The Macs

Monday, September 5, 2011

blankets + freezer meals

Levi loves his blanket. He calls it his "baa-baa". Cora loved her blanket too. Levi and I have been talking about how Baby Brother might need a baa-baa of his own. He thinks it is a really good idea. I LOVE the blankets that Cora and Levi have. They are both a really tight knit and very light weight (at least that is the best way I can think to describe them). And they are both colorful and stripey. LOVE.


So Levi and I have been on the search for a blanket for Baby Brother. I thought it would be fun for him to be able to give it to his brother as a gift. The problem is I can't find a baby blanket like these ANYWHERE. Cora's blanket was from IKEA and Levi's blanket was from Babies' R Us. I searched online and I couldn't really come up with anything either. Any ideas? Where can I find a blanket like these??

* * * * * * * * *

I have lots of friends who are pregnant right now. One of my friends had the great idea of having a freezer meal swap before the babies are born. That way we can all help each other with meals without worrying about it while we are adjusting to having a new baby.

I am not very good at freezer meals. Lasagna is about as creative as I get. I didn't even know how to make lasagna when I got married...actually I didn't know how to make much of anything. Joel knew more about cooking than I did.

I use this lasagna recipe from a friend. We put ground beef in ours of course. It is yummy. And Joel tells me it is the best lasagna he has ever had. He might just be sweet, but usually he is pretty honest about things like that. If you don't know how to make lasagna...I'm sure you do, but just in case...try this recipe.

It just about killed me to cook all these meals. I made four for my friends and two for us to keep. My feet were killing me. But I am so glad they are done and it will be wonderful to have some freezer meals all ready to go after Baby Brother arrives. Do you swap freezer meals with your friends? Please share your best freezer meal recipes with me! Maybe next time I can be more creative.

Hope you are having a great Labor Day weekend!

59 Comments:

Blogger Andy and Cari said...

dwell studio @ target has some knit blankets some times... I have a really cute brown and cream polka dot one...
If target does not yeild one.. maybe look on the dwell site.

September 5, 2011 at 7:28 AM  
Blogger Rachel said...

Easy chicken stuffing casserole

4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8-12 oz cheese slices (jack, cheddar, Swiss, whatever kind you like)
1 can Campbell's cream of chicken soup
12 oz Stove Top stuffing (any flavor)
2 Tbsp melted butter
water

Cut chicken into chunks (okay to leave whole if still frozen) & place in bottom of 9x13 casserole dish. Cover the chicken completely with the sliced cheese. Spoon the soup over all. In a separate bowl stir the melted butter and enough water to make stuffing very moist. Spoon over the casserole. Cover with foil and bake at 350 for 1 hour. Uncover and bake another 25 minutes at 325.

Wish we lived closer...I could bring you and your family a meal!
Praying for you.

September 5, 2011 at 7:52 AM  
Blogger Katie said...

My work threw a freezer shower for me with my youngest---it was one of my favorite showers!

Meals we received:

1-chicken stuffing casseroles (a lot of these!)
2-enchiladas (lots of these too)
3-mac & cheese casserole
4-chili
5-soups
6-homemade chicken pot pie

September 5, 2011 at 8:19 AM  
Blogger Tricia said...

What a great idea! Do I have to be pregnant to start a freezer swap? I just need help in the kitchen, period. :) This really is a sweet idea. Good luck finding a blanket. Did you look on Etsy? I go here for everything. :)

September 5, 2011 at 8:22 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Chicken Enchiladas

Super easy...

An already cooked rotisserie chicken or 4 cooked chicken breasts, shredded
1 can black beans
1 4-oz can chopped green chills
Green enchilada sauce
Shredded cheese to taste (I like pepper jack)
Tortillas

Combine chicken, beans (do not drain), and chilis in large bowl; mix. Add sauce and cheese to your liking. Fill tortillas, roll, and place, seam down, in 13x9 baking dish. Reserve extra sauce. Cover well.

To defrost: Let sit at room temperature for about 30 min; pour sauce over top, if desired. Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 min, or until bubbly and heated through.

Enjoy>

September 5, 2011 at 8:36 AM  
Blogger Sarah said...

