Welcome, Killian Markus Karlichek!

My son Killian is now almost 7 weeks old - wow! That escalated quickly. So, since I'm heading back to work in a week and a half, I should probably share about his birth. :) I had a doctor's appointment Wednesday July 9, and my blood pressure had been rising a bit for a few weeks, so I was sent to the hospital for non-stress testing. I passed the tests, but was advised to stop working and take it easy. I worked from home Thursday and Friday to finish out the week, and when I went to my follow-up appointment on Friday July 11 in the late afternoon, I was sent to the hospital to be induced. My blood pressure was still up, and I had several symptoms that were warnings for the doctors (blurred/glittered vision, headaches, hot/cold flashes, lots of general pain and discomfort). I was admitted to the Harris Birthing Center at Huron Valley Sinai Hospital in Commerce, MI around 5pm on Friday July 11, and was induced using Cervidil to ripen my cervix and Pitocin to induce labor. I wasn't dilating much - went from 1 cm to 2 cm between 4pm Friday July 11 and around 3pm Saturday July 12), but once I started dilating, things happened quickly! I went from 2 cm to 9 cm in under 2 hours, and after only 45 minutes of pushing (using some pointers about breathing and engaging your ab muscles from this Oh Baby! Fitness video), our son was born!

Killian Markus Karlichek

Born 7/12/14 at 6:02pm (his father's birthday)

8 pounds 1 ounce

20.75 inches long

My team during labor and delivery: 

My mom Marybeth, my husband Mark, and two of my best friends, 

Rachel Hachigian and Lauren Westerby

Admitted to the Harris Birthing Center and ready to meet our son!

Big belly

He's here! He came out and they put him on my chest, and once I wrapped my arms around him, he calmed down immediately and snuggled up to his mommy.

Grandma holding Killian's hand right after he was born

Mark didn't want to leave my side while they were cleaning him up, but once they were done, he went over and held his son's hand for the first time.

Beautiful baby boy!

Back in Mommy's arms after being cleaned up :)

Proud parents!

Happy family!

Killian Markus Karlichek

A little tired, but so, so happy. 

Sweet pea

Daddy & Killian

Now that we've eaten, we're feeling much more awake!

Little punkin butt

We were both so calm when he was in my arms.

Tuckered out!

Swaddled up to hang out with Daddy.

Made it through the first night!

Our visitors: 

Grandma Sims (my mom)

Grandma Karlichek (Mark's mom)

Grandmas! 

Stephanie

Miranda

Rachel

Maddy

Also Gary & Pat Hachigian, Lauren, Kevin, Jeff & Spencer Lederhouse, and Grandpa Karlichek! Bummed I missed out on some photos with these folks.

Ready to go home!

Batman onesie (with cape) from Rachel, Puma Ferrari shoes, and hat made with love by Mommy

Our nurse was so sweet and she took these photos for us.

In the car! He is wrapped in the blanket I came home from the hospital in. :)

Home safe & sound, napping in his crib while Daddy adores him.

I have hundreds of photos, so stay tuned for more cuteness.

Emily

New 'Do: My DIY Bettie Bangs

Cut me some Bettie bangs the other day! Here is how I did it:

Top row L-R:

1. Before - side swept medium length bangs, from my side part.

2. I set a comb on my head and balanced it, and where it started to rise off my head, I used a rat tail comb to define what hair I'd use for bangs. I went from that spot in a half circle around to my temples on each side. Then, I used a headband and some snap clips to keep unwanted hair out of the way.

3. I sprayed the bangs hair and combed it forward.

Bottom row L-R:

4. I started in the middle and cut my bangs just to the top of my eyebrows, and contined across to my temples, with a slight incline for the U shape as I neared my hairline.

5. I blew my bangs dry and touched up the line... It honestly isn't perfect, but when styled, no one will ever know!

6. I used my straightener to flip the ends under, and voila! Bettie bangs :)

Here are a couple photos of my hair totally styled with them:

I'm loving them so far! And I left them a little longer and with a less dramatic U shape so I can pull them back or curl them into a different face frame if I want.

Cinnamon Sugar Fried Apple Rings

I saw this recipe on Pinterest this morning, and after a longer night than usual with my newborn son, I stood up, walked to the kitchen, and made this deliciousness happen!

Link to recipe: http://www.eatviews.com/2014/04/cinnamon-apple-rings.html?m=1

Photos from the recipe site:

Mine were a touch different - I am all out of eggs, so for my batter I omitted them, and I substituted almond milk for buttermilk. 

My apple rings frying

All done!

They taste like an elephant ear with a warm apple inside!

Catching Up... The Return of the Kitchen Chemist

Here is an update of some of my favorite things I've cooked/baked since my January posting...  I've posted recipes where I could find them. Enjoy!

Snow ice cream! Mark didn't trust the snow so I just had a couple bites...Just snow, strawberry jam and a little sugar:

Caramel, strawberry and Nutella crepes:

S'more bars - http://www.just-eat.ie/blog/warm-toasted-marshmallow-bars-recipe-day/

Breakfast cups - I used a recipe I found on a great blog: http://www.aprettylifeinthesuburbs.com/bacon-egg-breakfast-cups/ In mine, I sauteed potatoes, red onion, mini sweet peppers, and bacon bits first in some butter and olive oil (thanks for the tip Uncle Mike!), and I did the egg part separately (8 eggs, 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1 1/2 tbsp milk, and a sprinkling of dried chives) poured that into the muffin pan (about 2/3 full in each cup), then added the cooked fillings in each cup. Baked on 350* for 20 minutes, added a little shredded mozzarella on top, another minute or two in the oven to melt the cheese, and there ya have it!

Homemade bread:

Fried fish tacos with cilantro lime cream sauce:

Turtle caramel corn:

Mixed berry scratch cupcakes with vanilla frosting, with candied pecans on top:

Marinated chili cilantro lime steak & shrimp kabobs over cilantro lime rice, with garlic Parmesan grilled asparagus.

Oatmeal scotchies

Peanut butter marshmallow treat bars

Nutella no-bakes

Grilled sweet apple chicken sausage and white onions over garlic & parsley couscous, with cinnamon dusted apples and pecans mixed in

Ribs!

Blueberry apple pie

Crisp cucumber salsa: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/191895634095011096/

California rolls and a seafood salad made from the leftover ingredients after I ran out of seaweed

Blueberry & strawberry pies

Chili garlic chicken, grilled avocados, homemade tortilla chips and mango peach salsa

Homemade pizza - Farmer's Market veggies with turkey bacon and freshly shredded Vermont cheddar on whole wheat crust

Thanks for reading!

Emily