Crave Wednesdays: Pan-Seared Shrimp Po' Boys

It's so hard to go back to work after a vacation, isn't it?  After a lovely 4 days of eating, running, and shopping, it seems unfair to have to return to normal. 

I hope your Thanksgiving made it equally as difficult to roll out of bed Monday morning!

We started bright and early with The Turkey Trot.  Due to the timing of the race, we ended up missing out on the first hour of the Macy's Day Parade.  As soon as we got to Thatmom's house, I found myself a place on the couch, pulled a throw over myself, and settled in.

After the parade, Thatboy, Thatkid, and TMIL headed to the movies while I made a quick lunch for Thatbaby and I.  Then it was naptime for him, and ice cream making time for me! 

We set up the tables, the moviegoers came home, and before too long the house was filled with family and food.

There was turkey, and stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry relish.  And even a challah shaped like a turkey~

We're also on to the next generation of the kids table.  The last member of the last kids table has graduated from college.  So now these guys get a table of their very own.

Having Thanksgiving at Thatmom's house means that there wasn't any leftover Thanksgiving food hanging around our house.  So we were right back into regular eating the very next night.  A lot of people do turkey sandwiches the day after Thanksgiving.  Here we did shrimp sandwiches!  You can't get much farther from turkey than that! 

Po' Boys are a traditional American food of a different sort.  Native to New Orleans, this sandwich is rumored to have been passed out to "poor boys" for free.  And though it's not tied to any particular holiday, it seems fitting to pair it with Thanksgiving, a holiday typically associated with feeding the hungry. 

It fed the hungry in my house this week.  Both the little guys LOVE shrimp.  Thatbaby can often be found sneaking shrimp off his brother's plate.  In this instance I left the hot sauce and Cajun seasoning off of their portions.  The rest of us got spiced shrimp paired with a sweet sauce and crusty bread.

Pan-Seared Shrimp Po' Boys (From Cooking Light)

1/2 cup canola mayonnaise

2 Tbsp  sweet pickle relish

1 Tbsp chopped shallots

1/2 tsp capers, chopped

1/4 tsp hot pepper sauce

1 1/2 tsp salt-free Cajun seasoning

1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp

2 tsp olive oil

4 hoagie rolls

1/2 cup shredded romaine lettuce

12 thin slices tomato

4 thin slices red onion

1. Combine mayo, relish, shallots, capers, and hot sauce in a small bowl. 
2. Combine Cajun seasoning and shrimp in a bowl and toss well.
3. Heat a large, nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.  Add olive oil and swirl to coat.  Add shrimp to pan and cook 2 minutes each side until done.
4. Cut each roll in half horizontally.  Top the bottom half of each roll with 2 Tbsp lettuce, 3 tomato slices, 1 onion slice, and one-fourth of the shrimp.
5. Spread top half of each roll with about 2 Tbsp mayo mixture and place on top of sandwiches.

Mommy Mondays: Going from 3 to 4

There are a lot of benefits to having only one kid.

It's cheaper.  You can trade off on downtime with your partner.  Eventually you find a routine that works for all of you, and the birthday parties and sports practices.  As your child gets older, there's so much more you can do.  So why on earth would anyone want to start over again with a baby?  Add another to the mix?

The transition from one child to two can be daunting for parents.  I remember Thatboy being very concerned he wouldn't love Thatbaby as much as Thatkid.  How could he?  His heart was already as full as it could get.

Personally, I was unconcerned.  I don't think of the heart as something with walls.  It's more like a balloon, put more in it, and it just continues to expand.  For me, the transition to a family of four was almost...easy.

The adjustment from 2 people to 3 is a big one.  Your world as you know it changes.  Suddenly there are less hours in a day, and so much more to do.  There is much less spontaneity.  There's also an additional schedule to factor in.  Despite what anyone tells you about sleep, there is no way you can understand sleep deprivation until you experience it for yourself.

The adjustment from 3 to 4 is not nearly as life altering.  You've figured it out by then.  And instead of changing your world for the new addition, you find a way to fit them into the world you've created.  You've gotten used to a life with no spontaneity, and you've realized that no matter how bad sleep deprivation is, it will not last forever.  You also have an additional set of hands to help out.  Not with changing a diaper or anything that requires actual skill, but a small entertainer which gives you a minute of breathing room before the screaming of "MOOOOOMMMM MAKE HIM STOP" starts in.

