We are home from our Christmas adventures, and there is just so much to tell. We had such a wonderful time spending this holiday with my family in New Orleans. We made many memories, had lots of laughs, and got to spend some quality time with my parents, my sisters, and some great friends. We are so blessed! Here are a few of the highlights:
Visiting My Grandmother in Baton Rouge: The Sunday before Christmas, my parents, my sisters, and Jonathan, Nora and I packed up and drove to Baton Rouge, LA (about 60 miles west of New Orleans) to visit my Grandmother Gloria, Aunt Kathie, Aunt Eileen and Uncle Wayne. My mom made homemade shrimp etoufee, which is divine, and we enjoyed a great dinner together. Afterwards, Nora opened some gifts from my Aunt Kathie because she was leaving town to visit her daughter in Houston and wouldn't be with us to celebrate Christmas Day. Nora got the cutest outfits for this spring and summer! The best part was Nora the Entertainer. I don't know what got into that girl! She was wild! She was doing all kinds of tricks and was showing off like she was all three rings in a three-ring circus. It was hysterical! My grandmother was in heaven and it was so good to see her having such a good time and enjoying her great-granddaughter so much.
Playdate with My Best NOLA Girlfriends and Their Daughters:On the Monday before Christmas, Nora and I met up with three of my best childhood friends for lunch. We gathered at Steph's house where Steph (Lydia is 15 months old), Chrissy (Ava is 2 and Sam is almost one), and Hope (expecting her first this summer) hung out for a few hours, caught up on all of life's happenings, and ate some good Chinese food. I've got some great pics of all the girls playing together. Let's just say, there was some drama with all those girlie hormones!
Salon Day with Mom and Emily:As a Christmas gift, my mom treated my sister Emily and me to a haircut and color at H20 (an awesome salon in NOLA where my mom goes). I knew about this hair appointment for a month or two before coming down, so I was so excited to enjoy a few hours away from it all to get my hair done. It's the best, isn't it! I got some new highlights and a great cut! My favorite was the shampooing part....I mean, that was the best head massage I have ever received. I think I fell asleep. Anyway, we were at the salon for about 4 hours....I know, but it was the day before Christmas Eve and the place was buzzing with women. We had a great time together! Thanks Mom!
Family Christmas Eve Lunch at the Galley:Christmas Eve Day was a busy one. My sister Emily's boyfriend, Charlie, arrived in New Orleans bright and early. It was his first visit to New Orleans, so Em wanted to show him around. Of course, we all insisted he be treated to some wonderful food for lunch since he hadn't experienced it very much, so the whole fam went to lunch at the Galley--probably one of our favorite local, family-run seafood joints. We had such a good time! The weather was in the 70s, so it was pretty warm for Christmas Eve, but that allowed us to eat outside which is always fun. We ordered the works (mostly for Charlie's benefit, but it was a ton of food, so we all ate it up): fried onion rings, fried crab claws, gumbo, fried shrimp and catfish poboys, and boiled crabs.
After lunch, Mom and I finished up Christmas shopping and went to the grocery to buy all the food needed for Christmas Day and Christmas Eve supper. Christmas Eve night we all went to my Aunt Donna and Uncle Tom's for a wonderful dinner and fun game of White Elephant.
Christmas Day Fun:As usual, we had all of my mom's family over for Christmas Day lunch. We had SOOOO much food! It was wonderful. I contributed a few things: spinach and artichoke dip as an appetizer (like we needed one ;), corn pudding, and a pecan pie.
Wii Antics:My sister Hillary got a Wii Fit for Christmas and we had so much fun laughing at each other play. My Wii fit age is 44! Apparently, I am "weak" and the Wii asked me if I fell down a lot because my balance wasn't very good. The funniest thing about the Wii Fit is that you can watch someone do an activity--like Slalom Skiing, for instance--and while the person doing it is doing horribly, it seems so simple! You're thinking, I can SO do that! Then, when it's your turn, you fail too! Hula Hooping is my personal favorite. I am TERRIBLE at it, but it was so funny to try and so funny to watch everyone else do. I so want a Wii Fit!
