Routine or Rut?

Well, hey now.  How is it already Friday?  I dunno, but I'm going to take it and run with it!
How has your week been?  It's another jam packed mess in my world, but I suppose that it makes the weekend come sooner, so I won't complain.  Sound good?  Good.
So, it's Friday.  That means its a wear jeans to work kind of day.  A swimming during lunch day.  A pizza for dinner kind of night.  And a catch up with friends over the phone, skype, or in person kind of night.
Every Friday.
What a rut.  Or a routine?  I was thinking about this the other day....my life is most certainly not set in stone, but there are a number of things that I fall into a routine with....on a daily and weekly basis.
For example:
1.  My route to work.  Same.  Every day.  I know what time I need to leave to avoid certain traffic patterns.  What time i need to hit 490 in order to make it to my deck by 4:30.  And exactly what time I need to leave in order to make it home in 26 minutes.  Flat.
2. My workout schedule-
Swimming-MWF
Running-Tues, Thurs, Sun (this has changed somewhat with BG on board!)
Biking-Weds and Sat
Strength: Tues and Sat

Every. Week.  Sometimes with a T run on Saturdays.  Distances vary, workout schedule does not.  I have changed this up a bit in the last 3 months, but that's out of necessity to this weird alien body I'm lugging around. heh.

3.  Mealtimes-Breakfast when I get to work.  Snack at 11:30.  Lunch at 2pm.  Dinner at 7pm.  Snack at 9pm.  Is my body on a clock?  I doubt it.  But my mind is.
4.  This is pathetic...but even my clothes!  I think I wear the same sweater every Monday.  And I know without a doubt that I re-wear the same 6 outfits all the damn time.

5.  My weekends.  Get up at the same time.  Eggs on Saturday, pancakes on Sunday.  Clean house and run errands on Saturday.  PJs on Sunday.  Same workouts.  Same lunch.  Same, same, same.

I could go on and on, but that's a good summary.  I never really noticed this until a few months ago, when I started changing up a few things...namely my workouts and eating patterns.  Was the old way a problem?  I don't think so, I was happy-but it's kind of neat trying out new workouts based on what my body is feeling, rather than being slave to a set plan.  And eating new foods based on what I am "craving" (I use this loosely), rather than what I normally eat.

Except for pizza on Fridays.  Because, as we know, right now....every night could be pizza night. I wish it was.

So here's my challenge (join me if you will!)  I want to change up one thing about my routine each day.  Whether it be a new way to work, or a new outfit that's been buried in my closet for months....or a new food for dinner...I'm in.  Starting today.  Stuff it, I'm taking the scenic route home.  And I water ran instead of swimming today. 

Change is good!

Do you have a set routine?  Does it work for you, or do you ever feel like you're getting into a rut?

Week 17: Hello, World!

Welcome to month 4!  Seems like yesterday I was jumping up and down over two lines :-)

Your Pregnancy in Week 17
Your baby's skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone, and the umbilical cord — her lifeline to the placenta — is growing stronger and thicker. Your baby weighs 5 ounces now (about as much as a turnip), and she's around 5 inches long from head to bottom. She can move her joints, and her sweat glands are starting to develop.

Woah.  I looked up this week's "produce" equivalent, and it looks like Baby G is an onion.  Hmm.  I'm gonna go with the whole layers way of looking at it, rather than the stinky way....LOL.

Total Weight Gain: Up 2 pounds.  Seems as if Baby G and I are doing well at the gaining weight thing.  I've been in love with salty foods this week, but also trying to drink alot of water to counteract sodium overload.

I need to stop taking pictures post run...lol

 My Body: I can see bump!!  Mini bump for sure, but mah belly is now sticking out, thankyouverymuch.  Pants still fit just fine, which rocks, but there's for sure a little one in there!  (Apparently my uterus is the size of a melon now, so that would explain the peek a boo!)

