Quickie Update

With work, growing a baby, purchasing a house, visiting family, and so forth, my blog has seriously been lacking. Let me update you on what has gone on since my last post...

Mom, Steve and Miranda arrived in New York! They came with gifts as well. Granny Miff was the first to give a gift to Baby Love!! We love the pillow. Thank you!

The freaks... with Miranda. We are very glad to have her here!

Yum!! My fresh veggie lunch at our picnic. Yes, I had a small portion of meat. Very small. I am loving fresh veggies and fruits right now. Obviously.

We hiked at Filmore Glen. It was just as beautiful this time as it was on our anniversary. Andrew, Miranda, and Steve waded through a good portion of the trail. We all enjoyed our time there!

I couldn't resist. Getting out of this position was a little difficult.

My family also came with a huge box of homegrown tomatoes from my favorite gardener. George grows a mean garden, and I adore his tomatoes. I am so glad I didn't have to go without this year... especially since I've been craving them like none other. I ate two the first night I had them.

Finally, I am 15 weeks along today! Everything is shifting, and my belly is looking much rounder now as compared to last week. My skin is also a lot tighter. Yes, I know this will get much worse... it's just crazy getting used to since this is the most my skin has ever had to stretch! I am LOVING every single minute of this pregnancy. Andrew and I enjoy each and every change, and we grow more and more excited to meet our little one with each passing day. Let me tell you, that is a LOT of excitement!!



First "Good" Work Story

I have been waiting for this day... the day I come home with a sweet story about a patient. A story that will be etched in my memory for years to come. The following conversation took place this afternoon with a patient who did not realize I was pregnant.

Patient: "Can I help you with the boy?"

Me: "What boy are you talking about?"

Patient: Silence

Me: Wondering what memory she was thinking of.

A few moments later...

Patient: "Can I help you with that bump?"

Me: "What bump?"

Patient: "The bump on your stomach!"

Me: "Oh! Do you think I'm pregnant?!"

Patient: "Well, yes. Can I help you with him?"

Me: "Aw, well sure! I would be happy to bring the baby up here in January. I still have five and a half more months to go."

Patient: "Good! I want to cod..., wait, what's that word? Oh yeah, I want to cuddle him!"

Me: "That would be so good! Do you want to hear the names we have picked out?"

Patient: "Yes!"

Me: "___________ for a girl and ___________ for a boy. Do you like them?"

Patient: "Yes!"

Me: "Which one do you like best?"

Patient: "Boy."

Me: "You really want me to have a boy don't you?"

(Side note- this patient has four daughters and one son. She lost her son far too early in life.)

Patient: "Yes, you can't imagine how hard it is to be without my boy."

Me: "I am so sorry. I can't even imagine how hard it is."

Patient: "Well, can I be his second mom?"

... I absolutely melted at this point! So, after she assured me that she would love the baby even if we have a girl, I assured her that the baby would visit at some point. It was so precious, and I will always remember her sincere request to help me with our baby.

I also realized that I really AM starting to look pregnant. Not only did this adorable patient realize it, but a member of the staff asked me today if I'm expecting. YAY! This is such an exciting time!!

Hello, Second Trimester!!

We had our second OB appointment today! This appointment was the follow-up to the ultrasound we had two weeks ago. We are exactly 13 weeks today, yay! The baby measure perfectly, my belly is measuring spot-on, and my weight gain is just as it should be. My labs from the last visit came back without a concern, and everything looks to be progressing just as it should!!

The midwife started to search for the heartbeat, and she warned us that it might take a little while to find. I'm telling you, she literally placed the wand on my abdomen, and the little one's heartbeat was audible immediately! She was shocked that it was found so quickly. I could have told her where to search... it's the same spot the baby always is, and it's the spot that I swear I feel movement at sometimes. She confirmed my suspicions that I am most likely feeling baby movements. Too cool!! I look forward to when they are more defined.

So, this pregnancy is progressing wonderfully. I have "popped" over the weekend, and I am loving my maternity clothes! I am thinking that they will be a part of my wardrobe forever... haha! They are just sooooo comfortable.

Please keep praying for our little family. We don't take a single moment for granted, and we are SO thankful for the many blessings God has given us.



Guacamole

Avacados are packed full of nutrients that my body really needs right now... plus, it's a good substitution for the Mexican cheese I cannot enjoy while I'm pregnant. So, I've been making it at least once a week. It's so good, and I thought that I would share!

Ingredients:

2 ripe avacados

1 lime

Salsa of choice

Sour cream

Parmesan cheese

Salt and Pepper to taste

Preparation:

Roll avacados before cutting to soften the inside. Cut in half, scoop out, and mash in a medium sized bowl.

Roll lime to soften before cutting. Squeeze lime juice into bowl.

Add 2 spoonfuls of sour cream.

Add 3-4 large spoonfuls of salsa.

Sprinkle with as much parmesan cheese as you prefer.

Add salt and pepper to taste.

Mix all ingredients well.

Serve with tortilla chips and enjoy!

Side note... avacados are also very good for babies once they begin to eat fruits and veggies. I really look forward to making my own baby food! It's fun researching all the different options we will have!!

Beef and Ranch Noodles

I was really, really craving a ranchy-type Hamburger Helper. Problem was, I didn't want the calories and additives from a boxed dinner. I just HAD to have it though. So, I went through the pantry and found some items that I thought would work. Andrew gave this meal a big stamp of approval, so I thought I would share.

Ingredients:

1 box noodles of choice

1 pound ground beef

1 packet ranch mix

8 ounces sour cream

3/4 cup milk

1/2 cup parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and Pepper to taste

Preparation:

Brown meat while boiling noodles.

Once meat is browned, add ranch mix, sour cream, milk, parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt and pepper. Stir well.

Add noodles. Stir.

Serve and enjoy!!

Note- please ignore my hodge podge of noodles. I literally just used items we had in the house.

Tip- for added flavor, consider using two packets of ranch mix. Andrew really liked it as it was (although, he may have just been happy I cooked something without getting sick!), but I think it could have used a bit more "punch". So, if you make it with two packets, let me know how strong it is!

Just as easy, if not more so, than the rival boxed dinner! Try it : )