Happy Thursday Thirteen

Oh my gosh, it is Thursday. Well, you know what that means. I need to come up with thirteen something-or-other. Hmmmm.

Okay, I've got it.

Bear with me, this is going to be annoyingly upbeat. How about 13 Reasons Why I'm Happy?

1. Have you heard, I'm pregnant!?!
2. Not just that, but we're expecting TWINS!
3. I have the most amazing husband!
4. My family is wonderful!
5. I'm healthy! I can breathe, I can walk, I can see! The list goes on and on.
6. This country can be crazy but I am proud and grateful to live here.
7. I have so many fabulous friends in my life! It constantly amazes me.
8. For the above-referenced friends who I don't get to see or talk to as much as I'd like, I have things like email and facebook.
9. The future is bright! I can't predict what it holds, but I firmly believe it will be fantastic.
10. Every day I get to go home to a house that I love.
11. I have so much to look forward to...from dinner tonight to our September vacation to the birth of the snowbabies.
12.  My problems are not real problems.  Someone told me once that real problems are ones that are fatal or devastating - like cancer or hunger. The things that I "worry" about pale in comparison.
13. Finally, I am happy that I happy. To a great extent I believe you are in charge of your happiness, and I am thrilled that I have the ability to choose wisely.

Double Trouble! Double Fun!

Most of you have already heard the good news, which I simply could not keep to myself. We are expecting twins! Two for the price of one… double trouble… Yes, it is a double blessing and we are thrilled.

There are a lot of emotions right now. For the most part, we’re elated. But like with any pregnancy, there is a little bit of worry. Twin pregnancies are a little more risky for mom and babies. I guess we’ll cross whatever bridges we come to when we come to them.

To be totally honest, at this point, we’re just glad there aren’t three. With our high numbers (13dpt beta: 1064, 15dpt: 3,940; 18dpt 13,460) we were starting to think maybe one of the embryos had split and we were going to have triplets. That really freaked us out.

Fortunately, it is *just* (ahem) twins. I’m feeling great overall. I’ve had two short bouts of morning sickness, both of which lasted a total of about 3 minutes. Nausea, a little vomiting, recovery. Boom. All done. Not great, but really, pretty good when you think about it. Ever since Musselman weekend, I’m a little tired, but nothing too extreme. I can pretty much do everything I usually do. I just need to work out the sleep intermission issue.

The second sonogram will be one day next week. We’ll get to see another picture of the snowbabies! Here’s the shot we got today (forgive my lack of photo editing skills).

In case you can’t see anything, don’t worry. We couldn’t either. The big thing to notice about this photo is that there are two circles in the middle, which are two separate sacs (that means fraternal, versus identical twins). Inside each sac are embryos that are roughly the size of kidney beans. We got to see their little tiny hearts beating on the screen. Way cool!

Pregnancy & Exercise

I'm just back from a most excellent workout at the gym. Of course, my definition of excellent has changed significantly as of late. Today, in meant 30 minutes on the elliptical in zone zero (around 130 bpm) followed by super light weight lifting just to make me remember that there are muscles in there.

I am totally and utterly confused by all of the conflicting information about exercising during pregnancy. My most recent conundrum is the vastly different recommendations I have heard for maximum heart rate when you're expecting. SG said no higher than 150. A pregnant friend, who is in much better shape than I, said her OB told her not to get her heart rate above 140. What the heck? Doesn't one's fitness factor into these broad recommendations?

After weeks of frustration about this, it occurred to me that the  recommendations might have more to do with not elevating the baby's heart rate too high. That must be it.

I will keep reminding myself that I am now a "baby house" [thanks for that gem, Julie S.] and that my primary job is to take care of the life inside of me. So, if that means running 15:30 miles, as I did last night to keep my HR under 150 [ugh!] then that's what I'll do.

Feeling Great

I feel obligated to announce that today I am feeling great! I got a full night's sleep last night, and a nice elliptical workout yesterday. I've also gotten back to our usual routine that involves fresh fruit and vegetable juice every mornings, and lots of other healthy eating. I feel energetic and lively.