Cravings: Chinese food, burgers, and peaches.  Good thing I can make a tofu stir fry, veggie burger and peaches were only 1.50 a pound this week.  Good baby, good baby.
Aversions: Everything mentioned before, and squash.  Dammit.  I roasted a perfectly good butternut squash this weekend....then pureed it into chili because I couldn't eat it.  Lame. 
Sleep: Sleeping super well, and having VERY vivid dreams.  Sometimes this is good (Hello Bradley Cooper), sometimes weird (a strange twist on a WWII reenactment), and sometimes plain scary (players from high school that have NO business invading my REM, thankyouverymuch).  I've been waking up every morning going...okay...what in the EFF was that??  Thinking of starting a dream journal, but suspecting I might be committed if I share with anyone. 
Baby Items Bought/Received: Paint for the nursery.  It counts!
Best Baby Moment: Greg and I went camping at Letchworth Park this weekend, and went for a hike by the gorge on Saturday.  It was a beautiful day, and we had a blast!  As were hiking by the upper falls, I felt...a little flip...like a wave.  Weird.  Never felt it before.  I stopped for a minute, then a tiny flutter again.  I felt little g for the first time!  Just sayin' "hey guys, I'm here!".  Amazing.  Just amazing.  And I'm smiling as I retype it.  I've felt it again once since then, so I'm pretty confident that it was the baby!
What a fun filled week!  Can't wait to see what lil bit brings next week....

Winter Wonderland

Ahh, what a beautiful weekend.  Unless you had to drive on Friday.  Then, I am sorry.  But, Ase from that mess-the weekend was absolutely gorgeous!  Greg and I stayed in on Friday night and got our ducks in a row, did some baking, cooking, and QT together, and then headed out early for our annual winter camping excursion with my cousins at Letchwork Park.  A roaring fire, hiking, cross country skiing, snow tubing, chili, games, and good friends?  Perfect, perfect, perfect.
Check it out!

Now we're back and getting ready for another fun filled week-a bit tired, a bit in need of some heat, but undoubtedly refreshed and happy after a great weekend.  Never thought I would be a winter camping kind of girl....but it is the best!  Have you ever camped in the winter?

Whatever Lola wants....

Well, I think we have turned a corner.  Yep, for sure.  Baby post is still a few days away, but that's okay.  Let's talk food.  Specifically, cravings.
Now, I know that pregnant women have them.  I just didn't really buy into it that I would have them.  First trimester...was about keeping things down.  Fo sho.  I wanted pizza quite a bit (whats with the past tense...I STILL DO) but I think it's because, unless you load it with crap, it's a nice, easily digestible carb.  Everything else....was about what didn't sound horrific, even some of my beloved faves.
Then week 14 hit.  And I waited for food to sound good again.  Second trimester makes everything better, right?  Errr, no.  I could tolerate a few more things, but food did not sound good.
Well, like sweet 16 the age....sweet 16 is the week for FOOD!  I'm not overdoing anything....but I've had a few cravings that have been crazy this week (as in, I never eat this stuff normally!)  but I am so going with it....
1.  Chinese Food.  Oh, delicious.  Greg and I splurge once in awhile, but I decided to do my own terriyaki noodles with tofu and broccoli.  I made two servings...that served 1.2.  Me and little bit.  YUM.
2.  Fruit.  I suppose this isn't weird, but rather than my pre-preggo handful of m&ms as an evening snack (yeah, I have HAD a sweet tooth!) I find myself cutting up an apple, a mango, whatever.  Delicious.
4..  Parmesan Cheese.  Smells like feet, tastes out of this world on tabbouleh, quinoa, and rice.  I think I'm having a thing for dairy......
5.  Wendy's.  Okay, okay, fast food.  But I made do with a small cheeseburger and chili from Wendy's.  That's not too bad, right?

6.  And the DING DING DING winner....came today.  We had a crap tastic weather day in NY, and my boss was kind enough to let me work from home.  Well, I had to go pick up a prescription at the drugstore, so I went out for about an hour around noon....and the radio announcer was reminding us how crappy is was out and to NOT GO OUT...unless you were going for a shamrock shake, which just came out at Mcd's for the season.  Well, my mouth began to water.  Which is odd, because I have never HAD or WANTED a shamrock shake.  But didn't ya know....my car just happen to drive by McDonald's and....well the rest is history.  At least I got a small.  Creamy, minty, cool, and perfect.  Craving satisfied.

