How Your Birth Order Affects Your Romantic Compatibility

Yesterday on the MSN homepage, I noticed the title to an article about how your birth order can affect your romantic relationships... I didn't get a chance to read it, but today did a google search for similar articles and found this article. (Oh, by the way, I am a first born, and Matt is a last born)

First Born Married To The Last Born: Excellent combination: First-born can teach last-born how to be better organized, and that there are times when life must be taken seriously. The last-born teaches the first-born that it's okay to have fun once in a while.

It's almost as if they know what they're talking about!

NY Aquarium & Coney Island

NY Aquarium & Coney Island

Today we took a little trip out to Coney Island to visit the NY Aquarium with Nan & Allie. It was Pepsi Corporate Day, so we got in free since my mother works for Pepsi. It's a great place for kids because it's a small aquarium with just a few attractions. Allie got some great shots of the jellyfish. We also walked down the boardwalk to visit "historic" Coney Island where we lunched on Famous Nathan's hot dogs & cheese fries, and rode the Wonder Wheel (in a swinging gondola, of course!) I am conveniently left out of most pictures as I feel about 5 times my normal size.

Click on the above photo for more of our day out in Brooklyn.

down to the wire...

9 days to go... give or take.

Climbing at the Playground

A lot of the time when we are at the playground, other adults get really nervous when they see Lexi climbing... they look around for her "caregiver" and then proceed to tell me where she is climbing (as if I can't see her myself) and that she will fall. I almost always have to assure them that she is really quite athletic, agile & capable. Here is a little video of her adept climbing (and running) abilities:

Mother's Day

We had a nice day hanging out with my mother & sister at their home... it was a beautiful day, so we took a little walk around their neighborhood and got a few pictures:





And a little video of Lexi driving in her car:

Bronx Zoo

Thanks to Bank of America, we can get in free to several museums this month- including the Bronx Zoo... so we took a trip over there with Lexi's friend Thomas (and his mom & baby brother, too). Here they are riding on the Bug Carousel and looking at the Polar Bear.

My Apologies

Sorry for the lack of updates, folks. And I'm sorry to say that there may not be very many over the next few weeks... baby is due in about 3 weeks!

Lexi-isms II

After arriving home from pre-school one morning, Lexi shouted as we entered the apartment, "Tigger! Pooh! Everybody! I'm back!" (Presumably to all her stuffed animals she had been playing with that morning).

At our weekly church playgroup, one little girl showed up in fancy silver-sequined shoes. I said to her, "Those are cute shoes, Mabel!" She just smiled, but didn't actually say anything in return. Lexi then instructed me, "She didn't answer you. You have to say it louder!" (That explains why when I don't answer Lexi right away she repeats herself over and over and louder and louder until I do!)

While riding home on the train the other evening, Matt caught Lexi picking at her chapped lips. The following conversation ensued:
Dad: Stop touching that, Lexi (referring to her chapped lips).
Lexi: Don't talk, Dad (frustrated with the parental instruction, no doubt).
Mom (laughing): Well, she told you (to Dad, who then laughs as well).
Lexi: You better write that down, Mom!

While waiting in line at the Giada De Laurentiis book signing, Lexi overheard 2 women talking about a "Heather".
Lexi: They're talking about Heather, Mom.
Mom: Who's Heather?
Lexi: The lady that goes with Desmond Jones. (aka. Lexi's friend's mother)

On Quaker Instant Oatmeal: "If you don't cook it in the microwave it won't be good. It will be nasty."

After dinner, one of Lexi's jobs is to put the leftovers in the fridge. Here is a conversation we had about this:
Mom: Can you put this in the fridge for me?
Lexi: Yes, sir!
Mom: You can say 'Yes, ma'am to me."
Lexi: Why? Are you a man?
(I guess my pronunciation wasn't clear enough)

After spotting a Poland Spring Truck: "There's water in that truck!"