My go to meal for friends when they have babies is baked spaghetti. It is super easy!

1 box spaghetti
1 jar marina sauce
1 jar alfredo sauce
shredded mozzarella cheese

Just cook the spaghetti and than mix it with the alfredo sauce. Pour into a 9x13 pan and top with the marina sauce and than top that with cheese. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes!

September 5, 2011 at 8:40 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Lots of blue blankets. Don't see any colorful ones.

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=122677

http://www.rosenberryrooms.com/532-blue-mini-stripe-knit-receiving-blanket.html

http://www.cookieskids.com/Product.aspx?l=00170059010700750000&p=BDV01257&a=googleps&mr:trackingCode=82273F00-046D-E011-9D0B-001517B1882A&mr:referralID=NA
http://www.diapers.com/p/Elegant-Baby-Blue-Multi-Stripe-Blanket-58885?site=CI&utm_source=cse&utm_medium=cpc_D&utm_term=XP-187&utm_campaign=google&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=XP-187

September 5, 2011 at 8:46 AM  
Blogger Emily said...

Hi Jess! Thanks for the love. I'm glad Joel likes it, too :) Hoping you get some good rest and enjoy the cooler weather!

September 5, 2011 at 8:50 AM  
Anonymous Doris said...

I have followed your blog for 3 years--this is my first comment. I feel like you are family. Somehow, I went from your blog and ended up at "Counting Coconuts". She just had a baby, and besides Levi giving baby brother a baa baa, their 4 year old got a gift from his new sister. I thought that was such a good idea, in making him feel special too.

September 5, 2011 at 9:05 AM  
Anonymous molly said...

Will you come cook for me??? :)

I was on your site last night because I created your photo frame from Levi's room for my son's room. I linked the project to your post! It turned out great so thanks!

On a different note, I know I don't always comment but I just wanted to say how much your faith in God has changed my thoughts on it. I am starting my walk with God over again and it helps to see other bloggers who are open and honest about their own walk with God.

September 5, 2011 at 9:05 AM  
Anonymous Doris said...

I have followed your blog for 3 years. My mom and I feel like you are family! This is my first comment. Somehow, I got from your blog to "counting coconuts". She just had a new baby. You mentioned Levi giving baby brother a baa baa. I think that is great. This 4 year old brother got a gift from his new baby sister. She had wrapped up a few special things for him, and had it wrapped and labeled--WITH LOVE FROM YOUR NEW SISTER. I thought that was a great idea to make him feel special too, and keep him a little occupied while everyone is looking at the new baby.

September 5, 2011 at 9:09 AM  
Blogger Katy @ Live Laugh Love Craft said...

Just did a quick Google search for bright boy blankets.. What about this one?

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?sku=17866729&utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=shopping

September 5, 2011 at 9:09 AM  
Blogger Allison said...

My friends and I have a homemade food co-op. We don't do entire meals, but every two weeks we get together to exchange something homemade - we've made all sorts of things, from bread to tofu to apple butter to candied pecans. We say the portion should be the equivalent of a loaf of bread and that works for us. There are 10 participants and 5 make food for each exchange (so we get food twice a month but only cook once). It's a lot of fun!

September 5, 2011 at 9:36 AM  
Anonymous Danielle H. said...

My friends and I are getting ready to start a freezer meal swap for the fall - this is the book we have found the most recipes in:

http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Panic-Dinners-Freezer-Great-Tasting/dp/0800730550/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1315233562&sr=8-1

There is also another one by the same author with additional recipes. I'll keep a lookout for more blankets like Cora's and Levi's. Do you have a BuyBuy Baby near you? I think they had some similar and they usually have good coupons! Can't wait to see pics of Baby Brother's room! Is it cooler there? - we woke up here in North Texas in the 60s which is awesome after so many days in the 100s!

September 5, 2011 at 9:43 AM  
Blogger Sharon said...

