Bathroom Renovations & Chicken Parmigiana

Ross and I worked feverishly over that last two days on the bathroom renovation and it's coming along. No, it's not done but trying to do home improvement projects with an infant is a big challenge. Wyatt was a good sport, entertaining himself for a lot of that time in his suspension seat and was content listening to music and watching mom and dad lay tile. What a doll.

We did get all of the wall tiling done but still have about 10 floor tiles to cut and lay before we are finished that that portion of the project. Then we just have to put in the base board (which is already cut and painted), have the tub reglazed and install glass shower doors.

This week's project was bigger than it should have been after our plumber failed to solder a pipe in the shower and water ruined part of the floor we laid in July. Oops. This meant we had to pull the toilet up for another 24 hours, which resulted in more than one outing to the local McDonalds to go to the bathroom. While this isn't the most convenient set-up, it was certainly better this time around than in July and August when I was about to pop with Wyatt and we had no toilet for 3 DAYS!!!. And laying floor tiles now, specifically bending over, is SO much easier without a baby in my belly.

Wyatt is doing well and is getting SO CLOSE to crawling. He pushes himself up on his feet so his butt is straight in the air and scoots forward on his face. It's really cute and we're trying to help teach him to use his arms to get up off the ground. More than anything, he tends to roll to the side instead of moving forward. Here is a photo of one of those moments that led to he and Ross laughing hysterically. Too cute!

Wednesday night was one of the best nights we've had as a family in a long time. After spending the day in the bathroom, I gave Wyatt a bath and made chicken parmigiana for dinner.

Afterward, we cleaned up the kitchen and sang and danced to Neil Diamond (Wyatt loves Cherry, Cherry) before heading out to Mickey-D's for the night's final potty break.

The chicken parmigiana was such a hit, I've decided to include the recipe here in case any of you want to give it a try. It was delicious and really easy to make.

Chicken Parmigiana

1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup egg substitute
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1 jar (26 oz) meatless spaghetti sauce
3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

1) In a shallow bowl, combine the bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder and salt. In another bowl, beat egg substitute. Dip chicken in egg substitute, then roll in crumbs.

2) Place in a 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish coated with nonstick cooking spray. Bake, uncovered, at 375 degrees for 10 minutes. Turn chicken; bake for 10 minutes.

3) Pour spaghetti sauce over chicken; bake 5 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese; bake 10 minutes longer or until chicken juices run clear.

Yield: 4 servings