Baby Prep: HypnoBirthing + "Labor Inducing" Eggplant Parmesan

When Steve and I started discussing our preparations for baby, we decided that we'd skip the traditional classes that are offered for first time parents. This may have come as a shock because everyone knows I love to plan and prepare.

But as I mentioned in several of my other Baby Prep posts, pregnancy has been an exception to the rule when it comes to my obsessive planning and organizing traits. I realized very early on that trying to control this process would lead to nothing good. People have been having babies for millions of years; I felt comfortable relying on nature's process and calling it a day. {Especially because I had done a lot of reading before pregnancy.}

These days, there is SO MUCH information available to parents who are embarking on this adventure. It can be overwhelming. And you know what I've seen? A lot of meltdowns that occur when pregnancy, labor, delivery and the itself doesn't follow the typical route, leaving parents feeling like they're spiraling out of control early on.

Don't get me wrong; I think it's great to be prepared, especially if it gives you peace of mind. But I also think we've been bombarded with so many parenting methods and techniques in the last decade that it can hinder rather than help our plight. We've forgotten that it may be helpful to MEET our babies and get to know them before we decide how we will "handle" them. That's always made the most sense to me.

There's a lot to be said for a mother's natural instincts. My decision to keep things simple came from a desire to keep my brain unclogged and let nature dictate how things will fall into place. I didn't want to learn too many things that would confuse me or make me feel pressured to do something that maybe wouldn't come naturally had it not been suggested by one of the nation's "leading experts." The truth is, these experts have never met MY baby. I haven't even met my baby! So how am I supposed to decide what will be right for him before he even arrives? It just seemed a little backwards to me.

Though I wasn't jumping at the chance to sign up for baby care classes, breastfeeding classes, birthing classes or any of the other courses that are suggested for new moms and dads, I also didn't want to feel unprepared for the task that lay ahead -- especially the grand event of labor and delivery, which is what I had the most trepidation about. I mean, it is the first step in the process, right?

After my first OB visit, I came across a pamphlet for something called HypnoBirthing. I looked it over and almost immediately wanted to roll my eyes; it seemed a bit "crunchy" for me initially, I won't lie. But the weeks progressed and thoughts of giving birth circled around more often. I kept coming back to what I had read on the flyer about it helping to release the fear and negative images that are often attached to the birthing process. It also mentioned learning to relax and allowing the body to do its job naturally when the time of delivery comes around.

So, I talked it over with Steve and he was on board for signing up for a local HypnoBirthing class. {I think he would have agreed to anything that claimed it could potentially make labor easier on me... and on him!} The classes, as it turned out, were 2.5 hours long, meeting once a week over the course of 5 weeks. A bit of a commitment, yes, but worth a shot.

I looked over my course materials. They included a folder with lots of informational packets containing visuals of the philosophies discussed, some anatomical/biological diagrams, the course book and a "conditioning" CD called Rainbow Relaxation. Oh boy. This was going to be interesting for sure. Can we say, "Kumbaya?"

Because of a scheduling conflict, the first class we attended was with a different group than the one we would eventually join locally. We arrived and found the instructor seated cross-legged with special seats that were meant for floor sitting all set up for the attendees. By each seat, there was a small container of Play-Doh, which we wound up using to create model cervixes later in the class. Yup. So far, this was exactly what I had envisioned.

In the first session, we talked a little bit about the history of HypnoBirthing and how the founder, Marie Mongan, came up with the method as a result of being unhappy with the standard of treatment for pregnant and birthing mothers in the 1950's. In short, women were thought to be in a delicate state that required adequate medical care all throughout their pregnancies, culminating with a pretty violent birthing scenario when it was time to deliver their babies. This included strapping down of arms, general anesthesia and devices for removal of babies from the mother. Nothing "natural" about that.

After educating herself on the body's process of birthing and the history of how "modern" practices came to be, Marie decided to take birthing into her own hands and have her children naturally {gasp!}.  This was a big no-no back then. In fact, they thought she was nuts! Her doctor mocked her and, even throughout her laboring, they told her they'd wait to hear her screams before administering pain meds. Those howls never came. Though she labored calmly and peacefully {in relatively no pain} for her first two children, she was still subject to the abrupt removal of her babies in the integral moment of childbirth, leaving her feeling very ticked off. For her third child, she finally convinced her doctor to let her birth her baby the way she had always envisioned, and he was shocked at how serenely and smoothly she did so. And so, not only was her daughter born just the way she dreamed, but so was The Mongan Method.

I'm going to stop right there because I can already see many of you making faces at me and thinking I drank the hippie juice. It is not as it seems. HypnoBirthing does not claim to be completely painless or magical. It simply suggests that learning to relax your mind and body completely during those integral moments of birthing can make the experience so much more peaceful and comfortable than we imagine it to be. And doesn't that sound like a nice idea? I thought so.

Over the next few weeks, I learned about releasing fears that have been instilled in me by society {and even loved ones}, about the body's process of birthing, and about different methods of entering deep relaxation. In order to do this, I had to listen to the conditioning CD daily. Though I wasn't fond of the idea at first, it was amazing how quickly I began to enjoy this part of my evening -- it became my bedtime routine and I'd be out like a light within minutes once I learned to let tension melt away and get in "the zone." {Hence the "Hypno". As in "hypnosis", except minus the swinging pocket watch and clucking like a chicken.}

See, self-hypnosis is actually a useful technique that we can all benefit from whether we are trying to get through a tough time, learn to relax a little more or give birth to a baby. It's a natural method of intense relaxation that we do all the time without even knowing it, and it has all kinds of benefits for us.You know the times when you find yourself in a groove? Maybe while you clean, iron, shower, cook or drive to work? That's a form of hypnosis. Some people just become better at focusing it through methods of visualization and meditation, using it as a healing property. During this deeply relaxed state, our minds become more absorbent of suggestions, leaving preconceived ideas and cynicism at the door and allowing positive thoughts to take hold.

