Weird Cravings

So I've heard that every pregnancy is different, and I can now vouch for the truth in that statement.  With Naomi, pregnancy was a breeze.  No abnormal cravings (well, except for all things sweet), no morning sickness, and no exhaustion.  I felt GREAT through and through.  With this one though, different story. Sleepiness and pure exhaustion ruled my life the entire first trimester, making life with a toddler extra challenging.  I am lucky and grateful to say that being tired was the worst of it, and now that I am in the second trimester, I am feeling fabulous! Naomi and I regularly visit the gym for yoga and we hit the trails for walking.  I'm determined to stay healthy and active throughout.

our new hangout. Childcare, yoga, AND Mother's Morning Out programs? Perfect.

The biggest difference with this one that has me scratching my head is my CRAVINGS!! I should've known it was a boy (although I was convinced otherwise).  First trimester cravings for all things considered guy-friendly food: chicken wings, hamburgers, french fries, pickles, beer (no worries - I never caved in to that one)!  I also couldn't shake the desire for a Lady and Sons asparagus sandwich, so I bought all ingredients and am enjoying them still! Fried egg and cheese sandwiches were on the menu for an entire week straight, often eaten for breakfast and dinner, and maybe a late night snack.  Yikes. I told you I've been hitting the gym! And the health food store too! I promise! :)

The Lady and Sons asparagus sandwich = heaven on a plate. and I add double or triple the asparagus!

Asparagus Sandwich:
2 slices pumpernickel bread
8-12 asparagus stalks - steamed and blanched.
red onion slices
thousand island dressing
slice of favorite cheese.

I put it all together on the stove like you would a grilled cheese. Fancy dancer grilled cheese. YUM. 

Lately, I've been doing much better - eating wise and cravings wise.  After a few talks with a friend of mine in town who recently went vegetarian and talking about all things beets, I was convinced that she had me craving them!! I haven't had the desire to eat, much less cook, beets in a loong while, so I gave it a shot tonight and yowzas!! DE-LISH. Also out of one of Anni Daulter's books, I used the recipe Luscious Garlic Beet Chips.  Even Naomi Garner devoured every last one that she was handed.  Wam bam thank you mam. :)

recipe taken from this cookbook

Luscious Garlic Beet Chips: 
2 lg fresh beets, sliced into chips
olive oil
2 whole garlic cloves, halved
pinch of cayenne (seriously good)
2 pinches garlic powder
2 pinches sea salt.

Preheat oven to 375. Place beet slices in large bowl and lightly drizzle with olive oil.  Add remaining ingredients. Toss to coat thoroughly.  Arrange beet slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, turning once, until crisp.  Yall. SO. Good!!

my apologies - not my photo, but I was too excited to get the camera out this time! They looked just as good as these though and tasted even better I betcha!

I'm delighted that my cravings have turned to lots of veggies and soups lately, like kale and collards and tomato soup and brothy soups, so I'm running with it.  I guess it's safe to say I'm a lover of all things FOOD these days (everything bagel with veggie cream cheese to go, please), so I'm trying my best to make all food count. Not only for me but my family too.  Whole foods, local foods, healthy foods.  The natural food store is my new buddy, although expensive, you pay for what you get. I am now convinced that healthy eating starts with the freshest ingredients (more on that blog later). And well, Brighter Day, you're my new bestest pal. I loooove you (and your beets)! :) More food blogs to come soon, you can count on it. Besides, it's all I think about these days!

My New Favorite Author! :)

I am utterly stoked to have the opportunity to review some practical, down-to-earth books by author, Anni Daulter.  I found Anni through one of my favorite blogs, Hip Mountain Mama, and jumped at the chance to get my hands on some of the cutest, family-friendly books I've seen in a while. Cookbooks, how to throw natural parties for kids, and pregnancy info for moms really peaked my interest - I'm all for healthier alternatives, cooking up downright GOOD FOR YOU food, sustainable lifestyles, and healthy pregnancies.

 Sacred Pregnancy - click for link

I started with her pregnancy book, Sacred Pregnancy, and immediately took to her style of writing and the information she provides.  Unlike most pregnancy books I've read that discuss how the baby develops and the days leading up to and from delivery, Anni concentrates her concern on the mamas well-being and her journey towards delivery and the days that follow with baby.  A breath of fresh air from textbook baby books, and it truly is so important for us to reflect on ourselves and our own body as we carry this new life with us.

Anni leads us through the powerful journey of pregnancy week by week with each week focusing on three vital needs: your body, your baby, and your spirit.  She provides journal areas for reflection after many chapters, and the focus remains the same throughout the 40week book - to take the time to nurture all three of these needs on a routine basis.

She leads us through all sorts of great tools for successful pregnancies, and I really enjoyed the discussion of exercise, meditation, romance, and mindful eating.  She asks important questions about eating local (ensuring the freshest foods) and gives website links to help find local co-ops.  She also hones in on the importance to give thanks at mealtimes and eat together as a family to keep mealtime as a special way to connect with your family.  I find that special too.

