Baby Prep: Pregnancy Update + Cardamom-Fig Granola

Disclosure: I am honored to be a member of the Stonyfield Clean Plate Club. I received product or coupons for writing this post, but all opinions are my own.

Thirty-three weeks today. This whole baby developing thing is one of the fastest slow processes ever.

It's hard to believe that in just a handful of weeks Cole Thomas will be joining us out here and our lives will never be the same again. Preparations are well under way now that the nursery has officially been started and we've begun taking some birthing classes {HypnoBirthing, to be exact. I can't wait to tell you more about it.} It's gettin' real, folks.

Last weekend we were given a lovely baby shower by my in-laws. It was more of a celebration in honor of the baby {with both men and women in attendance} than a traditional shower with girls and games, which I enjoyed. We were inundated with love and gifts for our boy, and I came home and immediately started organizing. At 11pm. This nesting thing is no joke.

Pregnancy has been such an interesting time for me. I mean, it is for everyone I'm sure, but it has been amazing to see how nature takes over and prepares you for this wondrous event even when you're not a gal who ever had baby fever and who was convinced that it would be the most miserable experience ever.

Everyone who knows me well has marveled at how calm I've become during this time. I am not a laid back individual normally -- I'm a fan of control when possible. But that's just the thing; when you're having a baby, you realize that so much is out of your control that the outcome has been a new-found ability to just "go with it." I wonder if there's a way to request that this trait stay with me even after he's born.

Here's a little "almost there" update on what's been going on in my pregnant world:

The Belly: It feels really big now. Everyone tells me that it looks like I swallowed a basketball {or any variety of round objects, really, I've heard so many} because my bump is mostly concentrated in the front & center, which is fine by me. Sometimes I look at myself from the back and pretend I'm not pregnant, but then the belly just seems all the more shocking when I turn back around.

Weight: So far, I've gained a grand total of 21 pounds. I was petrified that I would balloon out of control when I first started seeing the numbers on the scale go up. I actually wrote a whole post about it, which I've been planning on sharing but haven't just yet. Women gain weight at all different rates and there are so many factors that come into play that it isn't even fair to compare one to the other. Luckily, though I felt like I gained weight quickly in the beginning, it progressed in a slow and steady fashion with the help of trying to eat well and staying active. I'm on track to be within the "healthy" range for a person my size by the time I deliver.

Movement: This kid is nuts. I'll be sitting there trying to work and my bump will start shape-shifting before my very eyes as he kicks and gets comfortable. I haven't had an ultrasound since I was 18 weeks along, so I often imagine what position he's in and what in the world he's up to in there. It feels like he has very pointy elbows.

Clothing: I'm still wearing mostly non-maternity stuff {loose & stretchy}, though some tops and sundresses have started coming up too high as they accommodate the bump. Maternity jeans & leggings are a godsend. I hate that I love them, but I do. I can still wear my old J.Crew shorts with the belly band, but it's not as comfy as slipping into those stretchy clothes made for round bellies.

Inconveniences: 
Stretch marks - Nope {not yet, anyway}.
Swelling - Feet have gotten puffy a few times if I've been outdoors or on my feet for long periods of time, but no "cankles" yet.
Tummy troubles - Very few bouts of heartburn, which I used to get occasionally anyway even when I wasn't pregnant. "Reflux" if I drink too much water or am too full. Nothing too terrible or annoying.
Peeing - Sometimes having to get up twice at night to go.
Waddling - I'm still exercising most mornings, but my power walk feels more like a power waddle depending on the day. I'm not as comfortable as I used to be, but it's not unbearable. I just have to make more of a conscious effort on my posture so I'm not leading with the belly.
Hormones - I haven't been super emotional or cranky or anything during most of my pregnancy. If anything, I think pregnancy hormones have regulated some that may have been off kilter before! But I did cry over this commercial the other day. I mean, who wouldn't, though?
Braxton-Hicks - That's "practice contractions" for those of you who are unfamiliar. I've had these a few times and they don't hurt, but they feel like your abs have decided to do crunches without your consent. Very strange sensation. I also went walking in the evening last week and was not hydrated enough causing some major cramping. It was not pleasant and a little scary. This little nugget needs to stay put until he's fully baked.

Perks: My hair has never been shinier. My nails grow fast. My skin has been amazing -- no breakouts. {I have had some extra darkening -- a.k.a. "melasma", which I had before as well, but it's not awful.} I've probably had 2 headaches in the past 8 months which is mind-blowing since I would often get headaches before I was pregnant. People are super nice to you when you have a visible bump.