Sandestin, FL:On Saturday, we all drove over to Sandestin, a resort in Destin, FL. My parents rented a condo for a few days along with my aunt and her family. Jonathan, Nora, and I only stayed about 2 days, but we had a great time relaxing and spending time with the family there. Jonathan, Nora and I hit up the outlet mall on Monday and got our first onesies for Baby Boy Bradshaw. They are so cute and so tiny! I can't wait to try them on him.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
We Made it....Christmas in New Orleans
We made it to New Orleans. Praise the Lord, we were able to make the 10 hour drive in one day. We left Knoxville around 8:30 am, and got to NOLA around 5:00 (central time). Nora did so well, in spite of the fact that she is developing a cough and has a slight runny nose. Thank you Lord for answering our prayers for a safe and stress-free drive!
Jonathan, Nora & I went to our old church, Lakeview Christian Center, for church this morning, and we had such a wonderful time worshipping with everyone. It was so good to hug some necks that we haven't seen in months.
Everyone's napping right now, but once they wake up, we are headed to Baton Rouge to have dinner with my aunts and grandmother. Mom's whipping up some shrimp etoufee for dinner, so that will be a special treat! Yummy! I hope you are jealous!
Nora is having a BLAST here. She has fallen in love with my dad ("Gr-pa" as she calls him) and my sisters ("Deedee" and "Rillree"). And, she is beside herself with watching the dogs. She has learned one dog's name--Gumbo--but doesn't understand that each one has a different name. So, for the next week, all three dogs will be known as "Gu-bo." We are so blessed to be able to spend this week with our family.
We pray your Christmas week is just as blessed as ours! We'll be in touch.
Jonathan, Nora & I went to our old church, Lakeview Christian Center, for church this morning, and we had such a wonderful time worshipping with everyone. It was so good to hug some necks that we haven't seen in months.
Everyone's napping right now, but once they wake up, we are headed to Baton Rouge to have dinner with my aunts and grandmother. Mom's whipping up some shrimp etoufee for dinner, so that will be a special treat! Yummy! I hope you are jealous!
Nora is having a BLAST here. She has fallen in love with my dad ("Gr-pa" as she calls him) and my sisters ("Deedee" and "Rillree"). And, she is beside herself with watching the dogs. She has learned one dog's name--Gumbo--but doesn't understand that each one has a different name. So, for the next week, all three dogs will be known as "Gu-bo." We are so blessed to be able to spend this week with our family.
We pray your Christmas week is just as blessed as ours! We'll be in touch.
Friday, December 19, 2008
So....Our Boy!
So, yeah, we're having a BOY! AAAAAAH!! AAAAAHHHHH!
Even though I have had this gut feeling all along that it's a boy, now that I know, it is the strangest thing to me! I am so excited to have a son, but one must understand that I feel a bit unschooled when it comes to boys as I am the oldest of three girls. I know it's just like everything else and that I'll learn as we go along, but it is a bit intimidating to me! Jonathan says he has to prepare me by taking me to Gander Mountain (a very male, very camo-ish, very un-girly hunting and outdoor store) once a week until our little man gets here. Jonathan has also been telling me how boys pee everywhere and like to have pee contests and will need to pee outside at some point! He's scaring me, truly ;)
Yesterday's ultrasound and doctor appointment went very well. Of course, I did NOT sleep at all the night before due to the excitement and the future soccer player in my womb that was having a field day from 3:30-5:30. I finally konked out around 5:25, just before Jonathan's alarm went off at 5:30. I dropped Nora off to a good friend's house to play for a few hours, and then I met Jonathan at the dr.'s office. Within one minute of seeing our precious baby on the screen, he showed us he was a boy! Already, he's totally different from his big sister, Nora. For her ultrasound, Nora was sound asleep, curled up in a ball like a contortionist, with her hands inconveniently in front of her face so that we couldn't get a good shot of her mouth and nose. This guy, however, is so chill! He was spread out all over the place. Legs spread wide, arms wide out, just relaxing and having a good ole time! He is such like his Daddy already (I hope).
