Second Trimester Adventures!

     It's has been a little while since I've blogged.  I've been very busy finishing out the school year and baking this new addition :)  I'm very happy to be firmly in the second trimester, with the nausea and exhaustion behind me.  As with my last pregnancy post, I'm writing on the date listed and will publish when I move into the third trimester.

**PSA** I also noticed that some of my pictures are disappearing!  I can't figure out why.  I'm trying to repost them, but of course, some have been lost in the cyber world.  I'll keep working on it :)

Wednesday July 1, 2015 (19 weeks)
    I am officially on summer vacation and it's a perfect time to focus on mine and baby's health.  I am working part-time and taking some professional development workshops for the upcoming school year.  Other than that, I'm spending a lot of time sitting on the couch with my feet up.
     My nausea is still completely gone (expect for the random upset stomach) and I feel much better over all.  I still get sleepy early or after an activity (summer camp, grocery shopping, walking the dog), but I've learned to just come home and relax for a while each day.
     Nighttime sleeping comes and goes.  I've been having some indigestion and leg cramps that keep me up, tossing and turning.  Luckily, I can lay around during the day to make up for it.  One thing that I strongly recommend for any and all pregnant women is a good body pillow.  I may not be getting the deepest sleep, but I can lay down comfortably and read or just relax.  I have a Snoogle (a C shaped body pillow), thanks to a wonderful friend.  You can get them at any baby/maternity or home store or order online through Amazon.  It has been a life saver!
     I have also started getting really itchy!  As my stomach is stretching and growing, my skin is so dry.  My awesome hubby (from recommendations at his work), got me some Momma Bee Belly Butter.  It is marvelous!  I think I'm addicted to it :)  I use it twice a day; morning and before bed.  My skin is moisturized and has stopped itching for the most part.

     In other news, my appetite has most definitely increased!  I eat allllll day long.  I make very conscious decisions about the food I eat.  I plan for high protein, high calcium, lots of vitamins, etc.  I haven't gained much weight but the doctor says that baby is developing as planned.  Some snacks that I'm really loving right now are: cheese, yogurt, applesauce,  homemade fruit and yogurt smoothies, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
     Speaking of baby and the doctor, we had an ultrasound at the end of June and baby is a BOY!!!!  We are very excited :)  We had some friends over that weekend to announce and it was awesome.  His name is Bryce David Thompson and we already love him to death.

I absolutely love hubby's reaction when we opened the envelope :)  Can you tell he wanted a boy???

Friday July 24, 2015 (23 weeks)

     Summer break is moving along quickly and baby Bryce is growing just as fast!  The biggest change is the size of my belly.  I'm gaining around one pound a week; with a total of 15 pounds gained.
     Unfortunately, with a growing belly comes tighter clothes.  I have purchased just a few maternity outfits.  I really don't want to spend a lot on new clothes that I will only wear for a few months.  Most of my existing tops still fit; I don't wear tight clothes and that's working to my advantage here.  I have also learned a great pants-widening trick.  Simply slip a hair-tie through the button of jeans or shorts to give yourself an extra couple of inches.  The extra room will stretch with the hair-tie for a little while.  Of course, you need to wear a longer shirt to cover up the "secrets," but it works like a charm!
     Aside from this little trick, I've found some absolute maternity must-haves for a pregnant summer in Florida.  Check those out here.

This picture was taken several weeks ago before the big belly starting growing.  It is still working!

     Another exciting change is feeling my little nugget move!  It's still very light because he's so small, but very fun and comforting to know that he's doing his baby things.

Sunday August 16, 2015 (26 weeks)

     Well, the belly is still growing!  I'm up to 20 pounds gained!  My goal at the beginning was to hit 35 pounds when all said and done.  I think I'm going to be right on the money.  I starting to feel the weight in my lower back and hips, so I try to stretch a little bit every day, usually right when I get up in the morning or before my shower at night.  I have learned that the warm (NOT HOT) steam and water really helps loosen up sore muscles.  I've also started a little workout routine, in addition to walking. I haven't been very consistent.  But I try!  I'll post it soon....

     Summer is quickly coming to an end.  I can't believe that teacher planning starts TOMORROW :(  It's always bitter sweet.  I enjoy the summer off but I love my job and am excited to get in and working (and of course, getting paid again is a bonus lol).

