Greer is here!!

My sweet niece was born early on May 7th (just one day after her due date and in time for Mother's Day) and weighed in at 7 pounds and 6 ounces. Maura actually managed to go home from the hospital the next day and we were able to meet GREER that night. It sure made me realize how much Charlie has grown because she seemed so little and light to hold.  I also realized how much Pat and I have learned in these last months...I felt so confident picking her up. 

How adorable is she!?

It was great to see Maura and Mike with their little girl and I can't wait to see the three of them again soon.  Charlie is so lucky to have this little gal as his first cousin.  I love that Paul and Kate gained a grandson and a grandaughter in just a couple months too! 
XOXO

*Because we hit the road for TN around 5 AM the morning after meeting Greer, I never got to post these pictures until now.  As promised, more blog posts coming soon. 

Recent Happenings

This was meant to post while we were in Nashville (I thought it worked, hmmm) but that obviously didn't happen...trying again...

1. Charlie went to a birthday party. A work friend of mine's son turned one.  I arrived at this banquet hall down in Monmouth Junction, NJ to quite the party.

There was face painting, a clown making balloon animals, a bar, a tiered cake, appetizer stations with servers...

 and 200 people!

 Charlie was the life of the party, as you can see!

2.  My friend Devon came out to meet Charlie today.  She brought us a tasty meal, a yummy dessert, and gorgeous roses for me.  We walked the neighborhood and got caught up.  It was so great to see her!!

3. Charlie has been working out a lot with his gym.  :o) He is definitely reaching up and grabbing for things.  He gets ahold of them accidentally at times, but he sure can grip them.

4. (and best of all!) My niece was born!!!!! Pictures soon.

T is for Tennessee

We just got back from a nice long trip to Nashville. We took off very early the morning after Mother's Day and managed to drive the entire way in one day. It's a long trip as is, but with a baby it obviously took longer, due to those necessary bottle/burp/change diaper needs. Luckily Charlie slept a lot, but the last hour was pretty bad and we were feeling mighty guilty about him being in the car seat for so long. We decided that the return trip would be done in two days. We ended up staying at a Hampton Inn in Christiansburg, VA, roughly halfway. Breaking the trip up almost made it seem like a longer drive...anyhow, it's good to be back home and out of the car. Hopefully that was Charlie's last 10+ hour car trip for a while! 

A few pictures:

Charlie had the best time being spoiled by his Mimi and Papa. 

Is that bed big enough for you, CQ?  (he slept great in his pack n play at the hotel...speaking of sleeping, thankfully he is sleeping longer periods of time during the night, woohoo)

:o) Of course I have plenty of catching up to do on the blog.  Expect several more posts soon!

Daddy Time

Charlie has been enjoying some time with his Pops lately, so without further ado, here are the pictures.

Pecan Chicken

I made a quick and tasty chicken dish the other night.  I saw it on Claire Robinson's Five Ingredient Fix show.  Recipe here.  I first ground up some pecans in my new coffee grinder and then mixed in some panko bread crumbs.  The chicken was marinating in buttermilk about an hour at this point.

Then the chicken is coated in the pecan/breadcrumb mixture and gets a "shallow fry" in vegetable oil.  So not deep fried, but it still has that nice and crispy fried taste.

 Golden brown!

Served up with some wild rice and a mozzarella and tomato salad (yes, not a true veggie, but oh well)

I used some balsamic and also a fancy olive oil Elizabeth brought us back from Argentina.

The chicken was very good and juicy but I am not sure how much I could taste the pecans...but, it was quick and easy so I'd do it again.

Big Boy

Charlie is feeling pretty pleased with himself for having slept in his crib in his own room last night for the first time.

Sunday in the City

We took Charlie into NYC yesterday afternoon for the first time.  After we finally found a parking spot, we made it to Maura and Mike's apartment and then walked all over Central Park with Maura.  We then met up with Mike and had a great dinner at Pappardella and then grabbed dessert at Insomnia Cookies.

All loaded up and ready for the ride.

Driving down along the Henry Hudson, tons of people out biking, running, and walking.

 Pat had no complaints about the carrier, and Charlie seemed pretty happy in it the whole time.

 The park was packed with people enjoying the great day.

 A painting class:

 I love these trees. 

Mike and I both thought this was a good spot for a photo.  And right before this we crossed paths with Tom Brady, Gisele Bundchen, and their little boy.

Charlie enjoyed testing out his soon-to-be-cousin's new toys.  When is she coming out??  :o)

Such a great day!

And I'll leave you with a very brief video of a guy in Central Park playing the banjo, and also the tamborine and drum, each with one foot.  Sounded great!