My Thanksgiving Secret

I love Thanksgiving. It is one of my favorite holidays because of the combination of amazing food and family. I also tend to think holidays mean more to me now because of the long distance that is between Tyler and I, my parents, and my brother. I get so excited for the time that we get to spend with each other!

However, I have a confession.

As a (self proclaimed) foodie, this is horribly embarrassing. I hope that you can still like me despite the weakness I am about to share with you.

My favorite Thanksgiving dish, the one that I can't possibly live without...

Yes. It's cranberry sauce. And not homemade cranberry sauce. I'm talking the stuff that you see above. None of this "whole berry" crap. I want cranberry sauce that comes out of the can still looking like the can. I think the picture above does it justice. My mom is always kind enough to serve it because she knows that my dad and I loooooove it, but she always mashes it up and puts it in a pretty dish. I personally don't care what it looks like; I just know that this stuff is GOOD. I love the combination of sweet and salty and if you think about it, most food on a typical Thanksgiving table is salty. The cranberry sauce is the perfect bite of "sweet" that I enjoy having with all my sodium on Thanksgiving day.

There's my secret. Don't hate. What's your favorite Thanksgiving food, and how do you feel about cranberry sauce?

24 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights: 

How Far Along: 24 weeks

Size of baby: Baby Boy is has gained approximately 4 ounces since last week, so he's still right over a pound(according to Baby Center). He is almost a foot long, which is the length of an ear of corn.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: This morning I got on the scale and it said that I'd actually lost 2 pounds. I don't believe it. However, I think I'm still holding pretty steady at a ten pound weight gain.

Maternity Clothes: I'm wearing a combination of my regular clothes and maternity clothes. Today I'm wearing normal pants. Not as comfortable, but I can still wear them! 

Gender: Boy.

Movement: Yesterday, I could not get the child to stop moving. It was GREAT! I know I've said this before, but there is nothing like it. I LOVE that part of being pregnant, along with others. He is very active when I lay down at night and if I wake up in the middle of the night, he kicks to let me know he's in there!

Sleep: I'm still sleeping pretty well. Some girls from birth class were scaring me last night with their stories from their no-sleep third trimester. We'll see if that happens to me!

What I miss: Not shedding like CRAZY! I'm telling you, my hair is falling out in clumps. At this rate, I'll be bald by next Tuesday.

Cravings: My craving for lemonade has subsided (for now). I crave sweet things a lot more then I used to. The hard part is not eating the sweet things!

Symptoms: Nothing other than my crazy baby brain!

Best Moment this week: We went home this weekend and I got to see my parents and so many of my precious friends at church on Sunday morning! I hadn't been home since my baby belly popped out and my sweet mom made me feel so much better by saying, "You are NOT as big as you look in the pictures!" HA! My other favorite moment was when my friend, Matt, told me I didn't look like I'd gained that much weight. BLESS YOU, MATTHEW. And really, the BEST moment of my week was that my parents both got to feel the baby kick! I just love that they got to experience that. I'm obsessed with this child moving, can you tell? 

Muffins and Macaroni

When I got pregnant this summer, I got sick. I'm talking sick sick. I threw up almost everyday, sometimes multiple times a day, for about 4 months. It was not pleasant. I also lost my appetite and desire to cook. I still am slowly regaining the passion I once felt for food. Now, it's mostly because I'm tired that I don't have a desire to cook and bake, but I am feeling the urge much more than I was this summer.

I really love fall foods. Chili, cornbread, soups, stews, anything with pumpkin, I'm totally game. My love for fall food and the fact that I'm feeling like myself once again has caused me to make some new recipes lately. I am SO GLAD. It's like the cooking angels blessed my dry and weary soul and said, "Here! Here are some recipes that are simple but taste like heaven itself!" Cooking and baking have once again become a true delight.

