25 Weeks

25 Weeks!!

Ellie compares to the average rutabaga in weight -- about 1 1/2 pounds. (Length: 13 1/2 inches, head to heel.)



I feel like my belly grew a lot in this past week!

More and more people stop me at the grocery store or out in public and ask me, "When are you due?"

(which personally, I would never ask anyone... no matter how pregnant they look lol! I have heard way too many "foot in mouth stories!")

We had another ultrasound this week to check on my "Low Lying Placenta."

Sure enough, it is still pretty low but the doctors strongly believe that in the next few weeks it should move into the right place. So for now I am just trying not to worry (or go google crazy) and just look at the positive side... we get to have another ultrasound here in a few weeks!

Ellie is nice and healthy : )

and still a GIRL.

I can't believe how much she has grown!! This time we could see her mouth opening and closing and even saw her stick out her tongue!

Although I want her to stay inside until she is nice and ready to enter this world... I am starting to get more and more anxious to have her in my arms!! I am just so excited!

Another MAJOR postive from this week...

We were able to get the doctor in Michigan that we were hoping for AND found out that they deliver in the hospital that we were wanting too!

(For those of you who don't know, we are about to make a BIG move from southern California to southern Michigan here in a few days!)

This was a major relief! I was terrifed that we were going to have an awful experience with our insurance and finding any docotor... So I definitely feel blessed!

How far along? 25 weeks and counting! These weeks are going by so fast!

Total weight gain: Still going with the 15lbs... Until our next appointment!

Maternity Clothes? YES! I can hardly button any of my old pants/shorts now. Planning on going out and buying some more shirts and tank tops before we take our road trip!! I need to prepare for humidity again!

Stretch marks? Not yet but I guess there hasn't been a whole lot of stretching yet either.

Sleep: Ehhh... back to the tossing and turning but we go to bed plenty early anyways lol I am getting enough sleep. (And there are always naps!)

Best moment this week: Finding out she is healthy and growing and seeing her cute little face on the ultrasound screen! (Plus the other great stuff I mentioned earlier!)

Miss anything? Lately I have been missing a good workout... One where I am soaked in sweat and feel like I got my butt kicked! (You may never hear me say this again lol but it's the truth!)

Movement? Still a lot of movement going on! More and more each day, it seems like. We also can SEE her moving on the outside, which is so crazy!

Food cravings: Nothing really new this week... Actually, ice cream sounds pretty good at the moment (is 10:00 am too early?!)

Anything make you queasy or sick? My heartburn! It is just evil! Thank God for TUMS!

Gender: Happy to say, there were no surprises at this weeks ultrasound : ) she is still a GIRL.

Labor signs? Notta.

Symptoms: Still the same... Heartburn and that dang carpal tunnel! I also can feel myself getting short of breath easier then normal lol I go for a nice brisk walk and you can hear me panting from across the street, I swear!

Belly button in or out? Still stuck in the middle... not really in or out!

Wedding rings on or off? Still on, not a whole lot of swelling going on yet!

Happy or moody most of the time: I try to stay happy : ) but that whole patience thing... seems to be missing some days!

Looking forward to: Seeing friends and family here VERY soon!! It has been too long and none of them have seen me pregnant (in person) yet!

 <3

We love her SO MUCH already!!

6 Months

24 Weeks!!

Ellie has caught up with an ear of corn in size and gained about 1/4 pound since last week. (Length: almost a foot)

Welp, did I mention how much I hate stepping on that scale when I go to my appointments!?

This was indeed the BIGGEST jump in my weight since I found out I was pregnant and as I frantically started adding up the pounds in my head, I felt my eyes starting to "water."

Thankfully, I am terrible at math...

and what I thought was my total weight gain (so far), was about 5 pounds too high.

Although I was still a little shocked, after asking my doctor questions and figuring out ways that I can stay on track... I felt better.

Some of you may be rolling your eyes...

But I am just being honest.

And while we are being honest...

Let me just say that I would happily gain 50 lbs, as long as my baby was healthy.

So far she is right where she is supposed to be and that's the best news at every appointment <3

How far along? 6 Months! Which is so hard to believe! 

