Meal Planning for Jelly’s Arrival

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I might be 9 months pregnant and extremely tired, however I can’t seem to turn off the planner in me.  I’m pretty much “done” planning for the baby.  There are a few things left to do at this point, but if they don’t get done before she arrives it will be okay.  For example I still haven’t booked a newborn photographer, there are picture frames in the nursery that don’t have anything in them and I haven’t had my car cleaned {yet}.  These are not big ticket items so I’m not worrying about them too much.  I also haven’t washed any of the baby’s clothes, towels or sheets.  Lucky for me, my mom is going to take care of the laundry once Jellybean arrives so for all intensive purposes I consider that “to do” done.

I have tried to prepare myself and the husband for the baby’s arrival.  We have the hospital bag mostly packed, I’ve gotten a hair cut and have plans to get my nails done on Saturday (super important details … I swear!).  One of the last things on my list is meal prepping.  A lot of new parents laugh at how they are living off PB&Js and/or takeout.  I’m certainly not one to turn my nose up at takeout, however it does get old pretty fast … not to mention expensive.

I have been brainstorming meals that freeze well for about a month.  It was harder than I thought it would be to plan.  My first problem is our freezer really isn’t too big and my second is/was finding the energy to precook these meals.  I did my best to clean out the freezer on Sunday and then I got to cooking.  I made some pretty good progress, but didn’t get through all the recipes I had planned.

Completed: 

  1. Turkey Chili (=6 servings)
  2. Chicken Tortilla Soup (=4 servings – we ate one serving each for dinner the night I made the soup)
  3. Pesto (x2 – we will need to cook the pasta and add tomatoes/chicken, but that’s easy enough)

soup_chili_pesto

Left to Cook/Freeze:

  1. Meatballs
  2. Lasagna

meatballs_lasagna

I am hoping to at least motivate to make the meatballs before JB makes her debut.  But even if I can’t/don’t, it feels good to know we have a few home cooked meals in the freezer to fall back on when we don’t want takeout and we are too tired to cook.

Did you make any meals ahead of your baby’s arrival?  Any recommendations on recipes that are good for freezing?

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Photo Friday – Speed Hump Ahead

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As we were wrapping up the maternity photo shoot Sara snapped the picture below.  I saw the “speed hump ahead” sign and thought it was very fitting given the impending arrival of our little one.  I think I read it speed bump instead of hump, but I’m guessing you get the belly analogy.  I can’t believe the big day is so close … only 10 days until Jellybean’s due date!!

JellyBean-52

Happy Friday!

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{Pregnancy Tidbits} Weeks 36 and 37

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I have really only been blogging about my pregnancy by month, but I figured since a lot could happen in these last 4-6 weeks I would blog about the 9th month in 1 or 2 week stints.  It’s funny looking back at my belly photos.  At 5, 6 and 7 months I thought wow that belly is big.  Clearly I didn’t know what was in store for me … 37 weeks is even bigger!  I kind of miss the cute little 5/6 month belly … I looked pregnant but not like I ate too much.  It was my favorite pregnant belly size.

37weekspregnant

Check out Sophi in the lower left corner of the picture watching me photograph the belly.  What a cutie!  My little fur ball baby … love her!!

Pregnancy Tidbits from Weeks 36 and 37

Random Tidbits

Cravings – I’m not really craving anything at this point.  I went from knowing exactly what I wanted for each meal to having nothing really sound good.  It’s such a switch from the rest of the pregnancy.

Maternity Clothes – Obviously this is a yes =)

Symptoms  Numbness in my hands as well as continued swelling in my hands/feet, congestion and trouble sleeping.  The symptoms seem to be pilling on top of each other instead of replacing one another as they did before.  While I won’t lie, I am uncomfortable at this point in the pregnancy, I do feel as as the baby is healthy/happy so I am okay with the aches and pains required to carry her. :)

Movement  The baby moves quite a bit at this point.  Her movements feel stronger by the day.  You can literally see her moving in my stomach now.  It’s fun, but also a bit distracting during meetings at work.  A few of my colleagues have mentioned they can see her kicks across the table.

Missing Anything?  Red wine.  For the first time during my pregnancy I really missed being able to have a glass (or two) of wine.  I blame the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

Highlights Buying and hanging decorations in the nursery.  The room is really coming together, which is very exciting.  We also did a big shopping trip to Buy Buy Baby for “necessities” with my parents over the Thanksgiving holiday.  I feel very prepared and ready (from a “stuff”) perspective for JB to arrive.

Looking Forward To…  The next doctor’s appointment.  I’m hoping to get some good news, such as I’m dilated or delivery should happen soon.  Wishful thinking I know, but a girl can dream.

Fears/Concerns…  The baby is going to be breach.  At this point she’s sort of more sideways than anything else.

Labor Signs That would be a big fat NO.  I haven’t had any contractions and according to the doctor the baby hasn’t dropped yet.  In fact she’s still pretty far up in my rib cage at the moment.

Any pregnancy tidbits you care to share?  I would love to hear them!

