Preparing for Lucas' Lucky #2!

Nate and I fully acknowledge that we have gone overboard and seriously overdid it the last couple of birthdays and Christmases. So this year, we want to concentrate on more quality, less quantity. First birthdays are B-I-G in our book, thus 2nd birthdays are just relaxed and simple. No plans for a party this year (and we didn't do one for Seth). This year we are just taking our family and meeting a few more of my family at the local Chuck E. Cheese for pizza and rides. I'll use the following to dress up our table....


Now, on to gifts. Lucas is my kitchen buddy... often right underfoot and desperately wanting to see what's going on. He is constantly in my utensil drawers. So Nate and I found him this great little tabletop stove and pot/ pan set from Pottery Barn Kids. I'm really enjoying toys made of wood... usable for generations, and I can already see my grandkids playing with this!



Next is another toy from PBK. Both boys got one of the smaller cars for Christmas, and they are a big hit. Lucas is receiving the bigger Push Car (handle can be removed) for his birthday. This car is so cool. The smaller cars, when you push on the rear, it generates power to light up the guide's helmet. In the bigger car, when you push it, they light up AND tell adventure stories.


Lucas has had a fascination with planes, ever since he could speak. "Mane!!" was one of his first words, as he would point to the sky as a plane flew overhead. So Nate picked up a couple of these Plan City planes.




And finally, from Gramma.... a steerable trike. So he can join his brother on bike rides.


March 12 is going to be a FUN FUN day! I'm going to make Lucas a Caramel Banana Cake!

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Caramel Banana Cake

3 sticks (12 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1 cup mashed ripe bananas
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 3/4 cups flour
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons whole milk
3 large eggs, separated
One 5.5-ounce bag soft caramels, such as Werther's Original Chewy
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar

Preheat the oven to 350°. In a large bowl, beat 1 stick butter with 1 cup granulated sugar until fluffy, about 4 minutes. Add 3/4 cup bananas, the baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt and beat until smooth. Stir in 1 cup flour. Mix in 6 tablespoons milk and the remaining 3/4 cup flour until smooth.

Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites at medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually mix in the remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar at high speed until stiff and glossy. Fold the egg whites into the batter until no streaks remain.

Spoon the batter into cake pan. Cut 9 caramels in half, and press into batter. Bake until the cake is springy to the touch, about 30-40 minutes. Let cool.

Meanwhile, in a small, heavy saucepan, cook the remaining caramels, 1/4 cup milk, 1/4 cup banana and 1/4 teaspoon salt over medium heat, stirring, until the caramels are melted.

Using the electric mixer, beat the egg yolks and confectioners' sugar until thick, about 3 minutes. Slowly beat in the caramel mixture; transfer the mixture to the saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly for about 1 minute. Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate until cool.

Using the electric mixer, beat the remaining 2 sticks butter at high speed until fluffy, about 5 minutes. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the cooled caramel mixture, then beat at high speed until fluffy. Spread the frosting onto the cake.

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We had a busy day here yeaterday. I had my 30 week DA at noon. Nate got the first coat of "Cafe Pink" paint up in the nursery. For dinner, we ate Bertucci's Pizza. Nate started our taxes last night. Looks like we are getting our FIRST Tax Return in 8 years!

30 week DA:

Of course I passed the 3 Hr Glucose. With Flying Colors.

I gained 3 lbs since last time. Heartbeat & Blood Pressure all good and normal.

We talked briefly about permanent methods of birth control, but no decisions have been made.

That is about it! March 6 is my 32 Week DA, I am now visiting bi-monthly. I will also have my last US!

Bliss Is....

Bliss is love and hugs from dear cousins...

***&***

I'm pretty sure Sugar has turned. Last night while watching LOST, I could distinctly feel a foot pressing above my belly button. Isn't that exciting?

