You can tell that I'm ready for another baby in my life. When I carve out time to make a meal like this for lunch on a regular old Tuesday, it means I'm feeling sentimental, domestic, and hungry. (aka: pregnant.) Yes indeed, Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole holds a special place in my heart. It's what I think of when I hear the words "comfort food." So, when I realized we had a bowl of leftover roasted chicken, a head of organic broccoli I had gotten on sale, and plenty of homemade chicken broth all in the fridge at the same time, I knew what I had to do.


This is what a skillet full of comfort food looks like in my eyes. And it's made with real ingredients, so now it's extra comforting. Speaking of comfort-- the other night at dinner time, when Grant was praying before our meal, he was thanking Jesus that we were inside a house, instead of outside somewhere looking for a cardboard box to stay in for the night. It hit me when he said those words, specifically the cardboard box imagery, how horrible that would actually be, and how wonderful we really have it. Thank you, Lord Jesus! For a warm house and hot food every day!



Blogged 2 years ago: A Roasted Chicken

Disclaimer: As you guys can probably guess, I'm super interested in foodie stuff and do quite a bit of reading about nourishing and caring for our bodies. I wish I blogged about health & nutrition more, and will probably start doing some posts on these topics soon, because I usually get a few emails a week with questions about gut health, digestion, food issues, etc. But I struggle with how I want this information to be perceived via a blog post. I don't like to play doctor. I'm not an expert. I just like to learn. I don't want it to seem like I'm presenting my experience as the standard or my views as the ideal. I'd rather just feel free to share things here that have been helpful for me, with the hope that they may be helpful to someone else. Like we're chatting across the kitchen table. 

With that being said, here are a few supplements that have been beneficial in my life, in my family, in my body. And I'm willing to share them with you because I know you'll accept them as just that! 







1. Organic 3 Gut Pro probiotic powder. I like to eat fermented foods/drinks because they tend to have a wider spectrum and larger volume of probiotic strains, but I do take this supplement as well. It's a convenient way to pack in an extra punch of beneficial bacteria. And, with another human being inside me, I can't get too much of those good guys right now. I like this probiotic in particular because it doesn't have any fillers, allergens, additives- no unnecessary ingredients. I've seen it's effectiveness in everyone in my family, and over time it ends up being one of the least expensive probiotics on the market. I take this first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.

2. New Chapter Perfect Prenatal Multivitamin. Last time I was pregnant, I just took the prenatal vitamin someone handed me at a clinic. I had no idea what was in it. This time, I was excited to pick out my own, because I knew what I wanted. I chose this one because it's made from whole, cultured foods, it's non-GMO, and it even has a blend of sprouted seeds in it- so it's extra digestible. Plus, it's available on Amazon Prime and it never bothers my stomach a bit. I take one tablet with each meal.

3. Ancient Minerals Magnesium Oil. After Hadley was born, I learned that I was very deficient in magnesium. For a great, great read on how crucial magnesium is, why it's so common to not get enough of it through our food and water, and what symptoms are related to magnesium deficiency, read this post by Cheeseslave. I love it. And I'm in love with magnesium!! I supplement with this magnesium oil, instead of a pill, because it's much more easily and efficiently absorbed via the skin (our largest organ) than the digestive system. Also, digestion changes a lot during pregnancy, which can make it even tougher to absorb magnesium from your food, multivitamins, etc. I use the oil almost daily, as I'm trying to correct my magnesium deficiency as much as I can before the baby comes, but I know that my pregnant body is currently using the bulk of nutrients I put in it and isn't able to store up much. I will still continue supplementing with magnesium oil after the baby is born. I chose this Ancient Minerals brand of magnesium oil because it's completely free of mercury, lead, arsenic, and fluoride. It works great and makes my skin so soft! There was a tingly-itchy feeling the first few times I used it, but that has gone away now. I spray it on my torso, arms, and thighs after I take a shower, leave it on for 20 minutes while I put in my contacts, dry my hair, etc, and then wipe it off with a warm cloth and put on some lotion. Make sure you moisturize the areas you put it on, because that will help with any dryness/itchiness.

On another- possibly hugely helpful- note, vitamin D and magnesium really helped tame my morning sickness! If you're interested in reading more about how morning sickness and magnesium are connected, check out this post by Wellness Mama or this post by Mommypotamus.

4. Green Pasture's Fermented Cod Liver Oil. Because I believe in healthy fats!! And I think cod liver oil is a healing superfood! I take this one because it's a fermented, raw, live food- it has not been heated. So, the life-giving nutrients (vitamins A and D, EFA/DHA, omegas) have not been destroyed by the manufacturing process. Along with magnesium, I was also deficient in vitamin D after Hadley's birth and throughout the first year of nursing, and cod liver oil is one of the best sources (after the sun- which I took full advantage of while pregnant this summer) for real, bioavailable vitamin D.

