lactation cookies

Yes, lactation cookies -this is a thing. Lactation cookies are chocked full of “galactagogues,” foods that promote or increase the flow of mother’s milk, also they're yummy. There are a few kinds of boobie milk cookies on the market, but why buy what you can easily make? Plus the recipe below (via Mama Natural) is especially healthy, full of organic good stuff, so there is zero guilt. 

Whip up a batch of these bad boys and enjoy some milk and cookies - literally. 

INGREDIENTS 

• 2 cups organic rolled oats
• 1/2 cup organic coconut sugar
• 1/4 cup tapioca flour (can use organic cornstarch or arrowroot flour)
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast flakes
• 1 TB fennel seed, ground (can replace with flax seeds)
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. sea salt
• 1/2 cup almond butter (can replace with sunflower or tahini if allergic to tree nuts)
• 1/4 cup, plus 2 TB coconut oil, melted
• 2 eggs (can replace with chia seed or other egg replacement)
• 2 TB raw honey 
• 1/2 tsp. organic vanilla extract (can use almond or orange as well)

METHOD

1. Pre-heat oven at 350 degrees fahrenheit.
2. Put your 2 cups of rolled oats into a high speed blender or food processor. Blend until the oats are a flour-like consistency.
3. Measure out 1 TB of fennel seeds and grind in coffee grinder or with mortal and pestle until fine powder.
4. Put dry ingredients into large bowl and mix.
5. In a smaller bowl, put your almond butter, melted coconut oil, honey, eggs and vanilla extract. Mix well.
6. Pour the contents of smaller bowl into the dry ingredient bowl. Mix well with spoon or clean hands.
7. Grease a cookie sheet with coconut oil. Form small flat balls, about the circumference of a silver dollar. 
8. Bake cookies in oven for 15-20 minutes. Check for slightest browning on outside of cookie. Take out and transfer cookies to a cooling rack. 
9. Enjoy warm, or let cookies cool to room temperature. 
10. Eat up and let it flow. 

Image via.

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Third Trimester

Before I completely forget about pregnancy in the haze of new mommy-hood, I thought I'd better share my third trimester must haves. (See first trimester and second trimester must haves as well.) I enjoyed my third trimester, yes you're a big as a boat, and yes, super worn out, but ... you're baby's almost here! What's more exciting than that?

By the time your third trimester rolls around you'll probably already have all the pregnancy products you need, aside from maybe buying bigger maternity pants, and will be beginning to shift your buying focus to baby products (a different post entirely) and nesting, but there are still a few pregnancy related activities to tackle.

Your bump should be super obvious by now - so cute! To care for it I continued the body scrub + vitamin E combo until the bitter end (actually, post pregnancy this continues to be a part of my grooming routine) and got though pregnancy stretch mark free. I also kept up with my Tracy Anderson workouts (when I had the energy) and did a ton of walking. I actually walked to and from dinner just a few hours before starting labor. Staying active really helps get your body ready for labor and makes "bouncing back" to your pre-pregnancy shape SO much easier. Not that you can't indulge a craving or two as well - I totally ate my fair share of cookies, ice cream, and pizza.

This is also a good time to take maternity photos. The 7th or 8th month are ideal - you want an obvious bump but don't want to feel too huge. I'd also recommend taking sometime to pamper yourself before the baby arrives - get your hair and nails did, get a massage (or five, seriously they are the best when you're knocked up), and hire someone to come and clean your home (yes, I consider that pampering yourself). Anything you need to do to relax and recharge, get your "me time" in now.

This is also the time to start preparing for the birth. If this is your first baby, definitely take a birthing class with your partner. No doubt your doctor's office will offer classes, but I think it's also good to take a class from an independent instructor as well, like a midwife, to get a well rounded perspective. If you're in San Francisco, the classes at Carmel Blue are fantastic. After your classes, talk with your partner and put together your birth plan. Make sure you give a copy to your doctor, put a copy in your hospital bag, and give copies to anyone who is planing to be present at the birth (like your mom). You want to make sure your wishes are widely know and that you have people to advocate for you if you are unable to advocate for yourself.

You'll also want to pack your hospital bag when you're getting closer to d-day. I packed mine a few weeks before the due date and was so glad I did when I went into labor early. The hospital will have basically everything you need, but it is nice to have cute socks and a robe to change into after your baby has arrived, your toiletries, phone chargers and/or camera, an outfit to wear home (for you and the baby), and anything else your birth plan calls for (music, massage oils, etc). But don't stress too much about it, your partner or a family member can always run out and grab anything you need.

Mostly just remember to be patient and forgiving of yourself, your life is changing in some really hard and beautiful ways. Savor this moment.

All images via Mallory Miya.

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Baby Bump

A pregnancy photo diary ...