***&***

Nutter Butter- Banana- Pudding Trifle

2 boxes Jello brand Vanilla Pudding
6 cups milk, divided
3 large ripe bananas
1 box Nutter Butter cookies
Whip Cream

Following Pudding directions, beat with a wire whisk 1 box of pudding and 3 cups of milk. Put in bottom of glass dish and let it set in fridge for 10 minutes. Slice up bananas and break cookies into thirds, reserving 1 whole cookie. (You may only need 2/3's box of cookies). Layer the banana slices and broken cookies on top of first layer of pudding. Whisk the 2nd box of pudding with remaining 3 cups of milk and pour over top of cookie layer. Let set in fridge for 10 minutes. Before serving, smooth some Whip Cream on top of pudding, and garnish with reserved whole cookie and 2 or 3 banana slices.

What a Week!

What a week I had last week!

I developed a nasty sinus cold. As if I wasn't already having a hard enough time with breathing. I think I'm coming towards the end of it now, but am still quite congested.

Friday morning was my 3 hour Glucose test. One gross drink and 4 blood draws later, it was done. I was nauseated the first hour, b/c I had to fast, and the room was hot.... I read through 5 magazines, and 100 pages of my book. I even took a 20 minute nap, LOL. The drive home was bad, I broke out into a full sweat and was shaking from lack of food. Then I couldn't stop stuffing my face.

I had my sweet Mother-In-Law & Sister-In-Law with her 3 kids here all weekend, and they left this morning. Talk about W.I.L.D. Nothing like 9 people, and 4 of them under the age of 8, all crammed into my townhouse. It was still fun, and oh so sweet to watch all of the cousins play and relate to each other. I got to shoot some sweet photos of my nieces and nephew... just wait till you see what I got!

Saturday night, Nate and I did Japanese Hibachi for Valentine's Day. Then we headed over to Barnes & Noble and shared some Mochas and Godiva Chocolate Cheesecake for desert.

Today our family left to go home, and I took advantage of Nate having the day off as well. I just got back from the Hospital and from getting my Rogam shot. (sigh) The 1 hour shot that somehow turned into most of my day. I'm quite done with long Doctor's appointments... I'm more than ready to get back to "nice and boring."

This coming weekend I have my Labor & Delivery Hospital Tour, and we start painting the nursery. "Cafe Pink." Sugar's dresser was delivered a couple days ago. Nate is currently assembling it and is going to paint it white, and I want to get pink glass pulls for the drawers. I scored at Target last Thursday when I found a white mirror. Upon checking out, it was on sale, and I saved over $20 on it! :)

28 Weeks

This was my Friday.


The consumption of food coloring and the dumping of plant dirt and sleepy drives to and from Walmart and then belly shots.


28 weeks, watch me grow! (really... watch me waddle, lol).



Hmmm... need to work on getting all my colors to match here (its called being lazy and not doing a custom white balance on myself.)

Guess who failed that miserable glucose test? Guess who they are making come in and take the 3 hour test? Guess who said NO to redoing the 1 hour, due to the craziness?

I ended my Friday not happy. At all.

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ILP is my favorite Photog website. FA= Full Access. But the owner is in the process of changing names of statuses, so it will soon mean "Pro" If you were to go sign up on the ILP site today, you'd be considered JSO (Just Starting Out) Being JSOBiz or FA means, you have more access to hidden forums, and business topics. Your application is your website... and basically a team of Pro panelists review it to make sure that you are proficient, take on enough clients, have a defined style, and then they all vote and have to agree that you be allowed this new status. It basically boils down to this... I am a Pro Photog, and now my peers also recognize me as an accomplished pro, that I have accomplished something pretty big here. It's like taking a final for accreditation, or passing the bar (OK, not really) but its a status thing.

FA= Pro

The last week I have been working non-stop on my website and new photo blog. I just about re-edited everything, reordered, switched out images.... oh, was I a busy gal. I was preparing my sites for review at ILP, to retain my Pro Status. Not everyone gets in the first try, and usually the wait time can be from a month to 3 months, before you hear your news. I applied 4 or 5 days ago.

This morning as I check my email, there is my letter. My heart sunk. This fast?

I woke up to fantastic news! I made FA at ILP! WooHoooooo!" I now have official "Pro" recognition among my photog peers! And, now I'll be bumping elbows with some of the greats in the industry! I'm so geeked! I was really surprised to see such a QUICK response, b/c sometimes photogs don't hear for 2 or 3 months, and I heard back within 5 days.