There have been scientific studies that show that hypnotism can benefit people with all kinds of traumas, injuries, psychological hurdles and stresses. In fact, my own mom underwent hypnosis after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Though she was pretty doubtful about it, she said it helped her feel better almost instantaneously -- and she's a tough nut to crack! {I had get my stubbornness from somewhere.}

Whether or not HypnoBirthing will ease the "pain" of childbirth, I can't tell you. But I can tell you that it has made a big difference in how I view my body and the process that is about to unfold in just a few weeks!

I've been asked if this means that I will refuse an epidural, and the truth is...I don't know. I can't really know until that moment comes, but I plan on using every technique possible to be as comfortable as I can possibly be, hopefully leading to a healthy and smooth delivery. This response often gets uncomfortable giggles from people, and I've become used to it. Their knowing smiles and raised eyebrows speak volumes. Some even go as far as to say something to the effect of, "Have fun with that!"

When I asked one person why she thought women like to regale each other with stories of pain and horror being the inevitable end to childbirth, she said, "Well... probably just to warn each other so they're not caught off guard." Noted. But really, do you think any woman that has a tiny idea of what birthing entails thinks it's going to be a cake walk? I mean, it IS referred to as "labor" after all.

Here's what I've learned: There's a difference between sharing words of wisdom or helpful tips and sharing frightening tales and negative messages. Why not lift new moms up and give them confidence instead of filling their minds with more fear and self-doubt? I'm sure there's already plenty of that floating around in there anyway! Would you tell an athlete who is about to run their first marathon that they will get excruciating cramps and probably gas out half way through the race? I didn't think so.

HypnoBirthing has given me confidence in my body, my mind, my baby and even gave me enough gumption to switch doctors at 34 weeks so that I would feel more comfortable with my practitioner. {My new doc has worked with HB moms and said it's pretty cool. And he's a real, certified doctor...not a witch doctor, in case you were curious.} I'm now looking forward to the process that will bring my son to me rather than dreading it, which I think is a huge first step. This means that I'm comfortable with whatever may happen during childbirth, whether it's part of what I've hoped for or not. I have no unrealistic expectations, but I do have a newfound outlook that makes me think, "Why shouldn't it be wonderful?"

And learning to fully relax? That has been a priceless skill that I wish I would have learned long, long ago!

I'll be sure to let you know how my practice is put into action when the big day comes... it's just around the corner!

In the meantime, I'm just waiting impatiently for this little nugget to arrive. Around this time, many women get the urge to do everything in their power to evict their tummy tenants -- it is quite exhausting to house someone for 40 weeks! At our last HypnoBirthing session, our instructor gave us a recipe for Scalini's Famous Egglplant Parmesan. It's a recipe served at an Italian restaurant in Georgia that is said to have sent hundreds of full-term mamas into labor within 48 hours of eating it.

Now, I don't know how true this is {I actually ate it 2 days ago and have had strong contractions but no other signs that he's coming}, but I can tell you that the dish was very good! And I don't even care for eggplant.

Though the recipe calls for stacking the eggplant lasagna-style, I made my version in single portions, sort of like Chicken Parm would be served on individual cutlets. Maybe that's why its magical properties haven't worked on me! ;)

 

So, moms-to-be... if you're full term and at the end of your rope, you may want to give it a go. Even if it doesn't work, you'll have a great dinner for you and your family to enjoy!

Scalini's Famous "Labor Inducing" Eggplant Parmesan
Adapted from Scalini's Restaurant, for the authentic version, click here

For Eggplant:
1 large eggplant, cut lengthwise into 1/4 inch pieces*
Sea salt
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 to 2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
3 eggs, beaten
1 8 oz. container ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1/2 cup grated Romano {I actually used an aged Havarti because that's what I had, but feel free to use your favorite cheese}
1/2 cup grated mozzarella {I like the Polly-O kind or fresh, the grated stuff in the bag is too rubbery}
Olive oil

Lay eggplant pieces out onto a large baking sheet lined with paper towels. Sprinkle with salt, then cover with another set of paper towels. Place another baking sheet on top and anchor with something heavy. Set aside for about an hour. This will remove the excess moisture from the eggplant.

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray two 9x13 inch dishes with olive oil. Have one large baking sheet set aside for placing breaded eggplant as you go, and line another large baking sheet with paper towels for blotting cooked eggplant. Set aside. Head about 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Set up your breading station: In 3 separate dishes, have flour, egg and breadcrumbs ready. For each piece of eggplant: dredge in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into egg, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, coat in breadcrumbs. Set each piece onto lined baking sheet as you go. {I find that letting the breading "set" actually makes it easier when sautéing.}

3. In several batches, pan-fry breaded eggplant on each side until golden brown and crisp. You may need to add extra oil to the pan in between batches. Place cooked pieces on paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain of excess oil.

4. Ladle about half of the marinara sauce into each baking dish to cover the bottom. Place as many eggplant slices as will fit side by side on top of the sauce. Spoon about 2 tablespoons each of ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese and Romano cheese on top of each piece of eggplant. Ladle the other half of the marinara over the eggplant slices. Top each piece with mozzarella. Sprinkle with extra herbs if desired.

5. Bake for about 25 minutes or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted.

*For the traditional version, you may slice the eggplant into rounds and "stack" the slices lasagna-style.