Which is not to say that two children are easy.  You will wonder how you ever complained about lack of time before, because now the hours go by even faster and the to-do list is longer.  While you may not be called to entertain the children as often, you will be just as necessary to break up death defying stunts and acts of destruction to bodies, furniture, toys, or anything that doesn't move fast enough.  Man on man defense becomes a real thing.

But I think the thing that makes it all doable is experience.  Your first child is a scary, learning experience where you have no idea what to expect.  When you survive that, you can survive just about anything.  Even adding another child into the mix. 

Sunday Runday: OC Turkey Trot

There is no shortage of Turkey Trots available to run on Thanksgiving morning.  In fact, according to the race announcer (and I have not verified this) it's the second largest running day of the year. In San Diego alone there are at least 5 events.

BUT since we spend Thanksgiving in Orange County, I decided that it would be more convenient to run a Turkey Trot up there, instead of running in San Diego, heading home, and then rushing up to Thatmom's house.

The Orange County Turkey Trot was close, cheap, and easily accessible from the freeway, so that made the cut.  I chatted with Thatmom about running with me and she was all in.  Once Thatkid found out we were running, he wanted to join us.  Which meant less running, more walking, but if you haven't figured out by now, I never tell my little running buddy that he'd only slow me down.

The night before the race, Thatmom texted me to let me know that she had hurt her back and wouldn't be able to participate in the race.  With grandma out, Thatkid wasn't really gung ho on 3 miles, so on the way to race he asked if he could participate in the kid's race instead.

The race had a later start, which could be dangerous, so I was very appreciative of the brisk, fall weather that rolled in the day before.

The race had several corrals - "Elite" for 6-7 minute milers, 9-10 minute milers, "general" runners, walkers, and "strollers or things with wheels."  I jumped in to the 9-10 minute mile corral and got ready to run.

So this race, I can count on one hand the number of races I've run that are billed as "flat" which are definitely not flat.  Almost every "flat" race course has a couple little hills.  But this course was actually flat!

The course was out and back, around Irvine Valley College.  And the hilliest part of the entire thing was a speed bump we had to cross.

I can't say much about the course other than the fact it was flat and easy.  It wasn't the prettiest scenery around, but they definitely tried to jazz it up with an inflatable...arch?  I'm not sure the significance of the arch as it didn't coincide with any mile markers.

Between the first mile and the turnaround point there was a special aid station.  Water and whipped cream shooters! 

And then came the turnaround point.

The way back was obviously the same as the way out - whipped cream and inflatable arches along a nice, easy flat paved course.  Really, it was an easy enjoyable run.  Eavesdropping on other runners revealed that for many of them this was their first race.  And I would highly recommend it as a first race, with the caveat that it could have been a really hot miserable course if the weather wasn't quite so accomodating.

There was no great goodie bag or race swag at this race, but Suja was out in full force, which I always appreciate at a race.

And instead of a beer garden, there was pumpkin pie for all!  Two great ways to start the holiday right?  Running and pie?

After I finished my race, I hung out with the family for a bit until the kids races started.  They were broken down into age divisions.  Thatkid was slotted into the 5-7 year old division.  They ran 400 meters.

Thatkid is far from the fastest runner, but he runs his little heart out.

And he's so proud of his accomplishment.  Which makes me happy.  This time he was able to put his shirt on before the race started.  He wore it the rest of the day, until I made him change for dinner. He brought his medal to show every at our Thanksgiving meal.

It was a good race for both of us.  I love the fact that we can both take part in an activity.  My little running buddy makes these races a real family affair.

Crave Wednesday: Spicy Chicken Sandwiches with Cilantro-Lime Mayo

Do you know what today is?   Probably you don't.  It's a VERY important day in Thathouse.  Potentially more important than tomorrow.  Because while tomorrow may be a national holiday, today, TODAY is Thatboy's birthday. 

There are balloons on the floor and ceiling, presents on the table, cake on the counter.   And, by this evening, my mother in law will be in the house.  Yay?