Preparations: As I mentioned, we finally took apart the guest room and are now stockpiling baby things in there. The only thing that's fully built is the glider {which I am in love with}. We are still deciding on a crib, but I think I've narrowed it down and will be ordering one this week. I have a good idea of the finishing touches {rug, art, etc.} that I'd like, but am holding off a little longer. My sweet friends are throwing me another baby shower in a week and half, and after that we'll really get going on finishing things up.

His closet is SO FULL of clothes. I will have to change him every hour on the hour just so he can get a chance to wear all these cute things. I may have to anyway with all the spit up and poo that will be happening.

We've got a good amount of "gear"-- car seat, stroller, a vintage baby buggy that was used by my husband and his brother, swing, high chair, tub, etc. etc. We will have to find a home for all these wonderful items so it doesn't look like we're living in BabiesRUs.

This is just a tiny bit. 

Farley has started to walk around in the room and sniff things. I think he knows some big changes are on the horizon.

Stuff I'm loving:

- I'm obsessed with L'Occitane's Almond Delicious Soap. I blame it on my mom who spoils me by buying me tiny, expensive soaps that I'd never get for myself. It is scrubby and softening and it makes me feel like I'm doing something just for me when I use it. Like a little spa break every time I shower. Someone gifted me with a few bars as part of my baby shower gift. I almost cried with joy.

- Pure Fiji White Gingerlily Lotion. If you've ever wondered what I smell like {because that's a completely normal thought}, it's this stuff. I have loved it for quite some time, but I now slather it all over my belly after showers because the skin can feel all tight and it needs a little love. They carry this brand at really nice spas, so again, it makes me feel like I'm being pampered it just by using it. Apparently that's a thing with me.

- My pregnancy journal. Before I got pregnant, I decide that I'd like to have a place to jot down thoughts and notes for posterity. So, I looked online for journals that might work and discovered very quickly that I hated most of them. I'm not into all the gooey baby type designs. {I'm weird, what can I say.} I did find these custom journals , but in the end, I decided to design my own on Zazzle. I love how it turned out {though I wish it were hard bound instead of floppy} and I've been trying to write in it as often as possible.

It says "Great Expectations -- The Story of Expecting You"

A good friend also bought me this book and I -- the listmaker -- am really enjoying filling it out!

- Having a pregnancy countdown bucket list. Somewhere around the 20 week mark, I got more excited and less patient with this whole pregnancy thing. I needed motivation and something to look forward to {aside from the bundle of joy himself, of course} every few weeks to move things along. Our schedules are pretty busy as it is, but I wanted fun "mile markers" to treat myself to and speed things up. Best idea ever!

So far, most of the treats are food related {birthday lunch at Christopher's Kitchen; visiting the new Trader Joe's that just opened, etc.}, but some of them have to do with pampering {spa day!}or time with friends. Other tasks have included things I've wanted to do for a while that we never get around to {free admission Thursdays at The Norton Museum; Farmer's Market on Sunday mornings}. Having these things on my calendar keeps me looking to days ahead, happy and active.

- Food. My current favorites happen to be: Fruit {still}. Raw green peppers and hummus {I don't even care for green peppers usually, but I'm enjoying them now}. Peanut butter & bananas. Dark chocolate. {I'll raid my baking pantry & eat dark chocolate chips for "dessert". It also helps that Lindt sent me a lifetime supply -- ok, maybe a few months supply -- of their amazing Excellence chocolates for my tasting party that I still have for snacking.} Coffee. {Still doing decaf.} These gluten free pretzel sticks as a treat every now and then. {Like crack, I tell you.} Cheese. {What else is new?} Yogurt. {You must try this new stuff, more about it below.} Cereal and granola.

Frame of Mind: Great. Am I looking forward to labor? Not particularly, but I have so much less worry about it than I did in the beginning. Some of that I think is just a natural part of getting closer, but some I attribute to the HypnoBirthing classes I mentioned. Yes, they're sort of "granola", but I love the positive feelings I get from practicing their techniques. More on this later.

Meanwhile, let's talk REAL granola. The edible kind.

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As much as I love the convenience of buying store-bought granola, there are 2 things that deter me from doing so: Price and funky ingredients. I know there are a lot of good ones out there that are on the healthier side, but the truth is it doesn't take too much effort to easily whip some up at home. That way you can control the amount of sugar and preservatives, and keep it relatively inexpensive to boot.

Plus, you have the added perk of being able to make ANY flavor granola you choose! I mean, the possibilities are endless.

Since Fall flavors are on my mind, I played with cardamom and fig for this batch. I threw in some ground flaxseed and chia seeds for added nutrition, and walnuts for added texture and flavor. It's great alone or with a splash of almond milk... or for a real treat, sprinkled over some Petite Creme with a dab of extra Bon Maman Fig Preserves. That's basically dessert.