The Knight has promised to spoil me with lots of healthy and delicious food and beverages for the next 8 months. I asked him how that would be different, and he said he is going to step it up, big time. Do you see why I married him?

Zzzzzz

I have so much to blog about. I made a list during what we like to call my "sleep intermission" last night. Speaking of which, today I will write about sleep.

Sleep. Oh, sleep.

I have to think that at week 5 of my pregnancy, it is simply too early for my sleep patterns to be so messed up.  Perhaps this is just my body's way of training me for the inevitable sleep deprivation that will happen in 8 months. In any case, as someone who believes that sufficient sleep is the cornerstone of health, I am not too pleased with how things are going right now.

I realize that as the pregnancy progresses, sleep will become more and more - shall we say, challenging. But for heaven's sake, I am 5.5 weeks. This is nuts! Over the past week, most nights I find myself waking up (and staying awake) in the middle of the night. So frustrating.

I don't know what is going on. Saturday was pretty funny as I was so exhausted that I fell asleep while cheering for the sprint, then I slept through the entire pre-race talk, then I took a nap at the hotel. I was then out like a light by 8:15 (but then I was up from 1-3 am).

I love sleep. I believe in sleep. I am convinced that getting enough sleep is essential for maintaining one's health and it is a very high priority for me. Yes, I know this will soon change :). Here's hoping that I can get some good sleep between now and the due date. I know I'm really going to need it.

Sorry for the suspense

Greetings from Ithaca, New York. If you're keeping track, you know that Wednesday was the big day. The much anticipated pregnancy test.

I am thrilled to report that cycle 2 was a success and I am PREGNANT! I mean, really pregnant. Unlike last time, when my hCg level was 14, my first beta was over 1,000. Holy cow!

The plan to surprise my mom kind of backfired. I gave her a gift bag with some yarn (she had talked about knitting a baby blanket) and a book about being a grandma. She totally didn't get it. Looking back, it was kind of funny...but lets just say it wasn't the reaction I was hoping for. Since I kept the whole transfer thing a secret, it was more like stunned disbelief than overjoyed, but the joy and excitement came eventually.

When we called my sister, she cried and exclaimed this is the best thing to happen to her in her entire life. :) The future big brother and sister (the Knight's kids, my terrific step-kids) seemed genuinely happy to hear the news. My step-grandparents (my stepfathers parents) were really happy to hear about the baby on the way but they were very resistant to the whole idea of being great-grandparents. Funny, since they're 91 and 94. For that matter, my stepfather is having a hard time grasping that he will be a grandfather.

We are pretty excited! It feels so surreal... More later, I promise.

It's Thursday Again!

Here are my thirteen updates for today:

1. No news to report on the IVF front. The embryo transfer last Friday went well. The pregnancy test is scheduled for next Wednesday (7/13). Fingers crossed!
2. To be honest, I’ve had enough of the injections. I look and feel like a pin cushion. My backside is all bruised and my butt feels like I slipped on some ice or did a really tough glutes workout.
3. I’m also feeling the effects of the hormones – mostly just physically in the form of PMS symptoms.
4. I’m midway through the required post-transfer no exercise week. (Sorry, I don’t consider walking exercise.) I have been walking the hills of Lake Barcroft and really enjoying it.
5. The job situation is still the same. It is so incredibly frustrating. My office tried another approach to hiring me and hit a another brick wall.
6. I love holiday weeks! I love how Thursday feels like Wednesday, and Friday is here before we know it.
7. I am really in a good place mentally. I have so much to be happy about and I choose to focus on those things instead of the challenges.
8. More vacation news: I am super excited to report that less than a week after coming home from our fabulous transatlantic adventure, we have another trip to look forward to.
9. The Knight, the lovely stepdaughter, and I are headed back to Disney for the Wine & Dine Half Marathon. Hopefully I’ll be okay to run (slowly) at that time.
10. We, okay I, offered to pay for the lovely stepdaughter’s registration if she wanted to do her first half marathon at Disney. A week after we booked our trip she took us up on it. We were so excited to suck her into our madness – I mean, introduce her to the joys of running - that we couldn’t say no.
11. It will be a whirlwind weekend but it is going to be fabulous.
12. The race is called Wine & Dine because it coincides with the Epcot Food & Wine Festival. Can you think of anything more fantastic?
13. The only disadvantage – from my perspective – is that the race begins at 10 pm. As a morning person, I’m not thrilled about this but I’ll figure it out.

