Make Ahead Freezer Meals!

So today I tackled my to do list for the make ahead meals in preparation for Baby Elie's arrival!  Throughout this pregnancy I've been reading other pregnancy blogs, trying to find good idea's for organization, planning, and preparation for baby.  I guess with our future holding so many unknowns, I am comforted by doing what I can now, to plan and try to maintain some level of control of where our lives are headed these next few weeks and months.  I thought having meals on hand in the freezer for those nights when I don't feel like cooking, or when we have company would be so convenient, and definitely better than ordering out or eating store bought frozen dinners.  I amended each recipe to make it as healthy as I could.  Subbed whole wheat pasta, low fat cheese, reduced fat sour cream, fat free condensed soups, light mayo and wheat crackers.  I think paring these dishes with a steamed veggie or salad will make perfect dinners!  

I split my to do list by recipe's using chicken and beef.  Every thing that included chicken I made today, and will finish with the beef recipe's tomorrow.  With some swelling going on, I didn't want to be standing in the kitchen all day long.  Surprisingly, with an early start this morning, I whipped it out in no time!  I think the bulk of the work was in selecting recipes, making my shopping list, and actually shopping.  The cooking seemed to be much easier than I thought it would be!!  So, today I made the following: 

Hot Chicken Salad, recipe can be found here.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake, recipe can be found here.

Chicken Mac & Cheese, recipe can be found here.

Hash brown Casserole, I use my own recipe for that one!

Just getting started!

I used aluminum disposable pans and heavy aluminum foil to store these in.  Then just used a sharpie to write what each one is, and the cooking directions right on the package.  They are already tucked away in our freezer downstairs!  Tomorrow I will finish up with a pan of Baked Ziti, and a Lasagna.  Yum!  I also have been trying to stock up on basic household items so we aren't running out of something annoying in the first couple of weeks.  I got a few extra things just to make our lives easier.  Right now we have tons of toilet paper, paper towels, paper plates, solo cups, laundry detergent, and trash bags!  I know I'm probably overdoing it, I do realize that we live less than 5 minutes from a dollar store and small grocery store.  I'm sure at some point I'll be anxious to get out of the house to grab a thing or two, but at least until then, we will be all set!     

Maternity Pics & 36 Weeks!

After scheduling our maternity pictures 3 different times we finally got them done!  Hooray!  This summer has been crazy with the rain so it's been difficult for an outdoor maternity shoot.  Kirsten with Captivated by Him did our pictures out of Mayslick, Kentucky.  If you are ever in her area she is so talented and wonderful to work with!  I highly recommend her!  We've only seen two of our pictures so far but I am thrilled with them and CANNOT wait to see the rest!!

36 Weeks

36 Weeks

So here we are, almost to full term!  I have to say I'm getting a lot more anxious for this little guy to come out.  The nursery is ready and his bag is packed.  Car seat is installed.  We officially have every baby item I think we will need for the first few weeks.  I've made a list of what I want to take to the hospital for Chris and I.  This weekend I plan on doing all the make ahead freezer meals...more on that later!  I'm stocking up this weekend on basic household items (toilet paper, paper towels, paper plates, laundry detergent...basically anything that will make our lives easier those first few weeks at home.)  We are touring daycare's next week.  All in all, once he's fully cooked we are ready for him!!! 

For the most part I still feel good, but sleeping has become a nightmare.  I do okay for about 4 hours and beyond that my back feels like it's going to break.  The last two nights I've ended up in the recliner in the living room because that is one of the few area's I feel really comfy.  Hopefully it subsides a little, I hate to ditch my hubby and our bed for the recliner for the next 3 weeks!  Baby is doing great though.  At our appointment yesterday, he measured 37 centimeters which she said is perfect for 36 weeks and 4 days.  My blood pressure is still great but I have started swelling in my ankles and legs.  Hopefully that is partly to blame for my 4# weight gain in one week!  Boo on that :(  I'm making it my mission this next week to drink a ton of water (a TON more than I ALREADY DO!) and to eat even better.  I'm hoping by doing that and avoiding salt I can get some of this fluid off.  So that's about it!  It's been a busy week with visiting family, having our pictures done, and going to my good friend's baby shower last night.  Chris works all weekend but I'm still looking forward to the weekend.  I'll feel better to get these freezer meals out of the way, do a little cleaning, and hopefully a lot of relaxing in the pool.  Fingers are crossed for a nice weekend!