{20 Weeks}

Some of you may have seen that title and thought, 

"Ohhh girl, you're halfway there!" 

But if this little kicker decides to follow his brother's example, 

I was actually halfway at 19weeks 2days. 

Oh, did you notice the HIS in that sentence? You did?

Well, then you read correctly!

Baby Radtke #2 is a BOY!

{Confession}

We've actually known since our 13 week ultrasound, 

but decided to play it safe until this ultrasound.  

Just in case... 

But as you can see, {Ahem}, there is no doubt.

He is growing beautifully.

He has a gorgeous heart with 4 chambers.

His brain, spine and other organs looked well developed.

And the "kicker"...

HE HAS VERY LONG LEGS.

 So, come June 5, we'll have two {TWO!!} sweet boys 

in the Radtke House.

What did Jackson think of this news?

I'd say he was pretty excited.

Mama Recommends

Happy Monday everyone!

I love the weekends. They typically provide me an opportunity to spend a bit more time in the kitchen. Trip can distract play with Jack and I can test out recipes. In a recent post I noted that I had acquired a new cookbook. It's Elisabeth Hasselbeck's cookbook, Deliciously G-Free. Now listen, regardless of what you think of her politics, {cough, cough...Brenda} the cookbook ROCKS.

She divides the recipes into 4 categories. Breakfast, Appetizers, Main Course and Desserts. The ingredients are fresh and simple. The directions for each recipe are clear and easy to follow. If you're one of my wonderfully G-free friends or have a desire to dabble in gluten free cooking, I highly recommend the book.

So, Saturday morning I tried one of the breakfast recipes, the Egg Muffins on page 47.

The recipe makes 12 egg muffins. For our family I split the recipe in half.

The ingredients:
Eggs, Salt, Pepper, Baking Soda, Scallions, Mushrooms, Grated Cheese, Bacon

I should note that she has red bell peppers in her ingredient list. We were out, so I substituted tomatoes.

After mixing the eggs with the measured amount of salt, pepper and baking soda you set the egg mixture aside. Then chop the remaining ingredients and layer. For 6 egg muffins I used one scallion {both green and white parts}, 6 slices of mushroom, 2 slices of bacon, a handful of grape tomatoes and 1 cup of cheese.

Using a muffin tin, I layered the ingredients in each well starting with the cheese and finishing with the bacon. Then I poured 1/4c of the egg mixture on top of each.

Bake at 375 degrees for about 20min. Then serve immediately.

Trip said I could make these "whenever I want". 

They were delicious...and so easy for a lazy Saturday. 

If you have kids in school, this would be an easy weekday morning meal that is packed with protein for their day. I would prechop the toppings the night before and then just whip up the egg mixture that morning while the oven preheats.

Up next...CUPCAKES!

It's 2012?!

Celebrating Advent and Christmas was so much fun for us as a family.

Jackson was finally old enough to truly celebrate the birth of Christ and to anticipate the arrival of our precious Ohio family. Hearing him recite the verses each night gave such a depth to our holiday.

I am confident that Jackson closed this holiday season knowing with confidence that we "..do not [need] to be afraid...God has good news."

-----------------------------
One of the blogs on my sidebar did a fun recap post of 2011.
Yeah, yeah... I know that it's January  13... it's been nutty around here.

It was a survey of 2011. She had a ton of questions, I chose 10.

1. What did you do in 2011 that you'd never done before?

 Warrior Dash with my sister. Y'all that race is crazy. 

2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I don't really make resolutions. But, I do have one for this year. To give birth. Lord have mercy if I'm still pregnant this time next year. If that happens, let me be clear, the Lord and I will have a serious conversation.

3. Did anyone close to you die?

Yes. My Grammy, who was such a treasure to my family 

and Trip's and my incredible Spanish tutor, Senor Bellows. 

4. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?

 More variety in my gluten free cooking. I have acquired a cookbook

and I'm going to commit to trying new recipes each week. 

5. What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

January 11 - the day I joined BSF leadership as a teacher in the Children's Program

March 26 - celebrating the marriage of a dear, former student {Paige}

August 17 - watching Trip and Jack walk out onto the Braves Field

September 3 - hosting my sister's Bridal shower and celebrating her 30th birthday
October 1 - celebrating the marriage of my sister and Peter

October 15 -  celebrating the marriage of another dear, former student {Ben}

October 17 - seeing my second baby on an ultrasound

December 25 - celebrating Christmas for the first time in our home

6. Compared to this time last year, are you:
    ~Happier or sadder?
                Happier!

   ~Thinner or fatter?
         Ahem. Well, I'm working on a "project" that has a weight loss date of June 5. 

