One Month Ago...

Only one month ago Lil Chick was discharged from the hospital.

I was positively ITCHING to get out of there with her. I was pacing the room the entire morning packing up and getting ready to go. They did her last blood draw (note cotton ball and tape on head), gave her last IV antibiotics (note IV on foot) then took her IV out and finally FINALLY discharged us.

It already feels like it happened many months ago...or that maybe it was just a bad dream.



Never was I so happy than to take my Lil Chick home from the hospital for a second time. We gave her a bath right away to wash the hospital off of her:



You have to wash newborn babies in your sink...it's like a law:



She is healthy: eating frequently, gaining weight (just hit 8lbs!) and sleeping well. What more could I ask for?

A

Sweet Lemonade...

Tiff over at Still Seeking Sanity was sweet enough to give me the Lemonade award! Thanks Tiff! The Lemonade award goes to those who show great attitude and/or gratitude.



Here are the rules for receiving the Lemonade Award:

1. Put the logo on your blog or post.
2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude!
3. Link to your nominees within your post.
4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Share the love and link your post to the person from whom you received your award.

And the nominees are....

1. Esther at 3 Girls and a Guy
2. Laura at Living Life Through The Eyes Of Laura
3. Megan at her private blog...
4. Rebecca at Brown Eyed Girl
5. Jessica at The Jagers
6. Lisa at Growing Up Mo'
7. Tina at So Very Blessed
8. Lora Lynn at Vitafamiliae
9. Missy at It's Almost Naptime!!
10. Christy at Real Life Adventures

Hmmm, looks like I ran out of numbers already! Thanks again Tiff!

A

Soup For You!

This is the best. soup. ever.

Seriously? Want to impress anyone? Not that talented in the kitchen? Short on time?

This IS the soup for you.

I actually made 6 batches while 7 months pregnant to freeze and use when Lil Chick arrived. It is actually thawing nicely in my refrigerator at the moment. My lovely Sister in law requested this recipe for her husband, who dubbed it "crack soup", it is THAT good.

Enjoy! Really, PLEASE enjoy:

Pasta Fagioli Soup

12 ounces chicken sausage, halved lengthwise and sliced (Sun Dried Tomato Basil or similar flavors work well).
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup bow tie pasta
2 cups (or more) coarsely chopped zucchini (about 2 small zucchini)
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 tsp oregano
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Dash of pepper

Heat sausage, stirring constantly, over high heat in large pot for 2 minutes (or until sizzling nicely). Add broth and pasta and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 6 minutes. Add zucchini and tomatoes; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer another 2 minutes. Stir in oregano and kidney beans, give a good dash of pepper, cover and simmer 3 minutes or until pasta and zucchini are tender.

Serve with shredded asiago or Parmesan cheese.

I get the chicken sausage at Costco, which is really flavorful. I've doubled the recipe except for the sausage and it still tasted wonderful.

Also very good with my favorite and easy Cheddar Garlic Biscuits to dip into the yummy broth.

You're welcome...

A