7 Months

He:

Has his own (technically I suppose its his, mine, and Ryans) "share" site with our journey through mommyhood (and daddyhood, and babyhood!)  check it out http://memoirsofmommyhood.shutterfly.com/

-WALKS!  mostly...sorta...with the assistance of mommy or daddys fingers for balance, MasonMan WALKS!  yes, I find it odd that he has not crawled, or really rolled over for a mode of transportation.  He walks, because hes advanced.

-Is trying so many new foods!  We are still making his baby food and now there isnt a thing he wont eat!  Some of his new favorites are mangoes, pears, vegetable risotto, and chicken noodle soup (which, even after blending, suprisingly doesnt taste awful...)

-Has the cutest personality.  ie:  he will not sit by himself while we eat, he must be on our laps watching/ interrupting each meal,  he is such a morning baby...smiles for everyone each morning! bright and early!

-wears 9-12 month clothes, but only for length.  He is about 20lbs, all muscle. ha!

-Now understands what snuggling is, and wants to snuggle us as much as we love snuggling him :)

-Combines his syllables into a language that we call Mason-ish, obvi.  If you do not act like you understand what he is saying, he gets upset...When he says grraaa!  MMMbbbeeeeeeduhhhh!!!!!  we of course, talk back as if we understand  :)

-clearly  knows that he has us wrapped around his finger, and we dont mind one bit!

I:
-am still breastfeeding, but beginning last week, only part time.  I only feed him right before bed and bright and early in the morning when we wake up.  Just doing this saves us about $80 a month in formula.  WORTH IT.

-have finally gotten into a workout routine (that I created myself made up of cheerleading exercises from the olden days haha) of 100 crunches, 30 squats, some amount of leg lifts, and an absurd amount of yoga. No arm workouts, you say?  To this I refer you back to Masons section of this post wherein I carry around a 20lb baby for 6-8 hours a day.  I do this in the morning before I leave for work, and each night before bed.  Its not a lot, but I love the results :)

-Am beginning classes to get my paralegal certificate this semester.  Ryan is super excited about this, as am I. The thought of being able to better provide for my family is what pushes me forward!

-Like coffee now, super grownup style!  I have always thought it was disgusting and bitter, but the jolt it gives me in the middle of the day to finish my work is incredible!!! wooo coffee!  Is it not totally obvi that this post was written on a coffee fueled spree?!

Random Misplaced Musings:

-I am POSITIVE im not alone here, but I'm sure not many people would say this out loud like this... I am so confused/bored/annoyed at so many people talking about weddings when they arent engaged.  I, of course, am not perfect, and I'll slip up and talk about some sweet finds on pinterest...but even I have not gone to the lengths that some girls have to completely plan their wedding before the boy pops the question....Just seems so odd to me!  The thing is...I know of at least 4 girls currently doing that...it almost feels like they are trying to build up to this giant moment, and it would kill me for them to get let down...ya know!?  Be patient ladies.  The day will come, and if you stop nagging, it could be sooner than you think! :)

-I may have written about this before, but my love of cooking/baking is quickly taking over my weekends.  I even have created a master recipe list in a cute little binder.  Mom, much?  of course I am.  I cant help it.  I love finding new recipes, and even more, I love when they turn out beautifully! yay.  For almost all the recipes that I've tried and succeeded with...check out my pinterest pinboard http://pinterest.com/amandamcqueen/my-kitchen-my-heart/

I need to add more to this update, but I'm already a day or two late, so this will just have to do for now.

Also- remember that Mason has his own email - ourbabymason@gmail.com that I have been emailing since before he was born.  Drop him a line if you'd like, he will read it in approx 18 years when I tell him about it and give him the password :)

xoxo,
Masons Momma

So Much Love

This blog post is probably going to be one of the sappiest things ive ever written, but I just gotta do it.  I have so much love, im talking CRAZY love for you people.  So what follows will be a detailing of why all of your are so amazeballs and how I cant live without you.

I was going to number these, but then you'd feel like I ranked you...so these are in NO order..besides ryan and Mason, they are number 1 obvi.

- My darling Ryan and my sweet Mason man:
You two are my whole world.  I never thought that two people could be the totality of my existence, but I feel like my life is exponentially better since you are in it.  I love the way you two smile at me, talk to me, and basically make me feel like im gods gift to earth, youre too good to me, really.  I love you more than life itself, and I'll feel that way until the day I die.

