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!

M.I.A.

Wow. It has been so incredibly long since I last posted on here, I'm not even sure where to start. A lot has been happening in my life recently. Lots of changes, good and bad. Usually when stuff happens in my life, I go MIA for a little while until I can collect myself and be normal again. So as far as stuff that's happened:

1. I found out what it feels like to almost lose the most important person in my life. And why it is so important  to say 'I love you' every chance I can get. I love you, Baba.

2. I graduated college. That was a very exciting step in my life and it still feels surreal that I am done with school. Forever. At least until my Dad kicks my butt into shape and makes me start my Masters degree in a few months. Dangit!

3. I got a job at a marketing company. Then quit it. That's all I have to say about that.

4. I discovered what it means to relax and how incredibly amazing it is. And how it also makes me feel like a big fat lump. A big fat happy lump though ;). Ever since I was 16 years old I have held at least one job. Sometimes even two or three, and at one point five jobs. At the same time! What the hell was wrong with me? Anyway, now I have none and it feels ohhhh so good. Needless to say, I'm on the job hunt now because I'm going stir crazy!

5. I made homemade waffles....

6. I fell in love with a Venezuelan. Cool stuff..

That's all the excitement that I have to share for now! xoxo