The Family Truckster

It may not come in baby shit green or have wood paneling like the Griswolds drive in National Lampoon's Vacation, but the Teisings officially have a "family truckster" of their own-- a 2007 Honda Odyssey Touring!  Yes, folks....we are living the mini-van dream and it's parked right outside our house!


My husband will tell you that the pride I exude in talking about our minivan is a complete 180 from a year ago.  Since 2005, I've been driving a silver Saab 9-2X.  It's a sensible car-- a great grocery getter with AWD and a manual transmission.  Although the interior space resembles a clown car, Silvia, as I like to call her, is fun to drive and hasn't ever given me any problems.  (As a side note, I've named all my cars...my first, a navy blue 1986 Chevy Blazer was Bessy...then there was Ruby, my red 1999 Plymouth Breeze...and then my beloved Silvia...) 


However, once we became pregnant, I began to think about upgrading so that Rich could drive my car.  My sweet husband drives a white 1995 Toyota Corolla given to him by his Nana.  Despite the deteriorating paint job, he claims people are "jealous" of this vehicle with it's ability to get good gas mileage.  (Ha!)  Nicknames for the Corolla include Pimpstrolla (retired since meeting me in 2008), Rockinrolla and Slowrolla.   While Rich loves this car, there is no way in hell I will allow our son to ride in it.  After years of wear and the eau de metal smell that emanates from the interior due to years of building his steel fabrication business from the ground up, it became clear that we needed another car suitable for our growing family.  After lots of research, I decided on a Subaru Outback.  Hands down.  No bones about it.  An AWD, reliable vehicle with high safety ratings....and one that doesn't immediately scream soccer mom.  Yes, it would be me and every lesbian I've ever met driving the sporty Subaru.


Rich has been in love with minivans for years.  Our sister and brother-in-law drive a Chrystler minivan and take pride in the practicality of it.  Rich even made them a generator for brewing coffee in this thing for camping trips and he always bragged he could get several kegs of beer into one.  His dream minivan of choice?  A Chevy Astro.  No joke.  I have no idea why this particular brand of minivan is/was so appealing to him.  Nonetheless, Rich is the only man I've ever known outside of a colleague that coveted one pre-wife and kids.  And this is something I've always found endearing, despite my strong resistance.


So, he's been trying to sell me on the minivan for about four years now.  I didn't buy it until I was about six months pregnant.  I witnessed a dear friend push a button on her fab to open the sliding doors of her 2006 Honda Odyssey Touring, thus efficiently and effortlessly buckling her 14 month-old in for the drive home.  The ease of these automatic sliding doors really got me thinking and the vision of stooping down to wrestle a heavy baby carrier into a car, even if it was my longed for Subaru, suddenly no longer held any appeal.  Just like that.


So now, wouldn't you know it?  I enthusiastically drive a minivan.   I am a convert.  I look like a Mom in it because I am about to become one.  The leather interior is easy to clean, the sliding doors are pimp and we can fit seven comfortably!  It even has a DVD-- perfect for long road trips.  Now, unlike the Slowrolla, this is a vehicle that could definitely cause some jealousy.

ThunderCats Goooooooooo!!!!

I love the movie Juno-- remember the scene when her water breaks and she shouts down to her parents, "ThunderCats Gooooo!!!!"?  (For those of you that are scratching your heads, this is a reference to an animated 80's TV cartoon...).  Well, that's how I felt today and I wanted to shout it from the rooftops.


Rich and I had our final ultrasound to check the position of the placenta.  As I've shared with you all in an earlier post, my placenta was in a marginal previa position (a little too close for comfort to my cervix) and if it stayed there the remaining weeks of the pregnancy, then this natural birth plan would be null and void and I would be an automatic candidate for a C-section.  The fantastic and relieving news is that the placenta has moved out of the way (lateral left to be precise) and we are all systems go for our natural birth plan...YEEHAW!  The other important update is that our son is continuing to develop beautifully-- he's head down, currently weighing in at 5 lbs., 14 oz.  They say babies grow a half a pound a week the last four weeks of pregnancy.  No matter what, our son will be fully developed and in great shape to come into the world!


More to come on our final preparations for birth!

Losing Kontrol

I am a control freak.   In fact, my husband lovingly likes to call me Kara the Kontrol Freak (replacing the K for the C in "control" somehow makes this funny).  And you know what?  I'm okay with it because it's true.  I realize I like things a certain way and can be bossy....okay, very bossy and a little bit (okay, a lot!) of a micromanager these days.  In Pre-K, my teachers used to call me "Mother Kara."  That's when I was four years-old people!  Thankfully, these bossy, controlling and micromanaging tendencies can be managed, otherwise, I would have no friends and animals would scurry away at the sight of me.