Such a cool idea! Your meal looks quite tasty! Sorry, I can't help with the blanket, my youngest is 13 now!:)

September 5, 2011 at 10:12 AM  
Blogger Megen said...

i think this blanket is adorable but then again i am a sucker for polka dots :)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003D3O6NI/ref=asc_df_B003D3O6NI1694123?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=asn&creative=395093&creativeASIN=B003D3O6NI

September 5, 2011 at 10:51 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

http://www.etsy.com/listing/54904243/striped-sweater-knit-baby-blanket?ref=sr_list_34&ga_search_query=knit+baby+blankets&ga_view_type=list&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=5&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade

Cute handmade lightweight knit blanket with binding on Etsy!

September 5, 2011 at 10:54 AM  
Blogger Louise said...

Found your blog throug kelly's link up! I think it is beautiful and your photographs are so gorgeous!

Good luck with baby no 2

Louise
xx

September 5, 2011 at 10:58 AM  
Blogger Stef said...

the meals idea is a great one! Next time I have a bunch of girls pregnant with me, I think I'll try it :)

we have lovers of blankies in this house too. When we took our 2 1/2 year old's paci away, she decided on her own, to part with her blanket :)

September 5, 2011 at 11:41 AM  
Blogger Bethany said...

Have you looked at IKEA very recently? I was just there and they had a really sweet knit blanket in green and some other colours. I am in Canada, don't know it that makes a difference or not...

September 5, 2011 at 11:57 AM  
Blogger Bethany said...

It's called Torva. There is a knit one and a fleece one.

September 5, 2011 at 11:59 AM  
Blogger Rachel said...

I'll keep my eyes open for one! I love that Levi loves his so much!!

September 5, 2011 at 12:03 PM  
Blogger Erica said...

Hey Jess. I too loved our IKEA blanket so for baby #2 I was disappointed in the current knit one there, but that's what we went with instead of the cute one that was about $100 at Mothercare in Turkey. I just couldn't justify it. I'm sure you'll find something.

September 5, 2011 at 12:11 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Yes-- my friends and I have just started a freezer meal swap! I am making enchiladas using the Old El Paso recipe on the side of the enchilada sauce can. Super easy and delicious!

September 5, 2011 at 12:16 PM  
Blogger Nancy said...

Looks delish. Thanks for sharing! If we lived close, I would give you a prenatal massage! I'm certified in prenatal, l & d & after baby arrives massage!
Have a great Labor Day!

September 5, 2011 at 12:23 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

These might be out of your price range, but my friend makes the prettiest baby blankets:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/burlybunny?section_id=7196882
I'm not sure if they're too much and I see that there aren't a lot of options for colors, but I think that she could make something you want if you asked :)

September 5, 2011 at 12:34 PM  
Blogger JJK said...

I live in England and a company called Mamas and Papas have one very similar (it might actually be the same one - not sure). It is the knitted blanket in the gingerbread nursery decor collection. It is about £35 pounds (the pound is down so I don't know how much that is in US dollars). I keep hoping it will go on sale so I can get one! They do deliver internationally. Good luck!

September 5, 2011 at 12:57 PM  
Blogger Lacie and Stephen said...

I don't see any "colorful ones" but there are some cute brown and blue ones and blue and green on amazon!

http://www.amazon.com/Elegant-Baby-Striped-Blanket-Chocolate/dp/B003A0YP6M

http://www.amazon.com/Elegant-Baby-Multi-Stripe-Blanket/dp/B003D3O6LA

Oh, and saw you at the zoo today!

September 5, 2011 at 1:22 PM  
Blogger Janet said...

What a lovely idea! Greetings from South Africa!

September 5, 2011 at 2:36 PM  
Blogger Julie said...

I love your lasagna!! And you packaged it up so cute too. The freezer swap is a good idea and you will be so thankful you did it. :)

September 5, 2011 at 4:33 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4393718

This blanket looks like what you might be looking for. I have been following your blog for a long time and I wish you and your family all the best!

katie s

September 5, 2011 at 6:39 PM  
Blogger Martha said...

I ALWAYS make chicken tetrazini (sp?) for friends when they've had a baby. It is the easiest meal and it freezes really well.

Good luck finding the blanket. My youngest (Josie) had a wonderful blankie that a friend bought for her. It was a simple Carter baby blanket that someone had used a fancy sewing machine to customize with her name in cursive around the edge. Look on Etsy!