For Marinara:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans diced tomatoes, blended to desired consistency
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped {or 1 teaspoon dried basil}
1 teaspoon oregano
Pinch of rosemary
Pinch of thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

1. In a large skillet, sauté onion in olive oil over medium heat until onions are tender and translucent. Add garlic and continue to cook for about a minute.

2. Pour in blended tomatoes and stir. Bring to a bubble.

3. Add in the rest of the ingredients, stir, and allow to simmer for about 20-30 minutes or until sauce has deepened in color and thickened slightly. If your sauce thickens too much, add a bit of water or broth to thin it out.

Set aside until ready to use.

Baby Prep: Gifts for Parents That Say, "Life Isn't Over" + Apple Cider Caramel Sauce

You know what's funny about being pregnant? People can't wait to congratulate you and swoon over the bump, but then -- in the next breath -- they will remind you that your life will soon cease to exist as you know it. They'll usually smile when they tell you this {like it's suppose to soften the blow} but they'll also make sure to follow up with further admonition just to be clear.

"No, really, though. You'll never sleep again. Get used to it."

Card from 9SpotMonk

Oh ok... um, thanks?

Whether or not you are "ready" to become a parent, there are still so many things to learn that no method of preparation will truly ever suffice. You realize this when you start opening baby gifts and -- though you proudly display your achievements and degrees in expensive frames on the wall -- you find that you have no stinkin' idea how some of those things work. A scary moment, for sure. {And for goodness sake, how many tubes and pieces are part of a breast pump??}

I was so very lucky to have not one, but TWO baby showers hosted in Cole's honor. And I can say pretty confidently that we have been stocked with most of the essentials we'll need for the first few months of his life, which is a wonderful blessing!

While many of the gifts we received were items we carefully chose and placed on our registry {car seat, stroller, baby swing, etc.}, there were also a few surprises here and there that seemed to say, "Hey, I know you're about to be a mama... but I also know you're still YOU!"

So, if you're looking for fun things to gift to parents-to-be that will help remind them that life is changing but it isn't over, here's a list of some of my favorites:

This necklace is from MangoJewels on Etsy.

Baubles. When one of my friends recently had her baby shower, I decided to get a little something just for her. At a local shop, they had an artisan creating custom jewelry right in the store, so I bought her a hand-stamped pendant sporting her new little one's initials on one of the charms {hers had a silver starfish & an aqua crystal}. There are also very pretty "teething necklaces" for moms that serve both as a statement piece AND a soothing teether for baby.

From Total Wine & More

Wine. I thought it was so cute and fitting that several of my friends gave me wine as a part of my gift! The sentiments attached ranged from "For when you need to stay zen." to "Let's plan a wine date together soon!" A creative twist on this was a friend who also attached a Starbucks gift card to the bottle with a note saying, "For the mornings... and for the evenings!"

From Toys'R'Us

Breast Milk Testing Strips. Wait... what? Well, if mom's going to indulge in a glass of wine or two, she's also going to want to make sure that her breast milk isn't giving baby a taste of Pinot too early in life. These handy little strips tell you whether or not the milk expressed is safe for baby, giving mama some peace of mind if she decides to pour herself a glass.

Gift cards for date nights.  Remember that guy that you liked a whole lot before your days were consumed by diapers and feedings? It would be nice to see him again, and not just when you're passing the baby back and forth! Gift cards for date nights to the movies, restaurants or events provide a reminder and a reason to hang up the "Mom & Dad" name tags for a few hours and try on that "Mr. & Mrs." title on for size again.

Original website not available, image found on Oh So Beautiful Paper.

"Me time." Many mamas forget to take some time to decompress, mostly because it can be hard to find that time. Gift certificates for manicures, massages, salon time or even just an "I'll watch the baby and you go grocery shopping... alone" pass could mean the difference between a calm, relaxed mom and a mother on the edge! She'll be grateful and you'll be a hero.

From Project Nursery

Comfy nursing wear. Let's be real: A new mom's wardrobe is most likely going to consist of spit up-covered tops and yoga pants that fit over her {hopefully} shrinking belly. Finding comfy, convenient pieces for her to wear post-baby will make her feel like she's slipping into Balanciaga. These modal camis and nighties from Gap Body are heavenly. {I can't yet speak for the "nursing" part, but I have a few comfy sleepwear pieces that I love.}

From ClosetCat on Etsy

Friendship, Support & Humor. I know that my "girls nights" will soon be very limited, but it makes me sad when friends act like they won't see me for the next 18 years. It's nice to know that, though you may be trading in gym time for Gymboree and fancy handbags for a well-stocked diaper bag, your girls will still be there when you need something more than baby talk. So, make sure to let your friends who are parents-to-be know that you're still on for coffee dates and wine nights whenever time allows.

Food. Never underestimate the power of food. Food can also be a great gift to give to new parents who will have little time to prepare meals for themselves once they're preoccupied with another mouth to feed. A few days ago I saw this cool idea from Once a Month Meals for a "Stock the Freezer" baby shower! How cool and useful is that?

If you haven't seen Meal Train before, it's another popular way to get friends and family to sign up for bringing over prepared meals to new parents over the first few weeks of adjusting to their new family unit. Food Tidings and Take Them A Meal are two other sites that have a similar setup for organizing food gifts.

One of the sweetest things someone can do is reassure you that you're going to be just fine and remind you that this little one on the way is opening a new, exciting chapter of your life... that is indeed a gift!

.................................................................

It's so important for parents to remember to eat properly and fuel themselves during those long days and nights. But you know what else is important? A treat every now and then.

And this Apple Cider Caramel Sauce is just the sweet treat you'll want to give to new parents, friends, family and yourself during this fall season. It is so, so good.

