32

Today marks the third anniversary of my 29th birthday (see what I did there?), and while it will likely be a pretty typical day for us I thought it would be fun to share 32 facts about me. Plus, these kind of posts are my favorite, and since it's my birthday, why not?!

1. My full name is Desirée Joy Macke. Often I'm called Des or D.

2. I'm surprised at how often my last name is mispronounced. So often I hear it pronounced Mac (like the truck). But the "e" isn't silent, so it's pronounced mack-EE.

3. I was born and raised in Iowa, but lived in two different towns. Growing up I always thought I wanted to leave. Now, nothing is better than going home. 

4. I've known my best friend literally my entire life. We went to the same baby sitter as infants. Hi, Amy!

5. My first car was a 1997 teal, two door Chevy Cavalier. It didn't have power locks or windows, but it had a sunroof. I freaking loved that car. 

6. In school I played volleyball and softball. Softball was by far my favorite (I was the 2nd basemen). 

7. Hindsight - I should have run cross country in high school. But, back then I thought I hated running. It wasn't until much later that I learned I just hated running short distances (ie. sprints). 

8. I participated on a swim team for eight years. My favorite stroke was butterfly.

9. I attended Iowa State University (GO CYCLONES) for 4.5 years, majoring in Journalism and Mass Communications, with an emphasis in television broadcast. I minored in Sociology.  

10. Aside from an internship and this blog, I haven't really done anything with my degree.

11. Growing up I always thought I was going to be a veterinarian. Then I took biology and chemistry. Nope. 

12. My dad has worked in the radio industry my entire life. In high school I worked for him as an evening and weekend announcer. It was a huge influence in my decision to go into journalism. 

13. For 12 years I participated on a synchronized swimming team. 

14. It wasn't until I was 24 that I discovered my love for running longer distances. 

15. My first road race was a half marathon. I figured go big or go home. After I crossed the finish line I was exhausted and hooked.

16. 16 is my favorite number.

17. In college I held multiple jobs: water aerobics instructor, pool manager, lifeguard, environmental specialist (just a fancy term for janitor - it was the least glamorous job of all time), and veterinary kennel attendant. 

18. Before I married Scott I never thought I would have kids. 

19. Now, my kids are my world. 

20. Scott and I met playing on an intramural softball team for the city we worked for (he was a police officer, I was the aquatics coordinator). 

21. When I was 27 I was in a pretty wicked car accident. The accident wasn't my fault...

22. Said car accident resulted in my first stitches and broken bones.

23. Thanks to that accident I now have two metal plates and 12 screws in my right arm.

24. When I first moved to L.A. I taught private swimming lessons in people's personal backyard pools. I occasionally lifeguarded as well. At one private pool party I worked Molly Ringwald was in attendance and blew my whistle to get her daughter's attention. I still have that whistle. 

25. Since living in L.A. the only other celeb sightings I've seen are David Spade, Daniel Tosh, Jere Burns, and Neal McDonough. Scott once saw Mark Whalberg at a Mass that I didn't attend (I'm still kicking myself for that one). 

26. I'm a huge Kansas City Chiefs and Royals fan. 

27. Never in a million years did I think I would be a domestic engineer (most call it SAHM). While I don't plan to do this forever I'm truly amazed at how much joy I've gotten from such an important role.

28. I have one younger brother - Tyler. He's 27 and he's single (hey ladies!). 

29. My favorite songs of all time are classic oldies: Paint it Black by the Rolling Stones and Tiny Dancer by Elton John. 

30. Though I'm a born and raised Iowan I don't eat beef or pork. But, give me all the sweet corn. 

31. I had no idea blogging would introduce me to some of the greatest ladies I know. Many I've never met in real life, but still consider some of my closest friends. 

32. 31 was great, but I'm pretty sure 32 will be the best year, yet! 

Cheers to this year and all it has to offer!