Thanks for reading!

Thursday Thirteen: Favorite Eats

It will come as no surprise to those who know me to see me admit that I’m a foodie. While I generally dislike that term, it is the best word I know to describe that I like food and tend to plan around eating, think about eating much of the time, and generally enjoy everything that has to do with food.

This is not a new development. I think back to the 9^th grade, when I was given the choice of a wide range of electives, and I chose “European Cooking.” It was a great course and I learned to make pasta from scratch. Life was never the same.

Going back even further, I remember the stories my mom loves to tell. She said that when you asked most young kids about their favorite food they would respond pizza. Apparently, my kindergarten teacher had never before had a child answer “artichokes.”

There is also a story about the day that my mom accidentally mixed up my sister and my tuna sandwiches and I refused to eat it my sister's sandwich because it didn’t have capers. True story. So yeah, it is clear that my love of food goes back pretty far.

Anyhow, I love to eat, so it is fortunate that I also love to run and I manage to force myself to work out most days. I also try to eat very healthfully at least 80% of the time, so when I want to enjoy a decadent meal, I can. Just not every day. 

Without further delay, here are my favorite foods that I’ve eaten out in local places the past year (in other words, this doesn’t count the many delicious foods I’ve enjoyed at home or on vacation)

1. Stuffed Pepper Chicken (Hong Kong Palace, Falls Church)
2. Seared Salmon Belly Nigiri (Kaz Sushi Bistro)
3. Fleur de Sel Caramels (Artisan Confections)
4. Prince Edward Island Mussels (Radius Pizza)
5. Dark Chocolate Frozen Yogurt (Red Mango)
6. Spicy Tuna Tartare in a Sesame-Miso Cone (The Source)
7. Crispy Calamari with Yuzu Dip (The W Hotel/J&G Steakhouse)
8. Cupcakes (Bakeshop)
9. Creamed Spinach  (Ray’s the Steaks)
10. Pan-fried Pork Dumplings (A&J)
11. Vegetarian Platter (Etete)
12. Dark Chocolate Mousse (Ray’s the Steaks)
13. Lobster Burger (Central)

YUM! Right?

Here’s more info.

Stuffed Pepper Chicken (Hong Kong Palace, Falls Church)

Hong Kong Palace, or HKP as we call it, is by far the best Chinese restaurant I have ever been to. When you sit down they bring you two menus: one is the standard Americanized Chinese food that you’re used to seeing. It’s fine. The second is the authentic Szechuan menu and it is full of amazing dishes.

My favorite dish, the Stuffed Pepper Chicken, is actually not on either menu. It is on the specials wall in Chinese, and we’re told that it doesn’t really have an English translation (some call it Mouth Mouth) but to ask for the Stuffed Pepper Chicken.

II absolutely love this dish. Crunchy, Spicy, Sweet bits of dried peppers stuffed with a sesame mixture, combined with tender, juicy bits of fried chicken. The other top items that we love here: Cumin Lamb (or Cumin Ribs), Chengdu Salt & Pepper Shrimp, Yang Zhou Fried Rice (made with house-made bacon).

Seared Salmon Belly Nigiri with Soy-Lemon Sauce (Kaz Sushi Bistro)

I love sushi and one day I’m going test my theory that I could eat sushi every day and not get tired of it. My absolute favorite sushi bite in the area is the seared salmon belly at Kaz.

Fleur de Sel Caramels (Artisan Confections)

As you look at my list, you’ll see that I love chocolate; especially dark chocolate. If I had to pick one chocolate to eat for the rest of my life, it would be these – and I didn’t like caramel until recently. The Fleur de Sel caramels are little squares of soft, buttery caramel, covered in dark chocolate and lightly sprinkled with flakes of salt. Mouth-watering!