Another difference between this baby boy and Nora as a baby in utero is that he is apparently much BIGGER! At 20 weeks, 1 day he weighs 13 oz. (from what they can tell anyway). The doctor said he is in the 67th percentile. Nora was in the 20th percentile range for most of my pregnancy. So, we've got us a big boy so far.
We haven't finalized a name yet, but once we do, I'll post it. I go back in 4 weeks for my glucose test and 24 week appointment.
Tonight is our care group Christmas party! Tomorrow morning, we are leaving for New Orleans for a week to visit my family and have Christmas with them! I am so excited! Please pray for our trip and that we have safety in traveling. Merry Christmas!
Even though I have had this gut feeling all along that it's a boy, now that I know, it is the strangest thing to me! I am so excited to have a son, but one must understand that I feel a bit unschooled when it comes to boys as I am the oldest of three girls. I know it's just like everything else and that I'll learn as we go along, but it is a bit intimidating to me! Jonathan says he has to prepare me by taking me to Gander Mountain (a very male, very camo-ish, very un-girly hunting and outdoor store) once a week until our little man gets here. Jonathan has also been telling me how boys pee everywhere and like to have pee contests and will need to pee outside at some point! He's scaring me, truly ;)
Yesterday's ultrasound and doctor appointment went very well. Of course, I did NOT sleep at all the night before due to the excitement and the future soccer player in my womb that was having a field day from 3:30-5:30. I finally konked out around 5:25, just before Jonathan's alarm went off at 5:30. I dropped Nora off to a good friend's house to play for a few hours, and then I met Jonathan at the dr.'s office. Within one minute of seeing our precious baby on the screen, he showed us he was a boy! Already, he's totally different from his big sister, Nora. For her ultrasound, Nora was sound asleep, curled up in a ball like a contortionist, with her hands inconveniently in front of her face so that we couldn't get a good shot of her mouth and nose. This guy, however, is so chill! He was spread out all over the place. Legs spread wide, arms wide out, just relaxing and having a good ole time! He is such like his Daddy already (I hope).
Another difference between this baby boy and Nora as a baby in utero is that he is apparently much BIGGER! At 20 weeks, 1 day he weighs 13 oz. (from what they can tell anyway). The doctor said he is in the 67th percentile. Nora was in the 20th percentile range for most of my pregnancy. So, we've got us a big boy so far.
We haven't finalized a name yet, but once we do, I'll post it. I go back in 4 weeks for my glucose test and 24 week appointment.
Tonight is our care group Christmas party! Tomorrow morning, we are leaving for New Orleans for a week to visit my family and have Christmas with them! I am so excited! Please pray for our trip and that we have safety in traveling. Merry Christmas!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
IT'S A.........
I'm sorry I am so late in posting for those who are interested in knowing. Time is seriously running away from me, so I'll post more information later (tomorrow) when I can catch my breath. We are trying to get ready for our trip to New Orleans; we are leaving on Saturday morning. Between now and then we had a busy day today with the big doctor appointment, and tomorrow we have Jonathan's office party and our care group Christmas party tomorrow night. Whew!
Okay, so here it is!
We are so excited to announce that in May we are expecting a baby........
BOY!
Okay, so here it is!
We are so excited to announce that in May we are expecting a baby........
BOY!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
NEWSFLASH
Nora is now cruising on furniture! She randomly started on Sunday evening and has been getting more brave over the past two days. She's also taken a few tumbles, but she's really doing well! Once she figures this thing out, she'll be running, not walking. She'll be 16 months on Sunday, so it's about time she gets on those feet! We love you big girl.
Stay tuned for our other newsflash due on Thursday. Our ultrasound is Thursday morning. So far, the votes on the baby's gender is pretty close, but the girl vote is ahead by a few. We are so excited to see our little one. Just 1 1/2 days!