With just 4 ingredients {and a watchful eye}, you can make this sweet, decadent sauce that tastes like a perfect autumn day. FOUR INGREDIENTS. There are just no excuses.

What can you use it for? To drizzle over pie or cake. Dip apple slices in. Stir into beverages. Package up & give as a gift. Eat off a spoon. It's pretty ridiculous. I have a really, really good way to use it coming to you later this week, too...

But for now, let's just focus on not eating it all so we have options. It's easier said than done.

It's not terrible with a sprinkle of sea salt, either. ;)

Apple Cider Caramel Sauce

From Epicurious

4 cups apple cider* {I think what really made this taste amazing was the kind I used -- Trader Joe's Spiced Cider.}

1 vanilla bean, split & scraped

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup butter, cubed

1. In a saucepan over medium-high heat, bring apple cider to a boil. Add vanilla bean seeds scraped from pod and drop in the pod itself. {You'll pull this out later.} Continue to boil until reduced by about half, about 12-15 minutes.

2. Add brown sugar and butter and stir until melted in and well incorporated. Reduce heat to medium.

3. Allow the mixture to continue to boil until the bubbling starts to slow down as the liquid becomes more thick and syrupy, about 7-10 more minutes. {You'll have to keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't burn.} I didn't use a candy thermometer for this, but you'll want the mixture to be pourable but thickened -- it will thicken some more after it cools.

4. Carefully pour hot sauce into a heatproof container or jar and allow to cool before sealing and decorating.

Pour over everything. :)

Roasted Butternut Squash & Sage Risotto

You know you are caught between two worlds when, while doing a Google search, you keep inadvertently swapping the word "pumpkin" for "pumping" and vice versa.

The days of simplicity and one track thinking {though, really, have I ever not multitasked?} are coming to an end soon, my friends. The evidence is clear in my big ol' bulging belly and the fact that a complete stranger yelled "Paint it orange for Halloween!" out his car window while I was crossing the street. Classy.

Belly evidence.
These are the gals that helped throw me the most perfect baby shower ever!

This week marked the end of our HypnoBirthing classes {which I've officially written a very long -  but informative! - post about and will be sharing next week}, meaning that we're one step closer to getting this show on the road. For our last class, a couple who had practiced HypnoBirthing brought in their 4 week old baby boy and shared their birthing story with us. They also gave us some tips for surviving the first few weeks of being new parents, which were greatly appreciated.

They made one thing very clear: You will have time for almost nothing. Not sleep. Not bathroom breaks. Not cooking or eating. {Whimper.} But you will become very efficient at using any spare moments that may be gifted to you for important things like naps, quick bites of sustenance and gazing at your newborn with awe.

Can't wait.

Our instructor mentioned a baby-wearing group that meets monthly in the same office where the classes were held, and how she noticed that they have become alarmingly skilled at doing things with one arm. I imagine this is one of those special adaptations that parents develop as a survival skill, along with bionic hearing and a variety of other special talents.

Naturally, that got me to thinking about recipes that could easily be made with one hand {or with very short moments of needing both}. Would you ever think about risotto being one of those things? Probably not.

Risotto is often thought of as quite fussy and labor-intensive. So, out of curiosity, I decided to make this version and see how it would turn out with very little "babysitting".

And wouldn't you know it... it worked. Quite well, in fact!

Now, there are some ways to make this even easier by taking shortcuts like buying pre-chopped onions & butternut squash, and grated cheese . {Side note: Butternut squash is one of the only convenience items I think of as a worthwhile purchase. I've nearly lost fingers too many times to count while dismantling a whole butternut squash.} But if you happen to have two hands available, it isn't even necessary because the tasks are pretty quick and simple.

Just roast some diced butternut squash, saute some onion, add rice and liquid and let it simmer. Adding the liquid in 3 separate additions helps to make the rice tender and creamy, but you really don't need to do all the stirring that is often associated with risotto. So that's good news.

The other good news is that it tastes really good. And it looks like you actually worked hard to put it together, so even new parents who only have one arm available can psych people out and make them think they've really got things under control.

Maybe my next project -- you know, after having a baby and everything -- will be to write an entire collection of recipes that can be cooked with one arm. Because I'm sure I'll have time for that.

Roasted Butternut Squash & Sage Risotto
Adapted from Real Simple 

1 1/2 cups chopped butternut squash
Olive oil
Salt

2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 cup arborio rice
1/2 cup dry white wine {or chicken/vegetable broth}
3 1/2 cups chicken broth, heated through in a microwave safe container with spout
1 teaspoon fresh sage, finely minced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan or aged Havarti cheese

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Place a sheet of foil on a baking pan and drizzle with a bit of olive oil. Plop butternut squash onto pan & toss with oil. Sprinkle with salt. Roast for about 20 minutes or until tender and lightly browned in spots.

Remove from oven and set aside.

2. In a deep skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and saute until softened and translucent, about 4-6 minutes.

3. Add rice to onions and stir. Cook for about 2 minutes, then add wine {or broth} and allow to simmer until the liquid is absorbed. {This should take about 5-7 minutes.}

4. Pour in about 1/3 of the chicken broth that's been warmed. Give it a quick stir {yes, you can do this with one arm}, bring the heat down a smidge {you want a simmer, not a boil} and allow to simmer until the liquid is absorbed once again, about 7-9 minutes or so. Repeat with another 1/3 of the broth. When you add in the last 1/3, toss in your roasted butternut squash and minced sage. Stir and allow to absorb the last of the liquid. {You don't even have to watch it, which means you might even be able to sneak in a bathroom break.}

5. Before serving, add in cheese, salt & pepper to taste and stir {for the last time!}

Serve hot... and try to eat it while it's still at that temp. You deserve it! :)

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.