     In baby news, Bryce is growing as planned and all tests have been negative.  We have gotten some baby furniture and necessities, thanks to gracious parents AKA first time grandparents.  The baby shower and diaper party planning has fully commenced.  

    Bryce has become very active, almost all day long.  I love feeling him swim, kick and jab.  Sometimes it's uncomfortable and catches me off-guard, but I wouldn't have it any other way!

     Appetite is still increasing.  I think about food all day long.  I still watch what I eat and try to get veggies, fruit, dairy, and water in every day.  Some things that I'm loving: ice cream, peanut butter and jelly, smoothies, grapes, hamburgers and fries (oops), and Ranch dressing.

Sunday August 30, 2015 (28 weeks)
     I'm officially out of the second trimester!  It's crazy how fast time is flying.  Before we know it, Bryce will be here (ready, or not).  The biggest difference now, besides my belly and weight gain, is my hormones.  Little things have really started aggravating me.  For example, I'm over constant questions of how I'm feeling.  I'm also over slow, lackadaisical working.  I've always been "task-happy" but recently I find myself thinking, let me do your job too so I get out of here!  It's sad!  I've started just making my to-do list and sticking to it.  If it's not my job, I don't even notice it.  I haven't gone crazy at school yet (fingers crossed)!  Just breeeeaaathe.....
     I have started my bi-weekly appointments at the OBGYN.  Everything is moving along well with no major setbacks or struggles (knock on wood).  I won't have another ultrasound for a little.  I'm kind of torn about this one!  I understand that doctor's/nurse's know what they doing, but I want to see him!  How do I know he's still perfect?!?!  Anyways, they always do the heart Doppler, so I guess I'll just close my eyes and imagine him for now.
     Lastly, football season is finally here!  Only a few more months and we'll have a new team member to share these moments with.  I can't wait to show him off in all his Gator orange and blue!  Professional football teams will have to wait, though.  Our house is divided and Bryce'll be in charge of that decision (although Jaguar teal is a very handsome color ;).
     Thanks for reading!  I'm will start working on the next tri-chapter of this adventure ASAP!

Maternity Must-Haves

     Often times, people (not just the women) get wrapped up in the baby and completely forget about the mommies.  Don't get my wrong, the baby is the centerpiece but the mother-to-be is the table.  One thing I've quickly learned in my experience as a first time mom is that it's just as important for the me to be healthy and happy as it is the new arrival.  With that comes maternity clothing.
     I have never been a designer wearer or high end shopper.  I honestly never gave "maternity" clothing much thought.  I figured that I would wear looser clothes for a couple of months and call it a day.  Boy, was I mistaken!  Once I hit about 23 weeks, EVERYTHING became uncomfortable!  Even the thought of putting on clothes was tiring and aggravating.  Nothing fits right and with the summer heat, nothing is cool enough.  Sadly, we must wear appropriate clothing in public (contrary to some beliefs...but that's a whole other soap-box).
     I have been able to, luckily, stick to my guns and not buy much, but some things are just necessary (for my comfort and sanity).  I also try to buy non-maternity specific items, or things that I can wear after baby.  Obviously, pants and shorts are special, but tops, dresses, and skirts shouldn't have to be.  Of course, this whole idea depends on your personal body type and style.  I've worked hard to stay healthy and not gain extra extra weight.  The recommended healthy gain is 25 pounds.  I'm shooting for a total of 35 to be safe.  This really helps in the shopping department.  The smaller I stay, the easier to wear "regular" clothes.
     ***Disclaimer***  Some people have commented that I'm "starving the baby because I don't want to gain weight."  That is not true!  According to my OB, I'm growing and Bryce is growing exactly we should be.  I know myself and what healthy is for me.  Listen to your doctor for guidance here.  Every women is completely different and every baby is completely different.  You don't need to gain a literal extra person to have a healthy pregnancy.
     (Now back to the happy stuff!)  Here are the things that I couldn't live without as Bryce grows and I stretch!

1. Cotton skirts:  I have this knee-length and one maxi, both in solid black.  They are perfect are "dressing up" comfortably.  Neither of these are from the maternity aisle.  They stretch with me!

2. Sandals:  Depending on how much time you spend standing, shoes are going to become very important.  My feet have started swelling just a little but not too much.  Most of my sandals are still easy to wear and many can be loosen up if need be.

