Pregnancy Blog: 21 weeks

Sorry for the weird messy hair ;)

How far along?  21 weeks

Total weight gain/measurements: 13 pounds! I started out at 131 and now I am at 144. Seems like a lot but according to this weight gain tracker, I am right on track! 

Maternity clothes: Yes! I have two pairs of jeans and two pairs of shorts so far and a few shirts. They are soooo comfy! I think I might wear them even after I deliver ;)

Stretch marks: None!  I'm using Palmer's Cocoa Butter Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks everyday around my belly, sides, and breasts and have none to show so far..

 

Sleep: Recently, I haven't been getting much sleep mostly because my tailbone has been killing me and it hurts to sleep on my back or side so it's hard to find a comfortable position.

Best moment this week: Being able to see her move around in my belly. I started feeling her kick just before 17 weeks but only when I pressed on my belly. Now I can see her every little move:)

 

Miss anything? The only thing I ever miss is certain foods. I miss eating sushi but I am especially missing smoked salmon. I would kill for a bagel with cream cheese and smoked salmon! 

Movement: Yes, lots!

Food cravings: I never really had food cravings except for a few in the first trimester but last night I was craving funfetti cupcakes? I need to stop watching Cupcake Wars on Food Network!

 

Anything making you queasy or sick? The only thing that's grossed me out has been guacamole. And I usually love it?

Gender:  Girl!

 

Labour signs: None.

 

Symptoms: Shortness of breath, heartburn, aching tailbone, and still very weird and vivid dreams.

 

Belly button in or out? In!

 

Engagement ring on or off? On.  

Happy or moody most of the time: Very happy!

Looking forward to: My next appointment. I can't wait to sign up for Hypnobirthing classes!

 

 

The Business Of Being Born...

 

If you are pregnant or planning on having a baby, you should really watch this film. It's a documentary called "The Business of Being Born" and it's produced by Ricki Lake. It takes a look at how birthing has become in the United States and what is going on in hospitals as opposed to giving birth at home or at a birth center with a midwife.
I decided a long time ago that any children I have, I would either deliver at home or at a birth center, given that I had a normal pregnancy. No pain-killers, no inducing, NO C-SECTION! I know, I know...everybody says that.
I think as a women, it's something that I want to experience completely sober and aware. I want to feel all of the changes and everything that's going on during one of the most important days of my (and my baby's) life.
Now that I am pregnant, I had to convince Simeon that it wasn't some weird thing that only hippies do. Well, that was really tough. Until I made him watch this video with me:)
He went from being totally against having a baby at a birth center to supporting it. And when I say he was totally against it, I mean he gave me no other option but to have our baby at the hospital (not that it was his decision ;) ).
Even if you are planning on giving birth at the hospital, I would definitely recommend watching this video. In no way am I saying that giving birth in the hospital is wrong, I hate when people judge me for making decisions they don't think are right, so I would never judge anyone with their opinion...this is just mine :)

 

 

Pregnancy Blog: 20 weeks

If you haven't guessed by my previous posts, I am expecting a little baby girl in January!

I never pictured myself as a mother, since I've never really wanted kids before, but I'm proud to admit that I am happier than I have ever been. I love feeling her move and bonding with her. She really starts kicking when I am playing music or when Simeon starts talking to her. I love her so much already.

Here she is at 17 weeks..

 

The most amazing feeling...

 

Wild Rice Orzo Salad

Once upon a time, I had lunch at a restaurant called Brio. I ordered the Eggplant Pomodoro Panini which came with a side of "wild rice salad". I was skeptical of the wild rice salad and kindly asked the waitress if it was tasty or if I should order a side salad instead. She convinced me to order the rice salad and I fell in love. I didn't even finish the panini that I was desperately craving because I wanted to make sure my stomach had enough room to fit the deliciousness that my taste buds were experiencing. Before I finished, I picked through the salad and took note of all of the ingredients so that I wouldn't forget.

Unfortunately, I couldn't find a copycat recipe anywhere on Google so I had to make my own and I have to admit, it is pretty spot on. I think I will make a huge batch of this each week because it is so delicious and healthy Next time I will probably add some chicken and/or feta cheese would go really nice in it as well!

Wild Rice Orzo Salad
Servings: Four


Ingredients


For the salad:
1 cup cooked orzo
I cup cooked wild rice (make sure not to buy "wild rice blend")
1/2 cup diced red pepper
1/2 cup diced yellow pepper
2/3 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds
1/4 cup chopped green onion
2/3 cup chopped cilantro


For the dressing:
1/2 cup olive oil
3 tblsp lemon juice
1 tblsp minced shallot
2 tsp dijon mustard
1 tsp sugar
zest of one lemon


Directions:
Note: All of the amounts are approximate. I didn't really measure when I made the salad so add more or less as you please.
1. Get a random weirdly dressed Swedish girl to chop all of the ingredients (so that you don't have to).

You might want to use a bigger chopping board..

2. Combine all of the salad ingredients and mix with the dressing.
3. Let it sit for at least an hour so that the flavors mix. Enjoy!