Stay tuned for our other newsflash due on Thursday. Our ultrasound is Thursday morning. So far, the votes on the baby's gender is pretty close, but the girl vote is ahead by a few. We are so excited to see our little one. Just 1 1/2 days!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Nora and Layla "Driving"
We had the Townsends over a few weeks back. Here are some adorable videos of Layla and Nora playing with the car.
Take One
Take Two
Take One
Take Two
Bradshaw Family Christmas Tree
Here are a few pics of Nora and I in front of our Christmas Tree. We have the tree decorated, our stockings hung, and a few other decorations throughout the house. We didn't manage to get our lights up outside, and we've pretty much decided that we aren't going to get to it this year. We are leaving for New Orleans in a week, so all of the work to put the lights up wouldn't be for long. There's always next year.
19 Weeks
Unbelievable that these are the first preggo pics we have taken so far. Here I am 19 weeks, 3 days.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Creamy Chicken Lasagna
I got this recipe from one of my close friends, Amy Louise Townsend. It is so yummy and it is one of Nora's favorite things to eat EVER.
CREAMY CHICKEN LASAGNA
Ingredients:
3 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
6 uncooked lasagna noodles
1 cube chicken bouillon
1/4 cup hot water
1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 (26 oz.) jar spaghetti sauce
1. Bring large pot of slightly salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles for 8-10 minutes. Drain, rinse with cold water, & set aside.
2. Place chicken in saucepan with just enough water to cover & bring to a boil. Cook for 20 minutes, or until no longer pink & juices run clear. Remove from saucepan & shred. I put mine in my food processor for about 20 seconds and it's done!
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Dissolve chicken bouillon cube in 1/4 cup hot water. In a large bowl, mix the chicken with the bouillon, cream cheese, & 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
4. Spread 1/3 of spaghetti sauce in bottom of 9 inch square baking dish. Cover with chicken mixture, & top with 3 lasagna noodles; repeat. Top with remaining sauce, & sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake for 45 minutes in preheated oven until golden and bubbling.
Enjoy!
CREAMY CHICKEN LASAGNA
Ingredients:
3 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
6 uncooked lasagna noodles
1 cube chicken bouillon
1/4 cup hot water
1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 (26 oz.) jar spaghetti sauce
1. Bring large pot of slightly salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles for 8-10 minutes. Drain, rinse with cold water, & set aside.
2. Place chicken in saucepan with just enough water to cover & bring to a boil. Cook for 20 minutes, or until no longer pink & juices run clear. Remove from saucepan & shred. I put mine in my food processor for about 20 seconds and it's done!
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Dissolve chicken bouillon cube in 1/4 cup hot water. In a large bowl, mix the chicken with the bouillon, cream cheese, & 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
4. Spread 1/3 of spaghetti sauce in bottom of 9 inch square baking dish. Cover with chicken mixture, & top with 3 lasagna noodles; repeat. Top with remaining sauce, & sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake for 45 minutes in preheated oven until golden and bubbling.
Enjoy!
Crazy Days
We have had an extremely busy season around here. Jonathan's sister, Amy, moved to Knoxville recently, and needless to say, we are so excited she's so close! She lived with us for a few weeks, but this past weekend, she moved into her new home! We spent the weekend helping her get settled.
Christmas shopping? What is that, exactly? I haven't even BEGUN to think about thinking about Christmas shopping. I have to find time to do that sometime really soon, but the days just keep escaping me.
Also, I recently switched laundry detergents to this wonderful, flowery, fresh, lovely smelling detergent. I have been LOVING to wear my clothes and fold laundry. Much to my chagrin, my husband decides to be ALLERGIC to my new beloved detergent! After washing all of our laundry from the past week in the new stuff, we made the discovery, so I have had to rewash some of Jonathan's clothes so the breakout will go away. Poor thing! I am so sorry. I promise I had no idea! Also, I will miss my new smell. ;(
Finally, just a bit over a week until we go for our 20 week ultrasound to hopefully discover the sex of this little baby. Our appointment is next Thursday, so tune in then to find out what we're having! I have posted a survey on the blog, so you can cast your vote for fun to let us know what you think it is. Also, I have been definitely feeling kicks for the past two weeks or so. Last night, Jonathan felt them for the first time. It never gets old, does it? It's still a miracle to me!