 3. Cotton shirts:  Target has a great collection of multi-colored crew and v-neck tees.  They are also pretty cheap!  I went and bought 5-6 in different colors at a size or two bigger than my regular medium.  Very loose and stretchy but also thin and comfy!

4. Dark maternity jeans:  I purchased two pairs of maternity jeans; one straight-legged and one skinny (seen here) from Zulily.  I bought both in a dark wash.  This particular pair has the full panel belly wrap.  The straight-legged is just the partial lower section.  I don't really have a preference.  Sometimes the full-panel is too restricting or hot.  I simply fold it in half.  I have noticed that the panel does provide some back pain relief.  Maybe it's the compression and support, or maybe it's all in my head :)

5. Flats:  If I'm on my feet for more than an hour or two (shopping, walking around, working, etc.), sandals sometimes don't work.  Simple ballerina flats are my next best option.  They are comfy and stretch a little with my giant feet.  Of course, this only works with the thin pliable variety.  Thicker, more formed flats are not be the same.  When it comes to pregnant feet, you'll learn quickly what works and what doesn't...trust me!

6. Tank tops:  With the summer sun high in the sky, I have turned to cute and simple ribbed tanks.  The ribbing actually allows for some stretch without that stretched-out, screaming look.  The top above is actually from the $5 table at Walmart...and yes, I went back and bought a total of five; in patterns and solids.  I think I may be obsessed.  The patterns are cute and the actual shirt is comfortable.  I now have a habit of walking by during a "grocery trip" to see if they've added any new colors!  Again, these shirts are not maternity specific, I just buy a size up...as I grow I will buy two sizes up...etc.

*Maternity jeans from #4...yes, I wear them more than once in a wash cycle sometimes.  I only have two, remember :)

7. Sports bras:  Another item that will become very important in maternity life is the bra.  With a growing baby and belly, comes the ever growing boobs.  They are, remember storing up all of the milk and nutritious little T will need in the early months.  Everybody is different and I have been super sore and uncomfortable.  I found that simple loose sports bras are my new best friends.  Yes, I have two "regular" bras (in enormous sizes), but I'm most comfortable in the thin cotton variety.  You'll find what works best for you!

8. Leggings:  We already know that yoga pants and leggings are way more comfortable than real pants.  This is extra true when pregnant.  Take advantage of it!  I wear them all the time with longer shirts.  My husband told me recently that when you are pregnant, you can wear whatever you want.  No one will question your fashion sense.  Well, thanks honey!

9. Tennis shoes:  As I said in #5, shoes are really important, especially for mommas who spend a lot of time on their feet.  Some people disagree with me, but I find my Nike tennis shoes to be a great option for shorter times of standing and/or walking.  I do notice that I have to sit with my feet up or take the shoes off when my feet start to swell.  Tennis shoes are not the most forgiving and provide great support (which, in turn, helps with knee and back pain).

10. Shorts:  Along with my two maternity jeans, I purchased one pair of shorts.  These are from Zulily and have the full panel.  They are very comfortable and are perfect for a hot summer day.

*Same as #3 just a different color :)

11.  Cotton dresses:  I have always been a fan of cotton maxis or knee length dresses.  They are thin and comfortable but also stretch when needed.  The maxi dress pictured is from my original closet, but I have since purchased several others.  These I can then wear after baby!

Spaghetti Carbonara

     I am definitely a pasta lover and I always love a quick, light meal.  I have become obsessed with this dish and make it all the time now.  It's perfect for a side dish, a "just me" lunch, or a light weeknight dinner.  It's super easy and uses ingredients I always have on hand.  Feel free to add different veggies or meats.  Chicken would be yummy for some extra protein.  You could also go meatless for a vegetarian supper.  Instead of, or in addition to, use frozen carrots.  Be creative and enjoy!

Spaghetti Carbonara (yields 2 servings)
Ingredients:
Canola oil cooking spray
4 slices of bacon, cut into bite sized pieces
4 ounces of thin spaghetti (can substitute any pasta here; use what you like and have)
1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour
1/2 cup of low sodium chicken (or vegetable) broth, room temperature
1/4 cup of reduced fat grated Parmesan
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup of frozen peas

Directions:
Prepare spaghetti according to package instructions.  Save some of the cooking liquid, just in case.

