Pinterest Recipe!

I found this yummy recipe from Pinterest and decided to try it out for dinner.  It was super easy to make (this coming from someone who typically can not cook for the life of me).  For the grilled chicken, I squeezed lemon juice on it and added pepper.  It was a great combination, and wasn't a heavy meal.  It filled me up, but the sauce for the penne wasn't too thick and filling.  Here is the recipe. Enjoy!! :)
p.s-my picture representation isn't nearly as pretty as on the website with the recipe!

DIY Head Bands

So, I absolutely LOVE pinterest, and while I was on there I found this great tutorial on how to make little girl head bands with felt flowers.  It seemed like an easy enough project for me to attempt, and I liked the step-by-step instructions in the tutorial.  So I wound up giving it a try this weekend, and here is how they turned out!  They were super easy to make and very inexpensive.  I did do a practice flower before I started, and the flower does take a little practice to make it look how you want it to.  I also used a 5th flower cut out at the end instead of only 4.  I also bought everything needed to make this at Joann Fabrics.  The elastic band came in a pack of 2, and the felt squares were so inexpensive.  Here is the link to the tutorial. Hope you enjoy!

Cesarean vs. Vaginal Birth

When I first got pregnant I remember telling my mother-in-law that I hope I can have a c-section and not have to give birth vaginally.  Boy, have my thoughts changed completely!  I was very naïve in the thinking that a c-section was the way to go.  What changed my thoughts?  Research! 

I was bored one day at home, and wanted to watch something on my apple tv that was baby/pregnancy related.  I found this documentary called The Business of Being Born, by Ricki Lake.  I thought it appeared interesting, and decided to watch it.  The documentary shows several women doing home births naturally, instead of going to the hospital.  In the documentary Ricki Lake discusses how she felt cheated in her birthing experience at the hospital.  She feels as though she was pushed into having a c-section when it wasn’t really necessary.  She felt robbed of the birthing experience.  In the documentary she shows statistics on the amount of c-sections being done, and the most frequent times they are done.  Clearly, it is more beneficial for doctors to have a c-section, then wait the grueling hours with the mother until the baby is ready to come out.  Majority of women that were given pitocin to induce their labor (pitocin can also be used mid labor), wound up having to have a c-section.

What is pitocin?  Pitocin is a synthetic form of oxytocin(http://www.childbirth.org/articles/pit.html). Oxytocin is a natural hormone produced by a woman’s body. Pitocin is used to induce labor or increase the strength of contractions.   The important thing to know is that contractions induced by pitocin are different from your body’s natural contractions in strength and effect.  The induced force of the contraction from pitocin may decrease uterine blood flow, therefore also reducing oxygen to the baby.  Fetal distress is more common with pitcoin use and you will continuous electronic fetal monitoring.  There are several risks for the mother and baby when given pitocin, you can read them here, http://www.childbirth.org/articles/pit.html.

Many women are eager and anxious to be induced, which is understandble.  They are ready to meet their little one.  However being induced, may result in a c-section.  I want to list some of the risks of having a c-section.  I got this information from http://www.americanpregnancy.org/labornbirth/cesareanrisks.html.  The risks include, infection; hemorrhage; injury to organs; adhesions; maternal mortality; risk of additional surgery, ect.  The important thing to realize is that having a c-section is a MAJOR surgery.  I think our society has become so socially accepted to planning our c-section’s, that they forget what a major and dangerous surgery this really is. 

Of course having a vaginal birth is no walk in the park either.  There are also risks to vaginal births, though not as severe, but they should be mentioned as well.  I got this information from http://www.childbirthconnection.org/pdfs/cesareanbookletinsert.pdf.  The risks include painful vaginal area; bowel problems; sexual problems; excessive bleeding; tearing; hemorrhoids.  Even though there are risks to having a vaginal birth there are also benefits.  Tonight I found one from Baby Talk magazine.  A vaginal birth exposes newborns to bacteria that help build their immune systems.  Other benefits include: babies born vaginally have a lower risk respiratory problems, the passage down the birth canal stimulates the baby’s cardiovascular system, babies receive protective bacteria which is crucial for developing a balanced immune system, and babies also benefit from hormonal surges which results in them being more alert and able to connect with their mothers at birth.  The list goes on and on about the increased benefits to a vaginal birth, you can find the rest of the information here: http://www.pregnancy-and-giving-birth.com/vaginal-birth-benefits.html.