Thatboy can't remember the last time he spent his birthday with his mother.  We know for sure that it has been 10 years since he's spent Thanksgiving with her.   For his sake, I hope she doesn't disappoint him too greatly.  For my sake, I hope the trip goes by really fast. 

Today we celebrate the man I love.  The father, husband, friend.

Tomorrow however?  Well, we'll still be celebrating him.  My family is kind of great that way.  But we'll also be celebrating the people who came to this country to escape persecution only to be embraced  and helped by the people who already lived here.

We will sit around tables with friends and family, enjoying their company and food - the universal common denominator.  We eat at times of celebration and sadness.  And it's hard to argue with your mother in law when your mouth is full of food!

I made turkey earlier this month and Thatboy worried he was going to be over turkey by the time Thanksgiving arrived.  He requested no more turkey this month.  So instead we've been having chicken.  Multiple times a week.  Apparently you can't be oversaturated with chicken.  Perhaps because it's so versatile?  Grilled, roasted, fried, baked, the possibilities are endless.   It can be sweet or savory, mild or spiced.  This sandwich takes a very southern concept - fried chicken with a kick from hot sauce, and gives it a southwestern twist with a tortilla chip crust and cilantro-lime mayo.  A far cry from your roast (or fried) turkey, it's a great alternative if you believe there's such a thing as "too much turkey."

Have a very happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Spicy Chicken Sandwiches with Cilantro-Lime Mayo (From Cooking Light)

1/4 cup reduced-fat mayo

2 Tbsp minced cilantro

1 tsp lime juice

1 garlic clove, minced

3 Tbsp hot pepper sauce

1 tsp dried oregano

1/8 tsp salt

2 large egg whites, lightly beaten

4 chicken cutlets

4 1/2 oz baked tortilla chips

1 Tbsp olive oil

4 Kaiser rolls

4 lettuce leaves

2 Tbsp sliced green onions

1. Prepare the mayo: combine mayo, cilantro, lime juice, and garlic in small bowl.
2. Prepare chicken: combine hot pepper sauce, oregano, salt, and egg whites in a ziplock bag.  
3. Add chicken to bag, seal and turn to cover.  Marinate in refrigerator at least 2 hours.
4. Process tortilla chips in a food processor 1 minute or until ground.  Place in a shallow dish.
5. Remove cutlets from bag and dredge in the ground chips.
6. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.  Add oil to the an, swirling to coat.  Add chicken to pan.  Cook 4 minutes each side, or until browned and done.
7. Spread mayo evenly over cut sides of rolls.  
8. Layer bottom half of each roll with a lettuce leaf, chicken cutlet, and 1/2 Tbsp green onions.  Cover with top of roll.

Mommy Mondays: 17 months

Weight: 26lbs 12oz (+ 18 lbs, 8 oz)

Height: 34"(+ 12.5")
Head: 18.8"

Sleep:  We're still all over the place.  Some nights no wakeups, some nights 4.  There's just no rhyme and reason.  And we're still dealing with early wakeups.  Usually before 6am.  This lack of night sleeping is perhaps why he still really thrives on 2 naps a day, instead of just one.  He has a hard time hanging till after lunch.  Put him in the car for 3 minutes after 9am and you've got a sleeping baby on your hands.

Eating: This month we are all about "geps" (grapes) and "ah boo" (apples).  Except for some reason he just likes to chew on apples and then spit them out.  Faaaaannntastic.  He also loves drinking out of  bottles and regular cups.  He signs water by touching his nose.

Best Moment: Halloween! He was just so into it.  So happy.  So confident and independent.  It showcased all his best qualities, and hearing him say "tih teh tee" (trick or treat) melted my heart.

 

Monthly Wisdom: Thatbrother was talking to me last week about how he's kind of bummed for me that I'll never have a daughter. Which is funny, because earlier that same week I was telling Thatboy how glad I am we have 2 boys.  I'm terribly close with Thatbrother - now.  But not so much when we were younger.  The way Thatkid always takes cares of his brother, includes him, wants to hug him and hang out with him just makes my heart sing.  I'm sure there are many benefits to having opposite sex children, but there are some pretty great ones related to same sex also. 

Goals for the Upcoming Month:
-  Somehow I've got to manage a visit from my mother in law while dealing with a non-sleeping baby who will have to share a room with me while she's here.  