7. What song will always remind you of 2011?

 Eddie Kirkland's "Here & Now". This song has such an impact me. 

I'm working on a post about this & how I want it to direct me this year.

8. What were your favorite books of the year?

 A Praying Life, The Help, One Thousand Gifts

9. What was your favorite TV show?

 Parenthood. The writing is incredible.

10. What is a valuable lesson you learned in 2011?

Friendships taught me a lot this year. I am so grateful for the women who came alongside me spiritually and held my feet to the fire. God pruned a few relationships from my life that were distracting me. And he also introduced me to women who want me to the be the woman He is calling me to be. 

{13 Weeks}

As of this week, I'm actually 14 weeks. But I thought I should post the photo from last week as I had been harassed lovingly asked to show what I look like at this point in my second pregnancy.

Yep. That's it. Nothin.

I didn't show with Jackson until 22 weeks. So it will be interesting to see when this baby wants to make a visible appearance.

My first trimester was identical to my first trimester with Jackson... 

with one exception.

Y'all this kid wore me slam out.

This was a bit of a shock to me since the first 13 weeks of his pregnancy I drove an hour each way to work and taught crazy perfect middle-schoolers all day. Luckily, he is an awesome napper {Thank you, Jesus} and this Mama just curled up each afternoon and slept.

Other than the tiredness, I have felt great. I praise God that I'm not one of those women who get sick. Sure, certain foods totally gross me out, but I don't feel puny crossing off the days until Week 14.

Our 13 week ultrasound was very special for us as a family. Up until that point we had not said anything to Jackson about my pregnancy. We had been counseled by the doctor to be judicious in who we told until at least the 12th week, especially Jackson. So, the ultrasound was the perfect time to let him know since he would be able to see the baby and understand slightly better with a visual.

I'll close with two conversations that have resulted since 

Jackson learning of his new role as big brother:

Jackson: Mommy, where is the baby?

Me: In my belly.

Jackson: You swallowed him?

{Crickets}

Me: No, sweet boy, I did not swallow him.

{Later that same day at Publix:}

Jackson to Cashier: I'm going to be a big brother!

Cashier: Oh wow, Jackson. How exciting!

Jackson: My Mommy ate him, he's in her belly.

Saturday Wear

What?

 Don't you wear your pj pants with a White House

Chief of Staff t-shirt and a train conductor's bandana? 

You don't? 

 Oh. 

Well, you should. 

It's fun!

Happy Saturday, y'all!

A New Shirt

Jackson has a new shirt he likes to wear proudly.

 

 He thinks it's pretty special.

We do too.

Baby Radtke ~June 5, 2012

Most of you know the story of our journey to meet Jackson. While that journey was hard at times, God's answer to our prayer was more than we could have ever have imagined. 

God did not ask us to walk that same path to meet this sweet baby. But He has continued to ask us to TRUST Him. How I praise Him for being a God who is in control.

~ Zephaniah 3.17 ~

The Lord your God is with you,

He is mighty to save.

He will take great delight in you,

he will quiet you with His love,

He will rejoice over you with singing.

Veteran's Day 11.11.11

As the granddaughter, daughter and sister of men who have served in the armed forces, I am particularly proud today. Pride in my country and those who defend us has been instilled in me since I was a little girl. I have never taken for granted the price that the soldiers and their families have paid for my freedom.

Last weekend, we had the chance to meet up with dear friends at the Atlanta airport. While we were there we saw dozens of soldiers. It is so hard for me to not burst into tears when I encounter these precious people. But regardless of the tears in my eyes and the knot in my throat, I make it a point to say, "Thank You." Trip had the chance to lead Jackson to a group of soldiers and say, "Thank you." The first of many opportunities to teach our son gratitude to his heroes.

Today, I would like to extend a special thank you to my father and brother. They have both fought in wars and returned safely. I thank God that I am honoring them today, not remembering them.

c. 1982

My pride in my brother has been longstanding. 

I mean, who wouldn't love a kid with a bucket for his first "cap".

~Arlington 2010~

Saying farewell to his friend and mentor, SgtMaj Luttrell

December 2010

My brother is commissioned as an officer in the Marine Corps.

An incredible day for my Father.

I love you both and I am truly thankful to you 

and your comrades 

for your service.

Semper Fi!