Now knowing the risks and benefits I feel I am able to develop a birth plan of having a vaginal birth.  However, I also know that there are certain risks where you will have no choice but to have a c-section.  Some of those risks are if the baby is breeched or if the umbilical cord is wrapped around the baby.  In that case the safest delivery for the baby and the mother is having a c-section and I am fully aware that that can always be a possibility and to be open to having a c-section for those reasons.  I just want for mothers to do their research before allowing the doctor to induce them. 

Coupon Savvy

With a baby on the way, I have learned that I need to start being smarter with my money.  That's always easier said than done.  Every little bit of saving helps though, and if you can save big, its totally worth it.  Lets face it, having kids is not cheap!  Between the stage I am at right now, with planning for a baby and buying all the necessary things that you need, ie. the crib, changing station, pack and play, diapers, bottles, and more, and then the stage of when they start school and all of those expenses, having a child (or more) isn't cheap! So saving money on other places that you can, like food, is a PLUS!  A couple of years ago when my husband and I were living down south, my sister-in-law showed me a money saving site.  It works really well if you live in the south and can shop at Publix (which I miss so so so sooo much!), however now that I live up north, I find myself still finding awesome coupons and deals.  So I wanted to share this site with you: www.southernsavers.com. 

You can also like her facebook page which is great for seeing updates on your news feed of the current deals she has.  One deal that I am excited to use it the 50 free prints from Shutterfly.  I already have a shutterfly account, but my husband doesn't :) 

Hope you enjoy the site! :) 

Cravings?

Cravings during pregnancy?  Crazy food cravings?  I haven't really craved anything to crazy so far.  During my first trimester, I was craving pickles all the time, but now I'm not interested in pickles.  I do crave salt and vinegar chips though, they are so irresistible! The other thing that I absolutely crave all of the time, is Panera Bread Macaroni and Cheese!  It is so creamy and cheesy, it's delicious!  The only bad part about that, is that eating at Panera Bread all the time can be pretty expensive :(.  One nice thing I discovered though, is that you can sign up for a "My Panera" rewards card.  Every time you eat there, have them swipe your card, and you earn points.  Each points you earn, gets you free things the next time you go in.  For example, last week I had a free drink, so I got there yummy lemonade, and today I had a free smoothie, so I got a mango smoothie (wasn't my favorite). Just ask the cashier ringing you up for the card, they will give you information and you can just go online and fill it out :)

Make it a blessed day!

Good morning! Last night I was reading New Parenting magazine before I went to bed, and I found a very interesting article discussing cloth diapers vs. disposable.  I can't wait to get home from work today to discuss the article with you, and you will be surprised! I know I was!
This morning my husband and I prayed together before he left for work.  I pray everyone out there reading this has a blessed day and to make the most of your day! :-)

My Favorite Part about Being Pregnant...

Yesterday as I was browsing facebook, I noticed Baby Center asked a poll question on their page, "What is the best part of being pregnant?" Many women answered, "when its over!".  Some answered, "baby shower!"  So it got me thinking.  I started to think about life before I was pregnant, and now life while I am pregnant.  I thought to myself, what is my favorite part of being pregnant?  Well, a few things popped into my head, one of which is eating all the time, which is always fun! :) I also thought about how excited I am for my baby shower's coming up. However to me, the real excitement of being pregnant, is the planning and preparation.  The anticipation of meeting our sweet gift from God! Do you remember when you were a kid, and how excited you got to open your presents on Christmas day?  That's how I feel about having my daughter.  I am so unbelievably excited to bring her into this world, to meet her, to teach her how to be a strong, confident, polite woman.  I just love all of the planning, and picking out her nursery theme, her clothes, her toys.  Getting everything I need before the big day comes.  To me, that is the BEST part of being pregnant!!
So far I am 21 weeks along.  I am feeling good, although still very tired.  Sleeping at night is starting to become a little difficult.  I find that my legs get very restless at night, I can't seem to get comfortable, and I am even a little agitated at night.  From what I hear, the sleeping only gets more difficult.  I suppose that's preparation for having a baby keep you up all night!
Here is my 21 week baby bump picture.  We had already told our friends and family for weeks now that we were having a girl, but I uploaded this picture to FB to tell my extended friends and family the good news :)