In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, cook bacon pieces in a little cooking spray.  When the bacon is completely cooked, remove with a slotted spoon.  Drain excess grease on a paper towel.  Leave a tablespoon of the bacon fat in the pan.  If you're skipping the meat, you will need a tablespoon of butter to substitute the fat.

Whisk in the flour.  Allow this to cook for a minute.  You don't want the raw flour taste in your delicious pasta sauce.  Slowly, whisk in the broth and bring to a simmer.  Continue whisking as you add the Parmesan, salt and pepper.  Start with a little salt and add as you taste.  You can add more but you can't take out!

Reduce the heat and gently stir in peas.  Give them a minute to heat through.  If your sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water.

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and combine thoroughly.  Serve warm, topped with bacon and extra Parmesan.

Oh, Baby! Tales from the First Trimester

We have some exciting news!!!!  But SHHHHHH!  It's a little bit of a secret!

                                                                                     WE'RE HAVING A BABY!

     Since we are waiting until a few doctor appointments to announce this news to the world, I'm writing and postponing the publishing.  You'll notice a date next to each blurb.  That's the date I'm blogging.  This is going to be my pregnancy journal to track this super exciting time in our lives.  I am, by no means, an expert so this is a learning experience.  I'm excited to learn and share the good, the bad, and the ugly!

Tuesday March 24, 2015 (5 weeks)

     My husband and I have been trying since August to start our family.  It's very exciting and scary that it happened so fast!  I really don't think I was prepared for this.  I was honestly expecting pregnancy to take closer to a year, but here we are!  I haven't felt much of the infamous "morning sickness."  I have been nauseous and light headed, but nothing like I've read about.  I do get nightly indigestion, no matter what food I eat for dinner.  I can deal with that.  I hope this stays the same through out my journey...knock on wood!

     After the positive EPT, the next decision was when to announce our news to family and then the world.  I did some research (link posted at bottom).  We have decided to share with our families after the first doctor's appointment and then with everyone else at the end of the first trimester.  We are really excited and keeping this secret for even a few weeks is super difficult.  The agreement ended up being about what was best in the long run.  It's important, especially with such a huge life event, that we don't get ahead of ourselves.  We really want to make sure that little Baby T was doing it's baby things before getting everyone involved.  We will be announcing our new family member on Easter weekend, a couple of days after my first appointment at about seven weeks.  I decided to do an Easter themed announcement for family since it happened to be that weekend.

     I also have started taking my prenatal vitamins.  I was pretty nervous taking a vitamin since my multivitamins in the past usually upset my stomach.  I have been taking Nature Made Prenatal Multi +DHA and I haven't felt any discomfort.  I highly recommend them!

Monday April 27, 2015 (10 weeks)

     OK....we are moving right along.  Sadly, morning sickness (actually, all day sickness) has arrived.  :(  On the bright side, I feel the fatigue dissipating and the bump growing.  I'm not showing yet but I'm excited about that stage which is right around the corner!
     Nausea and vomiting have become a daily thing and each day is completely different.  It keeps me on my toes!  I have learned and researched a few things though that seem to help (links posted at bottom).   I have found bananas, ginger ale, peppermint tea, and eating bland breads and broths to be most helpful.  Also, I've started taking my vitamin at night after dinner.  The morning part of pregnancy sickness is much lighter this way.

     In brighter news, we visited the nurse and learned lots of exciting and overwhelming details of pregnancy and delivery.  Lots of things to plan for and get ready!  Some of the tools I've found the most helpful are the BabyCenter pregnancy app and the Publix baby club.  The app is a great way to keep track of what my body and what Baby T is doing.  It also has tools like a bumpie gallery, contraction timer, and registry wish list.  The Publix baby club is a free service from Publix that gives you access to coupons, specials, record, and a mommy blog.  You also get a free book!  I've only read the first chapter and have already gotten some great information.  It goes all the way from pregnancy to five years old.  It's like the manual for new humans... and it's free!  Nothing better than that.