September 5, 2011 at 6:42 PM  
Blogger Happiness Is... said...

I just saw this on Cooking Light's Facebook page - a propos! http://www.cookinglight.com/food/top-rated-recipes/best-freezable-recipes-00412000070172/

September 5, 2011 at 7:28 PM  
Blogger Cline Family said...

I love this blanket and pillow from Room and Board...a little pricey but super cute!

http://www.roomandboard.com/rnb/product/detail.do?productGroup=21266&catalog=room&category=rm_kids&subcategory=kid_nursery

September 5, 2011 at 7:35 PM  
Blogger Courtney R said...

My favorite blanket for my daughter is a lightweight knit polka-dot blanket made by a company called mudpie. I got mine at HomeGoods, and I see them online, but not in any boy colors! They do have this one though: http://www.baby-memory-books.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=MP-174017&gdftrk=gdfV21453_a_7c1049_a_7c6923_a_7cMP_d_174017

Restoration Hardware Kids also has a similar one: http://www.rhbabyandchild.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=rhbc_prod227169&categoryId=rhbc_cat101043

I do love your striped blankets though! I hope you find one!

September 5, 2011 at 8:43 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

CUTE striped blanket!!

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&q=striped+knitted+baby+blanket&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=15172879622468741463#

September 5, 2011 at 9:09 PM  
Blogger Kelly McG said...

I found an adorable tight knit blanket at Baby Gap when my oldest son was an infant. It has various shades of blue stripes. I hope you find one!

September 5, 2011 at 10:15 PM  
Blogger Carrie Schreiber said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

September 5, 2011 at 11:19 PM  
Blogger Carrie Schreiber said...

Just a few cute knit, striped blankets...both of them come in two different sizes. I've bookmarked both of them in case our baby is a boy!

http://www.livingtextiles.com/shop/item/crib-knitted-blankets---stripes-redaqua

http://www.livingtextiles.com/shop/item/cotton-knitted-blanket-rattle-toy---ziggy-lion-regular-size

http://www.livingtextiles.com/shop/item/crib-knitted-blankets---stripes-blue

September 5, 2011 at 11:20 PM  
Blogger the zipfs said...

In the 4 pregnancies we've had, I have NEVER had to worry about freezer meals. Some ladies in our church (not always the same ones) always enlists the other ladies to prepare and deliver nice yummy, hot meals every other day for 3 weeks after each baby. (You know how small our church is too! So, I'm surprised there isn't something like that at your church!) It was always a huge blessing for our family (and I think a blessing for them too as they got to see the new little one too)!

A freezer meal swap is such a great idea though! Happy hunting for that blanket.

September 6, 2011 at 4:40 AM  
Blogger L ~ S said...

I love the freezer swap idea! Even for non-pregers...I think any mom would love to have a few back-ups in her freezer...

September 6, 2011 at 8:42 AM  
Blogger Miranda said...

I've never done a freezer swap before; however, we have a wonderful ministry at our church that provides 3-4 meals for new mommies. Basically, we get volunteers to make and take the new family a dinner every other day for at least a week. We used to try to do for 2 weeks but that was before the babies started coming in waves at our church (for example, we have 5 woman due all within a month a half of each other starting next week!)

I didn't realize what a blessing this was until after I had my first child 3 years ago. I don't do the cooking in my house; but it was nice for my hubby to get home and be able to help me right away and not have to prepare dinner.

September 6, 2011 at 10:27 AM  
Blogger Krulls in Haiti said...

This is such a great idea! I have found several great freezer meals (our favorite is the baked chicken penne) from www.ourbestbites.com

September 6, 2011 at 10:35 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Found a couple from etsy:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/40460220/bungalow-stripe-baby-blanket-backed-with?ref=sr_gallery_6&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=stripe+baby+blanket&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade

and

http://www.etsy.com/listing/77974932/baby-toddler-blanket-30-x-30-with-minky?ref=sr_gallery_12&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=stripe+baby+blanket&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=3&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade

September 6, 2011 at 11:00 AM  
Blogger Debilou ~ Mississippi Mama said...

this lasagna sounds delicious,, do you completely cook everything before you freeze? I've never frozen any meals before. Good luck finding just the right baby blanket.