- Thatbaby is fantastic with no, but has no words or signs for yes.  I'd really like him to be able to express yes.

Things Thatbaby is doing:

-  New words!  I think they may even be recognizable!  Kitty cat, belly button, grapes, eat, bye bye, ball, feet, eyes, Elle

- Animal sounds!  Woof for dog, mlow mlow for cat, open and closed mouth for fish
- He repeats noises that Thatkid makes. 
- Such a little dancer.  He mimics whatever dance moves you do.

- He loves a book called "if you're spooky and you know it" which is a Halloween twist on "If you're happy and you know it."  He claps his hands, stomps his feet, jumps up and down, dances, nods his hands, and tries to snap his fingers.

- He loves 5 little monkeys jumping on the bed.
- He's very into jumping.  He wants to jump in/on everything!  One of these days his feet may actually leave the ground.

- We refer to all his stuffed animals as his babies.  And he will give them kisses, hugs, and rock them.

 - He LOVES clothes and shoes.  Just like his brother.  He wants to be wearing shoes all the time.

- Speaking of shoes, he is officially in hard soled shoes.  Not by choice, but because he no longer fits in 24 month shoes and they don't make soft soles larger than that.

Sunday Rundays: Keeping Up Supply

This is definitely a late-coming post.  Especially since although I'm still breastfeeding, since we're over a year I don't need to worry about my supply. 

BUT I do think this is especially helpful for anyone who is working on balancing that new mom stage with exercise.

Let's start at the very beginning.  Does exercise affect supply?  Well, there's no black and white answer to this.  Not even with the same person!

After Thatkid was born, I jumped right back into running and exercise.  And didn't notice a drop in supply.  In fact, I found that days I worked out, my supply actually increased.

After Thatbaby was born, different story.  I wasn't ready to jump right back in to anything.  And I definitely noticed a supply issue once I did start.

It was beyond frustrating.  Here I was trying to do something good for me - both my mental health and physical health, and it was having a negative impact on my ability to breastfeed.

I took a look at what I was eating, because the two biggest impacts on supply are usually calories and hydration.

And that's where I found my problem.  I wasn't starving myself by any means, but the foods that I was eating (a lot of) were not terribly high in calories.  I was taking in less than 1000 calories a day.  And burning through them when exercising.  It takes about 500 extra calories a day to make milk, and I did not have those extra calories.

And so I upped my calories, and my supply returned.    Of course it means that now, over a year later I'm still hanging on to an extra 10lbs!

This is one of those very individual choices - there's nothing wrong with choosing to keep your calories and weight down.  That's good for your mental and physical health too.  And everyone has their own line for what sacrifices they are willing to make in their breastfeeding journey.    But if you're struggling and trying to figure out why, take a look at what and how much you're eating.  It worked for me!

Tutu Tea Party: Baked Onions

Probably the alternate title of this post could be "Love is love is love."  Love is the thread I've been trying to focus on the past few days.   I'm feeling very overwhelmed by the overtures of hate that our nation seems to be embracing.  If you're one of my facebook friends you know that I've been talking to Thatkid a lot about love, kindness, and protection of people who don't look like him.

I look at Thatkid and his friends and it gives me hope for the future.  The way they love and accept each other.  I hope that it never changes, and I'm going to do everything in my power to foster that. 

Over the weekend, we were treated to a celebration of love at K4's second birthday party.

The party was actually a tea party.  A tutu tea party.  A 2-tu tea party.  The girls were asked to come in tutus, and the boys were requested to wear bow ties.  Luckily we have ties and my boys love dressing up.

There was a photo booth which helped to spread the message of love.  And I took advantage with some of the people I love most.

There wasn't actually tea at the party, but the kids didn't seem to mind. There was a little table set up for them, and plenty of kid friendly food.

After lunch, Tinkerbell made a special appearance.  She led the kids in all sorts of games.  And this is where I brag about Thatkid a little bit.  He happily took his little brother by the hand and did the activities with him.  Which makes Thatbaby so happy also.  He's so much more confident with his brother by his side.

Tink brought out a parachute and Thatbaby found his place beside her, across from his brother.

But with his eye on his role model, he was able to quickly figure out how this worked.

After the activities, Tink whipped out some face paints and got to work.  Even Thatbaby got into the action.