..............................................................

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.

Baby Prep: Things I've Learned So Far | Part 2

Remember a few months ago I shared my list of things I've learned so far during pregnancy? Now that I'm well into my 3rd trimester {home stretch!}, I thought I'd share some more tidbits that have been useful for me.

{Couldn't care any less about bump talk? Scroll down to the bottom for the recipe!}

1. There are some things you'll think you want and some you'll find you need. I held off on buying maternity clothes for quite some time. Mostly because I think it's a ripoff, but also because I can't bring myself to spend money on items so ugly.

Want to know what was my saving grace? A belly band. You know, one of those stretchy pieces of fabric you can wear over the top of unbuttoned shorts or pants so you can extend the life of your pre-pregnancy wardrobe. I bought mine for $16.99 on Target.com. I didn't see the big deal about it at first, but at 6 and 7 months pregnant was still able to wear the majority of my shorts and jeans with this miraculous contraption. I now understand why it's an investment worth making.

The BeBand.

On another note: Pregnancy underwear. Undergarments never really crossed my mind before I got pregnant. And then I wandered into Destination Maternity one day and saw these maternity undies on sale, so I picked up a pack just 'cause. Oh.My.Word. I love them. I may never go back to regular undies again. {They have cute ones, girls. Thongs, even. Don't think I've gone all granny panty just because I'm growing a bump.} They are so comfy and have an added band around the top for extra belly support, which you will need one day. Just trust me on this. Get them. You'll never look back.

Maternity underwear. So comfy.

Aside from these two life-changing purchases, I vowed to keep the maternity shopping to a minimum & did stick to my guns. I broke down and bought a pair of maternity shorts, because summer. And when I started stressing about exposing my unzipped jeans crotch to strangers, I finally gave in a bought a pair of maternity jeans. {I think I thanked God for Jessica Simpson that night. My, are they comfy.}

Jessica Simpson maternity jeans.

My dear friend passed on a bag of clothes for me to borrow. Stretchy Old Navy tanks have been a staple. {I love the tamis, I'm just buying them one size up from my normal to accommodate the belly.} Maxi dresses and casual, loose sundresses are everywhere and work perfectly for slipping on over the growing bump. I will not wear a circus tent and you shouldn't either. The end.

2. Exercise helps. Had anyone told me that I would enjoy getting up and going to the gym at 6:30 a.m. -- during pregnancy -- I would have heartily cackled in their face.

I'm going to be frank: I have never been a fan of exercise. I do not like to sweat. I do not like to pant. If I'm doing either of those things, whatever is causing them to happen better be good. {i.e. Running after an ice cream truck. What did you think I was talking about??}

Because I know better, I realize the importance of regular exercise...it doesn't mean I have to like it. But you know what happened around the end of my first trimester? I started hurting. My poor belly muscles felt like they were being stretched to their limit. I was sore and uncomfortable. {And freaking out a little bit because the baby was only the size of a chicken nugget at this point. Eek.}

Yes, there are feet under there.

So I decided to walk it out. On the treadmill, in the gym downstairs from where I live. {Convenience. No cost. Air conditioning. I'm there.} Within the week, my stretching pains magically disappeared. Since then, I've consistently been doing 30-40 minutes of cardio every morning. I roll out of bed and slip on my workout clothes before my eyes are even open and get it done. I hope to be able to continue this as long as possible! I don't love it per se, but I love starting off the day doing something healthy for me and the baby. Which brings me to my next point...

3. Weight gain -- it's a hurdle. Sigh. There are certain things that go hand-in-hand with pregnancy. Weight gain is {obviously} one of them. I'll be sharing a post soon that goes in depth on this topic, but just know that you're not alone, girlfriend. Just keep doing your best and remember that your body knows what it's doing.

4. The peeing never stops. I hope, for others' sake, that there are some people who don't have to experience this, but the incessant urge to pee is not a myth. I wish it were. I can go to the bathroom and then have to go again by the time I wash my hands and walk out. It has nothing to with the baby being on my bladder or any of the things that matter when the baby is bigger -- it is simply nature's cruel joke because we aren't already going through enough.

I have no solutions for this {except go, and then go again before you leave the house}, I just wanted to complain about it for a second because I haven't had a whole lot of other stuff to complain about.

5. People can be mean. For some reason, seeing you in a vulnerable position makes some people feel the need to tell you all kinds of horror stories about pregnancy, childbirth, parenting and beyond. They like to remind you that your life as you know it is over, as if perhaps that wasn't something you've stopped to consider. They like to tell you about terrible things like how many hours a person can go without sleep before losing their mind and brushing their teeth with a tube of caulking or laundering a small pet. They like to regale you with stories of how many degrees they tore or how miserable they were before, during and after giving birth.

I am fully aware that my body will be doing some things that I don't even want to admit could happen to a human being. I am beyond cognizant of the fact that I will no longer be clubbing every night {because I haven't been since Nineteen-Ninety Never} or be able to hop on a plane on a whim and fly to the Greek Isles {because I'm still waiting for the day when this is possible}. I am painfully realistic and nothing that I've been told during these "friendly chats" has been a shocking revelation to me... but if you're easily frightened or have made it habit of wearing your rose colored glasses, then here's my advice: Tune out the noise. Focus on whatever gets you through. Think about the dingbats that have survived this crazy thing called parenthood. You'll be just fine.

{I say this with no actual proof that it will be the case. I just have confidence in you. And in me. Let's go with it.}

.....................................................

I imagined that pregnancy would bring major changes to my eating habits. That I would be averse to many foods or hungrier or constantly craving weird things... something. But honestly, my eating habits haven't changed that much. 