- My girlfriend Amber Lynn Wellington and my BFF Nikki Wright:
YOU TWO, are my best friends.  I know that I can call you, anytime, day or night, and youll answer and listen to my excitement about something new, or listen while I vent, whether its pointless or not.  You are the most dependable, hard working women I know, and I feel blessed that you've let me be a part of your lives for the past 5 and 12 years (consecutively).  You guys are my favorite, I love you. :)

- my best friend Ramin Mehranfar
I met you in 2005 at MIZZOU, I wish I'd known then how much you would mean to me.  I love you so much.  We have never been as close as we have over these past 3 years.  You've consistently lived at least 2.5 hours away from me for the duration of our friendship, but I feel closer to you than almost anyone else.  Our skype dates make my day.  Your family is amazing, I love them too.  You crack me up, in an unintentionally incredible way.  Our trip to Chicago was, no lie, the BEST time I've ever had. ever.  When I was pregnant and scared and lost and alone, you were right there, even at 3am when I called you crying, and you cried with me.  and THAT, is why you will mean the world to me.  You not only are a caring individual, but you FEEL my pain.  That means more to me than youll ever know. Mason is so lucky to have you as his godfather. You could conquer the world someday, bestie.

- my family, McQueen, Eads and Rodgers:
I dont mean to lump you all together, but this blog post is already looking like its going to be quite long!  to my momma, you are the most amazing mother I've ever met, and I hope to even be half as amazing for Mason as you were for me, you've taught me how to be a strong but tender mommy. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.  My dad and step-dad- you've both taught me so much about being a parent, being a good person, and that old men will never make sense.  Both of you think you're hilarious but you're nerds. someone had to say it! love you anyway.  To my baby brother - you're a weirdo and i love you for it.  I'd like to personally take credit for how awesome you are.  You're welcome.
To my Rodgers baby brothers - you guys are lame the best.  It seems like every time we are around each other, I've never been so insulted and yet overjoyed...thank you? I guess?  but for realzies...I cant wait to officially call you boys my brothers in law :) To Ryans mom and dad - Thank you.  I know that our situation is less than ideal, but you two have welcomed me with such open arms that I'm tearing up just now as I write this.  Mason, Ryan, and I are so lucky to have you in our lives, especially in a way that you can watch Mason grow each day.  We will never as long as we live be able to repay you for your kindness and generosity...besides that we promise not to put you guys in an awful nursing home or anything..haha!  Love you guys so much.

-My Coworker Shannon Brown
Work...blah.  There really isnt much I can say without being worried that we will get in trouble, but let me just say, darling, you are the light and sunshine and rainbows of my workday.  Our conversations of pewp, newdz, and bewbz are a crucial part to my well-being.  I feel so lucky that we got stuck together in this situation, and I find it crazy how alike we are, even down to the odor of our toes.  I love you, and ill really miss you, should our time together end sooner than later :) ...that was pretty well stated if I do say so myself. booya!


-The gang
I really dont know how to make a category for you people...so Ill try and name you...but if I forget you, dont blame me, blame the coffee I've been hyped up on for giving me caffeine-related-functional-blackouts.  Speaking of black-outs, this is something all of you should be familiar with, hiyooo!  You people are the ones I see when I go out...Alex Cook, Tara Cook, Marwin, Tanner Knox, Tony Follmer, James Spink, Jen Goodman, Nicholas Parlow, Ryan Hodapp, Jessie Smith, Dave Owens, Emily Hall, Tony Wilshire Nicole Cross, Brittany Young, Kecia Albers, Anna Holke, Sabrina Suellentrop, Krissy Trojahn, Joni Wiegers, -I know this isnt everybody..give me a break :)  You guys seriously make my weekends rock. You crack me up, and usually take me on adventures that I dont want to go on, regret later, but wouldnt give up for the world.  You're the bomb.com, and I consider myself lucky to be able to see so many awesome people on a regular basis.

Aunt Terri:
I didnt want to put you in the family category, because youre more than that to me.  You have been such a big part of my life, from beginning in...2000?  Maybe sooner...I remember riding to the bus in the mornings, and always getting the best snacks from your house.  Even when I was just a teenager you talked to me like an adult, like a friend, and I appreciate it.  When I found out I was pregnant, you were happy with us, which made things a lot easier.  I miss being able to go next door and see your smiling face, but I know youre loving Arizona.  I love the random texts we send each other about recipes and our dreams and how you're eventually going to kidnap my son, and I'm overjoyed that youre part of my life.  I love you so much.  You rock.