5. Naturally fermented sauerkraut -- not actually a supplement, but I think of it as something to "take" every day because it is such a nutrient-dense, probiotic and enzyme-rich, healing food. We make ours homemade, but I like this store-bought brand, too, because it's inexpensive and made using traditional methods, with only cabbage, water, and sea salt. We also like to make a sauerkraut salsa sometimes, which is a blend of cultured veggies and peppers that tastes really great with eggs for breakfast. Sauerkraut is high in B vitamins, also vitamins C and K, calcium, magnesium, fiber, folate, iron, potassium, copper, and manganese. (The fermentation process increases the bioavailability of nutrients making it more nutritious and digestible than plain cabbage.) Honestly, I care the most about the live probiotic strains that are present in sauerkraut. These will help me give the baby a good start in life- a healthy and balanced gut, strong digestion, and a tough immune system. I shoot for having a spoonful (if not more) of kraut with each meal.

Whew! There you have it: all the supplements I eat/take. And if you made it through all that- you are incredible and awesome. Thanks for reading! I hope some little tidbit somewhere in there will be helpful to someone. If you have questions, please feel free to ask or write me an email! Not that I know a lot, but I'd be happy to try to answer them from my experience.


Blogged 1 year ago: Pecan Crusted Pies-- for gluten-free holiday baking
Blogged 2 years ago: Homemade Mayonnaise

During Hadley's pregnancy, I didn't buy any maternity pants. Being as pregnant as I am right this minute, I don't have a clue how that could have worked! I guess it was a different time of year, and I did have some maternity dresses/skirts, a pair of really stretchy jeans that were too big for me previously, and I wore a Be-Band from Target every day. This pregnancy, my baby bump was much bigger much earlier on, and I'm more interested in being cozy and less in love with the Be-Band, and I was determined to find some good maternity skinny jeans for less than $50.

Thankfully I had gotten some maternity shirts during my first pregnancy and quickly learned that Old Navy's online maternity section was my best bet for things that fit me and aren't ridiculously priced. So that was the only place I shopped this time, and because I bought during a sale, I was able to get not just one, but 3 pairs of jeans/pants for $50. I bought some black jeggings, some dark wash skinnies, and some black maternity leggings, and have been so grateful for each of them. They've become the essentials of my current wardrobe. Just pair one of those pants options with some inexpensive knee-high riding boots purchased with free shipping via Amazon Prime (I've been wearing them everywhere), and the longest shirt I can find, and you've got my daily uniform.

I've been happy enough with all of my new maternity pants to actually go and write a review for other online shoppers. (!!) They were just what I was looking for and fit so nicely, and I wanted to help other people know how to buy the right size-- which is always the headache in trying to buy maternity clothes! I rely heavily on the comment/review section when I'm purchasing clothes online, and always appreciate the helpful people who take the time to explain how things fit them and if the item is true to size. All that to say, if you're on the lookout for maternity basics and you don't like to spend big bucks or leave your house to shop, I would send you to old navy.com. What are your maternity wardrobe favorites? And how do you "make do" during those last 3/4 months? I love borrowing from my sister-in-law if we aren't pregnant at the same time, stealing from Grant's closet, and going through my mom's garage sale stuff!

P.S. Details on my outfit from yesterday's 30 week pregnancy update... I was wearing the dark wash skinny jeans, brown boots from amazon, and a thrifted Volcom sweater with a homemade scarf.

30 out of 40 weeks completed over here! And feeling really good. That's my thankful for today. I'm so grateful to the Lord for His grace, for a smooth pregnancy so far, and for feeling like myself... well, a rounder version of myself. There's so much of me in front of me these days. Also, those round ligament pains are gone and seem to be staying away, so yay for that, too.

These days, I'm walking slower, but definitely walking. We got a treadmill a couple weeks ago and what a huge friend it's already been. (I'm actually using it! Super important to be able to say that when you make a big purchase and hope, hope, hope it will be a worthwhile one.) It saves so much time bundling up and going to the gym because I can just walk upstairs and do a couple miles and then be back down in time to make dinner. Loving that. Hopefully it will help me finish out this pregnancy strong.

These days, I'm drinking gallons of water and tea, doing pelvic rocks on my hands and knees, and thinking about re-reading my favorite book about birth: Ina May's Guide to Childbirth. Also, I'm craving pizza (not an actual craving, because pizza always sounds good), snow, and Christmas music. The snow, supposedly, will arrive tomorrow morning. Approximately 3-6 inches. It's like I ordered it! Yay!

These days, we're talking about names for this little someone inside me. It's one of our favorite conversations to have when we fall in bed at night or if we're on a long drive. We never really make any solid decisions, but we're enjoying just bringing it up over and over and pondering our options. We've got lots on our lists that we like, but only a handful that are so us that we can actually picture using them. The naming process is so fun and fascinating to me. Making such a big decision secretly with my husband is a big part of the fun. Definitely one of my favorite parts of being pregnant.