NEW Photo Blog!

I have created a brand new Photography-Specific Blog! I've spent a lot of time the past couple days putting it together with nice big pictures, and separated them into specific galleries. Enjoy! I'd love it if you would take a peek, and bookmark it! If you see something you like, leave an Ooh La La! :)

Andrea Burns Photography Blog

Visit often, as I will update with new sessions, and even fun contests! I'll still be posting to this old one, but the new one is purely business, purely photography.

Rough Visit

Thursday's OB/ Glucose appointment was just a huge, huge mess. I was originally planned for Friday, but they called and rescheduled b/c that day's doctor was going to be out. Apparently the office girl didn't realize I also needed my glucose done as well.

So I show up, and I casually mention I wasn't sure if I was supposed to show up at the office, or go downstairs to the lab for my glucose first. The girl just looks at me, and then informs me that the Lab stops doing glucose testing at 3:30. It was currently 3:15. So the nurse in the office calls down and asks if I can go down, have the drink, then be "escorted" back up for my DA. The Lab girl says that is fine. So I hurry down, and the Window girl there informs me, that "No" I can't go back up once I drink the drink. It defeats the purpose of my test if "I burn off the glucose" by climbing a set of stairs. Once I drink it, I have to sit. So now I'm getting upset that I'm being given the run around. She said that I could still have the test done if I was back for 4pm.

I go back upstairs, tell them this. They fluster around a bit, and then have me immediately seen, AT this point it is 3:40.

My Blood Pressure is fine. Nurse said it is remarkably good for being pregnant. I have gained 5 lbs this past month for a total of 20. I guess for being 3/4's of the way done, 20 isn't so bad, considering I gained 40 with both boys. I'm measuring right on track in the belly, and Dr tells me to go ahead and schedule my Walk Through of the Hospital, and my Rogam Shot at the same time.

So then I go back downstairs, its 3:50 at this time.

While waiting for my Glucose drink, a CRAZY old man just looks at me and says "Has anyone told you its a boy yet?" I politely shook my head no, and told him it was a girl. Well, then he just speels off telling me he's done research, and since I'm "all out front" that signifies a boy.

I drink my drink. I read the back of the drink. It says that I was supposed to FAST for 12 hrs. What? No one told me I had to do this? No one mentioned this at any time, and I don't recall doing this for the boys. Now I'm worried I messed the test up, b/c I certainly did have lunch earlier.

In walks a man, who I am sure does NOT work there. I am sitting in the lobby where it is clearly marked No Cell Phone, Please Be Courteous To Your Neighbors, and he proceeds to go behind the desk and ON SPEAKERPHONE has a half hour conversation LOUDLY with his wife.

The hour is up, I go back for my blood draw. The girl asks how far along I am. I say "28 weeks." She then goes on and on about how HUGE I am, that she would have guessed 8 months.

So yeah. Pleasant visit. I hope I didn't fail that, b/c God help me if I have to sit through 3 hrs of that. If worse comes to worse, I'll just request the first test again... claiming the disorganization and the fact no one informed me of the fast. Or... just refuse, LOL! I was perfectly fine with the boys.

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We rented Fireproof for Saturday night... supposed to be very good, movie wise and for your marriage wise. Its by the same church who made Facing the Giants and it stars Kurt Cameron.

Fireproof was really good! I totally recommend it! I had a VERY good laugh in the middle though, when Nate goes, "hey, that guy looks a lot like Kurt Cameron." BWAHAHAHA!

But then, he got the laugh last night... (you are about to as well!) Do you know that I have lived in Maryland for 15 years or so, and thought that the Washington Redskins were from Washington State? Seriously.

We had a good Superbowl Bash last night, we had over 7 other people. Made for a crowded living room, but good times.

Treasuring Life....

We've had a couple days of snow here, so we are bundled in tight and warm. The end of December and the beginning of January have been brutally cold here, and so we got our heating bill yesterday. It wasn't pretty. We are already pretty conservative with our heat, but I marched over and lowered it another degree. We'll see if that helps.