I mean, I'm a little more careful about what I ingest because I've got a little nugget in there who is depending on me to feed him the right kinds of things. I can also eat less in one sitting -- less room, I suppose. 

A few weeks ago I went through a little scare because my doctor suggested I could potentially have gestational diabetes. Once it was confirmed that I didn't and that everything was fine I wanted to eat my way out of a tub of marshmallow fluff, I was relieved. Aside from that, I feel that I've maintained a healthy relationship with food; eating {mostly} right, splurging on occasion.

Quick but nutritious meals like these Black Bean Burgers with Roasted Poblano Salsa are my favorite types of things to eat to keep energized, full and satisfied. The baby hasn't had any issues with spicy foods and I haven't had any trouble with heartburn, so the nice kick of spice and flavor in these is welcome.

The best part about black bean burgers is that you can add or omit things easily to suit your tastes! I kept these pretty simple with some sauteed onions, spices and a dash of cornmeal for some texture and binding. They're even great without a bun!

Give these a try next time you need a tasty bite.

Black Bean Burgers with Roasted Poblano Salsa
Makes 3-4 burgers

1 can black beans, drained {I don't rinse them, just drain the excess liquid}
1/2 an onion, sauteed until soft
1 teaspoon your favorite spice mix {I use McCormick Salt Free Fiesta Citrus}
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons cornmeal
Dash of salt
Optional: Chipotle Mayo

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place a sheet of foil on a baking pan and lightly oil.

2. In a large bowl, combine the ingredients. Mash the beans lightly -- my favorite method is using a potato masher. I like some bean pieces to remain, but you can make it as mashed as you'd like. Note: You may have to add extra cornmeal if you mash too much.

3. Form burgers into patties - I usually make 4. Sliders are always fun, too.

4. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until set. {They'll set up some more as they cool off.}

Optional: For Chipotle Mayo - Combine your favorite mayonnaise with a few drops of adobo sauce from a can of chipotles, and a squeeze of lime. Stir well.

Serve on buns {or not!} with your favorite toppings - cheese, lettuce, salsa, chipotle mayo, etc. See below for Roasted Poblano Salsa recipe.


Roasted Poblano Salsa

1 poblano pepper, seeded, roasted & skin removed*, roughly chopped
1/2 an onion
1-2 small plum tomatoes
Squeeze of lime
Pinch of salt

1. In a food processor or blender, lightly pulse onion & tomato until just chunky.
2. Mix in poblano pepper. Add a squeeze of lime and a pinch of salt and stir together.

Serve over Black Bean Burgers or with tortilla chips.

* To roast poblanos, set them on a foil lined pan and broil {500 degrees} for about 7-10 minutes or until skins are blistered. Cool slightly, then peel off charred skin and discard.

Easy Balsamic Portobello Tacos

Pregnancy has resulted in a funny emotional side effect for me: Abundant euphoria.

I was completely anticipating mood swings like the ones you see on TV; the kind where the expectant mother is happily chattering away one moment and then having a royal hormonal meltdown the next. I was ready for tearful hysterics over cell phone provider commercials and sudden, unexpected fury over my husband eating the last of the hummus.

Luckily for me {and for him!}, that has not been the case at all. If anything, I've been eerily pleasant despite the multitude of new and unusual feelings that crop up daily as this baby continues to take up ample residence in my insides.

My emotions normally range from contentment to pure excitement and joy over nothing especially exciting which -- I must say -- is both refreshing and strange. A cozy Saturday night in comfy pj's watching Dateline with my husband and pup. Bliss! A post-workout shower using my new favorite soap? Rapture! 

I'm ready to be rid of some of the small unpleasantries that come with growing a little human... but can I please hang on to this bizarre jubilance that has washed over me?? How THAT would come in handy during a 2 a.m. feeding...

Even though this unexplained phenomenon has made for a wonderful coping mechanism in the face of any disappointment I may have faced throughout these months, it doesn't mean I haven't had some things to be bummed about. For example, this week alone I'm dealing with a few things. My little sister is moving to Virginia for law school, my grandma is in the hospital again for back surgery and one of my good friends is unexpectedly moving back home far from here.

Though I'm a little sad, my "pregnancy hormone life preserver" has kept me afloat in the sea of all things melancholy. That and food. Food always helps, too.

Comfort food can come in so many forms -- rich, satisfying stews; sweet, decadent desserts; classics that take all day to make. And then there's these: Spicy portobello tacos.

You know why these are comforting? Because they're so quick and easy to make. And because they're filling without being bad for you. {Hello, meatless Monday.} And the one-two punch of flavor from syrupy balsamic glaze and fiery adobo sauce doesn't hurt things, either.

I totally ripped off the idea from some new menu items I got to preview a few weeks ago at Cantina Laredo in Palm Beach Gardens. I enjoyed them so much there that I knew I had to recreate them at home. Especially because drowning my sorrows in their fresh Pineapple Margaritas isn't currently an option. If it were, all bets may be off.

But for now, I'm counting on pregnancy highs and spicy tacos to get me through the hard times. If you ask me, that's a pretty potent cocktail. Cheers to happier times ahead.

Easy Balsamic Portobello Tacos
Inspired by Cantina Laredo
Makes about 4 tacos

3-4 large portobello mushrooms, wiped clean and sliced
1/2 an onion, diced
Pinch of salt
2 tablespoons balsamic glaze*
4 of your favorite tortillas {I used a corn/wheat blend}, heated through
1 tablespoon adobo sauce from canned chipotles in adobo*
1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese, divided
2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
Optional: 1/4 cup queso fresco

1. Heat a few teaspoons of oil in a skillet over high heat. Add portobello slices and cook, stirring often, until they start to release their juices. When liquid has somewhat cooked away, add onion and a sprinkle of salt. Continue to cook until the onions have softened and the mixture isn't as wet.

