A taste of China

When I lived in China I had a few favorite 'street foods'. There was one in particular that was made on the campus I lived on. There was a window in a building on campus that had a big line every day of students waiting for a breakfast snack. You would buy it based on weight, but would just tell the ladies how much you were wanting price wise. So 5 mao, 1 kuai, 2 kuai. I usually got 5 mao/1 kuai which is about .5-.12 cents. What a splurge:). I decided that I would try and track down and try a recipe for Lao bing (or green onion pancake). Sounds like a horrible thing to have in the morning, but I assure you it is good any time of day!

Here is the recipe I used:

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons kosher salt (I used sea salt)
2 teaspoons baking powder
6 green onions, trimmed and finely sliced (white and light green parts)
1 cup water
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon dark sesame oil
olive oil

1. Mix 3 cups of the flour, salt, and baking powder together into a kitchen aid mixer with dough hook. Make a well in the center and add the water, the sesame and vegetable oils and the green onions. Work the flour in toward the center with a wooden spoon and stir to incorporate both dry and wet ingredients.
2. Cover or Wrap in plastic and allow to rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
3. Cut the dough into 12 equal pieces. Form into balls, then flatten them and roll out into disks. (You will need the additional flour to help you roll out the dough)
4. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Brush the disks with olive oil and place oil-side down until lightly golden, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Brush on oil on the other side and when the dough appears less gummy flip over and toast until golden. Serve immediately. I coated the skillet in oil and dropped the bread in while hot--giving it a more fried appearance.

These were really easy and very much like the tasty China treat I have missed for so many years.

3 weeks?!

I am 3 weeks out from our due date. I am getting really excited to hold our little girl! I must say though, I honestly haven't felt an urgency in her arrival. Sure I am tired, uncomfortable at times and feeling bigger by the day, but I feel really at peace about when she will come. The doctor said mid-week that he thought it would be a bit longer and thinks I have a 'really great attitude that will help me a ton'. I am feeling more and more tired, despite sleeping well at night. I am trying to embrace the opportunities I have to rest and nap now while I can. I am not feeling strong nesting tendencies, other than wanting to hire out someone to deep clean our home (I have no desire to do it myself!). I am really viewing this next 3 +/- weeks as a chance to rest, spend time with B, go to movies, to the pool, do things I want/need to do.

I guess I should take back what I said about nesting. I have been doing some of that. For me it manifests itself in creative endeavors. I have been making some hair clips for fun. Our 30 week ultrasound showed a head full of hair already, so I thought I should be prepared. I love fun hair accessories, so I made some fun, modern ones for our little one. I also finally completed a piece of art for Chloe's room. I really like it, I hope she will.

"Blooming" (the meaning of her name)

It is all very exciting and somewhat terrifying to know that in a few weeks we will have a tiny dependent little one in our care. B and I try not to get too freaked out about it, but there are times when it seems like a huge task. It is mostly my own selfishness that causes fear....I am afraid I will be sleep deprived, I am afraid I will lose my identity, I am afraid our marriage will become all about baby, etc...I know these fears are normal. My hope and prayer is that these things won't get in the way of enjoying the journey of becoming a parent. That I will be able to what I can, with God's help, and lean to Him in the transition.

35 Weeks

Today marks week 35, which means I have about 5 weeks remaining before Chloe comes into the world. I am actually enjoying these days, getting things ready for her arrival, sleeping well, and eating ice cream (the real stuff, people!). Some of you might know that for about the past 5 years I haven't been able to consume dairy products due to a bacteria I picked up in China that messed up my digestive system. I read some information that this can be reversed during pregnancy (either temporarily or permanently). I decided one evening to give it a try with a dairy queen cone. No problems ensued and I have been enjoying the occasional treat since. I have even had cheese on a sandwich with no issues. It is pretty fun to enjoy some of the 'off-limits' foods I have been living with out for 5 years. I am trying to not go too crazy as to not gain any more baby weight than I already have.

Last weekend some of my best friends hosted a baby shower for me. It was such a great time. I felt incredibly loved and spoiled by all the adorable things given to bring our sweet girl into the world. I love baby showers because there is always a unique array of people from different parts of life there. It was so great to see everyone that was able to come. Here are a few pictures from the day...I found it hard to take pictures at my own shower.

The lovely hostesses of the shower

Mom and sister

People have asked if I have my bags packed and if I am ready to have her. No bags yet and still enjoying her growing inside of me-although she is getting crowded. I will start going to the doc 1x a week from here on out and get to find out all the technical stuff that might be going on. So far all I know is her head is down, which is a great thing. Her room is close to completed and I will hopefully post some pictures in the next week or so.

I also had a wonderful mother's day. My hubby took me to lunch, gave me tulips and ice cream and bought me a pair of shoes that I really like. Here is a picture of my love in the baby room.