Time....slow down

Has it really been almost 6 months?!  Holy smokes, I feel like we've jumped into a time accelerator from the moment we left the hospital with Jaxon!  It's hard to write this update and try not to make it sound like one big cliche after another.  I never imagined I'd have the lifestyle I'm now living.  Five years ago my mind was set that I would never get married and I definitely wouldn't have children.  Ummmmmm... John blew that thinking all to pieces!  We constantly ask each other what the heck we did to each other!  Life has changed drastically for us over the years and it's all been for the better.

It's been nice hearing how many people enjoyed my pregnancy journal!  I'm glad I was able to shed a light on some of the things to come for those that were/are expecting.  After the experiences I've had since finding out I was pregnant all the way though postpartum, I've decided that someone needs to write a book about all the crap no one tells you!  I've learned that a lot of women are tight lipped about the realities of pregnancy, delivery and postpartum. It's definitely not all bliss filled with 24-hour perma-grin plastered across your face!  Just mention the words first poop to any mother and just see the look of pain run across their face!  Yeah ladies, you know you just cringed a little thinking about that moment when you broke out in a sweat and prayed God wouldn't take you out in such a manner.  But, you survived so how about warning your expecting friends?!  No one will complain if you take the element of surprise away when it comes to something like that! 

I feel like most days now it's a struggle to feel confident about my appearance.  We have a trip coming up soon and we'll be attending wedding.  Every dress that I've tried on, I've looked like a busted can of biscuits (even the dresses that weren't tight).  Things are so awkwardly out of shape at the moment.  I know, I know, I'm well aware that I've had a baby and it will take time but still it's not easy.  It's definitely a struggle.  I think the most confident
I've ever been in my life was when I was pregnant, I actually miss the bump (not the pains)!  I've also realized that God has a sense of humor once again and it's directed towards me.  After all the shameless prayers for no stretch marks, I've found some as my body has been readjusting.  I have stretch marks on my rear...yep, my bum!  Not only are they there but I have a symetrical pair of marks on both sides.  Go figure. Well played stretch marks, well played….. All the weight that I was told would "fall right off," no one told me it would be in the weight of my hair.  Thankfully that has subsided for the most part.  For a while there I was thinking that I was going to end up bald.  Seriously, HAIR EVERYWHERE.

Life with baby is definitely different.  No more spur of the moment ventures, even a trip to the grocery store requires proper planning and timing.  Sleep is a thing of the past.  Notice it's been almost 6 months since I posted and almost 6 months since he came into this world this is by no coincidence. In only 5 short months he's already changed so much that I'm begging for time to slow down.  He has such a personality now.  He's already nonstop and he can't even walk….

Life is forever more in fast forward

Homemade Caramel Pie

Out of all the holiday "normals" that one can pick to be their "normal" I sure as heck picked a time consuming treat!  How can you resist caramel pie though?  Seriously, I want to know?!  Here's instructions on how you too can fall into the task of having to bring the caramel pie to the holiday festivities…..

Homemade Caramel Pie

2 cans Eagle Brand Sweetened Milk

1 Tbsp Olive Oil (optional)

1 pie shell or 12 mini shells

Milk Chocolate Chips

Chopped Pecans

Whipped topping

Instructions:  Remove labels from the cans of Eagle Brand Sweetened Milk and place on their side in a large pot.  Fill the pot with water so the cans are completely submerged.  Add 1 Tbsp of Olive Oil to the water.  With the stovetop on HIGH bring water to a boil.  Once at a boil, turn the cans 180 degrees and replenish the water (it does evaporate, keep those cans completely covered at all times) every 30 minutes for a total of 3 hours.  Once the cans have boiled for 3 hours remove from heat.  Keep in mind these cans are HOT, I typically pour the cans out into the sink while I'm draining out the water.  Allow the cans to cool for 2 hours.  Once cooled, open cans and spoon into a pie shell(s).  Top with whipped topping, chopped pecans and chocolate chips.

*Yes, the stovetop must remain on HIGH for the whole 3 hour boiling period.  Look at it is as though you are getting a free pass to the spa because your kitchen and home will turn into a moist sauna!  

*I say the Olive Oil is optional because I read that it helps the caramel boil more evening.  I've never tested whether this is actually true or not because I'm not spending 3 hours to find out if no olive oil equals lumpy scorched caramel!  

Not a fan of pie?  No problem!  Use the caramel as a topping for ice cream, apples, etc. 

I secretly enjoy making these pies only because I know how delicious my family thinks they are and I think they are pretty scrumptious as well!  

Enjoy!!!