2. Add balsamic glaze and toss to fully coat mushrooms. Cook for another minute or two to let the mushrooms absorb the glaze.

3. Set out warm tortillas. {You can heat them through by wrapping in a damp paper towel and zapping in the microwave for a few seconds or by individually placing them on a heated skillet for about 30-45 seconds on each side}. Smear a little adobo sauce on each one. {Warning: This stuff can be pretty spicy! If you're not used to the heat, you may want to go easy on the sauce.}

4. Place a scoop of cooked balsamic portobello mixture on each tortilla. Top with a sprinkle of goat cheese {and/or queso fresco if desired} and some cilantro, along with any other of your favorite taco toppings.

*For Balsamic Glaze

You can buy pre-made balsamic glaze in most grocery stores, or easily make it at home by bringing about 1/3 cup of balsamic vinegar to a boil over high heat and then allowing it to reduce down to a few tablespoons.

You'll know it's ready when you dip in a spoon and it coats it like a syrup. If you cook it down too much, just add a little water or extra balsamic and stir until you get the right consistency. You can also add a dash of honey for some extra sweetness if desired.

**Chipotles in adobo last me forever. I simply scoop them out of the can and place them individually on a lined baking pan to freeze, then pop them into a zip top bag and store in the freezer. I toss these into soup, chili, sauces and even rice whenever I want a smoky, spicy kick.

Baby Prep: Things I've Learned So Far | Part 1

{Not interested in baby talk? Scroll to the bottom for the recipe!}

Well, I've officially reached the half way point of pregnancy: 20 weeks! Now that I'm closer to meeting our little guy {!!!}, I feel like I have gained some perspective about this whole thing. I'm far enough in to have minimal some hindsight, and have enough time left ahead of me to still know that feeling of uncertainty.

But as you'll find out soon {if you haven't already}, pregnancy is one of those things that people like to talk about like they have it all figured out... whether they have gone through it once, 12 times, or just have a friend who did. Everyone is an expert.

I can't claim to be anywhere near a guru, but I CAN tell you what I've learned so far in my own pregnancy:

1. Pregnancy may exacerbate hypochondria.
Are you a person who often blows little symptoms out of proportion? Do you find yourself WebMDing the heck out of every freckle, ache, sniffle, etc. you experience? Well, guess what? Now there are TWO of you to Google diagnose. That's right. And there are a multitude of NEW websites that will allow you to indulge your irrational {and sometimes rational} fears. 

Pregnancy comes with lots of fun new feelings and physical changes, some that you'd expect and some that you'll swear were caused by exposure to some sort of alien disease. I'm learning not to freak out over every little thing. Until the baby arrives. And then I'm sure we'll be back at square one again.

2. Cravings are for real.
In the very beginning, I didn't have very many symptoms {which is probably a good thing since, you know, hypochondria}. But one of the first things I experienced was that hankering for something. For me, the cravings have been savory, vinegary, sour and bitter. For example, it was not uncommon to find me standing over the sink eating my way through an entire jar of pepperoncini. Or sauerkraut. Or sauteing up entire bunches of broccoli rabe to eat in one sitting. 

Before I shared the news with my family, I had lunch with my mom and sister and proceeded to eat the pickles off everyone's plates. I'm apparently that pregnant girl. It could be worse. I could crave really bad for you things. Or things that are inedible altogether. So, I'll take my cravings without complaint!

However... I also feel like people use pregnancy "cravings" as an excuse to eat poorly. There's nothing wrong with indulging every once in a while, but giving yourself the go-ahead too often can definitely start some bad habits early on and create an avalanche of undesirable things. {i.e. Excessive weight gain, poor nutrition, extra symptoms, etc.}

I've found that I can stave off cravings by thinking about what I'm craving and figuring out why I want it so badly. Got an itch to eat ice cream? Fruit smoothies and slushies are cold and sweet, just like ice cream but minus the extra calories and fat. Dying for some potato chips? Get your crunch from veggies and healthy dip like hummus, or get a salty fix from a handful of olives. Can't stop thinking about french fries? There are lots of baked, healthier versions of those greasy goodies!

Eat smart -- you're eating for two! And that doesn't mean double the amount. ;)

3. The labor of love of motherhood begins with giving up coffee. {And wine.}
So, back before I was even pregnant, but knew I could potentially be soon, I decided to go ahead and wean myself from caffeine. And what I discovered was this: I can take or leave caffeine. But don't mess with my coffee.

That routine of fragrant, sweet, creamy {yes, I add half & half and sugar, sue me} coffee in a nice hot mug is precious to me. And though I stocked up with lots of delicious decaf teas, they weren't the same. So I've not given up my morning cup completely -- just switched to decaf. {Which, by the way, is not completely free of caffeine. I just keep it to one cup.} 

I'm not gonna lie, there were some drowsy mornings for the first few weeks. I think I was more tired from lack of caffeine than from early pregnancy symptoms. It wasn't fun, but it was worth doing before actually having to.

Some moms-to-be don't stress too much about the caffeine thing, and it's really a personal choice. In fact lots of doctors will tell you that you can enjoy a regular cup of coffee a day if you'd like and that it will most likely have no effect on the baby. I felt most comfortable keeping it very minimal or non-existent, especially in the first trimester. Do what works for you & stay strong if you decide to decaffeinate... it DOES get better!

4. Pregnancy tests do, indeed, have an expiration date. 

This may be TMI, but it is a tale that needs to be told. Years and years ago, I purchased a home pregnancy test kit as a precaution. It was one of those cheap 3 packs. I used one and had two more that sat untouched... for about 5 years.