Total weight gain: 15lbs

Maternity clothes? I finally went and bought some!! I am in love! I bought a pair of jeans and shorts and they are so dang comfortable!!

Stretch marks? Not from Ellie... yet.

Sleep: Still sleeping good. Actually feeling less tired, which is nice! I don't need 10hrs of sleep anymore lol

Best moment this week: Hearing her heartbeat pattering away at my appointment <3 

Miss Anything? I miss laying on my stomach : ) 

Movement: TONS. She is getting strong!

Food cravings: FRESH pineapple. I swear it tastes better then annnything in the world to me right now. I almost ate a whole pineapple in the matter of 2 days.

Anything making you queasy or sick: I used to be able to tolerate cigarette smoke but lately... it is just awful!

Gender: We still have a little Ellie <3

Labor Signs: Not even close!

Symptoms: I have that pregnancy carpal tunnel (I can't remember the correct terminology and I blame that on the pregnancy brain!) in my right hand... it is so weird! Whenever I put on my makeup or am writing it gets all tingly, like it's fallen asleep.

Belly Button in or out? In between at the moment.

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Still think I am a happy camper for the most part... but I do have my moments!

Looking forward to: Seeing her next week : ) I love getting ultrasounds!

23 Weeks

23 Weeks!!

       Ellie weighs about as much as a large grapefruit, just over one pound. (Length, more then 11 inches)

 

                                                      Not too much has changed this week...

                                 I have been feeling her move around more and more and I just love that!!

Starting to wish I had some more maternity pants, so it looks like a shopping trip will be in order here soon!

                     Being pregnant sure does play a lot with my emotions, mostly about self-image issues!!

One morning I will wake up and look in the mirror and actually think to myself, "I look goooood for being almost 6 months pregnant!" Then that same exact day, just hours later I will find myself thinking,"Wow, who is that cow in the mirror staring back at me!?" lol Although I am sure these feelings are mostly normal, some days it is just exhausting! And in the end I know no matter how I feel about the way I look... I know it's for a GREAT purpose! I am just excited for her to be here! 3 and a half months(ish) to go!

How far along? 23 Weeks! Almost to 6 six months!

Total weight gain: I am still going with 10lbs lol but just so you know, I am terrified to see what the scale says next week... I feel like it's going to be a big jump! Eeeek.

Maternity clothes? Haven't purchased anything new yet but I NEED to asap!

Stretch marks? Not yet... (knock on wood!)

Sleep: I have actually been sleeping better and getting up to use the bathroom less! Thank God for that... Sleep has been my best friend lately!

Best moment this week: I feel like I am actually starting to look pregnant! People at work are telling me so and it is a good feeling! Before, I felt as though I just looked chubby... that in between feeling.

Miss Anything? Laying in the sun (and getting an even tan lol)!

Movement: More and more every day! She is very active!

Food cravings: This week I had that horrible sweet tooth! I really hadn't been wanting any sweets this entire pregnancy and then this week, BAM! I wanted chocolate. (That's not going to help when it comes time for my weigh in haha!)

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing really. I have noticed that I have a weaker stomach when it comes to seeing blood and gore or any type of nastiness!

Gender: Girl... but we will definitely be double checking again in a couple weeks!

Labor Signs: Nope!

Symptoms: Feeling a little more pregnant as far as movement goes... like getting up off the couch is a little more awkward then normal.

Belly Button in or out? Slowly but surely becoming an outty.

Wedding rings on or off? Still on!

Happy or Moody most of the time: I feel happy mostly but I do feel myself losing my patience faster then normal lol

Looking forward to: Next week's appointment and getting some comfy maternity clothes!

22 Weeks (and a surprise)

22 Weeks!!

Our baby has stretched to the size of a spaghetti squash and weighs almost a pound. (Length: nearly 11 inches.)

I am about to be one of those annoying pregnant girls and say that so far, this pregnancy has been so easy on me!

(I am sure I won't be saying that here in a couple months...)

I feel extremely lucky! Up until the last couple of weeks, I didn't even physically feel pregnant! 

Except for all of the doctor appointments and ultrasounds I wouldn't have even known there was a little baby growing inside me! 

Now, with all of the moving around and my belly getting bigger.... it's feeling more real!