Sugar has been pretty active lately. I've been trying to get Seth to feel her kicks, but every time I'd put his hand on my belly, she would just stop. Last night she was having a party, and I called Seth over. He places his hand on my belly, and right away Sugar has this massive somersault. Seth just looked at me wide eyed in shock, and then we both burst out into laughter. I think Sugar became a reality for him last night.

I've been picking up a few things here and there for her. I saw this dress at Gymboree and had to have it...


And I finally found the perfect Baby Memory Book for her. Love it! It's already been written in. Now.... just to fnd time to sit and actually *finish* Lucas'. Lol.



My sister is talking about throwing me a diaper shower sometime in March. Which is perfect, because I will still have two in diapers for another year or so. Of course since Sugar is #3, I already have most of what I need, but I've discovered Kaboodle, and yesterday had fun creating a wish list of some minor girly things, like bibs and blankets.

I have entered the uncomfortable stage in my pregnancy. I'm sleeping fitfully, and I must have a pillow between my knees. Its a chore to turn over too. I'm already experiencing minor contractions when I climb stairs or walk too long. And when I'm on my couch, I just can't seem to get enough support behind my back. However, I try not to complain too much, because I know that this is the last time. The last time I am pregnant, the last time I can feel life inside of me. So I'm trying to treasure it all.

Aquarium

We spent last Friday at the Baltimore Aquarium.... it was nice to get out and do something fun. The boys had a blast looking at the fish. Lucas hated getting strapped into the back carrier (you can't use strollers there, and give you a back carrier instead) but once he got hoisted up, and had a cool vantage point, he was just peachy. And look who's getting rounder? LOL.

{Snow Day}

First snow of the year... Lucas wasn't sure what to think at first, then he LOVED it (as long as his gloves stayed on). Seth was just happy to be a complete monkey, and of course the hot chocolate afterwards wasn't bad either.

Photography is currently a little slow, which is to be expected for January. That's OK! It means more time for storytime at the library and trips to the playplace at the mall.

Are you staying warm?

The Time Has Come....

The time has come for me to say Goodbye and hang up my Design Hat... I want to try and focus on my Custom Portraiture business. And as bittersweet as that is, it is GREAT for you!

60% OFF EVERYTHING (reflected during check out).

Andrea Burns Designs at TDC

Don't forget the Double Ups!

Sale ends Jan 31, and when they are gone... they are G.O.N.E!

Hair....

I have this love/ hate relationship with my hair. I grow it long because long hair is a symbol of feminine beauty to me (oh, my latin upbringing!) But once it is long, I am desperate for something trendy and sassy, and stylish. So, in essence... I am never really happy.

This is what I looked like Friday morning when I woke up...

I was desperate for something new, something fresh. I wanted something shorter and with sidebangs... I've really taken notice of my rather largish forehead lately, lol. My ends were really dry too, from all of our pool trips last year. So I had an appointment Friday afternoon, and took the following two photos with me.... Notice the length in both.

Mother's Day 2007

My girlfriend Lisa

Walked in, told the stylist what I wanted. Showed her the pictures, laid them out in front of her. I told her I didn't care for cutting into the layers, ie; thinning. And then she made that first snip. And after that first snip, you can't really go back can you?

Five-six healthy inches and an hour later, I got this.... (beware, Nate is NOT a photog, lol)

Quite a shock, since it is a good couple inches shorter than what the photos show. I can barely get it in a low ponytail. It's taken me all weekend, but I think I'm finally starting to get used to it. It does actually swing and bounce, lol. I think I will like it much more in a couple months once it grows another inch or so.

Recent Wedding....

{altar giggles}

Congrats Danny & Jessy!

Winter '09 Newsletter

Please contact me via my Contact Page on my website.

Ode to Food Chopper

Oh, my Pampered Chef Food Chopper, how much do I love thee? You came into my life at Christmas, and you have been put to the test. You passed with many flying colors, and you will forever be a part of my kitchen. You slice and dice, and chop with the greatest ease, and FASTER than any human being. Onions do not stand a chance with you. Food Chopper... I *heart* you.