Come February of 2014, I really did need to use them. Except, at this point, they were several years past their expiration date. But, of course, that didn't stop me. Because if I was going to toss them, shouldn't I just go ahead and pee on them anyway? {Like I said, TMI.}

Anyway, if you ever wondered what happens when you are, indeed, pregnant and you do decide to use an expired test, I am here to solve that mystery for you. This particular test had a window that would show "+" for a positive result and "-" for a negative result. To be 100% honest, I didn't even think I was pregnant, so I was expecting to see a clear "-". What I got was neither of the above. What I got was this: "|". 

A solid vertical line. Talk about confusion. 

Clearly, I made the time to stop by the store and buy a current pregnancy test with a very easy-to-read digital screen that simply states either "pregnant" or "not pregnant"... just in case there was any more doubt thrown into the mix. The new one worked {shocking, I know.}. It worked better than I even anticipated. With a big fat, "PREGNANT" splashed across the screen. I almost passed out. 

Which brings me to my next point...

5. Do not believe what people tell you about pregnancy.
"It's not going to happen on the first try," they said. "It'll probably take a while," they said. Well, maybe it does for some people. But sometimes it doesn't. {Like, "first try" doesn't.} So don't start trying unless you're really, really ready to get that + sign. {Or a vertical line, as the case may be...}

This is also true for any unsolicited advice you receive about: weight gain, morning sickness, eating habits, bodily changes, mood swings, stretch marks, etc. etc. etc. I would say that the majority of the things that I've been told would most definitely happen have not. I still have 20 more weeks to go, so I'm not completely doubting all those gems, but I'm also not proclaiming them Gospel truths.

Don't listen to people. Not because they don't know, but because every person is so very, very different that no pregnancy is "textbook." And people will try to be so sweet and helpful and brimming with information. Smile and nod and take it with a grain of salt. What they said may be true. But then again, it may not. And that's the only surefire piece of advice I will be offering you about the whole thing. 

{As a side note, everything else I've mentioned above has been my personal experience, not a guideline for you. Because you're not me. And clearly you wouldn't want to be now that you know how neurotic I am.}

6. Like weddings, babies are a business. 
First and foremost, babies are a blessing. But don't be fooled -- they are also a huge opportunity for companies to prey on doe-eyed first time parents and milk you {no pun intended} for all you're worth.

From the moment you find out you're expecting, you can also expect to be bombarded with things you NEED for baby. Things that parents CAN'T do without. Because, let's remember that cavemen totally had Boppies. {I'm not hatin' on Boppies. I'll probably get one. But I'm just saying...} I have been trying to remind myself that the most important thing I can give my baby is my attention, care and love. Because those are the things that really matter the most. And are conveniently portable, convertible, ever-available and longest lasting. 

I'm not gonna lie, some days I feel like these are a necessity. But then I ask myself, "Is this going to make my baby healthier, happier or more prepared for life in the long run?" And again, sometimes I want to answer with "Maybe." and immediately put them in the shopping cart. Nobody's perfect. My goal is not to be perfect, but to maintain some sense of perspective... which I hear can be lost very easily once that sweet little bundle of joy arrives in your life. 

Then again, you shouldn't believe everything you hear. ;)

..........................................................................

I'm pretty lucky that most of my cravings have been pretty healthy. Currently, I can't get enough fruit -- even fruit that I'm not usually fond of! But when those salty cravings hit, I want something full of flavor, but not full of bad stuff.

You know what packs a one-two punch? Sweet AND salty things. Like these sweet potatoes with spicy jerk seasoning and pineapple dipping sauce.  These are pretty addictive, especially if you like some spice in your snacks.

I slice my sweet potatoes into about 1/4 inch pieces and roast them after sprinkling them with homemade Jerk seasoning. Jerk seasoning is full of all kinds of spices that taste amazing together -- cinnamon, cloves, cumin, allspice and red pepper flakes. The brown sugar helps create a caramelized outside on these zippy bites.

Warning: If you're experiencing heartburn during your pregnancy, you may want to skip the copious amounts of red pepper flakes. They've definitely got some heat. I haven't had any issues, but I'd hate for you to feel like a fire-breather after eating these!

Pregnant friends: What kind of cravings have you had? Do you indulge them or find suitable substitutes?

Jerk-Seasoned Sweet Potatoes with Pineapple Dipping Sauce

1 medium to large sweet potato, scrubbed, sliced in half & then cut into 1/4 inch slices {or however you prefer}
Olive oil

For Seasoning:
Slightly adapted from Aaron McCargo on Food Network

1/4 cup light brown sugar
Scant tablespoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 to 1 teaspoons red pepper flakes, depending on how spicy you'd like the seasoning

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Prepare a large baking pan by lining with foil and drizzling with olive oil.
2. Place sweet potato slices on baking sheet, rubbing both sides with olive oil.
3. Sprinkle with desired amount of seasoning, then flip slices and sprinkle other sides.
4. Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until the slices are tender and browned. {Keep an eye on them as sugar has a tendency to scorch.}
5. Remove from oven and cool slightly {they'll be sort of floppy when they first come out, but will firm up a bit as they cool.} Transfer to a serving platter. Serve with Pineapple Dipping Sauce.

For Pineapple Dipping Sauce

About 1/2 cup fresh pineapple
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon vinegar {I used coconut white balsamic, but you can use your preferred vinegar}
3 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons ketchup
Pinch of salt
1 teaspoon cornstarch

1. Blend ingredients together in a blender or food processor. Transfer to a small saucepan.
2. Bring to a bubble over medium-high heat, whisking until slightly thickened.

Pour into a serving dish and set aside to cool.