My facebook besties that I rarely, if ever, see:
Sam Carder, Chrissy Yaeger, Rachel Pennington, Savanna McNabb and Angie Hermann - you four are so cute in your COMPLETELY OPPOSITE ways.  I love the way I can go to you for unbiased advice, and know that I'll get an answer thats straightforward and true to your hearts.  I love stalking the pictures you post, but it makes me miss you so much! I love/hate facebook for letting me stalk you, but i am so glad that it has kept us connected, because you ladies are incredible people.  You have grown and changed so much in the 6 or so years we have been friends, and I feel proud..is that weird?  I feel proud to call such amazing women my friends. Sam, you're free spirit is something I would KILL for, you're an incredibly sweet and hilarious lady, if only I could live in Hawaii with you! Chrissy- I've been there as we both have gone through relationship after relationship, and it always seems like you come out running from each one, I admire that. You are SO strong. Also-your dog is the cutest pet alive. Rachel, you are the most incredibly gorgeous independent woman I know. I live vicariously through your travels and can't wait for you and Barry to settle down and make a baby so I can coo over how precious he is! Savanna- there are so many feelings we share for each other. Our bond is unique, and I know my life would never be the same without you. Thank you. Angie- you are seriously the funniest lady I know. Every time we go anywhere I find myself near peeing my pants, and I like it. You are so sweet as a teacher, if only
Mason could be so lucky as to be in your class someday! You're awesome.  I love you all.

My twitter followers:
This is mostly just for @amehranf @marleyems and @mishwebster - you two make my twitter feed ridiculously awesome.  I love the responses that you give me, whether they are serious or seriously insane.  I'm glad that I get to be a part of your daily lives, and I think you guys rock.  I love your faces, because you guys love the real me...because everyone knows you can post how you REALLY feel on twitter... twitter > facebook ...right? :)

Are you all thoroughly grossed out yet?  I hope so. If I think of more people/things, which I'm sure I will, Ill be sure to add updates.

With Love (as if there wasnt enough in this post already),

-Amanda

6 months

He:

-sits up on his own now, although he would rather stand :) such a strong boy!

-still sleeps in a bassinet, because his crib is too big and lonely...or maybe his mother just doesnt want to let him out of her bedroom yet :)

-gives hugs, kisses, and shows preference for Ryan and I over most anyone else

-can be a bit of a ham, and a sass, at times

-eats SO many new foods now! (Im still making ALL of his baby food myself.  So rewarding!)  Likes:  pears, carrots, green beans, oatmeal, icecream..... Dislikes:  squash, mashed potatoes, peas :)

-holds his own bottle and it breaks my heart

-weighs almost 20lbs. its ALL cheeks :)

-sings himself to sleep every night, and also has found many other noises to make..some examples, mmmmm (its the beginning of MOM right?!!?) ahhhh,  boooo, and of course, our favorite, the shriek to get our attention.

-still has blue eyes :)

I:
- Am still breastfeeding, and no, I dont know when I'll stop.  My feedings are 90% pumped, really the only time I feed him myself is if he wakes up in the middle of the night.  Its free, makes me happy, so thats that.

-oddly have an awful self image lately...I think its because I havent been able to work out, due to breastfeeding.  Every time I work out, meaning running, crunches, etc. my milk supply dwindles...significantly :(  So while Im breastfeeding, I guess I wont have a 6-pack.  blah, but apparently Im the only one that cares about that, because Ryan thinks im crazy. ha!

- pinch and kiss Mason's cheeks more than he would like..he has now started turning his head if I come up to him and try to kiss him.  Ohhhh Mason...you'll never escape mommy and daddy's kisses.  Give up now.

-find SO much joy in cooking and baking.  I find myself looking through recipes and getting excited to head home and test them out for Ryan!  I dont think he minds either ;)  He probably assumes im just trying to fatten him up like in hansel and gretel so I can eat him. He wouldnt be too far off with that assumption I would never do that.