Odd....but I'm laughing about it.  I guess whatever Lola...or....Lonnie....wants ......"baby" gets(No, Lola is not on the table for a name!)!  Within reason, of course....gotta practice my firm NO and shake of the head.....lol, or something like that.

For the mommas out there....hit me up.  What was the WEIRDEST craving you had while pregnant?  I'm curious!!

Say Cheese!

Cravings...are so weird.  Now, for the past 15 years (or so...), I've had chocolate cravings.  Sweets cravings.  No prob.  I know that some yogurt will cover a sweets craving, and chocolate dipped strawberries are an awesome healthy alternative to a Snickers Bar. I also know when to just say stuff it and eat the damned candy bar...because sometimes, fruit doesn't hack it.

But the last 10 weeks....have shown me how drastically your body can change.  I dont want sweet quinoa for dinner.  Or oats with fruit for breakfast.  Or even sweet potatoes.

Yuck.

Give me meat.  And potatoes.  And cheese (preferably on pizza).  Who am I?  Oh right.  I'm pregnant.  And highly unpredictable.  Oh well.  I'm still gonna eat cheese.  And meat/.  So to save time, I combined the two.  And because I give a crap about my health and the babies...I'll even try to keep it somewhat healthy.  Really, what else can you ask for?

Double Cheesy Meatloaf (serves 4)

1 pound 95% lean ground beef
1 cup cottage cheese
1 med onion, diced
1 egg
1/2 cup quick oats
1/4 cup reduced fat cheddar cheese
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp minced garlic
1/4 cup barbecue sauce


In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, egg, cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, oats, onion, and spices.  Fold into a loaf shape (it wont be pretty).  Bake at 350 for 45 minutes in a loaf pan (duh, I know).  Remove and drizzle barbecue sauce over top, return to oven and bake for 5 minutes, then broil for 5 to caramelize the sauce.  Allow to sit at room temp for 5 minutes before serving so it doesn't break apart.

Served alongside roasted purple potatoes (looks weird, tastes amazing).  That was some cheesy, proteiny, meaty goodness.  Yep, that's what she said.

Hey, this is a preggo inspired recipe that isn't too weird.  I'll save the pickle ice cream for dessert recipe for later....(kidding!!)

Week 16- Hiding the Evidence

Just a note-I got a few questions on the fact that the weeks specifically call the baby "he" or "she".  Since I get my "fruit" updates from a website, they alternate each week whether they call the baby a girl or a boy, just to keep things equal.  I don't know whetehr it is a boy or girl, and if we inadvertently find out somehow (no, we still are not planning to!) I will most certainly let you know, promise!!

Your Baby in Week 16 of Pregnancy

Get ready for a growth spurt. In the next few weeks, your baby will double his weight and add inches to his length. Right now, he's about the size of an avocado: 4 1/2 inches long (head to rump) and 3 1/2 ounces. His legs are much more developed, his head is more erect than it has been, and his eyes have moved closer to the front of his head. His ears are close to their final position, too. The patterning of his scalp has begun, though his locks aren't recognizable yet. He's even started growing toenails. And there's a lot happening inside as well. For example, his heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day, and this amount will continue to increase as your baby continues to develop.

With that said, an avacado.  Holy canoodle.  baby is going through a growth spurt!  As I was grocery shopping this week, I picked up a mango, which is similar in size to an avacado (not a big fan of guac) and showed Greg how big the baby is now.  He cocked his head sideways and goes...really?  Where are you hiding that fruit?  Who knows, baby.  Who knows.  Someday I'll pop...right now I just have no shape :-P  But there's still no doubt I'm a preg-o, even without (much) physical evidence!.....c'mon....there's some...right???

Total Weight Gain: Officially up 1 pound from PP weight!  I am on the positive side!  (And yes, I will bookmark this damn page as evidence that I was once happy that I gained weight.) 