Wednesday May 20, 2015 (13 weeks)
     I have successfully completed the first trimester!  We are super excited to see the first pictures of our little one :)  He or she is already perfect!   With confirmation from the doctor, we could officially announce the news to the world.  It's amazing how much love a little human can get!  Next month, we will find out the sex...we both hoping for a boy for our first time around.  We will see though!
     I also have some good news and some not so good news.  My fatigue is definitely getting better, but the ability to sleep soundly is slowly going.  Some nights are better than others, but I can see why everyone says to sleep whenever you can!  The "all day sickness" has pretty much stopped.  I still have an occasion day of sickness and have had to take some time off from work.  Headaches, stomach aches, and nausea are the usual suspects.  Gladly, when I called the doctor, I was told not to worried.  These things are normal...as long as they don't last too long or over consecutive days.  I feel good for the most part.  Baby T is growing and I'm really looking forward to our  next ultrasound date!

Smoke It Up BBQ (food truck)

     Being from the south, BBQ is a common cuisine and is found on every street corner.  If you're anything like us, you don't want to eat at the chain restaurant every time you're craving BBQ.  That's what we love about this food truck!  Smoke It Up is a great alternative to the run-of-the-mill Sonny's or Bono's.  They specialize in dry rubbed wood smoked BBQ.  We have eaten there several times and it's always delicious; consistency is key to becoming a food fave.
     Smoke It Up always has a variety of smoked meats; chicken, pork, sausage, ribs, burgers, and hot dogs.  All are dry rubbed and smoked on hickory, cherry, and pecan woods.  They also have amazing real BBQ sides like smoked baked beans, mac n' cheese, and cole slaw.  And, last but definitely not least, they make their own pickles!  It's the perfect BBQ meal!

Check them out on Facebook or Smoke It Up BBQ Kitchen!

BBQ Pulled Pork sandwiches and Baked Beans at Aardwolf Brewing Company.

Crock Pot Lasagna

     As you can tell by many of my other recipes, I love my crock pot!  I love that I can set it and forget it.  It's perfect for busy weekdays and for lazy weekends.  It's also great for crowds.  One recipe that I love to eat but hate to make is classic red sauce lasagna.  Traditional lasagna requires boiling huge noodles then carefully layering.  Once (or if) you have the casserole filled with lasagna, it bakes then cools for a hundred hours.  By the time it's actually ready, I'm already ordering delivery!
     Ok...maybe that's a little over-exaggerated!  There's just something about lasagna making that I just don't like.  If you love all of the steps, then more power to you!  One twist on a traditional lasagna are my Lasagna Rolls.  This recipe still involves boiling noodles then carefully rolling the hot pasta.  Most of the time, I break a few and get really frustrated with it all.  Don't get me wrong, it's a delicious meal and occasionally finds its way to my menu, but it's not a favorite.
     My newest lasagna recipe is the complete opposite!  You don't have to boil noodles, you don't have to wait for hours, you really don't have to do a whole lot of anything...just the way I like it.  :)  The beauty of the crock pot is truly showcased here.  You literally layer and let go.  As with any lasagna recipe, you can make it different every time by adding meats and/or veggies or nothing at all. Be lazy one day night this week and enjoy!

Crock Pot Lasagna
Ingredients:
16 oz. ricotta cheese
1 egg
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tbsp. Italian seasoning
9 lasagna noodles (uncooked!!!)
1 and 1/2 jars of red sauce (add your sauteed veggies and/or browned meat here)
8 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese
cooking spray

Directions:
In a small bowl, combine ricotta, egg, parmesan, and seasoning.  Be careful if you're a taster (like me).  This mixture contains raw egg.

Spray the inside of your Crock Pot with cooking spray.  This will help the lasagna come out easily.

Begin layering with sauce (just enough to cover the bottom or about 1/3 of the total).  Then, break three noodles to fit.  Next, gently spread half of the ricotta mixture.  Lastly, sprinkle half of the mozzarella over the top.  Continue these steps one more time.  Sauce - three noodles - the rest of the ricotta - the rest of the mozzarella.  Finally, add the last three noodles and the rest of the sauce.

Cover your Crock Pot and cook on low for five to six hours.  30 minutes before serving, take the inside of the slow cooker out and let it cool.  This step really helps the cutting and serving process.  You'll get a perfect square every time.  So yummy!