Thatkid and another partygoer organized all the kids into a fashion show to show off their painted faces.

They made a makeshift runway on a flight of stairs and stomped down, posing at the end.

I see so much beauty in those faces, even covered with face paint.  I see imagination.  I see innocence.  I see people who may grow up to change the world we live in.  Because change is possible. 

Take the onion.  It's a fitting metaphor.  And I'm not going with the well known "onions have layers" trope.  A raw onion, when cut, brings tears to the eye.  It stings.  And I know that's how many of us feel right now.  But with time and heat, those onions transform.  They caramelize, turn into something sweet.

Right now I put my hope in the children, and the future.  And I hope with time and guidance they will bring us to a sweeter place, filled with love.

Baked Onions

4 large Spanish onions

2 1/2 cups chicken broth

4 sprigs of rosemary, chopped

4 Tbsp olive oil

1/2 stick butter

1. Preheat the oven to 400. Peel the onions and cut in half horizontally.  Trim bottoms so they sit upright.
2. Arrange onions in a baking dish and pour over the broth over.
3. Scatter the chopped rosemary overtop and season with salt and pepper.
4. Pour over the olive oil and bake for 50 minutes.
5. Remove the onions from the oven and pour the cooking liquid into a small saute pan.  Bring to a boil.
6. Remove from the heat and whisk in the butter.  
7. Pour the sauce over the oven and cook for another 15-20 minutes.

Crave Wednesday: Sausage Fennel Subs

Apparently 5 is the year for birthday parties at Chuck E Cheese. In addition to Thatkid's, we were invited to two other parties in the month of October alone!  The weekend before Halloween, we turned out to celebrate Princess turning 5. 

Despite the fact that Thatkid has plans to marry Princess one day, he spent most of his time at the party with his non-princess friends.

I'm so grateful for the other moms in the group, because I know I can trust them to look after Thatkid while I chase Thatbaby around.

I'm also thankful that Thatkid loves his little brother so much.  He made sure Thatbaby got the best seat during the birthday show.

And stood by his side while they danced with Chuck. (Chuck E? Mr. Cheese?)

He even found a game they could play together.

And then they both ended up crashing on the way home. Which is probably the only good thing about Chuck E Cheese.

It's also a bit of a problem for me.  I'm not really comfortable with just leaving them in the car while they sleep, so I'm trapped in there with them.  Which doesn't give me a lot of time to make dinner!  Luckily dinner at our house can come together pretty quickly.  A warm sandwich, stuffed to the gills with sausages and cheese is one of those meals that's a little too much for lunch, but perfect for dinner.  Using pre-cooked chicken sausage means that you really are just warming things up, as opposed to cooking.

I wrote last week that I love what fennel adds to dishes, so it won't surprise you to see it as an addition here.  Fennel seeds are often used in sausages, so the flavor is very familiar.  The addition gives a more in depth flavor profile than the typical sausage and pepper hoagie, or even a meatball sub.  A melty, crunchy, meaty sandwich which comes together in less than 20 minutes is the perfect solution to those evenings when you need a dinner quickly!

Sausage Fennel Subs (From Cooking Light)

1 tsp olive oil

1 1/2 cups vertically sliced onion

1 cup thinly sliced fennel bulb

4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

6 oz chicken and sun-dried tomato sausage, thinly diagonally sliced

4 submarine rolls

1/2 cup tomato-basil pasta sauce

4 slices provolone cheese

1. Preheat broiler.  Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, swirling to coat.  Add onion, fennel, and garlic; saute 4 minutes.
2. Add sausage, saute 3 minutes or until sausage is lightly browned and vegetables begin to brown. 
3. Arrange rolls, cut side up, in a single layer on a baking sheet; broil 2 minutes or until toasted.
4. Spoon about 2/3 cup sausage mixture in bottom half of each roll, and top each with 2 Tbsp sauce.
5. Place 1 cheese slice over sauce.  
6. Arrange sandwiches on baking sheet; broil 2 minutes or until cheese melts.  

Mommy Mondays: Car Trip

Now that Halloween is over, we're rolling right into the winter holidays.  Which of course means it's time to start planning our end of the year road trip to visit the inlaws for Christmas.