The first recipe I tried was from the Tastebook that my girlfriends from small group put together. I was craving an easy and delicious muffin and decided to make Katie's Almost-Like-Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins. Honestly, they were the best muffin I've ever made. You can make them in one bowl and they are perfect on a cold morning or when you're craving a quick snack. I can't wait to make them again! I'm thinking that I'll make them Thanksgiving week and take some when we go to visit our families.

The second recipe was one that I had saved on Tasty Kitchen quite sometime ago. If you haven't browsed the website, then GO. GO NOW. There are thousands of excellent recipes and I have gotten so many that I will use for years to come. Our chili recipe is adapted from TK and we absolutely love it. Anyway, I had Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese bookmarked and hadn't thought to try it. Last week was a busy week at work, and I wanted something easy to make for supper. I decided to make the mac and cheese and I could not believe how amazing it was! I'll admit, I'm a sucker for the blue box mac and cheese simply because of how creamy it is! I don't love baked macaroni and cheese, either, so I never thought that I would find a recipe for homemade mac and cheese that fit my standards. This is honestly the best macaroni and cheese I have ever had. Even if you don't like butternut squash, you can hardly taste it-- make this for dinner tonight!

Almost-Like-Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
Makes about 24 muffins

3 cups flour
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp ground cloves
4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Pinch of cardamom (I didn't do this because I didn't have it)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
4 eggs
2 cups sugar
2 cups cooked or canned pumpkin
1 1/4 cups vegetable oil
8 oz package cream cheese*
Chopped nuts** (walnuts, pecans) optional

Preheat oven to 350. Mix ingredients together except cream cheese and nuts. Fill muffin tins (greased or paper cups) half full. Put 1-2 tsp cream cheese in the middle, pressing down. Sprinkle with 1 tsp chopped nuts. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean from the muffin part (don't touch the cream cheese!). Let cool in pans for 5 minutes, then remove to racks to cool completely. Do not touch the cream cheese until it cools, as it is very hot.

*Put the entire tub or brick of cream cheese on a piece of tin foil and shape it into a long log. Put it in the freezer while you mix and fill the pans, up to an hour. Unwrap and cut with a sharp knife. If the disks are too big around (mine were), cut thick slices and then cut them in half. This keeps the cream cheese in one big lump and also lets you push it down into the batter. I also think these will be great without the cream cheese. I'm going to try them without it the next time I make them!

**Starbucks uses chopped pumpkin seeds (if you can find them). I used walnuts and they were so good!

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese (Printable)
Serves 4

2 cups small pasta (I wanted to find wheel shaped pasta, but used shells instead)
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon flour
¾ cups milk
½ cups butternut squash puree
1-½ cup Monterey Jack cheese
2 tablespoons cream cheese
½ teaspoons salt
⅛ teaspoons pepper
⅛ teaspoons paprika
Steamed vegetables of your choice

Bring a pot of water to boil for the pasta. Once boiling, add pasta and cook until pasta is tender (about 7 to 10 minutes). Strain and set aside.

Melt butter over medium low heat in a saucepan and add the flour. Whisk and cook for 2 minutes. It will resemble a paste.

Slowly add milk. Whisk until combined. Next add everything thing else. Stir until combined. Add sauce to the pasta and stir!

Note: I got home late when I made this, so I used butternut squash baby food! It was perfect, although I can't wait to roast and puree my own squash for the next time. I'm sure it would intensify the flavor in a great way. I also steamed some broccoli and added it to mine. It was incredible! The other person in my house didn't want any in his. I told him he would regret that decision. Jury is still out on whether he did or not.


I hope that these are helpful to you! Let me know if any of you decide to try your hand with either recipe. What are some good recipes you've been making this fall?

23 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights:
 

How Far Along: 23 weeks

Size of baby: Baby Boy is just over a pound (according to Baby Center). He is more than 11 inches long and the size of a large mango.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Still ten pounds. I was relieved to get on the scale at the doctor's office on Tuesday and be reassured that it was not more.  

Maternity Clothes: I'm wearing a combination of my regular clothes and maternity clothes.

Gender: Boy! Nameless boy.