The Best Buttermilk Pancakes

Breakfast hasn't ever really been my favorite meal. My poor mom would always make my brother and me breakfast before school (usually something really good - pancakes, waffles, french toast) and nine times out of 10 I'd skip it all. It didn't help that I've never been a huge fan of syrup (that's changed slightly as I've gotten older, but I can eat cold, syrup-less pancakes, no problem). 

However, since marrying Scott - who loves himself a good, big breakfast that includes LOTS of syrup - and Marcus, who apparently has his dad's love for syrup I've found if I'm going to make and eat breakfast it better be pretty darn good. None of that prepackaged stuff, or just-add-water mix. I want the real deal, and I want it homemade.

Both my guys love pancakes, so with a little searching and taste-testing trial and error, I found a recipe that everyone in our family seems to love.

The Best Buttermilk Pancakes - yields approximately 16 pancakes

What You'll Need
1 1/2 cups milk
4 Tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
2 cups all-purpose flour
4 Tbsp white sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 Tbsp vanilla
2 eggs
4 Tbsp butter, melted
cooking spray

How It Comes Together

Combine milk with vinegar in a medium bowl and set aside for 5 minutes to sour.

Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl.

Whisk eggs, butter, and vanilla into soured milk.

Pour the flour mixture into the wet ingredients and whisk until lumps are gone.

Heat large skillet to medium heat. 

Coat skillet with cooking spray.

For each pancake, pour 1/4 cup of batter onto skillet. Cook until bubbles appear on surface. 

Flip with a spatula, and cook until browned on both sides.

No fancy schmancy ingredients, nothing too crazy when it comes to whipping them up and cooking them, but they sure do seem to disappear quickly. 

Enjoy!!

M & J Monday

With two kids I find myself trying in vain to capture the most perfect pictures of my babes. More often than not my out takes are copious and my ideal shots are few and far between.

But sometimes... Sometimes I click at just the right moment.

His smile! Her tongue!

Just yes.

There it is. The one that needs a frame.

Happy Monday!

The Random Bits of Life Edition

When you're deep in the trenches of day to day life, surviving on little sleep and copious amounts of coffee, the weekend seems nothing short of a dream. But somehow the week passes, and before you know it, the weekend arrives. It's funny how life works like that.

This week was pretty low key and relatively uneventful, but it was good, nonetheless, and left us with plenty to be thankful for: 

1. Marcus and I had a very much needed Marcus/Mommy date. It wasn't anything too crazy, but a couple of rounds of bowling and a stop at one of our favorite bakeries was just what the both of us needed. 

We're still working on adjusting to life as a family of four, and this time together was so good for both of us. 

2. Slowly, surely, and steadily I'm getting back into the swing of working out.

I can't even explain how wonderful it feels to get in some good sweat sessions. 

3. It's been hot as blazes here. Good thing for the beach and the pool.

As much as I love summer, and all that it brings, I am so ready for a different season. 

4. A couple of days ago I mentioned I had some fun in store for our family. Well, for Scott's birthday I surprised him with a flight back home as well as tickets to catch our teams when they play each other. 

We. Are. So. Excited!!! Give us all the football, all the fall weather, and of course a Pumpkin Spice Latte to top it all off. 

5. Our "Fall" schedule (seriously, we don't have that season) is starting to fill up. That meant I needed to round up some ideas/events/activities for a Fall Bucket List.

Isn't this just the best season ever?

Have a great weekend!

To This Guy...

To the most dedicated, loyal, hard working person I know...

You are the best dad and most understanding and patient husband.

We hope you have the Happiest of Birthdays!!

We love you!!
~Desirée, Marcus, and Julia

Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing {{Recipe}}

I was so fortunate for the past four weeks I've had the luxury of having someone at home to help with Marcus, Julia, and the on-goings of every day life - including planning, prepping, and making dinner. This week it's back to flying solo.

Before life with two little ones I tried to make most of our dinners from scratch. I like making homemade cream of chicken soup, or homemade rolls and biscuits. Now? Now I'm just trying to survive till 5:00, and somehow manage to throw something edible together and call it dinner.