{K Family Showcase}

This is a lovely family from my church. The kids (all 15 and older) gifted mom & dad with the family session for Christmas. Isn't that so sweet? Mom didn't even know I was coming till the morning of the shoot.









LOVE this last one. I think this shows who "THEY" are more than any of the others. Thanks K fam!

{24 Weeks}

Watch Sugar grow! LOL~ look at my hair go too... time for a cut anyone?

No Computer....

Monday night Nate came downstairs , literally sat at the computer... and it just went black, and then it started flashing... lol. Not cool. Our Dell desktop is 4 years old, and we are trying to squeeze another year out of it. So last night we went to Best Buy and picked up a new 19" Samsung flat screen monitor. I have to get used it, lol.

The things you can do when there is no computer! I had a VERY BUSY day yesterday regardless! My house is Spic & SPAN! I did laundry, straightened & organized, dusted, vacuumed, mopped, grocery shopped, made homemade spaghetti sauce, & baked cherry shortbread cookies.... I hobbled into Best Buy like and old woman. I think a bit too much for this pregnant woman. But man, does my house thank me!

Today I need to finish proofing a family session I had last Saturday.

And since I haven't posted a recipe in a long time, here is a new favorite. Good ole' winter comfort food!

Chicken Pot Pie

4 TBS butter
4 TBS flour
1 c chicken broth
1 c milk
2 c chicken, cooked and cubed/ shredded
1 1/2 c potatoes, cooked & cubed
1 c. frozen mixed vegetables (or peas & carrots)
2 pie crusts

Melt butter in large saucepan. Stir in flour until thickened. Slowly add milk & broth, stirring constantly until thickened. Simmer for 5 minutes. line pie pan with pie crust. Combine sauce, chicken, potatoes, and vegetables. Pour into pie plate. Top with 2nd crust. Trim and vent. Bake at 350* for 35 to 40 min.

mmmm.... enjoy!

Certifiable....

Look at that face. LOVE my new lens, check out his creamy skin and that beautiful bokeh. I did nothing to his skin here, promise!

I have a bunch of stuff planned today... I have to hit the Post Office and the Bank. I also need to do some rearranging in Seth's room~ Lucas officially moves in tonight. We're just rolling the crib in for now, but it starts tonight. Joy. They need to get used to hearing each other's noises and such.

I figure we can transition him into his twin bed by March, early April at the latest.

Christmas is over, its barely January, and I'm already thinking about Lucas' 2nd birthday in March. I'm certifiable I think. I already have an idea about his gifts and his cake (banana caramel cake/ cupcakes with caramel icing... maybe in the shape of a plane?) He love to play with my cooking utensils and loves planes, so I'm thinking... a small kitchen set and some planes (naturally, LOL!).

January Third

Happy Belated New Year's! 2008 was very exciting for me, a time of growth personally and business wise. However, I am ecstatic at what 2009 holds. Growth to my family, and hopefully even more growth to my creativity and my business.

I don't really have any "resolutions" per say... but I fully intend to run in Wash. DC's Army 10 Miler in October. I am going to take my running to the next level this coming year. My dear friend Frannie amazed my socks off last year, when she committed to a marathon. Listening to her describe her training, watching her dedication, seeing her photos... all of then inspired me to try all of this myself. She's going to be running with me in that race. I'm considering my own marathon in 2010, but we'll see how 10 miles goes first, lol. I will most likely start training in July, so stay tuned.

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I had my 24 week appointment yesterday. Everything is normal, heartbeat, blood pressure. I swear I'm so boring! But agian, in this case boring is great! I was given the OK to start Zantac for my heartburn.

The ugly part... dang the Holidays.... I gained 8 lbs this past month. (blush) Good thing its January and baked goods/ sweets are done.

I go back in 4 weeks for my Glucose test.

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Nate and I also undecorated the house yesterday. Its always good to unclutter! We still have some straightening to do. I'm also planning on packing up some of the boys' toys and starting a rotation of toys every few months. Are these nesting urges? LOL~ maybe.