Random Misplaced Musings:

-I am crazy for pinterest.  Seriously, I could spend hours browsing through peoples pins, finding ideas for outfits, home decor, and of course, FOOD!!!  I've found so many neat ideas on pinterest, and a lot of DIY things that I've already done and they turn out wonderful!  I love feeling like im doing something productive in my home instead of sitting around watching tv.  Susie Homemaker FTW.

-Im kind of REALLY tired of listening to peoples problems, then getting shot down and scolded for trying to help.  I really do feel loved and honored that my friends know they can come to me with anything, and maybe most importantly, not be judged.  However, when anyone vents to me, I have an almost uncontrollable urge to fix it, because thats what I do.  I fix it.  Im like bob the builder, but with no overalls, and I dont build things, or own talking construction equipment...okay maybe Im like bob ONLY in that when someone asks if I can fix it, I start singing "Yes I Can!"...maybe im like rosie the riveter...but with less butch.  What was I talking about?  Please friends, dont complain to me about your problems and tell me how bad you have it or how miserable you are or that you're in a tough situation, if you wont let me problem-solve with you to fix it!  If you're willing to talk about things with me, Ill listen for days hours as long as it takes, unless I get hungry.  I just want to help.  If you tell me I dont know what I'm talking about, or that Im "over-stepping" by giving advice, then dont tell me your problems.  kay?

-I had the weirdest (read: I may be crazy) dream the other night.  I was pregnant again (gasp!  please god, no not me, not yet!!!) and it was time to deliver...so Im in the delivery room, but I was watching myself...like an out of body experience I guess.  Anyway, I was doing the whole baby-thing, and I looked AWESOME.  It was so weird.  Maybe its because I was talking with a friend recently and said I never felt more powerful or beautiful than when I brought our little human to life....Seriously though, ladies, childbirth is insane, if you think about it for a minute.  We rock.  So anyway  I had the baby, and then of course, flew out the window and soared around in the sky a bit, naturally a normal reaction to childbirth.  Now that I've typed this out...it sounds a little less eloquent and a little more nutjob.  Eh, what are you going to do :)

-Mason Momma

5 Months

He:

-is quite the ham.  He now understands that certain things he does, like squealing, makes us do certain things, like pick him up.  Oh I am so wrapped around this boy's finger.

-loves looking in the mirror at himself and laughing at what "the other baby" does

-sits up on his own for about 45 seconds, but then the weight of his big 'ol head tips him over

-doesnt roll over, but would rather stand...our pediatrician says that is completely normal, so ok, he just wants to grow up so fast :(

-EATS SOLID FOOD!

-Mason started off eating carrots, then we moved on to peas (seen above) which he CLEARLY dislikes, so now we are eating green beans :)

-gives kisses.  Big Sloppy Drooley PERFECT baby kisses.  He also grabs our face to make sure that he gets the kiss everywhere. ha

I:
-am still breastfeeding...6 months will be my stopping point......I think.

-started drinking coffee during the day at work, and then realized that caffeine apparently stays in my system for a while, and was making Mason crabbypants.

-make 100% of the baby food mason eats.  For example- I spend $1.66 on whole carrots, peel and simmer them myself, and it makes 8 days of baby food.  You should know that it takes me LESS time to peel, simmer, and blend his carrots myself than it takes to get in your car, go to the store, buy expensive canned baby food, and get back home.  ALSO, I know exactly what my baby is eating, and that gives this momma peace of mind :)

-couldn't possibly have baby fever...but im just saying...I wouldnt mind giving mason a brother or sister...or two...or three?!?! (what am I saying? have I been possessed?) whenever Mason goes to kindergarten :)

Random Misplaced Musings

-Im SO tired of the OccupySTL people being outside of my office downtown.  They jump out in front of my car, and sometimes, I just want to mow them down.  Hey "99%", you bunch of dirty, drum circle having, hasheesh smoking hippies, why dont you be a little more progressive, and get out of Kiener Plaza and occupy a job.  Thanks.

-I have an amazing co-worker.  Seriously, the broad makes work SO awesome, AND she cracks me up on a daily basis.  For example-she spends a majority of her day passing gas in her chair and then telling me that it totally wasn't her.  Yeah, like someone else who sits 5.3 feet away from me just did it. ha.  Also, I think its important to note that shes also adorable...this post is starting to sound really brown-nosey...she totally paid me to say this didn't tell me to write about her though.  More about her later.