Christmas shopping? What is that, exactly? I haven't even BEGUN to think about thinking about Christmas shopping. I have to find time to do that sometime really soon, but the days just keep escaping me.
Also, I recently switched laundry detergents to this wonderful, flowery, fresh, lovely smelling detergent. I have been LOVING to wear my clothes and fold laundry. Much to my chagrin, my husband decides to be ALLERGIC to my new beloved detergent! After washing all of our laundry from the past week in the new stuff, we made the discovery, so I have had to rewash some of Jonathan's clothes so the breakout will go away. Poor thing! I am so sorry. I promise I had no idea! Also, I will miss my new smell. ;(
Finally, just a bit over a week until we go for our 20 week ultrasound to hopefully discover the sex of this little baby. Our appointment is next Thursday, so tune in then to find out what we're having! I have posted a survey on the blog, so you can cast your vote for fun to let us know what you think it is. Also, I have been definitely feeling kicks for the past two weeks or so. Last night, Jonathan felt them for the first time. It never gets old, does it? It's still a miracle to me!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Mexican Casserole
This recipe is SOOOOOOOO easy and is really yummy. Literally, 20 minutes! Beat that Rachael Ray! My mother-in-law Joyce made this dish for us over the Thanksgiving holiday and it was scrumptious. I made it for supper tonight because after I ate it in Mississippi, I haven't gotten it off my mind. Also, I am addicted to all things Mexican and food related!
Mexican Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. ground sirloin
- 1 can Rotel (I used mild)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 can chicken and rice soup
- 1/2 package of Taco seasoning mix
- 1/2 bag of tortilla chips, crushed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Place crushed tortilla chips in botton of casserole.
Brown ground meat and drain. Add Rotel and both cans of soup (don't drain anything). Add taco seasoning mix. Stir and heat through until bubbly (about 3 minutes). Pour mixture over crushed tortilla chips. Cover with cheese and bake for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly delicious! Enjoy!
Mexican Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. ground sirloin
- 1 can Rotel (I used mild)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 can chicken and rice soup
- 1/2 package of Taco seasoning mix
- 1/2 bag of tortilla chips, crushed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Place crushed tortilla chips in botton of casserole.
Brown ground meat and drain. Add Rotel and both cans of soup (don't drain anything). Add taco seasoning mix. Stir and heat through until bubbly (about 3 minutes). Pour mixture over crushed tortilla chips. Cover with cheese and bake for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly delicious! Enjoy!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Thanksgiving Recap
The laundry is finally done, the suitcases are unpacked, and we have finally caught up on lost sleep! We had such a wonderful Thanksgiving in New Orleans and in Jackson. It went by so quickly, and Nora was wonderful! She slept great, ate pretty well, and was the life of the party as always. Here's a quick recap of all we experienced on our trip.
Nora and I flew into New Orleans on Friday, Nov 21st. We were both exhausted from a day of traveling, so we didn't do much but enjoy some delicious food and time with my family! Saturday I was able to have breakfast with two of my best friends from college, Kate and Corrie. That afternoon, I had the joy of watching one of my oldest friends, Nick Missios, marry the girl of his dreams. It was a beautiful wedding and gave me the opportunity to see so many friends from Lakeview (our church in NOLA). Saturday night Jonathan arrived from Knoxville and the entire family enjoyed a delicious New Orleans meal of fried shrimp poboys and seafood gumbo. We spent most of the day Sunday in Baton Rouge visiting my grandmother and aunts and uncles on my mom's side of the family. We hadn't seen them since June, and I was particularly excited for my grandmother to see how much Nora has changed in the past five months. Monday my mom treated me to a manicure and pedicure---which was DIVINE---and then she and I got to spend some quality time together shopping! We found a great deal on a beautiful Christmas dress for Nora...thanks Nana! I know Nora will look like a doll this Christmas.