There are also useful tips on curbing cravings, and since my cravings have been like that of a football player this go round (all boy!), I loved to hear of different ways to squash the cravings such as eating raw chocolate chock full of antioxidants to fix a sweet tooth, and eating kale chips & toasted nuts for a healthier snack.  She also suggested sweetening tea and homemade sorbets with local honey, and I get all excited thinking about local honey too. There's something magical about Ted's Savannah Bee Company that keeps me wanting more! If you're ever in the area, be sure to stop by the Bee Co. where you can taste test them all.

Anni Daulter's Sacred Pregnancy is just what I needed this go round with baby number two on his way.  I baby booked myself sick during the first pregnancy, and as a nice branch away from all of that, I love that Anni urges us pregnant ladies to take the time for ourselves and to reflect on the power and abilities of not only our physical bodies but of our self-awareness too. 

I've yet to get to a few chapters because I don't want to spoil the surprise - I stopped on week 17 and plan to pick up each week from here until July!  If you're interested in Sacred Pregnancy, check out a few of the links I've provided.  Release date of this title isn't until May 1, but reserve yourself (or a friend) a copy today.  You won't be disappointed! I'm excited to have a few of her other books in my possession too, so I will be back with some healthy cookin' and natural party plannin' for the kiddos come soon!  Thanks yall! :)

click here for Anni's adorable website: http://www.annidaulter.com/
other books by Anni: link to Amazon

Anni Daulter's Labor-Ade: (I'm so taking this with me to the hospital!)
Make ahead of time and freeze to use as ice chips or drink the lemonade
to restore electrolyte balance and prevent dehydration:
¹/³ cup lemon juice
¹/³ cup quality local honey
¼ teaspoon sea salt
1 calcium tablet
filtered water to make 1 quart
Mix and blend well.

A Very Happy Valentine

Yesterday was the best Valentine's Day our little family could have ever asked for.  We were scheduled for an ultrasound at 10:45 and were hoping we could find out the sex of the baby. At 16 weeks and 2 days pregnant, we knew that it was hit or miss to find out depending on how the baby was turned, how big the baby was, etc.  We were more than thrilled when the ultrasound tech asked us if we wanted to know.  She knew. And we wanted to!  Y'all, we are still pinching ourselves in disbelief!! It's a BOY!! Tickled pink isn't the right phrase to use, but it's the first that comes to mind.  I had almost convinced myself we were having another girl.  Boy, did Andrew's jaw about hit the floor! He hasn't stopped grinning since! :)






First ultrasound was taken at 8 weeks. Teeny tiny squirmy baby! The three pictures below that are from yesterday's visit.  Baby weighs in at 5oz already. The top right is of baby's face looking towards us (hard to see).  The other two are confirmation that Naomi will have a little brother!! Wahoo!!

 

Family of FOUR!!

It's taken me a while to succumb to the urge to sit down and write this one out - so alas, here I am forcing myself to jot it down for the memory books and for you all while the laundry washes and the house waits (and as Garner girl dreams her midday dreams).


We've been thinking (and prepping) about baby number two ever since Naomi turned a year old.  When do you want to start trying?  How far do we want the kids apart in age?  Should we wait 'til Naomi is out of diapers?  The list goes on and on.  Most of the time, we were ALL TALK, waiting for Andrew's re-enrollment for family insurance in February, waiting for Naomi to get a little bit older, waiting for ???  I guess I drew a blank.  What were we REALLY waiting for?  We both knew from the start that we want a large family (and both of us come from large families), we both found it important to be young parents if we could be, and we both knew we wanted our children close enough in age to grow up together. So really, we were playing the waiting game for nothing. The timing was just right. 

We found out baby number two was on his/her way exactly a week before Thanksgiving and told all of our family the day we found out.  I was so shocked at the timing (seriously, it only took ONE try!!), that I took two test in one day to be sure.  The next morning I took another - ya know, just to reeeeeally be sure, and as I came out of the bedroom with test number three in hand, Andrew asked, "Well? Are you STILL pregnant?"  Heh.  Yup.  Still two bright pink lines, just as before!  I couldn't believe my eyes.  Baby number two!!! Naomi is going to be a big sister, and SOON!


Naomi has been a hoot as we try to prepare her for what's ahead.  She points to my belly and tries to lift my shirt to kiss the baby when we ask her where he/she is.  She's gentle with her dolls and practices feeding and tucking the baby in to her doll crib, and we make sure to give her extra snuggles and love for all the sweet behavior.  I really think she's going to be a big helper when the littlest one comes, and I'm eager to see how she reacts when the newborn is really here. I sense she's going to be a good little mama - wanting to do it all herself!  I'm eager to see how this all unfolds! :)


In the meantime, I have my next ultrasound on Valentine's Day (what a treat)!  I will be 16 weeks and 2 days on that day, so we maay be able to find out the sex on that day!  I will keep you posted as to what we find out.  I hear it's hit or miss with an ultrasound at 16 weeks, but if it's a boy, you're usually able to find out for sure that day.  I have NO CLUE what this baby is - sometimes I'll think definitely boy (after I'll crave extra spicy tacos), but then I think it's a girl when all I want is Snickers and chocolate cake. YEAH. Eating healthy, Martha?  I'm working on it! ;)

One thing's for sure: if it's a girl, I've got all the clothes I'll ever need!  I'm a hoarder of all things baby!! Much love to you all, and thanks for keeping up with us!! More to come later on!