-Alright people, I need to be honest here for a second. The Duggars are having a 20th baby....and Im totally okay with it.  So many people are being so awful saying that there is something wrong with them for relentlessly popping out tots  experiencing the miracle of birth so many times...but I think its a good thing.  They are gracious and kind, had plenty of money and land to take care of their children BEFORE their 19 kids and counting show, and can sustain themselves without the help of welfare or mooching off the public.  They are not an example of what is "wrong with the world".  They are an example of what is right!  A family that is self-sustaining, who clearly loves each other, and just want to expand their family further.  Its all good, in my opinion.

-I am so SO tired of these "developmental milestones" that dictate when my baby should do certain things...Mason is ahead of the game in some areas, and just plodding along in others, and it really is kind of irritating that I cant help but read and compare him with other babies.  That, my fellow mommies, is ridiculous.  My son just so happens to be perfect, so what if it takes him a little longer to learn mandarin Chinese than other babies...

-Masons Momma

thanks CDC, now I feel awful

So I have been breastfeeding full-time since Mason was born, and I love it.  It's free, its convenient, and breast-fed babies are just cuter, lets be honest.  However, I've been working full time for the past 2 months and subsequently pumping every 4 hours at work, and its starting to become less of a joy, and more of a hassle.

I feel like SUCH an awful mom for wanting to stop breastfeeding.  Why is that?!? I know many women who have never breastfed and their children are fine...but its like...I want Mason to have EVERY opportunity to be ahead of the game.  If theres something I can do for FREE will give him that advantage, I should totally do it...right?

The CDC says that all babies should be breastfed for the first year, and im totally down with that...but as a working mommy, its hard.  http://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/faq/index.htm Thanks CDC for making me feel like a awful person, so 43% of women were still breastfeeding at 6 months?! they must not have jobs.

Another thing I think should be discussed is that breastfeeding isn't just 100% automatic.  The further a mother gets post-partum, the harder it is to keep and maintain a milk supply.  For example:  if I am stressed out, I dont make milk; if I excersize too much, I dont make milk;  if I dont drink enough water, I dont make milk; and finally, if I stop breastfeeding for even just 12 hours, im fairly certain ill stop producing it all together.

The guilt I feel when I think about not breastfeeding is mind-blowing.  Like literally, ya'll, makes me nauseous, because thats what all guilt feels like for me.  Am I a bad mom for not wanting to breastfeed for the first year...?  I cant even finish my thoughts right now.  ugh.  Someone validate me.

How to be deliriously happy with your significant other

The following is a list of things that I think are important to always keep in mind in your relationship.  The term relationship as mentioned herein, can apply to spousal, boyfriend/girlfriend, life partner, dog/owner, parent/child...however, not concurrently, that would be creepy. So for the sake of keeping things clear, I'll refer to your person as "One" because I like to think that Ryan is my "one and only" "the one" etc.

1.)  Never go to bed mad.
- people take this for granted and say its cliche, but its true, if you go to bed angry with each other, or with anyone you're close with, you'll wake up angry, and no one likes waking up in a bad mood.  Especially because if you wake up angry, no doubt you'll stub your toe, and that's AWFUL.

2.) After you wake up in a pleasant mood, tell your One you love them
-blah blah cliche blah, we have to get through these cliche sayings before I can get to the good stuff...But seriously, tell your One you love them, every single day.  Tell everyone you love them, as a just good rule of thumb.  I don't know one person whose day was made WORSE by someone saying "hey I totally love you"

3.) Stop holding Grudges
-let. shit. go.  Please and Thank you.  It is pointless to stay mad about anything.  more on this later

4.) Quit Your Sassing  Be Polite
 -Being polite is more than just doing what Barney says and saying please and thank you.  If you've had a bad day, I get it, you're crabby, but do NOT under ANY circumstances, unload all your days worth of stress onto your One.  If you have to decompress from your day, do it gently.
Example of what not to do:
a) put your hand up when your One walks in the door looking rough and say "save the drama for your mama"
b) as soon as your One walks in the door, unload your day
-Whoever comes home last should be able to explain their day first, so they can get it over with and move on to making my dinner. ha.
-When explaining your work troubles, avoid excessive sh*t-talking.  Honestly, the more drama you bring home, the more stress you'll foster. eww fostered stress.