Dear Baby,
You sweet little second of mine. I hope I always remember what a peaceful pregnancy you gave me. If I had to guess just by the ounce of information and experience I've had with you so far, I'd guess that you are going to be a laid-back and accomodating kind of kid. Just thinking about the idea of you coming into our family and making us four, it seems like you might just have a harmonious nature. Here's what's up with you lately: 

You spend most of the day curled up sideways inside me- like you're laying in a little basket. Sometimes you go head-down, but you still move around a lot. Like crazy a lot. In the evenings when I sit with Dad on the couch, we watch you manipulate my stomach with super strong punches and kicks and slides. 

You are growing beautifully and quietly- never giving us any trouble. You let me sleep so deep and help me feel really energetic and creative most days. You are making my hair, nails, and skin thrive. Your heart sounds awesome. You must be liking the food I'm eating because I never feel sick- not even a trace of heartburn lately! Like I said, you don't ask too much of me right now, such an obliging little one you are. 

I'm starting to picture us together in the wee hours of the morning when you wake up hungry. It will be in the middle of the deep, dark, Minnesota wintertime. I've got a comfy chair ready for us, and I'll have twinkly Christmas lights still strung up (no matter how late you come, I promise) and we're already thinking of extra heat in our attic bedroom to keep you warm. I can't wait to have another try at baby-soothing and to remember how to swaddle and to watch your Daddy be a master at the whole newborn in our house thing. He's amazing. I just know you'll love his arms for bouncing and my arms for nursing as much as your sister did. Only 10 more weeks or so until we might be meeting you! Your name is in the works. We'll pick out a good one for you. 

Love you madly,
Mom

remember that wake up in the morning and i wonder where my bump went thing?
yeah. that's over:) there's a tummy, all the time.

and people can tell. it's official. while we were eating breakfast at our hotel, a man with an irish accent said something to us about "when that little one comes along..." after he left, grant turned to me and said, "that was the first time someone has assumed you are pregnant!" it was really fun. i also had my first experience with the special treatment that comes with being pregnant. a nice guy on the epcot bus gave up his seat for me. a few people let me go first. the flight attendants had extra smiles. and the lady at the counter gave me the fruit i wanted, instead of the chocolate cake that came with my meal. because it's good for the baby. 

these days, the people who see me in the morning see a different girl than those who see me at night. which is basically only grant as far as nighttime goes. because really, is there any reason a pregnant lady- or anyone, for that matter- should want to be out on a bitterly cold night in the dead of winter? not to my mind. once i get into a nice, warm house i don't leave until it's absolutely necessary. (namely, to go to the gym.) and that, in a nut shell, is how i survive minnesota winters.

anyway, the story i'm trying to tell here is the phenomenon of my two different tummies.

when i wake up in the morning, i still feel quite little. if i have a t-shirt on, standing in front of the mirror to brush my teeth feels like oh, hello old self. you really had everyone fooled with that baby thing, right? and as i get ready for school, i might be barely showing in my winter layers. i've heard a couple people say "oh, look how little she is!" (you are so kind!) but they have no idea what lurks ahead for this torso. after i eat lunch, you can watch me grow. just like alice in wonderland! and as the day goes on, as glasses of water are downed (read: retained) and meals taken in, i swell. big time. by the time i'm ready to go to bed at night, i feel downright plump. tummy tight as a drum.

it's a good thing i pulled out my fat jeans from the bottom of the shelf this fall. i didn't even realize they were fat jeans before. who knew they'd be so perfect for my maternity days?! not me. i can't believe all the room i must've had pre-pregnancy. have you read the story of marta's fat jeans? you totally should. and i couldn't agree with her more: do yourself a favor, and get yourself a pair. anyway, i still fit without much strain into my normal jeans (unbuttoned of course), but the fat jeans.. they're my hero. they are 2% spandex, and i am realizing how wonderful that is. fat jeans to the rescue.

the other thing that has saved me from days of discomfort and having to buy any maternity clothes yet is the be band. i love this little piece of fabric with all my heart! the most swelling-friendly item on the market. what a life-saver. and money-saver. thanks to this, there haven't been any buttoned jeans around here since thanksgiving. what did girls do before these came on the scene?! my sister in law says overalls. i am hugely thankful to be spared that fate. we were going to pay bigger bucks online for a bella band, so i'm really happy we stumbled onto these cheaper bands while browsing at target. our checkout girl for that shopping trip was the first one to find out we were pregnant. :) i wonder how often this happens? she probably doesn't remember it as much as i do.

so far i'm not a big fan of any of the maternity jeans i've seen/tried.. anyone have any brands they'd like to recommend?! or any other fabulous clothing for a growing tummy? yoga pants that you love? what should i look for when i start to shop maternity for reals? all of you moms out there are the experts, and i'd love to hear your wisdom on the subject!!