To keep from losing my marbles come dinner time I have several freezer meals ready to go. I have also been searching for slow cooker meals, and was introduced to this lovely dish thanks to my mom.

This one has all the flavors perfect for this time of year (hi, Fall!), and is so easy it can be whipped up with a 3-year old hanging off one leg and an infant being worn in a baby wrap. It also received the thumbs up from the husband, so it's quickly earned itself a spot in our meal rotation.

Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing

What you'll need:
4 large boneless skinless chicken breast
1 cup chicken broth
1 can cream of mushroom soup (cream of celery also works well)
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/4 cup of milk
4 slices cheese (I've found cheddar works best)
1 box stuffing mix

How it comes together:
In slow cooker place chicken breast along the bottom in a single layer.
Add chicken broth and then top each chicken breast with one slice of cheese.
In a small bowl, whisk together cream soups and milk.
Pour soups atop chicken and cheese.
Top with box of stuffing mix.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or high for 4 hours, or until chicken is completely done.
Serve with side of choice.
Enjoy!

So, until I can figure out time management with two, it's crock pots and easy dishes for the win.

Source

Julia || ONE MONTH

Julia,

In the blink of an eye a month has passed.

You're days still consist mostly of sleeping, eating, and having your diapers changed.

Stats
At you last weight check
Weight || 9 lbs .05 oz (approximately 69th percentile)
Length || 21 inches (approximately 62nd percentile)

Clothes/Diapers
You're in size One diapers - we're big fans of the Pampers Swaddlers.
You are still in Newborn clothes, but there are a few 0-3 month things you've worn that are sure to be fitting well very soon.

Eating/Food
It's almost like clockwork, every two hours (with very few exceptions) you are ready to eat. Nine times out of ten you are breastfed. There are a few times when we have had to grab a bottle of formula. I'm hoping we can keep up with what we have going on, because it seems to be working for us. I will say though, it takes you forever to nurse, sometimes it takes you an hour to eat (come on girly, who has time for that?). The bottle doesn't take you nearly as long.

Sleep
A majority of your days are spent sleeping. Your most awake in the afternoons. There were a few nights where you only woke once. But, the norm is waking every 2-3 hours to nurse. We have you in your crib at night, and during the day you'll snooze in your Rock n Play. You are lights out when I wear you in the baby carry wrap. But, it seems you most prefer to be held while you sleep.

The past few nights have been exceptionally challenging. You'll sleep most of the day, but from about 8pm-2am you want to party. Your dad and I don't love this.

Mood/Temperament 
You seem to behave like most newborns do. You cry when you're hungry, tired, hot, cold, under stimulated, overstimulated, or have a wet/dirty diaper. Just a few days ago I noticed that you were so mad you had tears in your eyes.
Your big brother often seems to captivate you. And, when we get a fleeting glimpse at your developing smile there's a dimple in your left cheek- exactly like your big brother's. I can't wait to see more of that.

Other
Sadly, you've already experienced your first cold (thanks, preschool). It's been nothing short of a miserable experience, and waiting for the nasty to bug to run its course is heartbreaking.

Little lady, I spend so much time just staring at you, it's still kind of unbelievable that you're here and you're ours.

Happy One Month!

Love you to the moon and back, twice,
Mommy

M & J Monday

EMAW

For most K-State fans that means

Every Man a Wildcat.

In this house it means

Every Macke a Wildcat

(except for me - I'm more of a Cyclone)

Happy Monday!

The Gaining and Losing Edition

It doesn't seem possible September is here and another week is done, but alas, time keeps ticking away.

This week was relatively uneventful, but there are a few highlights to point out.