When (not if) you go to Artisan Confections, be sure to say hello to the owner (and my friend) Jason, and try the other wonderful flavors, too. You won’t be disappointed. The chocolates are really pretty, too, so they make good gifts. Yes, to me, but also to others.

Also, if you like salted chocolate type things, check out the Chocolate Salty Oak cookie at Teaism.

Prince Edward Island Mussels (Radius Pizza)

Here’s another thing I didn’t think I liked: mussels. But once I tasted Chef Wiss’ mussels, served in a tomato broth, I was hooked. These come with big pieces of toasted bread  - ciabatta, I believe - and a smoked paprika aioli. Mmmmmm.

I like to spread the aioli on the bread and top it with a few mussels. Heaven!. Unlike other mussels I’ve tried, these are plump and juice, and are not fishy. These are even better in the summer months when they use fresh tomatoes instead of canned.

I highly recommend checking out Radius Pizza. The pizza is amazing (we like the Ducati, and any special the chef has on the menu), but the real stars here are the specials. They change frequently and are almost always out of this world. You won’t believe what this guy does with soup. And pasta! I had a special pasta dish here before I PR’ed at the Shamrock marathon and I swear it helped. I will never forget those wide paparadelle noodles with house-made bacon and figs. Outstanding!

Dark Chocolate Frozen Yogurt (Red Mango)

When my friends recently asked me what I miss about living in Clarendon, my first answer was that I missed them. In a close second place was the ability to walk over to Red Mango on a whim. The frozen yogurt here is like nothing else I’ve tasted. It is so intensely flavorful. Another plus is that it is made with all natural ingredients. Out of all the flavors I enjoy, dark chocolate is my top pick. The toppings here are great, too. Why not have some ghiradelli dark chocolate mini chips on your yogurt? Or some mochi or popping boba? You’ll have to go there to find out what those are. They also have a ton of delicious fresh fruit options and ordinary candy/cereal.

Spicy Tuna Tartare in a Sesame-Miso Cone (The Source)

Wolfgang Puck’s only DC restaurant , The Source, is a hit with me. In my opinion, the best item on the menu is the tuna cones. A wonderful combination of spicy, sweet, tender, salty and crunchy. I just wish they weren’t so pricey.

If you’re a tuna tartare fan, also check out the tuna sliders at PS7’s. They’re awesome as well.

Crispy Calamari with Yuzu Dip (The W Hotel/J&G Steakhouse)

If you like calamari, you need to try the calamari at the W. It is battered with an incredibly light coating (almost like tempura, but better). It served with a delightful dipping sauce that tastes like whipped mayonnaise doused with the essence of citrus. The chilies in there don't hurt, either. Just wonderful.

Cupcakes (Bakeshop)

Oh, cupcakes! I love cupcakes! I know that not everyone understands the trend, but what’s not to get? Most cupcakes are a perfect size for an individual serving and offer the ideal ratio of frosting to cake. Yes, I’ve done a cupcake tour where I have gone around to many different shops to compare the goods. I have a lot of favorites, but the best shop overall is definitely Bakeshop.

I admit that Bakeshop's frosting isn’t my favorite. I like sweeter, denser toppings on my cake. However, the whole package here is just right. The cake is the moistest, most flavorful cake around, and Justin’s frosting perfectly complements his cakes. This guy knows what he's doing. I can’t even pick a favorite flavor because they’re all so good. He also offers a range of other baked goodies, but you really can’t go there and not have a cupcake.

As a side note, also in Clarendon (next door to Red Mango, actually), is Crumbs. Their cupcakes are big and pretty and have cool names. Compared to Bakeshop, however, they are totally tasteless. Please, please, please - if you're in Clarendon, walk down Fillmore Street to Bakeshop (and Artisan, next door to Bakeshop) and don't waste your money or calories at Crumbs. Thank you.

Creamed Spinach (Ray’s the Steaks)

My mom once referred to the creamed spinach at Ray’s as “spinach to a higher power” and if you taste it you’ll know what she means. I like to challenge people who say they don’t like spinach to try this spinach, and so far all of the spinach haters have been converted. It is just that good! Not heavy or gloppy; just creamy, simple, and flavorful. The best part is that it is free (along with mashed potatoes) with all entrees. No, wait, the best part is that they frequently (though not always) include some extra creamed spinach with your leftovers.