Movement: He moves throughout the day, but mostly at night or after I eat. Yesterday, I was sitting in our morning meeting and I looked down just in time to see my stomach move! I love feeling him on the outside and when Tyler gets to feel him. We are going home this weekend, so I'm really hoping that his grandparents get to feel the little kicker!

Sleep: I've been waking up for a little bit in the middle of the night the last few days. I can usually go back to sleep, but I lay there and think for awhile. It hasn't seemed to affect me much when my alarm goes off!

What I miss: Vanilla cokes and having a normal bladder.

Cravings: Simply Lemonade. I'm trying to lay off the lemonade because of the sugar. It is HARD. I had a few sips this morning, but didn't even finish the quarter of the glass that I poured for myself! Small victories.

Symptoms: Baby brain is the worst right now! I also thought I was going to throw up last night, but I quickly ate something and it passed. Dodged a bullet there!

Best Moment this week: At our Bradley (birth) class on Monday night, we learned relaxation techniques that we can use during labor. Basically, a good portion of class was Tyler learning and employing massage techniques for labor. It was GLORIOUS. I laid on my yoga mat and was extremely relaxed by the end. He did a great job!

This update came really close to the other one because I haven't been great at blogging lately. Things have slowed down, so I'm back on the wagon! I'm planning on writing a post soon on why we decided to go with a natural birth and how we're feeling about it. Check back tomorrow as well-- I am going to post two of my new favorite recipes!

22 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights:

 

How Far Along: 22 weeks

Size of baby: Baby Boy is almost one pound (according to Baby Center. I happen to think he's bigger, but what do I know). He is 11 inches and the length of a spaghetti squash.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I am obsessing about my weight and it needs to stop. I do know this, so no hateful comments, please! I hit the ten pound mark this week and was downright tearful about it. Then I remembered the blessing that it is to be able to carry a healthy baby and my tears turned into tears of joy and gratitude. God is good.

 Maternity Clothes: I'm wearing a combination of my regular clothes and maternity clothes. However, I have decided that pregnant or not, I don't want to ever wear another pair of pants without an elastic waistband. Praise the Lord.

Gender: Boy! He is nameless, still. Poor guy. We call him Chester. That will not be his actual name.

Movement: He is a mover and a shaker. He was really kicking all around during worship on Sunday morning! This made me so happy. Sweet boy loves music like his momma an daddy!

Sleep: I love to sleep. I sleep so much, but am usually always tired. Just getting used to life with a baby, right? :)

What I miss: Vanilla coke from Frisch's. I also miss not having to pee all the time. It is the weirdest thing. Before I got pregnant, I would get up at least once a night to go to the bathroom. Now, I NEVER get up to go, but I have to go about 65 times a day. I must really be sleeping hard.

Cravings: Simply Lemonade.

Symptoms: My pregnancy acne is clearing up a little bit. I also want to say this-- BABY BRAIN IS A REAL THING. This child has sucked every last good brain cell I have and used it for himself! I almost burnt our house down the other day by setting an oven mitt on a live burner. I also can't remember any dates to save my life. I'm afraid this is going to be a permanent condition!

Best Moment this week: I finally got some sushi!! Don't worry, it was pregnancy friendly! I went to dinner last Wednesday with my friend, Katie, and after much debate and research during the day, we felt as though I could find some safe options and BOY, DID I EVER. Our waitress was so kind and helpful and I was able to indulge in my favorite food, but safely. It was such a treat and I enjoyed my time with Katie so very much! (Is it sad that food is the best moment of my week? Ha!)

 

**I also need to indulge my insecure side and say that I absolutely HATE this picture of myself. I look exhausted (probably because I was) and the lighting is horrific. However, I want to remember my pregnancy more than I hate this picture, so I'm posting it. Being a girl is so fun. ;)



The Sound of Music

Normally I don't watch Oprah. Frankly speaking, I don't like her, but occasionally I enjoy different topics she has on her show. I'm also not usually home at 4:00 on a weekday. However, I was anticipating last Thursdays show for weeks. The entire VonTrapp family came for a reunion on her show!
 