5.)  Show your One the love
-Sometimes you just gotta suck it up (hiyyooo) and shower your One with praise, happiness, massages, making dinner, etc.  People lately have been acting like its SUCH a big deal to give up a massage or just tell their One how much they rock.  I tell Ryan how much he rocks my world on a daily basis, because I love him, and because I know it makes him happy.  If you know you can make your One happy with just words, why the heck wouldn't you do it?! Suck up your pride and just lavish your One for once.  You usually get this response back twofold.

6.) Understand that fist-fights, screaming matches, Hiroshima-style nuclear home wars, lovers quarrels do happen.
- I get it, people have disagreements and you cant be deliriously happy all the time.  That would be boring (note: if you and your One haven't had a disagreement and you've been together more than 1 year, please be advised that you're probably dating a robot, and that's just creepy. unless you're into that)
When a disagreement happens, do NOT: call names, raise your voice, cry, ignore, or EVER hit your One.  If you don't think that you can have an adult conversation, then just explain that you don't want to say something you'll regret.

7.) LASTLY, and maybe most importantly - Don't stay in a relationship when you're unhappy
-evaluate your relationship every once in a while.  If your One isn't the person that makes you smile, that makes you happy to wake up each day, that makes you feel good about yourself and where you're headed, then do whatever it takes to find it.  Life is SO painfully short to be stuck somewhere that you're unhappy.  Dont stay in a relationship "for the children" because "the children" probably just want you to be happy as well.  Dont stay in a relationship because you're afraid to be alone. [tough love time] Dont be that pathetic person that clings on to someone they don't like, SOLELY for the purpose of not being alone.  We are all scared to be alone, but in the end, we have to find ways to make it on our own. Because that's how life works.  Move on, and find someone or something that makes you truly just explode with happiness.

-I feel like this post needs more, but it sounds like I'm already in a wine-induced rant, more later.

Masons Momma

Oh sweet challah of mine

Sweet Egg Challah Bread


So I understand that this is a Jewish bread, and I just love it because its so sweet and delicious, so I had to try it!  This bread almost makes me want to convert! ha!

the amount of pride I feel for this loaf of bread I made is almost insurmountable...making Mason was probably the 1st best thing..this amazing-looking loaf of bread is the 2nd. No lie.




You will need:


1 1/2 packages active dry yeast (1 1/2 tablespoons)
1 tablespoon plus 1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup olive or vegetable oil, plus more for greasing the bowl
5 large eggs
1 tablespoon salt
4 to 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 1/2 to 4 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup raisins per challah, if using


Directions


1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 tablespoon sugar in 1 3/4 cups lukewarm water.


2. Whisk oil into yeast, then beat in 4 eggs, one at a time, with remaining sugar and salt. Gradually add flour. When dough holds together, it is ready for kneading. (the directions said you can also use a mixer with a dough hook, but I didnt)


3. Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead until smooth. Clean out bowl and grease it, then return dough to bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 houri did it in an oven that has been warmed to 150 degrees then turned off. Punch down dough, cover and let rise again in a warm place for another half-hour.

4. At this point, you're ready to braid- and trust me, there is NO better way I couldve written this... so these are the instructions I found online, its not that hard, it just looks difficult! To make a 6-braid challah, either straight or circular, take half the dough and form it into 6 balls. With your hands, roll each ball into a strand about 12 inches long and 1 1/2 inches wide. Place the 6 in a row, parallel to one another. Pinch the tops of the strands together. Move the outside right strand over 2 strands. Then take the second strand from the left and move it to the far right. Take the outside left strand and move it over 2. Move second strand from the right over to the far left. Start over with the outside right strand. Continue this until all strands are braided. For a straight loaf, tuck ends underneath. For a circular loaf, twist into a circle, pinching ends together. Make a second loaf the same way. Place braided loaves on a greased cookie sheet with at least 2 inches in between.


5. Beat remaining egg and brush it on loaves. Either freeze breads or let rise another hour.


6. If baking immediately, preheat oven to 375 degrees and brush loaves again. Sprinkle bread with seeds, if using. If freezing, remove from freezer 5 hours before baking.

7. Bake in middle of oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until golden. (If you have an instant read thermometer, you can take it out when it hits an internal temperature of 190 degrees.) Cool loaves on a rack.


Note: I read that Any of the three risings can be done in the fridge for a few hours, for more deeply-developed flavor. When you’re ready to work with it again, bring it back to room temperature before moving onto the next step.