i'm still here. and...

so i know i have been rather absent lately. because you see...

there's this thing called pregnancy exhaustion. and i have been exhausted. however i am into my second trimester now and that means i will feel totally awesome and have endless energy. right? pleasesayyes.

foodie friday! artichoke crusted chicken.

i have a new favorite pastime. that would be pinning recipes on pinterest.
this recipe is basically artichoke cheese dip baked on a chicken breast. brilliant. so easy and so yummy. and all ingredients i always have on hand. we had it with corn and baked sweet potato.

2 six-ounce chicken breasts, pounded thin
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1/3 cup grated white cheddar cheese
Salt
Pepper

Salt and pepper the chicken and then sauté each chicken breast in 1 tbsp olive oil on medium-high heat, for about 8-10 minutes, flipping once, or until the juices run clear when pierced with a fork. Set aside.

Mix together the mayonnaise, artichoke hearts and cheddar cheese until evenly distributed. Spread the mixture over the sauteed chicken breasts, and then broil at 400 degrees for about 3 minutes. Do not take your eyes off them — broiling can lead to burning faster than you can imagine. When the cheese is melted and bubbling and the tops are golden, remove and serve.

Serves 2.

recipe found here.

one.

a perfect fall day.

a woodland party in the woods.

an adorable owl hat made by mimi [tanks mooms!].

a risky plan to have an outdoor party at the park. in western ny. at the end of october. it snowed 2 days later...

it was the best birthday party fab's has ever had.

eventually this little stinker figured out she could take the hat off...

the most delish and prettiest dessert table you ever did see.

..sea salt caramel cupcakes

..brooklyn blackout cupcakes

..red velvet cupcakes

..caramel apples [with real homemade caramel. i ate one of these a day for like a week.]

..caramel popcorn bars

..all made by auntie manda. she's sick in the brain. in a good way.

..totally adorable owl rocks made by uncle mike. see detail here.

we had the party at the county park, one of our favorite places. i loved the rustic pavilion. the big stone fireplace was the perfect place to nurse my tiny tot.

the cakes. the pink cake was fab's 'smash cake'. isn't it seriously beautiful?! it was seriously yummy also. and there were pink layers inside. amazing.

i LOVE this cake progression!...

fabs eyeing down the cake. those chubby little hands. love.

the perfect little dress with woodland animals also from auntie manda.

fabienne joy...

a year ago i did not realize just how much joy you would bring into our lives. your smile makes my heart smile. your dimple makes me want to squeeze you. i love the way your whole face lights up when you smile. i love that you already have so much spice and want to do things your way. you make your mommy and daddy smile every day. you fill our home with laughter. you work so hard to do things that come naturally to so many. we are so proud of you. God knew what he was doing when he gave you to us and we wouldn't have it any other way. we love you fabienne joy.

** sorry for the dramatic pause in the middle of my birth story. my tiny tot is teething and decided to stop sleeping at night, which leads to an extremely exhausted mommy. i'm working on it, cross my heart.