Ten on Tuesday

Welcome to another edition of my Tuesday Ten!  Just a set of ten random things that are going on in our crazy lives--in case this is your first time reading my blog.

One.  This week, my hubby and I are starting a workout plan that'll help me lose the weight I gained during my pregnancy (about 20 pounds) and get me back in shape so that I at least get to the point where I can do PT without feeling like I have to keel over, as well as start to look and feel good and healthy.  I'm already fitting into a lot of my pre-pregnancy clothing, but my body has lost its firmness and has been left with lots of pudge!  Part of the plan includes implementing a healthier diet.  I am NOT excited about the plan.  I mean, for someone whose been indulging in whole jars of nutella with, well, just about anything (fruits, pretzels, bagels) for I don't know how long...it kinda sucks.  And last night's workout...let's just say I'm in pain today.  And my husband really took it easy on me.

Two.  Speaking of last night, I made a delicious pasta dish that was in this month's issue of Rachel Ray's magazine.  It's a Ribbon Pasta with Tomato, Dill and Ricotta.  I know, I know, pasta has a lot of calories.  For the record, the cherry tomatoes and dill sauce made the dish seem very light.  Could have left out the ricotta cheese...but hey, it's in the recipe, and it really pulled the dish together.  I posted the recipe on my cooking blog.  And speaking of the cooking blog...I gave it a new look the other day.  You guys should head on over there to check it out!

Three.  While I'm on this cooking topic, I should let you guys know that I joined a new online cooking group (thanks to my friend, Angie).  It's called French Fridays with Dorie.  The group is going to cook through Dorie Greenspan's new cookbook, Around My French Table and post about the recipes every Friday.  Almost two years ago (when I was in grad school), I was apart of the baking group called Tuesdays with Dorie and we did the same thing, only through Dorie's baking cookbook.  I did it for a few months, but then had to quit because I had no time to bake when I moved to El Paso.  I actually got the cookbook in the mail today and am excited to look through it.  Some of Dorie's recipes can be intimidating at first glance, so I'm going to use this time in the group to learn tons of new techniques!

Four.  This morning, we woke up to a very happy baby.  And that's always something to be happy about!  It doesn't matter what time it is when she wakes up, as long as she's in this mood, I'm thrilled.  And Baby V is like this a lot in the mornings...until she is out of her sleepy stupor and realizes that she's hungry.  I like to use that time to talk to and play with her, and to teach her new things--even though she may not understand quite yet.  But she always makes me laugh with her cute smile.  I was able to capture a few pics this morning.  This one is my favorite.  Are you as amazed as I am at how much she's grown?  Look at all her hair.  I mean, ALL of her hair.  She got it from her mommy for sure.  And we called it...we always knew that our baby was going to come out looking like Ewoks since both the hubby and I are pretty hairy!

Five.  Even better...Baby V is currently napping with her daddy in her nursery...on the rocking chair.  Seeing that never gets old to me.  It's my joy!

Six.  The La Vina Winery is having it's fall festival this weekend and we are sooooo there.  I've been to all of them since I've moved here (the winery is about a 30 minute drive from where we live) and the last one I went to, I was pregnant.  It wasn't as much fun.  And this is the first time that my hubby will be with me when I go.  Can't wait.

Seven.  I'm so happy I got a glimpse of some fall weather this morning.  It was actually in the mid-60s for a change.  I'm totally a cold-weather baby, so these extended El Paso summers (where it's 90+ degrees during the day) are so not cool.  It's so bad that I don't even feel like putting up fall decorations (and don't think I will since we'll be moving soon).  Right now, it's hot out, but it was nice to feel it for a while and to have somewhat of a nice breeze when we went for our walk this morning.

Eight.  Next weekend, we'll be going to Utah to visit Malu's grandparents and aunt and uncle.  It'll be Baby V's first trip out there.  It's about a 14-hour drive that we're both dreading.  But they really want to see the baby and it'll be fun once we get there.

Nine.  I got Baby V's newborn photos weeks ago and I still haven't shown them to you guys yet.  I'll do that tomorrow.  They're so cute.

Ten.  I probably should have done Five on Tuesday...it took me forever to get to ten!  Happy Tuesday everyone!