"I have to brush my hair for everyone to say 'She's so pretty!' That's why I have to finish" [brushing her hair].

"I love the elevator. And my favorite color is red. That's all the words I know."


We always take our shoes off when we come home, so I was a little surprised to see her still wearing shoes a while later:
--"Why are you wearing shoes in the house, Lexi?"
--"Because the flies will kill my toes and eat them!"

Many times after we say a blessing on the food at dinner, Daddy will give Mommy a kiss before eating...
Lexi: You kissed your lips together!
Mom: Yep. That's what mommies and daddies do sometimes.
Lexi: I do that, too.
Dad: (jokingly) But you can't do that till you're a mommy.
Lexi: (emphatically) Don't tell me that, Dad!!

Birthday Cake

I am not much of a baker. In fact, my baking is pretty much limited to brownies from a box and chocolate chip cookies. Oh! And cinnamon rolls. But I basically NEVER make cakes. I don't even have any cake pans besides the springform one I use for cheesecakes (which are a once a year concoction). But, I saw an episode of America's Test Kitchen where they made this Strawberry Cream Cake and I have been craving it ever since. I just needed a good reason to make it. What better reason than my dear mama's birthday?!

Here is the recipe in case you'd like to attempt this sumptuous dessert as well.

Strawberry Cream Cake

If using a cake pan, you will need one with straight sides that are at least 2 inches high; otherwise, use a springform pan. The cake portion can be made ahead of time, wrapped in a double layer of plastic wrap, and frozen; thaw the frozen cake, unwrapped, at room temperature for about two hours before proceeding with the recipe.

Serves 8 to 10

Cake
1 1/4 cups cake flour(5 ounces)
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon table salt
1 cup sugar (7 ounces)
5 large eggs (2 whole and 3 separated), room temperature
6 tablespoons unsalted butter , melted and cooled slightly
2 tablespoons water
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Strawberry Filling
2 pounds fresh strawberries (medium or large, about 2 quarts), washed, dried, and stemmed
4 - 6 tablespoons sugar
Pinch table salt

Whipped Cream
8 ounces cream cheese , room temperature
1/2 cup sugar (3 1/2 ounces)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon table salt
2 cups heavy cream

Building Strawberry Cream Cake

1. FOR THE CAKE: Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and heat oven to 325 degrees. Grease and flour round 9 by 2-inch cake pan or 9-inch springform pan and line with parchment paper. Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and all but 3 tablespoons sugar in mixing bowl. Whisk in 2 whole eggs and 3 yolks (reserving whites), butter, water, and vanilla; whisk until smooth.

2. In clean bowl of standing mixer fitted with whisk attachment, beat remaining 3 egg whites at medium-low speed until frothy, 1 to 2 minutes. With machine running, gradually add remaining 3 tablespoons sugar, increase speed to medium-high, and beat until soft peaks form, 60 to 90 seconds. Stir one-third of whites into batter to lighten; add remaining whites and gently fold into batter until no white streaks remain. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake until toothpick or wooden skewer inserted into center of cake comes out clean, 30 to 40 minutes. Cool in pan 10 minutes, then invert cake onto greased wire rack; peel off and discard parchment. Invert cake again; cool completely, about 2 hours.

3. FOR THE STRAWBERRY FILLING: Halve 24 of best-looking berries and reserve. Quarter remaining berries; toss with 4 to 6 tablespoons sugar (depending on sweetness of berries) in medium bowl and let sit 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Strain juices from berries and reserve (you should have about 1/2 cup). In workbowl of food processor fitted with metal blade, give macerated berries five 1-second pulses (you should have about 1 1/2 cups). In small saucepan over medium-high heat, simmer reserved juices and Kirsch until syrupy and reduced to about 3 tablespoons, 3 to 5 minutes. Pour reduced syrup over macerated berries, add pinch of salt, and toss to combine. Set aside until cake is cooled.