Last year, a mere 6 months after Thatbaby's birth, we dodged out of making the trek up, but this year we're not as lucky.  Not only that, but Thatboy is also pushing for a trip out to Palm Desert when we return.  That's a lot of car time for 2 small ones.

Our last long car trip was to Yosemite in August, and it had its highlights and lowlights.  Thatkid is rarely a problem, although car trips do remind me to stop wishing Thatbaby would hurry up and talk.  Thatbaby is less able to be distracted than his older brother.  But he's going to be 4 months older when we make the drive.

Car rides have gotten easier for us recently.  There's less screaming, to an extent.  Thatbaby still is not especially happy if he wakes up in the car.  In my mind he's saying something along the lines of "how is it possible that I was in the car before I fell asleep and here I am STILL IN THE CAR hours later!?"  We listen to A LOT of Hamilton, which seems to keep both kids (and adults) pretty happy.  But these trips are usually an hour or two, not many many many hours.


So I'm already planning!  I've been stashing away small toys/activities to keep them occupied, making playlists of music that they enjoy.  I'm also thinking of taking a page from a friend of mine who maps out playgrounds along their routes for stopping and getting some energy out.   And lets not kid ourselves, a lot of happiness is going to depend upon the quantity and quality of snacks available to them.  As usual I'm always open to new ideas to make the trip more enjoyable for all of us!

Sunday Runday: Carrera de los Muertos

Last night I had to give my husband a history lesson about Southern states and the "birth" of West Virginia.    Apparently they don't do the same through job with the Early American history out West as they do on the east coast.  Which is fair, because I'm completely ignorant about pretty much everything that happened on the West Coast after the gold rush of '49.  And really, pretty much everything that happened on the West Coast before then too.

But I love history and different culture, and I've definitely embraced that living out here.  The nice thing about being close to the border is also getting historical and cultural lessons from our neighbors to the south, Mexico. 

One of my absolute favorite aspects of Mexican culture is Dia de los Muertos, "Day of the Dead."    It's a celebration of those we have lost, a time when the living and dead commune.  While Mexico is certainly not the only culture to have such a celebration, the bright colors, decorations, and flowers make it an event that especially speaks to me.

This year San Diego hosted the "Carrera de los Muertos" or "Run of the Dead."  A 5k in honor of the holiday.

The run had lots of activities incorporating traditional aspects of the holiday, like an altar honoring friends and family members no longer with us.

Skulls are a symbols of Dia de los Muertos, most often represented in sugar skulls - highly decorated skulls made out of...you guessed it, sugar.  At the race, there were face painters who helped transform runners into these decorated skulls.

 I came ready prepared, with a tattoo set I found at the craft store.

 There was a stage, with a group leading everyone in a dance-inspired workout.

 And plenty of photo opportunities.

I got there with enough time to check everything out, and then head over to the start.  The announcers asked the runners to head to the front, and the walkers to head toward the back, and everyone seemed really good at following instructions.
 

 As the race began, we were sent off by a mariachi band!

The race was at my favorite San Diego course- the Embarcadaro.   I won't bore you too much with more details about the course, you're sick of those right?  I feel like I'm constantly extolling its virtues. 

I will say, that this race changed up the course slightly, having us all run a bit farther, and then around a parking lot.  What was nice about that is that it really decreased the amount of time runners headed out and runners headed back had to share the same path.  And although it sounds "meh" to run around a parking lot, this one was filled with dancers in bright traditional dresses, which kept us all entertained.

After I finished and received my medal, I headed over to the water table, to find that not only was there water, but also Alova.  I know absolutely nothing about this brand, but I will say it is my new favorite post-run drink.  It was so good!

There was also chocolate milk, orange slices, and bananas.  Not bad for a little local race!  And the mariachi band that had played us off at the start of the race had taken to the stage.

The lines for photos were miraculously short at this race, which is why I took advantage more than at any other race I'd been to.  As usual, it's always easy to find another runner to take your picture.  Runners are the best people.

Overall I'd say this race was really well run (ha! pun intended!).  The organization was good and it catered to runners and walkers of all ages.  The course is beautiful and the slight change made it even better.   There was a fair amount of vendors and lots of great perks like the face painting, a goody bag, and entertainment.  A great addition to the San Diego race scene.