17 Weeks

It's here...back by popular demand! The next BELLY SHOT. (I can't imagine this is really that fascinating, but everyone keeps asking me for them, so here you go.)



Even though I'm technically 18 weeks, this picture was taken at 17 weeks, so I thought I should title this post accordingly. I also should note that I do not feel like this is a very accurate picture. The shirt that I'm wearing is a little baggy, and I think the bump looks a little more prominent than it really is. Just needed to give that disclaimer...there are some things I wear that it's still hard to tell there's anything there!

Second trimester has been amazing for me so far. I love that I can't suck my stomach in anymore, that I'm more comfortable in maternity pants and dresses (this excludes sweatpants, of course), the random bumps and nudges I can feel from the baby (this is REALLY the best), and of course, having a bit more energy and appetite.

Only 3 more weeks until we find out the gender...both of us can hardly WAIT! What a wonderful season of anticipation.

First Stuffed Animal

I have my mother-in-law to thank for this one. Who buys The Grinch for
a baby?! I love it!

I really should have taken a new picture of him in his current
position on the rocker...his floppy, spindly little arms and legs seem
to find the funniest positions!

I love that all of the other kiddos will be toting around bears and
bunnies and dolls and here comes our kid - with Grinch in tow!

I couldn't have picked it better myself...thanks, Muggs!

Oh, and in case you can't tell in the picture, he also ironically
matches the walls of the nursery. :)

Point of No Return

As of this morning, I had one pair of pants that still fit. After 30
minutes at my desk, I now have zero.

We'll see how long the BellaBand holds out, but I'm thinking it might
be time to start doing some shopping...

April 6

This is just not right.

15 Weeks

Somehow I come to Fridays and every week think, "Phew, well at least I know that there's no way next week could be crazier than this week!" And yet STILL I find myself surprised when I face the next week. This week was no exception.

Yesterday I was riding the train home quite late and as I was mid-bite into my McChicken Sandwich it occurred to me that this was my second time having McDonald's this week. It should be noted that until the past few months (with the introduction of Baby in my belly who craves a hearty mid-afternoon snack), I had maybe eaten McDonald's once or twice in the past 10 years. Yes, quite a lot has changed. Thankfully, being pregnant erases much guilt that comes along with food cravings and binges, so I enjoyed every last crumb of my sandwich and fries. :)

Speaking of babies and bellies, below is a "belly shot" (for those of you who have requested). It's from a couple of weeks ago - say 12/13 weeks along...as you can see, you can't really see too much. I plan to take the next pics around week 16, so hopefully there will be a little more evidence of Baby A (or at least the McDonalds!!) :)



Overall, I'm loving second trimester. It is a very refreshing change.

Back to the Kitchen

One of my biggest regrets from my freelancing days is not taking more advantage of the time I had to cook. I really love to cook...but with both of us working full-time, it seems to be one of the first things to go! Most of our go-to meals make us look like a couple of college students...pizza...chicken fingers...macaroni and cheese...cereal...(yikes...it's a little embarrassing to post something like this!)

I knew something had to change, but I didn't know what. I would try buying healthy things at the grocery store, but we always ended throwing stuff out before we used it. My boss and I frequently have conversations co-miserating about our similar dinner-time frustrations. Then she found an absolute gem...Saving Dinner...claiming it not only saved their dinners, but also their budget as well as their sanity!

So I bought it, and it's absolutely wonderful! Meals are laid out a week at a time, including menu, recipes, and (the best of all) - a pre-sorted grocery list! This is our second week and it has been wonderful! I can't recommend it enough.

Tonight's recipe was especially delicious, and I thought I'd pass it on for those of you who may be needing to try something new. Enjoy!

TUNA FUSILLI
12 ounces fusilli
2 T. butter, divided
1 onion, chopped (I thought this seemed like a lot, so I only used a half, but use your discretion)
1 clove garlic, pressed (I used minced...worked fine)
1 12-ounce can tuna in water, drained
1 t. basil
1 jar roasted peppers, diced
1 package frozen green beans (thawed)
2 t. flour
1 c. milk
1/2 c. low-fat Cheddar cheese, shredded
salt and pepper to taste

Cook pasta according to package directions, drain and set aside. In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add onions and garlic and saute till translucent. Add drained tuna and basil, mixing well. Add diced peppers and green beans; mix well and remove from skillet.

In the same skillet over medium heat, add remaining butter and add flour gradually, whisking well to form a roux. Add milk and keep whisking until mixture is fully incorporated. Keep whisking and add cheese. Allow sauce to thicken, careful not to let it boil.

Add tuna mixture and pasta back into the cheese sauce, add salt and pepper to taste, and serve.

Serving suggestions: steamed broccoli/baby carrots/salad (Although we just had it as-is, and it was fine!)

The Little Things

I suppose that every other person in Chicago with a blog is posting
about the same thing today, but I don't care. It's just too good to be
true. 65 DEGREES IN FEBRUARY!! I could definitely get used to this
(remind me why I don't live in California again??) It is amazing what
just a little sun and warmth can do for my attitude. Spring, hurry up
already! Too bad that tomorrow it is going to drop 20 degrees,
preceeding a temperature slide that will take us back to 30's and snow
on Saturday. I think I just felt my depression return.

The best thing about warm weather? (well, one of them) The return of
cute shoes. It's well past time for my clogs and UGGs to go back on
the shelf. I think my flats were beginning to think I forgot about
them. So I celebrated by reintroducing my favorite pair to the outside
world. What a fabulous day!