4. FOR THE WHIPPED CREAM: When cake has cooled, place cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and salt in bowl of standing mixer fitted with whisk attachment. Whisk at medium-high speed until light and fluffy, 1 to 2 minutes, scraping down bowl with rubber spatula as needed. Reduce speed to low and add heavy cream in slow, steady stream; when almost fully combined, increase speed to medium-high and beat until mixture holds stiff peaks, 2 to 2 1/2 minutes more, scraping bowl as needed (you should have about 4 1/2 cups).

5. TO ASSEMBLE THE CAKE: Using large serrated knife, slice cake into three even layers. Place bottom layer on cardboard round or cake plate and arrange ring of 20 strawberry halves, cut sides down and stem ends facing out, around perimeter of cake layer. Pour one half of pureed berry mixture (about 3/4 cup) in center, then spread to cover any exposed cake. Gently spread about one-third of whipped cream (about 1 1/2 cups) over berry layer, leaving 1/2-inch border from edge. Place middle cake layer on top and press down gently (whipped cream layer should become flush with cake edge). Repeat with 20 additional strawberry halves, remaining berry mixture, and half of remaining whipped cream; gently press last cake layer on top. Spread remaining whipped cream over top; decorate with remaining cut strawberries. Serve, or chill for up to 4 hours.

Step-by-Step: Building a Strawberry Cream Cake
1. With serrated knife, use sawing motion to cut cake into 3 layers, rotating cake as you go.
2. Place sliced berries evenly around edges (they will be visible once layers are assembled).
3. Cover center of cake completely with half of pureed strawberries.
4. Spread one-third of whipped cream over berries, leaving 1/2-inch border. Repeat layering.
5. Press last layer into place, spread with remaining cream, and decorate with berries.

Dying Eggs

This afternoon, Nanny led us in a egg-dying session- Lexi's first time attempting such a project.

Happy Birthday, Nan!

After the Easter Egg Hunt, we went out to lunch with Nan (aka Grandma S) & Allie to celebrate Grandma's birthday! Happy, happy birthday Nanny dear! We love you!

First Easter Egg Hunt

Easter Egg Hunt in Ft. Tryon Park

Today we went to Fort Tryon Park to participate in Lexi's first Easter Egg Hunt. There was quite a turnout and it was FREEZING cold, but we still had a good time. All the eggs were laid out on the big lawn, and the kids (in appropriate age groups) were told to "GO" and all ran down the hill to pick up as many eggs as they could! Lexi had the help of the wonderful Aunt Allie and was able to pick up 4 eggs & a hacky-sack ball before the fun was over. It all happened pretty quickly- guess that's how it goes when there are 30+ 2&3-year-olds vying for the same loot. Good times!

Click on the photo above for all the shots we took of the event.

Everyday Italian

So, if you didn't already know, one of my "hobbies" is cooking. When we cancelled our cable several months ago (in an effort to cut some expenses) I almost cried that we lost the Food Network! That channel is where I discovered Giada De Laurentiis, one of my all time favorite "celebrity" chefs. She has brought some of the easiest and most delicious recipes to our table. I own all 3 of her books, 2 of which have been personlized by her. So yes, I have met her twice now. The second time was tonight at the Barnes & Noble in Union Square. Her newest book was just released today (Everyday Pasta) and Matt, Lexi & I schleped down there to meet her and have her sign our book. As we neared the table, Lexi turned to the B&N staff and asked, "Is that Giada?" Giada seems as nice in person as she does on TV. She saw Lexi and said, "Hello, sweetie! Aren't you just a beautiful little girl!" And Lexi just stood there, smiled & nodded. Hope my family is in the mood for lotsa pasta, cuz we're gonna try lotsa recipes!

Play Ball!

Went in to check on Lexi the other night and found that she had apparently gotten out of bed, found her Yankee cap, and put it on before falling asleep. Guess she's as ready for the new season to begin as the Yanks themselves...