My Body: Thicker.  I know I keep going back to it, but that about sums it up in a nutshell.  Tiny belly protrusion, not much.  Normal pants still fit (and the girl down the hall that is 3 weeks further along than me and been in maternity pants for 2 months is super upset by that.  Oops).

Cravings: Fruit.  Any kind.  I went to the dollar store and bought frozen mango (is that wrong?), pineapple, and strawberries.  I cut up a plate of oranges and apples after dinner and feast.  Yum.

Aversions:  Yeah, I thought this would be fun to add.  Greek yogurt still sucks, same with bananas.  Not too into peanut butter, either.  Wow, I don' even know myself!!

Sleep: Bathroom breaks are still frequent, but if I am smart enough to focus my water mostly before dinner, I sleep more.  Rocket science, I know.  Also a few stressors this week that have kept me up, but I'm trying to work through them with yoga and deep breathing. 

Baby Items Bought/Received: A crap ton of maternity clothes-just to be ready!  I got a killer deal at Old Navy....I'll do a preggo on the cheap post soon!  Also got a few random baby items at Targets 70% off sale, and a great Halloween costume for baby g at kohl's for $1.40.  Sweet!

Best Baby Moment: Since Baby G is now sensitive to light and can make out some sounds, Greg has started talking to him/her a bit, as well as patting my tummy and saying good morning/good night.  My heart may have melted at that one...ok, a lot :-)

Goals: To stop being a wuss and go run the heck outside.  I'm pregnant.  Not made of glass.  And I hate the treadmill!  Time to layer up and get back some stress reduction therapy!!

Worries: Morning sickness.  Still have foods I can't do (this baby hates yogurt and bananas), but it seems my nausea has passed for the most part.  I can only eat small meals, which is fine by me, but....IT BETTER NOT COME BACK!!

Almost to the halfway mark....will I ever look pregnant?  And how am I going to wait 23ish more weeks to meet this little peanut?  I'm so in love already!!

"Soup"er Bowl

I'll come right out and say it.  There's not much for me the first Sunday of February.  It's cold.  I have to go to work tomorrow.  The groundhog either just told us that there are 6 weeks until spring or even longer...which is just great....but....there's still snow on the ground and I have to wear long pants.
Not a fan.
Well, regardless, today is the day where winter is okay.  You go for a nice run, burn off some energy, then do a Super Bowl Party, sit on your ass, watch the commercials, and eat food.  Oh wait, there's a game?  Well, the only way I care about that is if it's my time, and then that's marginal at best.  (Panthers).  I'm just gad the Patriots didn't make it.  And in case anyone cares (which I don't even), I'm nominally routing for the 49ers.  Cause my gramma had a crush on Joe Montana.  And that's good enough for me.
But who cares about the game when there's yummy food?  And what's a Super Bowl Party without Chili?  That's where I stepped in!

Butternut Squash Chili (serves 4)

1 medium butternut squash

1 medium onion
1 tbsp. garlic
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 cup frozen corn
1 15 oz can kidney beans
1 15 oz can black beans
1 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. chili powder
4 cups vegetable stock

This recipe can be crock potted, but unless you have it prepped and ready to go by 9am, it'll never be done by kick off....and well....I'm not a mom yet.  So i slept in.  No worries.

Step 1:  Stick the butternut squash in the microwave for 2 minutes (whole) to soften.  Peel skin with a potato peeler (should come off easier when soft!)  Slice in half, de seed, and cut into small cubes.  You can either puree it in the food processor (hides the healthy veggie), or leave as is.  I left it because I have some brave men that will try it! 

The Chili:  Finely dice the onion, and add with garlic to a large stockpot.  Add in olive oil and cook for 5 minutes, until soft.  Add in beans, broth, and butternut squash.  Heat to boil, then simmer on low.  Add in cumin, pepper, cinnamon and chili powder.  Simmer for at least 60 minutes, or until squash is soft.  Add in corn, cover, and let cook for 30 additional minutes.

Delish.  And heart healthy....so.....you can go dig into those nachos afterwards :-P

Score.