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Saturday, August 31, 2013

180

This documentary is wonderful and eye opening!  Please take a moment to watch it and consider your thoughts.

WARNING:  Graphic Content

What are your thoughts?  Did you change your mind?

Pregnancy: Week 8

Week 8:  My growing baby is the size of a raspberry...


New developments this week:  Baby's fingers and toes are fairly well defined, and fingerprints are permanently engraved on his skin.  All of his organs are present, complete and functioning (except his lungs).  



Friday, August 30, 2013

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Pregnancy: Week 7

Once again, I'm late on week seven's post.  Oh well, it is only by a few days.  

Week 7:  My growing baby is the size of a blueberry...


So what new developments are happening during week seven?  This week baby has eyelids partially covering his or her eyes (which already have some color).  Baby's liver is churning out red blood cells and he now has an appendix and pancreas.  The umbilical cord is now carrying oxygen and nutrients to his little body too!




Thursday, August 15, 2013

Pregnancy: Week 6

I am a self proclaimed research fanatic, so it's no surprise that I am just as diligent about my pregnancy.  I love following my little sprout's growth and development each week!

I'm a little (well, actually a lot) late posting this week since this is the last day of it.  Oh well, blame it on pregnancy brain.  

Week 6:  My growing baby is the size of a sweet pea...


So what has been happening?  Little sprout's heart began beating in week 4!  In week 5, his or her little face started taking shape - forehead, eyes, nostrils, and mouth, and ears.  Tiny arms and legs appeared and my blood and baby's blood separated.  

This week his brainwaves can be recorded and his different muscle groups begin working together.  Tiny toes and fingers are developing.  Another big development this week is baby's brain:  it is now divided into three parts for emotion and language, hearing, and seeing.

Along with rapid growth and lots of new development for baby, I am starting to feel pregnancy symptoms full force this week.  Lots of morning sickness (just the nausea, no actual throwing up yet) and I'm staying so tired that naps are unavoidable now.  Despite these hurdles, I am loving being pregnant again and am enjoying each moment.  

What was your early pregnancy like?

Sunday, August 11, 2013

A Mother's Love

I'm blessed to be called mommy by the most amazing little girl in the world!  I'm doubly blessed because I am pregnant with my other absolutely amazing baby!  


Prior to having Gia, I couldn't have imagined the all consuming love I would feel for her.  After she was born I was sure that I would never have more children for fear of not being able to love another like I love her.  I remember asking other mothers if it was possible to love more children like you love your first.  The resounding answer was always YES!  They told me that you love all of your children with all that you are.  I still wasn't sure.  When I found out that I was expecting another baby, I finally understood what those moms meant.  Though I haven't gotten to hold our littlest yet, though I haven't looked into his or her eyes... I already love our little sprout with all that I am.  It is almost as though God expands your heart with love.  I can honestly say that I love Gia and little sprout with all my heart, 100%!  How amazing is a mother's love... I am so excited for our growing family!  


Super pregnant with Gia...
How did your family transition and grow?

Monday, August 5, 2013

Cheesy Jalepeno Stuffed Baked Chicken Recipe

I have been craving jalapenos lately... crazy I know.  Today for lunch, I made Cheesy Jalepeno Stuffed Baked Chicken.  It was absolutely delicious and definitely hit the spot!




Ingredients:

  • 1 jalapeno, chopped (remove seeds for milder taste)
  • 3 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 4 oz shredded cheese (I used Mexican blend)
  • 3-4 chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • Italian seasoning
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • salt and pepper


Preparation:

Wash and dry chicken breasts.  Make a slice through each one, making room for your filling.  Season with salt and pepper.

Preheat your oven to 450.  Lightly spray a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

Combine cream cheese, shredded cheese, and jalapenos in a small bowl.  Spread cream cheese mixture into each chicken breast.  Fold chicken breast halves together to close.  

Place breadcrumbs in a bowl and season with Italian seasoning.  Combine lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl.

Dip chicken in lime-oil mixture, then in the breadcrumbs and lay it on your baking dish.  Once you have done this with all of your chicken, brush the remaining lime-oil mixture over your chicken and put your baking dish in the oven.

Bake 20-25 minutes and serve.  I served mine with mashed potatoes.
You can make modifications to suit your family.  I left the jalapenos out of Gia's piece so it wouldn't be too spicy for her.  You could also add scallions and crumbled bacon to your cream cheese mixture if you like.  My family devoured this meal and we will definitely be having it again soon... it was super yummy!


Saturday, August 3, 2013

It's official... I'm preggo with baby #2!

I am excited to announce that our little family is growing!  We found out on Thursday that I am preggo and we are SO excited.



Gia is super excited to be a big sister.  She is already rubbing and kissing my belly while talking to her baby brother (she has decided the baby is a boy).  It is the sweetest thing and absolutely melts my heart.  


According to my calculations, I am about five weeks as of yesterday.  That means we should be holding our new baby around April 4th of next year.  I plan to enjoy and absorb every moment.


I am planning to have a home birth with the assistance of a midwife.  I am so excited about this decision and am grateful that I have an amazing hubby who supports me.  I will be posting about my pregnancy and all the little tidbits along the way... Any words of encouragement or advice?