Images via yours truly. 

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She's here!

As you may have guessed based on the radio silence lately - our sweet baby girl is here! Meet Miss Olivia Elizabeth, born in the wee morning hours on May 9th, 2014.

Little Miss was exactly a week early, so we were caught a little off guard (I'd even gone out to dinner with girlfriends a few hours before my labor started!) - but we are thrilled to have her in our arms sooner than expected. We've spent the past few days quietly adjusting to our new family of three, with a lot of help from our moms and support from our families. Suddenly, the excess seems to have melted away, and my focused has shifted completely to this new little life and our new little family.

Wish us luck as we settle in. xoxo!

PS: where babies come from, in case you were wondering or if anyone asks.

PPS: I'll be back as soon as I can with an update, but please be patient with me if posting is slower than usual round these parts for a little bit. I promise to get back to regularly scheduled programing as soon as possible. Thanks, xoxo!

Image via yours truly. 
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Don't, just don't

Oh no. No, no, no. Just don't. See more maternity tops that just shouldn't, here.

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Second Trimester

In my opinion, the second trimester is actually pretty fun. I had a fairly typical second trimester - my energy levels went back up, my morning sickness slowly started to fade, and in general I just started to feel more used to being pregnant. It all starts to feel more normal and more real. You also finally get to share the big news, and then a little later can find out if you're expecting a girl or boy. Plus, that awkward new mid-section thickness starts to form into a real bump. All fun things. 

So just like I did before, I thought I'd share a few of the "must haves" that got me though my second trimester. 

A few of the things I did in my first trimester I continued into my second. Particularly, vitamin E oil on my belly to combat stretch marks twice a day, and a good body scrub to keep my more sensitive skin nourished and smooth. I found that doing a few things to pamper myself really went a long way - schedule as many mani-pedi dates as your girlfriends will tolerate. 

Take advantage of your energy during this time to plan any special trips and/or to make sure you get ample time in with your friends and partner. As you get further and further along, you'll probably start to feel more worn out again. 

I also continued to faithfully do my Tracy Anderson workouts and walked as much as possible. 

A few of the products I discovered that really made a difference were the bump nest pillow to ease restless nights, and the bella band to support your growing bump and to allow you to wear your pre-pregnancy pants (unbuttoned) longer. It's also a good time to invest in some cute flats, since (to my chagrin) heels become more and more uncomfortable. 

The second trimester is also a good time to read some books, not just on pregnancy, but on those early days of parenting as well. You know, before you're too exhausted to absorb what your reading. I read The Girlfriends Guide to Pregnancy, What to Expect When You're Expecting, The Happiest Baby on the Block, The Sleepeasy Solution, and Your Baby and Child. It's also a good time to get a journal and start recording all your thoughts and feelings going on at this time. 

Throughout it all my favorite app has been Pregnancy ++ - it's so through, it's actually the only one I've used. 

This was also when the hubs and I began our baby registry. We used MyRegistry.com so we could pick items from multiple stores.

In terms of  cravings, I still wanted the occasional burger and developed a particular weakness for pizza. But I found myself really wanting berries of all kinds (tangy and sweet, plus super good for you) and smoothies quickly became my-go to for when I needed to eat but nothing sounded yummy. 

Oh, and any of you Bay Area mom's to be, I can't say enough good things about Jane Austin's pre-natal pregnancy partners workshop. The hubs even enjoyed it (after admitting he had been coerced into going). 

Okay mama's, did I miss anything? 

PS: Thoughts on pregnancy, half way through, and my other pregnancy and baby posts.

Image via yours truly. 

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Wed Day

Aren't these photos of expectant families touching? These haunting images were taken by Russian photographer, Jana Romanova, in the wee hours of the morning before her subjects woke. Originally, she began the series "Waiting" by photographing her pregnant friends, but soon expanded to taking the portraits of strangers as well - 40 in total, one for every week of pregnancy.

I love how raw and unguarded these images are.

Romanova's work, represented by Anzenberger Agency, is now on view at Encontros da Imagem in Braga, Portugal. An exhibition of the photos in "Waiting" is on view at Monsteiro de Tibaes - you know, if you find yourself in the neighborhood.

Are you a mommy, or expecting? How did you sleep while you were pregnant? I've been using this huge pregnancy pillow, amazing for my back and overall comfort, not so much for snuggling though.

Images via.

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Baby Shower

A few weekends back I went down to LA for a baby shower ... my baby shower. Eek!

My mama and sister were sweet enough to plan and host. It was a completely DIY affair. My mama handmade the invitations, my sister and I cooked (mostly my sister - who am I kidding?), my sister crafted, and I took care of the table scape and flowers. It ended up being an intimate afternoon, mostly family plus a few sweet friends, even my 88 year old grandma came!