1. She's gaining :: Julia had a weight check this week. Two weeks ago she weighed 7 lbs 14 oz - her birth weight was 8 lbs 4 oz. So, I was especially curious to see how the little lady was doing. She's been about 90% breastfed and 10% formula (no shame in the baby feeding game, here!) - I honestly am having a hard time keeping up. She's a bit of a piggy these days, so I'm doing my best to keep up with her demands. At any rate... At her check up I was beyond pleased to learn she is up to 9 lb .05 oz (she still weighs less than what Marcus did when he was born). What we're doing is obviously working, so we'll just keep plugging away.

2. The past few nights have been pretty smooth sailing as far as a newborn is concerned. Julia's schedule has her waking only 2-3 times per night. I can handle that.

3. I'm ready to start losing :: I've been feeling exceptionally well the past few days. I am DYING to go out for a run and/or get in a decent workout. Though I technically have about two more weeks before the doctor gives me the 'all clear' I am going to see if I can't sneak in an easy mile, and/or possibly a nice, easy workout. I'm more than ready to rid of this baby weight.

via

4. While I can't say Marcus has 100% easily adjusted to life as a big brother (more on that to come), I do have to say he is absolutely the sweetest and most gentle when it comes to his sister. While I know this transition has been a bit of a challenge - not only for Marcus, but all of us - Marcus continues to astound me with the admiration he has for Julia.

5. Being it's September, and only my most favorite month of the whole year (my birthday, Scott's birthday, FALL!), I have a few fun things lined up, not only for my family and me, but for the blog readers as well. Nothing like ending on such a vague note, right? Stay tuned...

Have a great weekend!

Julia's Room

This room has been a work in progress for months. But, it is finally complete.

The room's main inspiration came from the butterfly mobile (shown below). While I'm head over heels for all the things that flutter, I tried to really keep the butterflies from getting out of hand. Julia's room is quite small (second child problems), and I knew it wouldn't take much for too many butterflies to feel overwhelming.

Along with the butterflies I knew I didn't want the room to be too matchy-matchy. And, I wanted colors of cream, gold, and pops of pink. I think I managed to pull off what I had in mind.

Now, without further adieu, Julia's nursery...

Entering the room this gorgeous wreath hangs on the door.
My sister-in-law works in Labor and Delivery unit in Kansas City, and these wreaths are all the rage at the hospital she works. New moms have these hanging on their hospital doors. My sister-in-law sent this out to us to be hung at the hospital, on our door, when Julia was born. When we came home I thought it only fitting to hang on Julia's door.
Because we kept Julia's name under wraps until she was born the M on the wreath naturally stands for Macke.

We used Marcus' nursery furniture for Julia as well. While I love the rich brown wood I can't say I love the color of the rocking chair upholstery. Of course this particular model is discontinued so I couldn't get replacement cushions in the color I was hoping for (oatmeal). So, chocolate brown the upholstery stayed (again, second child problems).

A bit of a closer look at the details:

Bow detail on the curtain   //   Curtain rod   //   Curtain tie back

Details on and around the dresser.
I changed out the original dresser knobs - which were wooden knobs - with crystal knobs.

 A closer look at the crib and rug.

Just the right spot to hang all. the. bows.
Side note: This room was so difficult to photograph. The lighting, no matter the time of day was never quite like I wanted it, and the walls all kind of gave off a different hue, depending on where I stood in the room.

A little bit vintage, a little bit shabby, a little bit chic, a little bit girly, and a whole lot of love put forth to make it all come together.

For more info on specific items in the room click on the highlighted links below:
Wall Color, Valspar Bell Garden Antique White, Lowe's
Wreath, made by my sister-in-law

Crib bumper
Crib skirt
Crib sheets
Pillow
Rug
Lamp base
Lamp shade
Mirror, found at an estate sale; similar found here
Tea cups, found at an estate sale; similar found here
Bow and headband holder
Curtain rod
Curtain Tie-backs
Butterfly mobile
Decorative hanging butterfly spheres
California, Iowa, Kansas prints
Oh the Places You'll Go print
A Daughter is Someone… print
8x10 rectangle picture frames
8x10 oval picture frames