I had my DVR set for a few weeks, but I honestly checked it about ten times because I couldn't stand to think I might miss it! We also have major cable issues, so I no longer trust my stupid box. I had an inservice at work on Thursday so I actually got home before 4:00! It was such a blissful hour. I sang to all the songs and clapped when Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, and all the children came out for their interviews. I also cried... a lot. Blame it on nostalgia and pregnancy hormones. It was wonderful. I was so loud the entire hour; I'm pretty sure Tyler was regretting the day he began to work at home. I am also in LOVE with Julie Andrews. Is there anyone in the world who is classier than she? No. Never. It kills me that she had surgery that messed up her singing voice. She is just perfect.

The Sound of Music is one of my very favorite movies. I could watch it over and over and never get tired of it. I had the record when I was a little girl and I think it's time to buy it again so I can put it on my iPod. Yes, I had the record. My parents had this awesome record player and that is where I listened to the soundtrack. Don't hate; it was awesome. When I went to Austria with my parents in college, one of the highlights of the trip (and my life) was going on a Sound of Music bus tour. Our tour guide, Andrew, was hilarious and probably loved the movie a little too much. Side note, when I called to tell my parents that they should tape Oprah that day, my dad asked, "Is Andrew on, too?" He was probably there, bless his heart. Anyway, that tour was incredible. We got to see the gazebo where Liesl and Rolfe danced and sang "Sixteen Going on Seventeen", the fountain where they sang "Do-Re-Mi", both homes where they filmed, the lake they fell into, the road with the trees where Maria sang "I Have Confidence", and so much more. I love all the music so much, though. I think my favorite song is still "So Long, Farewell", but there are so many great songs. Again-- highlight of my life.

So, what is one of your favorite movies?

21 Weeks

 

Pregnancy Highlights:

 

How Far Along: 21 weeks

Size of baby: Baby Boy is 3/4 of a pound! Heavyweight champ! He also is the length of a carrot, which is a good thing because I love carrots.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Still hovering around 7 pounds which is mind blowing. I look like an elephant.

 Maternity Clothes: My sweet mother-in-law came into town this weekend and took me shopping for some cute maternity stuff! I got a few pairs of jeans, some shirts, a few sweaters, and some pants for work. Can I just say-- MATERNITY PANTS ARE FROM GOD HIMSELF. I never knew about the love affair I would have with elastic. I wore my PG (pregnant girl) corduroys today and was so blessed by them each time I sat down and/or needed to go to the bathroom. Thank you SO much, Vivian! I love you!

Gender: Still a boy! I also think we're closing in on a name!

Movement: Holy smokes, this boy doesn't stop. I feel him the most in the evening, but I love feeling him from time to time throughout the day. It's like he's reminding me that he's still in there. Trust me, son, I'll know when you're ready to come out. This is the closest we'll ever be (obviously) and I am not taking one moment for granted. Love him! I also think he has turned. At our 20 week ultrasound, he was lying straight across my belly but his kicking (and punching) has changed so I think he is in a different position now.

Sleep: I sleep so well still. It is HARD to get up in the morning!

What I miss: Hmmm... definitely vanilla cokes from Frisch"s. And Dr. Pepper. And sushi.

Cravings: Simply Lemonade forever. I wonder if I will ever get sick of it.

Symptoms: Two words: pregnancy acne. I have always had pretty clear skin but it's like the pimple monster has overtaken my face. I'm trying my best to keep the redness covered with my mineral powder, but OY, it has not been easy. I'm lucky my man loves me, acne and all! I also cry a lot easier. Tonight, we had to miss birth class because of my school's open house and of course I bawled like a baby. Oh dear.

Best Moment this week: Ty felt his son kick! Last night, we were passing out candy and Baby was moving around something fierce. Tyler was finally able to feel him which thrilled both of us to no end. What an incredible moment!

 

(This was a little late this week, so you'll probably be getting another update in a few days. Oops!)