***Picture coming soon!  I couldn't snap one fast enough :)

"Life of Pi" by Yann Martel

     In 2012, a great movie titled "Life of Pi" came out in theaters.  I went and saw the film and was immediately blown away with the story, theme, and imagery caught on camera.  I had heard of the classic novel but never had a chance to read.  After seeing the movie, many conversations comparing and contrasting the film and book left me wondering.  Should I read the book now, after seeing the movie?  Should I chalk this novel up to "already been watched?"  I decided to try it out.  If I couldn't get into after the first few chapters, I could at least say I gave the effort.  Therefore, I went into this book a little skeptical.  Don't get me wrong, the movie was amazing and I will watch it again and again.  But the book....after being [ruined] by the movie?  I wasn't so sure....
   As soon as I brought this book home from the library, I started reading.  From the very first chapter, I was hooked!  As always, book-made-movies can never fully portray what the original author has written.  Luckily, Life of Pi (in my opinion) came pretty darn close!  The novel's imagery made it very easy to get lost in this story.  I felt like I was shipwrecked with Pi!
     I also loved the narrative structure of Yann Martel's fantasy adventure.  Throughout the novel, Pi (as the main character) and Yann Martel himself (as a visiting author years later) tell this amazing story with alternating points of view.  This really brings the plot to life and creates a realistic versus fantasy juxtaposition.  I could not put it down!
     With these two narrators, I was really curious how the author would bring the novel to a close.  A lot of times, great books fall apart towards the end.  With such an intricate story line, the closing was either going to be outstanding or completely underwhelming.  The end is just perfect!  The reader is left to decide whether or not to believe Pi's whimsical story.
     If you have not read this book (even if you have seen the movie), it is a must-read!  You will not be disappointed.

Quick No Fail Pancakes

   It has been a loooong while since I've posted to my blog, but life has been super busy!  I hope everyone had a great holiday season (New Year's being my favorite).  With the new year comes many new and exciting things in our house.  We are now well into the "married club."  That means that it's time to look for a house and think about kids....exciting, busy, scary, nerve-wracking.   I'm sure I'll be posting plenty of things on those subjects as the time goes on!  For today, I'm sticking with ol' faithful...the kitchen.
     For today's "in the kitchen..." post, I'll be sharing a recipe for something that honestly terrified me when I first starting cooking for myself and my husband.  Pancakes!  Yes, I said pancakes!  Maybe they're not as scary to you, but for me, these little disks of batter were the bane of my existence.  My husband (then boyfriend) would always request pancakes for Saturday morning breakfast.  I would always make them with false confidence, not wanting to seem incompetent, and fail.  They would either burn to a crisp or come out dough and inedible.
     Well, the good news is, I have conquered the pancake!  I have actually already posted my Pumpkin Pancakes but this is the standard pancake batter that comes out perfectly every time!  Of course, you can add blueberries, chocolate chips, or really anything you like in a pancake.  Many times, I make the plain pancakes then top them with whipped cream and a variety of fruit.  So yummy!

Quick No Fail Pancakes
Ingredients:
margarine (for buttering the skillet)
cooking spray (for the skillet also)
2 cups plus 2 heaping tablespoons of all purpose flour
1/3 cup of sugar
1 teaspoon of salt
1 and 1/5 tablespoons baking powder
1 egg
1 and 3/4 cups of fat free milk
3 teaspoons of vanilla extract

Directions:
Make the batter first so that it can sit a minute before cooking.  In a large bowl combine all of the dry ingredients.  Whisk these together so that they are thoroughly combined.  You could also sift the dry together if you're worried.

Add the wet ingredients into the dry and whisk completely.  Some lumps are okay but you don't want huge balls of flour in the batter.  Let the batter sit while you prepare the cooking surface.  This will help everything come together for the perfect pancake.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat.  You don't want it to get too hot, then the pancakes with become burnt and crispy.  I use cooking spray and margarine just to ensure a clean flip.  I do spray about every two pancakes, but butter under each pancake.

After the skillet is hot and buttered, use a 1/3 cup measuring cup to dollop the batter in the center.  If you're using blueberries or chocolate chips, now is the time to sprinkle those on top.  When the edges of the batter begin to form bubbles, gently flip your pancake.  Allow a couple of minutes to cook on the other side.  Remove this pancake and begin the next with the same procedure.  If you have a griddle, you can do more than one at a time.  Enjoy!