September 6, 2011 at 12:08 PM  
Blogger Whitney Tomlin said...

have you checked out gymboree? they normally have really cute blankets! and I may or may not still sleep with MY baby blanket from there... :) I'm 21 so you can imagine how well it has held up!

September 6, 2011 at 1:08 PM  
Blogger The Muncies said...

I love these freezer meal ideas:
http://literallyspoonful.blogspot.com/2011/08/good-freezer-meals.html

September 6, 2011 at 1:39 PM  
Anonymous Susan Evans said...

I found this on amazon. Even your freezer meals are cute! I Love how you jazz things up! :)

http://www.amazon.com/Living-Textiles-Baby-Knitted-Blanket/dp/B0048IJ9MA/ref=sr_1_14?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1315347060&sr=1-14

September 6, 2011 at 5:13 PM  
Blogger emily said...

There are similar blankets on Living Textiles Baby under the blanket section.

September 6, 2011 at 6:27 PM  
Blogger Karen said...

Thank you for being real. I was surprised to see you say that you didnt know how to cook much but it sure made me feel good and less alone. Thank You!

September 6, 2011 at 8:31 PM  
Blogger amy jupin said...

what a smart, smart idea!
that lasagna looks yummy!

September 7, 2011 at 8:45 AM  
Blogger Bobbie Jo said...

I found a blanket in the new IKEA catalog that looks a lot like what your trying to find for the new baby :)
Here's a link to it online:

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30194855

September 7, 2011 at 10:16 PM  
Blogger Melinda said...

I love this one

http://www.etsy.com/listing/78900575/sporty-striped-afghan-for-baby-boy-or

September 8, 2011 at 7:03 AM  
Blogger Caitlyn said...

Love your blog! Not sure if the website Zulily has blankets but they do have a lot of cute stuff!! Zulily.com

September 8, 2011 at 11:29 AM  
Blogger Susan Sutherlin said...

I think I found a blanket that might work for you. Target is now carrying the designer Missoni and they have a baby blanket that fits your needs.

Susan
www.susansutherlin.blogspot.com

September 8, 2011 at 4:19 PM  
Blogger Rebekah said...

I came across these blankets the other day. Super cute. Elegantbaby.com. Page eight under baby blankets has a blue striped. I saw them in person and they are very soft. I want one now for my daughter!

September 9, 2011 at 6:59 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

My freezer cooking before giving birth included:
lasagna
meatloaf
uncooked chicken breasts bagged with marinade so they go right from freezer to oven
homemade chicken fingers
lots of muffins!
pancakes (made to fit in the toaster)

September 9, 2011 at 9:42 AM  
Blogger Marcismullings said...

I participate in a food group too, only it's fresh food!! Here's how it works:

Once every ten weeks, four of us moms get together and plan a 'menu' for 10 weeks - each of us comes with 10-15 recipes, and we plan one meal (each) per week. We try to plan them so we don't end up with four chicken meals the same week - you know? We also, at this time, plan the foods our family likes - maybe some family didn't like my shepard's pie - so I nix that recipe and use a different one instead.

Then, every Sunday, at four pm sharp, the four of us meet at my house, and swap the four meals that were planned for that week - in other words, I make four of the same meal - so do they - and we swap them all. Then, how about that? We have food for the entire week - (we usually have two days of leftover, and one night to eat whatever - cereal, pancakes, or out!) - it's a FABULOUS way to do dinners, and I've done it now for 5 years. Couldn't go back to cooking every night! Plus I love that we have FRESH foods - like stuff that can't be frozen. It's a great idea - if you ever want more details - I have them! Just email me....

Marci

ticklesivories@yahoo.com

September 11, 2011 at 10:12 PM  
Blogger Kerry said...

I know I am so late on this but I have never heard of a freezer meal shower...that is the BEST IDEA EVER!!! And now that I am on baby #4 it sounds like heaven :) Love your site!

May 31, 2012 at 9:36 PM  

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