We did most of the typical baby shower things, I opened gifts, we played games, chit chatted, and I wore a polka dotted dress. It was a really nice day. I so appreciated all the work my mom and sister put into it, and was really touched by the love and support from my friends and family.

Oh babies ... so many reasons to celebrate.

Image via yours truly.
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Maternity Shoot

I hope you'll all indulge me for a minute -- about two weeks ago the lovely and talented Mallory of Mallory Miya Photography came to our home and took some intimate maternity shots. Here are a few of my favorites...

Thank you Mallory, I had so much fun shooting with you. 

I completely recommend her to all you Bay Area mamas-to-be out there (ps: she does weddings, engagements, and newborn shoots too!).  xo!

All images via Mallory Miya.

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Tuesday's Tips & Tricks

One of my biggest pregnancy cravings these days has been ... smoothies! They satisfy that itch for some tangy goodness, plus are a great way to get several of your fruits and veggies in for the day in a single setting. Here's one of my go-to concoctions.

Mango, Spinach, Banana Smoothie 

Ingredients

• Handful frozen mangos
• 1/2 banana
• Generous handful of baby spinach
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup tangerine juice
• Optional: vanilla greek yogurt - if you want a creamier smoothie
• Optional: agave nectar - if you want a sweeter smoothie 

Method
Throw everything into a blender and blend until all ingredients are evenly combined into one smooth mixture. Pour into a tall glass and, if you're feeling frisky, top with some whipped cream.

You can also substitute frozen berries for the frozen mangos, add fresh berries to the ingredients above, or change out the type of juice - coconut water is really good as is blueberry juice. You really can't go wrong with a smoothie. Do you like it? Then that's a successful smoothie in my book. What are your favorite smoothie combos?

Images via yours truly.
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Settling In

So I haven't done a weekend wrap-up in a while, mostly because there hasn't been a ton to write home about. Aside from my LA getaway, our small Super Bowl gathering, and the hub's birthday dinner (here) we've mostly just been nesting - settling into this new season of life.  I must say that winter weather (the little we've gotten) has also made it easy to hibernate.

It's a change of pace for sure, but I've surprised myself by how easily I've slipped into this new phase of domesticity. It's been nice to take a beat, catch our breath, give ourselves the space to grow into our next chapter. I'm just at the beginning of my third trimester (I can't even begin to tell you how that happened so quickly!) and I can feel that things are going to pick up here pretty soon. There will be baby showers, birthdays, birthing and baby classes, and of course work obligations - all of which I think may make these last few months before baby girl arrives go rather quickly. So for now I'm just going to appreciate these little relaxed moments while I can.

Image of the hubs' birthday waffles via yours truly.
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Pregnant Pause

Thoughts on pregnancy - half way though my first.

I'm going to apologize in advance for what I'm sure will be a long - baby - centered - post. My feelings won't be hurt if you skip it and come back tomorrow for the usual musings on makeup and silliness. But if you are interested in my thoughts and experiences with pregnancy, strap in ...

Getting Knocked Up

I've always known I wanted to be a mother. It was never a doubt for me, so when thinking about a family started to make sense for the hubs and I - I was all in. I really didn't want it to be a stressful process, I wanted it to happen organically. So I took out my IUD and tried to remain calm. We weren't "trying" but we weren't doing anything preventative either. It took about 4 months, still the time felt like an eternity for me. In the meantime, I really focused on being positive and healthy. I filled myself and our home with love, and really tried to create an atmosphere that a new little spirit would find attractive. Then, boom, it happened.

I felt pregnant right away. I just felt different, but I waited until I missed a period to test and tell the hubs. At first, I felt an odd mix of vulnerability and ferocity. To mess with me was/is to mess with my baby, and I will not have that shit. But I also knew that early pregnancies are pretty fragile so, in a way I felt like I was holding my breath for the first trimester. Making it through the first 12 weeks without incident (except for fainting in the middle of a crowed Trader Joe's, but that's another story) and with a healthy baby in my belly was one of the biggest reliefs of my life.

What I've Been Eating

I definitely had morning sickness in the first 12 weeks, but nothing too crippling. Thankfully, that more or less subsided in my second trimester. My first really strong craving was for beef - burgers, steak, you name it. Basically, I started to crave protein and more substantial food. I've always been what you could call strict with my diet. So I've had to let go of a lot of that, listen to my body, and EAT. I try to make sure I'm getting a good balance of protein, dairy (mostly greek yogurt), good fats (nuts and avocados for example), and lots of fresh greens, fruits, and berries. I have also had to re-introduce carbs into my diet. I've been known to have the occasional cookie, and some chips now and then - but I try not to go too crazy on the junk food since that's not what I want to be feeding my baby.