 

 

 

 

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{Pregnancy Tidbits} The 8th Month

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I hope you all had a fabulous Thanksgiving! Mine was great.  It was filled with family, lots of yummy food and a very cute Pomeranian.  I’m a couple weeks late with this post, but the 8th month is over and I’m in the home stretch of pregnancy.  It’s absolutely crazy to think there’s only one month left until we get to meet our little girl.

My friend Sara, from Photos from the Harty, took some maternity photos of me and the hubby, a few of which I plan to share in another post.  This shot of the belly did include my face, but I cropped it out so it would be kind of consistent with the other belly photos I’ve taken.  Here is the belly (ie present) at 35 weeks …

Baby Bump at 35 weeks Pregnant | Pregnancy Log, Third Trimester, 8 Months | Life's Tidbits

Pregnancy Tidbits from Weeks 32 to 35

Random Tidbits

Toes –  My toes are no longer visible when I look down; thank you belly.  I can, however, still touch my toes, which I am super proud of!

Cravings – Cinnamon buns/rolls … yummalicious!  I am not even usually a cinnamon lover, but apparently Jelly is.

Symptoms

Swelling and Congestion – Continue!

Trouble Sleeping – I’m at the point where sleeping is difficult.  I’m super tired, but getting comfortable is well, a challenge.  It’s apparently nature’s way of getting me ready for motherhood. =)

Movement

Jellybean is on the move.  It’s so much fun to feel her move and kick.  Sometimes it’s like getting a massage from the inside and other times she just gives me a quick kick to the rib cage.  I appreciate every movement … even the ones that hurt a little!

Maternity Clothes

Oh yes maternity clothes are a must.  My belly is far too big for any of my “normal” clothes.  Only a little while longer and I will need some “in between” clothes.

Missing Anything?

Sleeping!  I know I will be getting up for feedings once Jellybean is here, but what I wouldn’t give right now for a just a couple solid and comfortable hours of good quality sleep.

Highlights

My Baby Shower – My friend, Rebecca, threw me the cutest baby shower at the beginning of November.  It was so much fun to celebrate Jellybean’s impending arrival with so many of the amazing women in my life.  Let me just say my friends have fabulous taste in fashion … my little girl already has a large wardrobe and an outfit for almost any occasion!!  I would be remiss not to say a HUGE thank you to Rebecca for putting together and hosting such a perfect shower.

Looking Forward To…

 D-day!!  Both the husband and I are very much looking forward to Jellybean’s D-Day (delivery day).

Fears/Concerns

Going into Labor at Work – All the books say having your water break isn’t really like it’s portrayed in the movies.  There is no huge puddle on the floor, however let’s be real … Who wants to have their water break at work?!  Even if you take the whole water breaking experience off the table the idea of getting from work to my house or to the hospital while having contractions makes me anxious.  Logically I know my chances of going into labor at work are probably pretty low I get a little  very nervous just thinking about it!

Only one more month to go. I can’t believe we are going to meet our baby before the end of the year (hopefully!).

Any pregnancy tidbits you care to share?  I would love to hear them!

 

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Thankful Thursday: Thanksgiving

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ThankfulThursday_Thanksgiving

A couple of blogs I follow do weekly or monthly Thankful Thursday posts, but when November hit the number of bloggers giving thanks increased significantly.  With Thanksgiving only a week away I decided it was time to jump on the thankful train as there is a lot I have to be thankful for this year.  So here goes nothing …

I am thankful for (in no particular order):

(5)  my family and friends.  This is pretty much a given, right?  I would crazy not to be thankful for the amazing people in my life.  They truly make the good times better and the bad times bearable.  Love you guys/gals!! xoxoxo

(4)  my job.  During and after the furlough I quickly came to the realization the impact not having a job would have on me, as well as my family.  There is of course the financial side, but having a job gives me purpose and something to “do” each day.  I didn’t think I was the type of person who needed something to “do”, but apparently I DO!

(3) the patience and support of my husband.  The hubby honestly deserves a metal for the level of patience and support he brings to the table.  While he has always been that way I think he put his game face on when we got pregnant.  Though it is obviously very exciting it can also be stressful and scary; yet he seems to take it (and all my fun emotions that go along with pregnancy) all in stride.   I’m very lucky to have a husband who is so incredibly patient and supportive!

(2)  my parents and sister coming to DC for Thanksgiving since I can’t travel to MA.  Thanksgiving is by far my most favorite holiday and this year will be the first time I’m not in Massachusetts celebrating.  We ALWAYS do Thanksgiving at my parents house and then Thanksgiving “round 2” on Friday or Saturday with my great aunt and a whole bunch of the cousins.  The weekend is kind of like an eating marathon!  They are all changing their schedules/traditions to be with the hubby and I this holiday.  While this year won’t be exactly what any of us are use to the most important thing is we are together and I am thankful they are willing to make the trip!

(1)  being pregnant.  It is such a blessing to be able to be pregnant.  I complain too often about pregnancy symptoms like aches, pains, being tired and gaining weight.  It’s easy to sometimes take for granted what an amazing miracle it is to carry my little one!!  Have you seen the maternity shirts that say “I’m growing a human.  What’s your super power?” … love it!

While there are way more things I am thankful for these couple items do top the chart for this year.  Only one more week until my favorite holiday of the year … bring it on Thanksgiving!!!

What are you thankful for (this week, year or even just today!)?

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