At our last ultrasound we got some surprising news :)

We actually were NOT having a boy...

WE ARE HAVING A GIRL!

They told us this was the first time in over 2 years that they had been wrong, go figure!

We were so shocked! 

For the last month and a half we had it in our minds that we were having a little boy. 

Luckily we hadn't bought a whole lot of clothes or much of anything for that matter and even so, it wouldn't have been the end of the world!

We are still just as happy and just as excited... and a little curious to see how our next ultrasound goes!!

With that being said,

we are no longer having a little Kaden John...

In October, we will be welcoming Ellie Lynn Brice into this world :)

How far along? 22 Weeks! Over the halfway mark :) 

Total weight gain: I only step on a scale when I have an appointment... so at my last appointment I had gained 9 lbs. I have another date with the scale in about 2 weeks, until then... I've only gained 9 lol.

Maternity clothes? I have a couple of outfits but for the most part I am still wearing my clothes!

Stretch marks? None from the baby ;)

Sleep: I have been tossing and turning a lot lately AND getting up to pee at least 2-3 times a night!

Best moment this week: Feeling her move... I.LOVE.IT! 

Miss Anything? I would be lying if I said I didn't miss a nice cold beer on a hot summer day :) and SUSHI!

Movement: LOTS! :) Mostly when I sit a certain way on the couch and as soon as I lay down to go to bed.

Food cravings: I haven't had any specific cravings, just sweet or salty mostly. OH, and EVERYTHING spicy!

Anything making you queasy or sick: I can't stand the smell of warm milk lol and the only reason I know that is because I steam milk at work :)

Gender: GIRL!!! (until next ultrasound haha! I would just die!)

Labor Signs: Nope! Not even close!

Symptoms: Heartburrrrrrn. But I am grateful that that is all I have had!

Belly Button in or out? Normally it's an inny but it's starting to become an outty.

Wedding rings on or off? On, except when I first wake up.

Happy or Moody most of the time: I would say happy, maybe you should ask my husband this question haha!

Looking forward to: Finding bedding and things for her room! There are just so many choices to choose from! Also, my next ultrasound :)

I am looking forward to seeing how things change week by week! 

We've got a lot to look forward too, that's for sure!

Southwest Turkey Burgers

I didn't think it was possible to find a better turkey burger then the Greek Turkey Burgers I made a few weeks ago... but I was wrong!!

I found the Southwest Turkey Burger at:

www.laurenslatest.com

They were SO GOOD and full of so much FLAVOR!!

I highly recommend this recipe!!

I am really loving the turkey burger lately!

(but I suppose if you are still unsure, or won't leave the beef behind... you could make this recipe with hamburger as well!!)

Servings: 6 medium or 4 large burgers

This picture doesn't even do the burger justice!

Here is what you will need:

• 1.25lbs. ground turkey
• 2 tablespoons butter, divided (I used olive oil!)
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup sweet corn
• 1/3 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1/2 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon each of salt and pepper
• 1/2 tablespoon smoked paprika

Toppings:

• Diced avocados
• Salsa
• Tomato slices
• Cheddar cheese
• Lettuce
• Lime wedges
• 4 - 6 Hamburger buns

Place a large skillet over medium heat and melt 1/2 tablespoon butter (or use a tablespoon of olive oil).  Saute onions, red pepper, and garlic until tender. About 5 minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in corn, black beans, salt and pepper to taste.

In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, sauteed vegetables, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, and smoke paprika.  Divide into 6 patties (or 4 large patties).

In the same large skillet the veggies were sauteed in (or a counter top grill), place over medium heat again and melt half the remaining butter (or olive oil).  Cook burgers until thoroughly cooked, about 4 minutes per side.

Serve immediately on buns, with desired toppings.

Tortilla chips and salsa or guacamole would go GREAT with this meal!

It's like a taco burger!! VERY tasty!

Chicken Pot Pie Bundles

Along the same line as the "Taco Cupcakes" and the "Lasagna Cupcakes"

we have....

Chicken Pot Pie Bundles!

*I found this recipe on mealmakeovermoms.com*

Except, instead of using the wonton wrappers we use egg roll wrappers.

