Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Summer Beer

4th of July has come and gone but I can't let summer completely pass without sharing one of my favorite drink recipes...Summer Beer.  When I lived in STL, I never heard of the stuff but since moving to KC (six and a half years ago...eek!), I realized just what I was missing!

Ingredients
  • 1 - 12oz can Frozen Pink Lemonade
  • Vodka (don't worry if the brand is cheap because the flavor of the lemonade will mask the bite)
  • 4 - 6 cans Light Beer (such as Bud Light)
Directions
  • In a pitcher, empty the pink lemonade (saving the can)
  • Fill the 12oz can with vodka and add it to the pitcher
  • Add 4 - 6 cans light beer (depending on personal taste)
    • Note: I prefer to add 6 cans of beer as the pink lemonade is a strong/sweet taste
  • Mix & Enjoy!
Additional Notes
  • I've never tried traditional frozen Lemonade or Limeade (instead of the Pink Lemonade) but I know folks who have and really enjoy it...totally depends on personal taste.
  • I've found this to be a great recipe for both med and women...it's stout enough for guys and fruity enough for gals...a win-win situation!
  • You can double, triple, etc. this recipe to serve a large group...just make sure you have a big enough container.  A group of guys I used to work with would make Summer Beer in one of those big Gatorade water jugs you see at baseball and football games...stick with the ratio above and make as much or a little as you'd like. 

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Whooah, We’re Half Way There…


I can’t even believe it…TeamPug has officially reached the half way mark!

Last Friday, our third OB appointment started with a sonographer who preformed my mid-gestation ultrasound.  During the procedure, she took various measurements to ensure Puglet was on track growth-wise and confirm there were no obvious developmental issues.  We were able to see all sorts of awesome stuff…such as Puglet’s entire spine and 4-chamber beating heart…it was really incredible!  She also snuck a look at gender without JPug or me knowing!  She concealed gender in an envelope which we took to our local party store along with a huge cardboard box and asked them to fill it with the appropriate color balloons.  After our visit with the sonographer, we met the second of six doctors we’ll see over the next 20ish weeks.  I really liked this doctor and the experience at the office was better than our previous two visits…things are looking up!

That evening, we planned to have dinner with my folks (who came in from STL) and JPug’s folks.  Before heading to the restaurant, we opened the box all together and found out we’ll be having a little GIRL!

It's a Girl!


Other than the ultrasound, I don’t have much new information.  A friend of mine provided this short/regular survey to update folks on her pregnancy.  I really liked the idea so I’m totally stealing it…thanks Courtney!

How far along: 20 weeks
Size of baby: The length of a banana and about 10.5 ounces.
Total Weight Gain: 5.5 pounds.  I was down 5 pounds during the first trimester and I’ve gained that back plus an additional 5.5.  Although some of you may think 5 + 5.5 = 10.5, I’m sticking with 5.5…and pounds DO NOT round up.
Maternity Clothes: I’ve transitioned to empire waist dresses and maternity pants at work.  Some of my pre-pregnancy summer shorts still fit so I’m enjoying them while I still can.  I purchased a few belly bands but I find them to be uncomfortable…so it’s mostly dresses or maternity pants for me.
Sex: It’s a girl!
Movement: None yet…the sonographer said I have an anterior placenta (it’s along the front) which means Puglet will have to kick harder for me to feel her move.  From what I’ve read and what the doctor told me, it’s common for moms with anterior placentas to start feeling baby around 22 weeks.
Sleep: Pretty excellent…some nights I even sleep through the night without needing a potty break!  I find that I still sleep on my stomach or a version of stomach/side even when I try not to.  I doubt I’ll be able to sleep on my stomach much longer because my belly will get too big. 
What I Miss: Nothing really.  I’m definitely a gal who enjoys a good craft beer or margarita on hot summer days but I don’t find that I’ve minded the switch to lemonade or water one bit.
Cravings: None.
Symptoms: None…man, I’m boring and lucky at the same time!
What I’m Looking Forward To: My growing belly (and hopefully boobs), choosing various items for baby (the process is fun and exhausting/overwhelming at the same time) and our 3D ultrasound on Tuesday, 9/4.