One of the things my son is teaching me, even in utero, is that I really don't have it all under control.  Quite frankly, I thought I was having a girl early in my pregnancy, and then BAM!  We found out week 20 that we've been blessed with a son.  Thinking about how to deal with penises, morning erections and the strong probability that I will be cleaning up pee around the toilet floor for many years to come completely caught me off guard.  Of course, I am now over the moon excited about the prospect of developing the age-old mother-son bond, but this was definitely lesson #1 that I am NOT in control.

I am a planner.  Naturally, babies teach you that you can plan all you want, but ultimately you're operating on their watch.  Only 5% of all babies arrive on their due date (ours is January 14).  This little guy is keeping us on our toes.  Lesson #2 that I am NOT in control.

I am persnickety about modern home interiors.  What does this mean for a soon-to-be-new-Mom?  I hate to say it, but discomfort.  Almost all modern furniture, while beautifully showcasing clean lines and minimalism, lacks in the cozy and practical department.  Case in point: If you read the post about my nursery design, you will see that I ordered a Herman Miller Eames Rocking Chair and was pretty stoked about it.  Classic design, durable, aesthetically pleasing to the eye....but, have you ever sat in one of these puppies?  It's made for an oompa loompa.  No joke.  Yes, an oompa loompa would be very happy sitting in this chair, rocking the night away.  I am 5'8" and my knees were up to my ears sitting in this thing.  I just couldn't stomach the vision of my son in my arms, enduring hours of discomfort while attempting to justify this purchase, all in the name of good design.  Hell, if it doesn't meet your needs, then it's not good design.  Sigh.  We had to return it and I've now opted for a modern, yet comfortable, glider/ottoman combo from Mitchell + Gold.  Still aesthetically pleasing, but this purchase demonstrates that I'm embracing the shift to a Mom mindset.  It's a slipcover that can be washed in the likely event that it becomes soaked in spit up, pee, poo, snot, throw up or a combo of the five.  Lesson #3 that I am NOT in control.

And there are all these things that have yet to happen (like the actual birthing and labor process!) that will show me that I am NOT in control and my perfectionist tendencies aren't welcome...that in fact, they can be a real hindrance. So many times we parents feel that we have to impart all this wisdom to our kids, that the pressure is on us to set the example and get it right, but they're here to teach us about ourselves and learn those important karmic lessons.  Letting go, accepting imperfection and finding joy in the everyday is already something my son is attempting to teach me.  Although I can be a dunce of a student and slow to catch on at times, I am immensely grateful for this little Buddha.

Died and Gone to Preggers Heaven

If you're following this blog at all (or you live with me, work with me, or frequent the Marriott Starbucks near Nashville International Airport), then you know I cannot get enough hot chocolate in my preggers state.  I'm not talking about any of this Swiss Miss watered down, mini dehydrated marshmallows in a packet crap either (although it will do in a pitch).  I'm talking about the real deal-- creamy milk (the fattier the better), real chocolate, real whipped cream and a chocolate syrup drizzle to top it off.


The BEST cup of hot chocolate I've had by far was given to me by a good friend (who is pregnant with her third child and can empathize with my addiction) in a tightly contained Mason jar for enjoyment at home on a cold, rainy Nashville night.  One sip and I was in preggers heaven.  Thank you Steph Becker!!!


When I begged her for the recipe, she gladly sent it my way.  Since I'm a giver, I want to share it with you.  But wait, there's more!  Have you ever had a homemade marshmallow?  Up until two years ago, I didn't know there was such a thing.  Honestly.  I thought they only came prepackaged in either miniature or giant sizes, complete with pictures of camp fires or huge smiling marshmallow men.  Then, I saw a recipe on food network.com a la Alton Brown and thought, "I can do this!"  I did and they were delicious.  Making homemade marshmallows are now a holiday staple, something I do every year, gifting them lovingly to friends and family to go with their....wait for it....hot chocolate!


Hot Chocolate
from The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook by Ina Garten

2 1/2 c whole milk
2 c half and half
4 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped
4 oz milk chocolate, chopped
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp instant espresso of coffee powder

Heat the milk and half and half in a saucepan on medium heat to just below the simmering point, whisking occasionally.  Remove the pan from the heat and add both chocolates, whisking until melted.  When the chocolates are melted, add the sugar, vanilla extract and espresso and whisk.  Reheat gently and serve immediately.




Homemade Marshmallows
Recipe courtesy of Alton Brown, 2007
Yield: Approximately 9 dozen marshmallows


3 packages unflavored gelatin
1 cup ice cold water, divided
12 ounces granulated sugar, approximately 1 1/2 cups
1 cup light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
Nonstick spray


Place the gelatin into the bowl of a stand mixer along with 1/2 cup of the water. Have the whisk attachment standing by.