Stonyfield sent some of their Clean Plate Club members their new product, Petite Creme, to try out with Bonne Maman preserves and they didn't disappoint. If you're not a fan of "going Greek" when it comes to your yogurt, Petite Creme is for you. It's much milder, less thick and smoother in flavor than its Greek cousin. And it happens to go amazingly well with this granola.

Sweet, crunchy and simply addictive, I think this combo will be part of your Fall lineup.

Cardamom-Fig Granola

2 1/2 cups rolled oats
3/4 cups walnuts, roughly chopped
2 heaping tablespoons ground flaxseed
2 tablespoons chia seeds
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon honey
1/4 cup good-quality fig preserves, such as Bon Maman
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Optional: Dried figs, chopped {I didn't have any, but I think they'd make a good addition!}

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Line a baking pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.

2. In a large bowl, mix together all ingredients until well combined. {To make combining a bit easier, I heated the oil, syrup, honey & preserves in the microwave for a minute to help them loosen up and become more liquid.}

3. Spread mixture onto prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Bake for about 45 minutes, giving it a stir every 15 minutes or so to promote crispness and even toasting.

Let cool before packaging. Goes great over yogurt or eaten as cereal.

Cherry-Vanilla Granola

I'm about to tell you a really gross {albeit hilarious} story... somehow, I still haven't come to terms with the fact that the word "poop" has no place on a food blog. But, if you can hang in there, I hope there will be a little lesson that you can take away from my tale.

A couple of weeks ago, I witnessed a pure feat of determination that stuck with me long after it was over. And it all started when I took Farley, my lab, to the dog park to play.

Farley has forged friendships with all kinds of dogs in the dog park: A sweet, brindle Pit Bull mix named Stella; a lean, fast-as-lightning Greyhound named Dash; an amorous Black Lab named Lola. And then there's Tyson, a stocky little Boston Terrier with a jaw like a bear trap.

Tyson LOVES chasing balls. Well... to tell you the truth, the "chasing" is just a means to his true passion, walking around with the ball in his mouth and Never.Letting.Go. I'd say he may even be a tad bit obsessed. {I nearly lost a thumb while attempting to take it from him so we could play.}

In the midst of a rousing game of fetch the ball {which usually ends as quickly as it started because once Tyson gets it, there's no getting it back}, said ball landed right smack in a fresh pile of dog poo. Ew.

Tyson's owner, of course, carefully retrieved the tennis ball and placed it atop the bench and away from Tyson, who was already lamenting the loss of the prized object by growling and barking repeatedly at the soiled toy. But Tyson just couldn't come to terms with the fact that he would not be taking his victory lap around the park with that ball.

He defiantly walked over to the bench where the ball sat and stuck his nose through the slats, retreating violently when he caught a whiff of the offending odor. But guess what? That didn't stop him.

His owner and I watched incredulously as, again, he approached the ball. If dogs could pinch their noses, I swear he would have been doing so -- instead, I'm fairly certain he held his breath so he could get close enough. Tyson nudged the ball to the end of the bench where he could reach it more easily. With a swift and deliberate chomp, he retrieved the ball and pranced toward the other dogs, showing off the fruits of his determination.

Except, he only made it just a few steps before the stench {and I'm assuming taste} forced him to spit it out and re-access the situation. He shook his head. Hard, as if to rid himself of the smell that assaulted his sensitive little nose. But failure was simply not an option.

Again, the stubborn dog picked up the filthy ball and proceeded toward the other side of the dog park, dropping it every so often and "shaking it off", leaving us in fits of side-splitting laughter at his refusal to give up. This went on until he made it to the other side, safe from any potential ball thieves.

Eventually, when he noticed that no other dog wanted the ball and that their owners were laughing at him instead of praising his efforts, he shamefully walked himself to the corner and stood there looking sullen -- not sure of whether he should gloat with pride or hide with disgust at what he had just accomplished. His owner assured him that it was ok. No need for "dog shaming" here...this dog already looked so very ashamed.

Despite the somewhat nauseating scene, I held Tyson in high regard for his tenacity. Because let me tell you, there have been days when it's felt like I'm repeatedly attempting to retrieve a poop-covered tennis ball just to prove to myself that I can.

There are times when I choose to hope against all logic, because I want to believe that in the end, it will be worth it. Times when I've subjected myself to mental anguish because I know that I can get through it if I try hard enough. We've all dealt with things like this before.

Tyson reminded me that sometimes you just have to deal with sh*t {I'm sorry, but there's not a more appropriate time to use this kind of language} no matter how disheartening, embarrassing or frustrating. And when I get overwhelmed with the task at hand, I will simply pause, shake my head, and pick up where I left off because -- no matter how bad it stinks at that moment-- victory smells so much sweeter.