(I had no idea the many uses of these two wrappers!!)

I seriously LOVE pot pies.

I don't know what it is, maybe the "home cooking" kind of feel that they give

or

that it is a warm comfort food, either way I love them.

What I don't love is how BAD they can be for you!!

I hardly eat them because of the fear of gaining 5lbs (or more, depending on how many I eat).

These little guys aren't as heavy as the frozen pies you would buy at the store and although they are small, they sure are filling!!

How fun are these?!

Here is what you will need:

• 1 1/2 Tablespoons canola oil, divided (I used Olive Oil)
• 1 large carrot, peeled and cut into 1/4 - inch pieces (about 1 cup)
• 1/2 small onion, cut into 1/4 - inch pieces (about 1/2 cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cut into 1/2 - inch pieces
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh tarragon or 1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon (I used my favorite spices instead)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• Pinch of black pepper
• 1 cup all- natural chicken broth
• 4 teaspoons cornstarch
• 3/4 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 3/4 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 12 egg roll wrappers

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the carrot and onion and cook, stirring frequently, until softened, about 5 minutes.  Add the garlic, and cook 1 minute more.

Stir in the chicken, tarragon, salt, and pepper.  Cook until the chicken is no longer pink, about 5 minutes.

Place the broth and cornstarch in a bowl and whisk until well combined.

Add broth to the skillet along with the peas and corn, bring the liquid to a simmer, stirring constantly.  Continue to simmer and stir gently until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.

To prepare the bundles, use a muffin pan with 12 medium-size cups (do not coat with nonstick cooking spray). Gently place 1 egg roll wrapper into each cup, letting it extend over the sides.

Place a generous 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture into each wrapper, and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top.

Fold the corners up and over the top of the filling and press to seal the edges.  Brush the remaining oil on top of each bundle.

Bake until golden and crisp, 12 to 15 minutes.

(it may have just been my oven but I had to add a few more minutes)

Cool slightly before eating.

Cheeseburger Salad

This recipe is from the amazingly talented Pioneer Woman!

If you haven't seen her blog, you MUST check it out.

www.thepioneerwoman.com

This has all of the tasty ingredients from a cheeseburger but it is in salad form

and it is SO GOOD!

(My husband even added it to his "new favorite" list)

So.Dang.Good!

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Serves: 6 (small salads)

Here is what you will need:

• 2lbs Ground Beef
• 1/3 cup Ketchup
• 1 teaspoon Yellow Mustard
• 1 Tablespoon Dijon or Spicy Mustard
• 2 Tablespoons Barbecue Sauce
• 4 whole Hamburger Buns
• 1 stick Butter (I used half)
• 2 heads Romaine or Green - Leaf Lettuce, Torn
• 1 cup Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese (forgot to put this in the picture!)
• 4 whole Roma Tomatoes, Diced
• 8 whole Dill Pickle Spears, Cubed
• 1 whole Red Onion, Sliced

(I halved this entire recipe because I was only making it for 2)

Brown meat in a large skillet over medium heat. Then remove from the heat and drain off the fat.

Add ketchup, mustard's and barbecue sauce to the meat.

Stir to combine. Taste and add more of whatever you'd like more of, keep warm.

Cut hamburger buns into 1-inch cubes. Melt 1/4 stick of butter in separate skillet over low heat, then add the bread cubes and toss to coat.

Toast the croutons in the skillet over low heat for about 10 - 12 minutes, adding 1/4 stick of butter every couple of minutes until you've used the whole stick. (This will ensure all the croutons soak up the butter and toast nicely).

-If you are trying to be healthier and want to skip this part, DON'T. (Okay, obviously you can do whatever you'd like, BUT this ties the whole salad together!) Just don't use as much butter!! I used less then half of stick and they turned out toasty. The salad wouldn't have been as wonderful without these though.

To assemble each salad, pile torn lettuce on a plate.

Pile on a good quantity of the meat mixture, then top with plenty of g grated cheddar.

Add the diced tomato, chunks of pickles, and slices of red onion over the top.

Then sprinkle warm croutons all around the plate.

Serve immediately!!

If you're a cheeseburger kind of person and are skeptical of this salad... you will not be disappointed!