Nora absolutely had a blast visiting at my parents' house. There was much to explore and Nora was definitely intrigued by the dogs. My mom and dad recently added a new pug puppy named Phoebe to their brood of dogs (3 total now). Nora was scared at first by all of the licking and barking, but she quickly warmed up and started calling for "Feee be." I also was so blessed to spend time with my baby sister, Hillary. She has grown up so much in the past year and is driving now--which totally weirds me out! I am really looking forward to Christmas when Emily, Hillary, and I will all be in town to spend some rare time together.
Nora and I flew into New Orleans on Friday, Nov 21st. We were both exhausted from a day of traveling, so we didn't do much but enjoy some delicious food and time with my family! Saturday I was able to have breakfast with two of my best friends from college, Kate and Corrie. That afternoon, I had the joy of watching one of my oldest friends, Nick Missios, marry the girl of his dreams. It was a beautiful wedding and gave me the opportunity to see so many friends from Lakeview (our church in NOLA). Saturday night Jonathan arrived from Knoxville and the entire family enjoyed a delicious New Orleans meal of fried shrimp poboys and seafood gumbo. We spent most of the day Sunday in Baton Rouge visiting my grandmother and aunts and uncles on my mom's side of the family. We hadn't seen them since June, and I was particularly excited for my grandmother to see how much Nora has changed in the past five months. Monday my mom treated me to a manicure and pedicure---which was DIVINE---and then she and I got to spend some quality time together shopping! We found a great deal on a beautiful Christmas dress for Nora...thanks Nana! I know Nora will look like a doll this Christmas.
Nora absolutely had a blast visiting at my parents' house. There was much to explore and Nora was definitely intrigued by the dogs. My mom and dad recently added a new pug puppy named Phoebe to their brood of dogs (3 total now). Nora was scared at first by all of the licking and barking, but she quickly warmed up and started calling for "Feee be." I also was so blessed to spend time with my baby sister, Hillary. She has grown up so much in the past year and is driving now--which totally weirds me out! I am really looking forward to Christmas when Emily, Hillary, and I will all be in town to spend some rare time together.
My sister, Hillary, and neice, Lindsay
Me, Nora, and My Grandmother Gloria
Lindsay and Nora playing and giving kisses
We arrived in Jackson on Tuesday. Later that afternoon, some family friends arrived from Austin, TX, to spend Thanksgiving with us: Dean Kolb, and her daughter and son-in-law, Kristen and Matt Powers. Dean and Kristen have been like family since before Jonathan was born, but this Thanksgiving was really my first opportunity to spend quality time with them. They are such wonderful people! They fell in love with Nora and were so patient with her and played with her. Nora and Dean became best buddies by the end of the trip, and Nora became fascinated with Matt...we're not sure if it was because he was bald or what!?
We had some wonderful food while in Jackson. On Wednesday, Amy and Kristen made homemade (I'm talking FROM SCRATCH) chicken 'n' dumplings. They were amazing! On Thanksgiving Day, Ms. Joyce provided her usual spread of turkey, ham, chicken'n'dressing, butter beans, sweet potato casserole, rolls, and like 4 desserts! We were so stuffed! On Friday, I was able to get together with my friend Suzanne for a few hours over coffee! We had such a good time talking and catching up. We watched several football games over the course of the week, and most nights Jonathan, Amy, Matt, Kristen and I would gather at the kitchen table for some competitive games of cards and Take Two. Good Times!
Nora and Dean reading books
Nora touching Matt's bald head...she was obsessed with him!
Family Pic
Great Aunt Hazel and Great Aunt Hettie
Suppertime with Daddy
Baking at the Bradshaws
Nora and Granna
Nora and Kristen playing
Nora talking to Hazie
Nora and her "Mamy"
We left shortly after breakfast on Saturday morning and made the 8+ hr drive back home to Knoxville. Nora was great! The last hour or so was a bit rough, but honestly, we all wanted to get out of the car, so I can't blame that girl for being a bit fussy.
We have so much to be thankful for! We were so blessed by safe travel, wonderful time with family and friends, and a beautiful, healthy daughter! Thank you Lord for all of the ways you bless us beyond our deserving!
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