In a small saucepan combine the remaining 1/2 cup water, granulated sugar, corn syrup and salt. Place over medium high heat, cover and allow to cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Uncover, clip a candy thermometer onto the side of the pan and continue to cook until the mixture reaches 240 degrees F, approximately 7 to 8 minutes. Once the mixture reaches this temperature, immediately remove from the heat.


Turn the mixer on low speed and, while running, slowly pour the sugar syrup down the side of the bowl into the gelatin mixture. Once you have added all of the syrup, increase the speed to high. Continue to whip until the mixture becomes very thick and is lukewarm, approximately 12 to 15 minutes. Add the vanilla during the last minute of whipping. While the mixture is whipping prepare the pans as follows.


For regular marshmallows:
Combine the confectioners' sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl. Lightly spray a 13 by 9-inch metal baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Add the sugar and cornstarch mixture and move around to completely coat the bottom and sides of the pan. Return the remaining mixture to the bowl for later use.


When ready, pour the mixture into the prepared pan, using a lightly oiled spatula for spreading evenly into the pan. Dust the top with enough of the remaining sugar and cornstarch mixture to lightly cover. Reserve the rest for later. Allow the marshmallows to sit uncovered for at least 4 hours and up to overnight.


Turn the marshmallows out onto a cutting board and cut into 1-inch squares using a pizza wheel dusted with the confectioners' sugar mixture. Once cut, lightly dust all sides of each marshmallow with the remaining mixture, using additional if necessary. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.


For miniature marshmallows:
Combine the confectioners' sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl. Line 4 half sheet pans with parchment paper, spray the paper with nonstick cooking spray and dust with the confectioners' sugar mixture.


Scoop the mixture into a piping bag fitted with a 1/2-inch round piping tip. Pipe the mixture onto the prepared sheet pans lengthwise, leaving about 1-inch between each strip. Sprinkle the tops with enough of the remaining cornstarch and sugar mixture to lightly cover. Let the strips set for 4 hours or up to overnight.


Cut into 1/2 inch pieces using a pizza wheel or scissors dusted with the confectioners' sugar mixture. Once cut, lightly dust all sides of each marshmallow with the remaining sugar mixture and store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Starstruck

Some people get starstruck when encountering what I would consider a conventional celebrity like a Hollywood starlet, a national news anchor or a New York Times bestselling author.  In a previous life, I was married to a man that was an autograph collector and dogged celebrity hound.  Memorable examples entail him interrupting Clint Black's dinner for an autograph at the restaurant formerly known as La Paz here in Nashville (which everyone knows is a big no no...we Nashvillians leave our celebrities alone!), bragging about his encounter with Ashley Judd, chatting up Harmony Korine in line at the Green Hills Movie Theater (obscure filmmaker known for Kids and Gummo), and literally running after Ethan Hawke for an autograph outside of the Chelsea Hotel in New York City.  My second (and last!) marriage has refreshingly paired me with a sweet, sweet, endearing man that gets starstruck when meeting local "celebrities," like Beth Curley, President/CEO of Nashville Public Television, or seeing Bart Durham, ambulance chaser extraordinaire, at McCabe Pub.


I've never been one to get googley-eyed when seeing Nicole Kidman at Whole Foods or meeting the friend of a friend that used to work with Sheryl Crowe's manager, but yesterday, I was starstruck.  Absolutely and completely. 


Rich and I went to The Farm Midwifery Clinic for a prenatal visit and whom was there stopping by before hopping on a plane to Sweden but Ina May Gaskin herself.  Of course, The Farm is her home and the midwives are her family, so why wouldn't she be there?  In reading all her books (I just ordered Birth Matters: A Midwife's Manifesta (2011) and Ina May's Guide to Breastfeeding (2009) and they should arrive today-- yay!), I have come to admire this woman so much.  If someone were to ask me one of those silly get-to-know you questions, "If you could have dinner with anyone alive or dead, who would it be and why?," some might say Oprah, JFK, Gandhi, or Jesus, but for me, it's Ina May.  She has made a significant contribution to the lives of women and the health of families all over the world.  In Sweden, she is being honored with an "Alternative Nobel Prize" awarded by the Right Livelihood Awards Foundation...how cool is that?!  (To answer another nonsensical get-to-know you question for inquiring minds, "If you were an animal, what would you be and why?"  A dolphin.  Hands down. They're graceful, playful and uber smart!  Random, I know, but I'm a sharer.)


I anticipate seeing Ina May again on a subsequent visit and next time, I'll have my wits about me.

”A society that places a low value on its mothers and the process of birth will suffer an array of negative repercussions for doing so. Good beginnings make a positive difference in the world, so it is worth our while to provide the best possible care for mothers and babies throughout this extraordinarily influential part of life.”

-Ina May Gaskin