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Earlier this week I attempted to make granola bars to take to work as a healthy snack. It didn't work. I didn't want use any sugar, which I think may have contributed to the crumbly results.

Like Tyson, the struggle didn't stop me. I scooped the delicious granola crumbles into a mason jar and I've been enjoying them with a little almond milk or straight up as a snack. Sometimes the things that don't work out quite as you expect turn out to be a happy accident.

This Cherry-Vanilla Granola is what granola-filled dreams are made of. Tart, chewy dried cherries and crunchy slivered almonds are sweetened with a combination of honey and maple syrup infused with fragrant vanilla bean. One of my favorite parts of eating this granola is the vanilla bean-flecked milk that's left over at the end... it's the grown-up version of the thrill you got as a kid when you discovered Cocoa Puffs created its own chocolate milk byproduct. {Not that I wouldn't be just as thrilled if I allowed myself to eat Cocoa Puffs today.}

Whether or not this granola was intentional, it is most definitely a treat.

Cherry-Vanilla Granola

2 1/2 cups rolled oats
Pinch of salt
1/3 cup slivered almonds
1/2 cup dried tart cherries
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup honey
1/2 a vanilla bean pod, seeds scraped

1. Prepare a sheet pan or 8x8 inch pan {that's what I originally used when I thought I was making bars} with parchment paper or foil. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

2. In a large bowl, toss together oats, salt, almonds and cherries. In a small pot over medium heat, stir together coconut oil, maple syrup, honey and vanilla bean seeds along with the vanilla pod. Bring to a bubble and allow to simmer on medium-low heat for about 5 minutes.

3. Remove the vanilla bean pod and pour the syrup mixture over the oat mixture, stirring until well-coated. Pour into prepared pan and bake for about 15 minutes until slightly golden and fragrant.

Cool completely and store in an air-tight container.

Coming Clean: "German Chocolate" Granola

I'm happy to share that I have reached the stage in my clean eating adventure where I no longer have raging sugar cravings.

I used to think it was a lie that this was achievable. I'd even venture to say that I was more likely to believe that unicorns roam freely somewhere on this planet.

But I turned down ice cream, y'all.

Like, willingly.

This tiny little action has made me question everything I've believed to be true up until this point in my life.

I kid.

But seriously, it's become a lot easier to say no to sugar.

In a way, I've been cheating because I've allowed myself to snack on yummy things every so often that are sweetened naturally. It keeps me sane from going off the deep end and throwing in the towel on this whole thing. And I'm actually enjoying playing around with flavors to satisfy my sweet tooth without necessarily going all sugar happy.

One of my favorite satisfying snacks lately has been homemade granola.

By the way, have you ever looked at the nutrition label on most store bought granolas? Many are a super sneaky sugar hideout just waiting to derail your clean eating plans.

You're all, "Oh, look at me! I'm being so healthy and eating granola!" Meanwhile, you might be downing as much sugar as you would in one of those colorfully packaged kids cereals. I don't know about you, folks, but I prefer chocolate chip cookies as my vehicle for unhealthy sugar intake. Just sayin'.

Anyway, I totally psyched my taste buds out with this recipe for "German Chocolate" Granola. {There's no German Chocolate in it, hence the quotation marks.}

Like the cake, it's got coconut, pecans, and a nice chocolate flavor {thanks to unsweetened cocoa powder} without too much naughtiness. The sweetness comes from honey and a dash of maple syrup, which are healthier sweeteners than traditional sugars. {I found this article from Mark's Daily Apple pretty interesting & educational in regards to why honey is a better choice.}

I love to indulge in a little bit of this with some almond or coconut {or almond-coconut} milk.

Just a reminder... this is still considered a treat and should be eaten sparingly. Remember, it's all about moderation {not gluttony or deprivation}! But it's nice to find a healthy living loophole when it comes to snacking.

Ok, it's not exactly a scoop of gelato or anything, but it'll do the trick. If you don't believe me, we can go hunting for unicorns together. :)


"German Chocolate" Granola

2 cups old fashioned rolled oats {not quick cooking}
1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut {I use the Reduced Fat kind from this brand}
1/2 cup chopped pecans or pecan chips
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
4 oz. unsweetened applesauce
1/3 cup honey
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon coconut extract

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Prepare a sheet pan by lining with foil or with a silicone baking mat.

2. Combine oats, coconut, pecans, cocoa powder, and salt in large bowl. Mix well.

3. Pour applesauce, honey, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and coconut extract in to bowl with dry ingredients and stir until well combined and no dry spots can be seen.

4. Spread out onto prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. Stir mixture and spread out again, then bake for another 15-20 minutes.

5. Remove from oven and let cool. Store in an airtight container.