Mommy's Ant

Last month I was diagnosed with a small patch of BASAL CELL CARCINOMA (aka. skin cancer) on my forehead. It was a lesion that would not heal for months and months, so finally I went to the dermatologist, who did a biopsy and confirmed the cancer diagnosis. I was assured it is the *best* kind of cancer to have- it won't spread to other parts of your body and will not affect your health etc. The treatment included MOHS SURGERY and, since it was on my face, a visit to the plastic surgeon to close up the wound. The surgery was on Thursday, took 2 rounds of MOHS to extract all the cancer cells, and then about an hour for the plastic surgeon to do the suturing- our best estimate is about 16 stitches. Lexi calls them my "ant." In this photo, can you sort of see the likeness to an ant with all it's many legs?!?! Recovery is going well- better than I expected, actually.

St. Patrick's Day

So, I'm not sure how accurate this is, but we think that Lexi is about 1/8th Irish. My mother is 1/4 Irish (her father is 1/2 Irish), which makes me 1/8th, right? And Matt is also 1/8th (he thinks), so that makes Lexi 1/8th...

Anyway- we many not be full blooded Irish, but we still like to have fun on the *greenest* day of the year. We went down to the Scholastic Store in SoHo and participated in a little St. Patty's Party there- complete with a treasure hunt, storytime, and a hat craft. Clifford also made an appearance, but Lexi just wanted to see him from afar- something about those big, red dogs can be a little intimidating, don't you think?

Happy Birthday, Relief Society

Whew! Glad this activity is over... I've been the enrichment counselor in the RS presidency in my ward for 2 1/2 years now. I have really enjoyed it, but every once in a while we have a really big activity that totally stresses me out! I'm always afraid I will forget an important detail or something. Every March, we have a commemoration/celebration of the organization of the Relief Society. So this year, we teamed up with 2 other wards and had a big ol' party. One of the wards is a "family" ward (mine), one is a "singles" ward, and one is the Spanish ward. We decided to ask a few sisters to give a little presentation about their home country so that we could learn about the wonderful diversity that exists in RS and especially in our area of New York City- we had reps from the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Honduras, Peru, Canada, France & Korea. We were originally intending on a kind of cultural potluck (we have a lot of returned missionaries etc and hoped to have lots of different treats from different countries), but in true Latino fashion, the Spanish ward showered us with lots and lots of incredible food! They did an amazing job and it was more like a dinner feast than just "refreshments." We don't really get many chances to interact with the other wards, and for many of the sisters there is an english/spanish language barrier. But this event was really a success, I think, in bringing us together despite our communication differences. There were about 80 sisters in attendance, which was great!

Just a couple of shoutouts: To Marci for making the awesome cake! To the men in the 1st & 3rd wards for taking care of our kids! And to the sisters who presented for their amazing preparations!!

Green Thumb

The first Sunday of 2007, Lexi became a Sunbeam in Primary at church. Part of the activities that day included planting a bean between 2 cotton balls in a paper cup as part of a lesson on Faith (see Alma 32:27-43). She took it home and carefully watered it every few days, and put it on the windowsill in her room where it got plenty of sunlight. Soon, it had sprouted! And then a couple of days later, 2 huge leaves appeared. It was amazing! Now, a little over 2 months have passed and this is what her beanstalk looks like!

Prego Kendra

Just a photo for those who are wondering what a 29-weeks pregnant Kendra looks like.

Blanket

While we were visiting my in-laws last summer, my MIL showed me this really cute baby blanket she had made for a new baby in the extended family. It was so adorable, but I was a little intimidated by it because it looked a little tricky. Fast forward a few months and I receive a package chock full of great fabric that my MIL had found on a great sale at Joann's. So I decide to attempt the same kind of blanket. I take it easy and find an easy pattern somewhere on the internet (actually, HERE) and I get to work. Turns out, it is pretty easy, and super fast! I was a little unsure how it would all turn out, but here is the result. I am quite pleased with it. Thanks, Joan C!