Pan-fried Pork Dumplings (A&J - Annandale)

A&J in Annandale (they also have a Rockville location) is a total hole in the wall and off the beaten path. It features a range of dim sum items, which are available all the time, and not just at special hours like most places. It is a bargain, too. The item I order every time is the pan-fried dumplings. Unlike what you’d expect, they are long and thin, and frequently stick together. They aren’t served with a sauce, so you can mix up the condiments on the table to taste (I like the vinegar, soy sauce and chili peppers).

Vegetarian Platter (Etete)

If you think you don’t like Ethiopian food, I urge you to give it another try. Go try a vegetarian platter and then tell me that you are not in love with this cuisine. The basis of Ethiopian food is the bread, called injera. It is spongy, sourdough-like bread that resembles crepes. You tear off pieces and use it to scoop up the food.

What comes on the vegetarian platters varies between restaurants, and often at the same restaurants on different days. At a minimum you’ll usually find some kind of split peas, greens, potatoes and carrots, tomato salad. It is a rainbow of deliciousness.

My favorite local Ethiopian restaurant is Etete. Meaza is close to my new house and is good, but inconsistent.

Dark Chocolate Mousse (Ray’s the Steaks)

Yes, another item from Ray’s the Steaks. One day I’m going to go there and just order spinach and mousse. Okay, maybe I’ll get a side of mac and cheese, too. Seriously though, this is the most phenomenal chocolate mousse I’ve ever had. They also offer milk chocolate and white chocolate varieties, but for me, of course, dark is the way to go.

I know I should be raving about the steaks at Ray’s; it is of course their feature item. Don’t get me wrong, I love the steaks here more than I love steak anywhere else, but I think I naturally lean towards being a vegetarian or pescetarian. Is there such a thing as a chocolatarian?

Lobster Burger (Central)

a bunch of chopped lobster meat compressed into a patty. It is more like two lobster tails intertwined and slapped on a delicious bun with a buttery potato tuille. It is a bit pricey, but totally worth the occasional splurge.

In case you’re wondering, I am always available to accompany anyone who would like to try these, or any other, delicacies.

Ice

In case you were wondering, the ice DOES help. Last night's injection burned a lot more going in than it did the night before.

What helps the most is the post-injection massage with a warm washcloth. While the Monday night injection site is still sore (we didn't really take the time to do the massage), last night's injection site is totally fine. I think the rubbing made a big difference.

In less than 48 hours, the little snowbabies will be ready to nest. I'm so excited!

Biking and Pizza

Biking! What? You didn't know I bike. Yeah, well, what feels like a long time ago, I used to blog about my adventures in training for an Ironman. I used to do quite a bit of this cycling thing.

Since I still own my bike (you may remember that her name is Ms. Piggy), lately I've been testing myself to see if I still remember how it works. Yup, I do. I can even clip in and out, pedal, and everything. It is quite wonderful...

I was never fast, but having taken so much time off from the bike, I've gotten even slower. Oh well. As long as I am not trying to keep up with anyone or climb any ridiculous hills, I really enjoy being on the bike.

This weekend I persuaded the Knight to do his 20-mile recovery ride with me. As soon as I passed the entrance to the Bluemont Junction trail I had a brilliant idea. Pupatella!

Really, it was a brilliant plan. Once I caught up with the Knight, who has always been a speedy biker, I convinced him that we needed to refuel with pizza before heading home.

I cannot explain how much I love this place. The pizzas are so simple, but so incredibly delicious. How can so few ingredients taste so good? It is the essence of good food. I highly recommend that you try it. Start with the "REAL MARGHERITA DOC" and go from there.

I realized that I could really increase my bike fitness if I rewarded myself with Pupatella after (or during) every ride. I would ride all of the time.

It is half a block away from the end of the Bluemont Junction trail (right off the Custis trail) - just west of the intersection of Wilson Blvd and George Mason Drive. Let me know if you need more details.

Mangia!