayed nonstick cooking spray in the pot and placed the chicken at the bottom. I covered it with water, put a pinch of salt and a few shakes of apple cider vinegar. Once it came to a boil, I turned the heat down to a simmer and covered the pot. Simmer for about 15 minutes. Cut into cubes. This is technically poached chicken and it's super easy. I liked how tender it was.</div>
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While the chicken cooks, roast the almonds and sesame seeds in the oven until light brown. Prepare the green onion by slicing it thin. Mix all of the dressing ingredients into a salad dressing shaker.</div>
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Build your salad with the cabbage mix, cubed chicken, green onions, broken noodles, almonds and sesame seeds, pour dressing on top and toss. We added a drizzle of Sriracha sauce to ours. YUM! This salad is so easy to make and has lots of flavor. Thanks for sharing, Linz!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHcurTdG005b2yB7oTyTCcPo00wUE24_XJj000r8n9tZvbAsVp2qG1y9EMCqe5TTtOzV3o88i4CMZ62glXfZXp975zLBtPQqrXFRFguGy1S0ypqusdB8bedNMwrZ0RZZ7m8H13AKMLmVQ/s1600/7192_sriracha28oz__05971.1313618126.1280.1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHcurTdG005b2yB7oTyTCcPo00wUE24_XJj000r8n9tZvbAsVp2qG1y9EMCqe5TTtOzV3o88i4CMZ62glXfZXp975zLBtPQqrXFRFguGy1S0ypqusdB8bedNMwrZ0RZZ7m8H13AKMLmVQ/s200/7192_sriracha28oz__05971.1313618126.1280.1280.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Ashley @ ReallyRussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00923151288141626885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793166522329632894.post-3112420001273870112013-07-28T10:00:00.000-05:002013-07-28T10:00:00.692-05:00touring the Mayo Clinic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
During my Mom's trip here, Josh showed us around his new stomping grounds. It was my first time to explore Mayo, so I was really looking forward to it. I love seeing how passionate he is about this place. He learned the history behind Mayo at orientation and was a great tour guide.</div>
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We started out in the Plummer building, which was built in the 1920's. The architecture and design is beautiful. We toured the library and walked through a small museum that is centered around Dr. Mayo's son's office.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjErPw8oV1IrhAQmbKiNyIwgkZ96m075l4SChzkypOxJMRDCHH9sG92a5Kzhjo56jt9iRG4aKwrL4FiSC1Z81LH_BtH7t6cteq4faTkkELVSXRvIk1NktBfadRoNTgjWWPOURWXq6h_mErh/s1600/mayo3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjErPw8oV1IrhAQmbKiNyIwgkZ96m075l4SChzkypOxJMRDCHH9sG92a5Kzhjo56jt9iRG4aKwrL4FiSC1Z81LH_BtH7t6cteq4faTkkELVSXRvIk1NktBfadRoNTgjWWPOURWXq6h_mErh/s640/mayo3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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From there we went to the Gonda building which, to me, is the "face" of Mayo. They have a beautiful "wave wall" of windows and blown glass chandeliers by a famous artist named Dale Chihuly. Next to the wave wall, there is a piano that anyone is welcome to play. It reminded me of the flag room at Texas A&M. All of Mayo's buildings can be reached by an underground "subway" of tunnels. I guess they are necessary due to the winters here.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sMoyiOR3c5A/UfS77pjif8I/AAAAAAAACKw/yZe3VX8f_yo/s1600/_DSC7638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sMoyiOR3c5A/UfS77pjif8I/AAAAAAAACKw/yZe3VX8f_yo/s640/_DSC7638.jpg" width="438" /></a></div>
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Later that week, we brought lunch to Josh at St. Mary's Hospital. It is the oldest of the two hospitals affiliated with Mayo. It was founded in 1889 by the Sisters of St. Francis with the intention that Dr. Mayo and his sons would provide care. Josh said we had to see the chapel there. It is breathtaking. It can seat 400 if that gives you a better perspective. We didn't stay long because Peyton was feeling adventurous.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U-uiab5FrPM/UfS4nBDvhCI/AAAAAAAACKM/03IbViNEPbY/s1600/mayo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="587" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U-uiab5FrPM/UfS4nBDvhCI/AAAAAAAACKM/03IbViNEPbY/s640/mayo2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peyton kept saying "Hi Dr. Daddy!"</td></tr>
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Ashley @ ReallyRussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00923151288141626885noreply@blogger.com0