Oh, and I drink a lot of water, coconut water, fruit juice, and smoothies. Wine, alas, will have to wait ...

Staying Healthy

Aside from trying to eat well, and continuing my acupuncture practice, I try to make sure I'm getting some good movement in. I do my Tracy Anderson DVD faithfully, stretch, and have continued walking to and from work. Our bodies really are so amazing. If we give them the right fuel, and get in enough activity, they do the rest. My weight gain has been steady, but not crazy, you know, the appropriate amount. I have to remind my self that this time really is about letting go, trusting my body to do what it needs to now, with the understanding that later I'll "bounce back" as they say.

The most important thing I can do now, is take care of myself. Taking care of myself is the best thing I can do in this moment to take care of my baby. She hasn't been born, but that doesn't mean I'm not her mommy, so I'm going to do my best for her. Simple as that.

[UPDATE] I've also been religiously taking prenatal multi vitamins, omega 3 fatty acid supplements, and a probiotic. These are musts for the healthy development of your baby.

What I've Been Wearing

It's easy to not feel like yourself when your pregnant, but I think it's important to stay connected to the person you were pre-pregnancy. So I have really wanted to keep dressing like myself, even as my body's changed. I've had great luck with ASOS, GAP, and American Apparel cotton tees and tanks in larger than normal sizes. Plus I've been lucky to inherit some cute pregnancy hand-me-downs. Cute flats, pretty jewelry, and fun bags are also nice.

I've tried to be careful not to spend too much on maternity clothes that I'll only wear for a few months, but one splurge that was totally worth it was a hot pair of maternity jeans that I can still feel sexy in. J Brand Jeans have been just perfect for this. Yes, they are expensive. I got mine on GILT for a reasonable price, so my best advice is to keep an eye in the sales. A nice pair of pajamas to wear around the house and not feel like a shlub in are also a must have.

Staying Connected

The hubs is much more of a homebody than I am, so staying in on the weekends hasn't been an issue for him. There have been lot's of movie nights, foot rubs, and sofa cuddling. Nesting and talking about our plans for this little one has also been a fun and sweet way to connect.

We're trying to stay connected with our friends as well - admittedly easier for the hubs with after work happy hours and such. My girlfriends have been amazingly supportive, despite my sobriety and earlier bedtime. There have been book clubs, mani-pedi dates, lot's of walks, longg phone calls, and the LA get away earlier this month. I really want to make sure that nurturing these relationships before baby girl's appearance is also a priority.

The support of the hubs, our families, and friends has been one of the most rewarding parts of this whole experience so far. I have really enjoyed being pregnant so far - I'm just really trying to soak in this whole season of life. Trying not to rush though this phase - while looking forward to the next.

So tell me, any of you pregnant too? Or hoping to be? What has your experience been?

Image via yours truly from a week or two back.
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Year End Reflections - 2013

For me, 2013 is ending much as it started, quietly. It's been an interesting year, a year of transitions. There have been lows, and highs, with everyday moments in between. Mostly I feel grateful. I'm thankful for my family and friends, for my loving husband, and for our little girl on the way. I'm also so appreciative of all of you who take the time to stop by my little blog - I've said it before, and I'll say it again - it really means a lot to me. Thank you!

So to mark this time of reflection, here is a snapshot of where I'm at the end of 2013. 

I'm currently...

• making: a baby girl.
• cooking: nothing at the moment, I'm still battling pregnancy food aversions. Eating? Now that's a different story.
• drinking: a lot of sparkling water - wine, how I miss you. 
• reading: The Signature of All Things, by Elizabeth Gilbert, plus a myriad of baby books. 
• wanting: a new hair cut. 
• looking: forward to meeting our baby in the spring. 
• playing: with our twin kitties. 
• wasting: time on Pinterest. ;-) 
• sewing: nothing - sadly not a talent I inherited. 
• wishing: only good things for this new little life growing inside of me. 
• enjoying: this season of life. 
• liking: feeling more and more comfortable in my own skin. 
• loving: my husband.
• hoping: the second 1/2 of my pregnancy goes as smoothly as the first. 
• smelling: fresh flowers from our kitchen. 
• wearing: a lot of this. 
• following: my intuition. 
• noticing: the little things (or trying too - pregnancy has forced me to slow down a lot). 
• knowing: that there is a lot we cannot control in this life, aside from our own actions, responses, and perceptions. I'm trying to keep mine positive. 
• thinking: a lot about my family, and the future. 
• feeling: very grateful.
• bookmarking: Malcolm Gladwell - he's next on my reading list after a few more baby books. 
• opening: up. 
• giggling: with girlfriends - in person or on the phone. You know who you are and I love you.
• reflecting: on the past year. 
• laughing: with the hubs, mostly at the kitties. 

Thanks for everything 2013 - here's lookin' at you 2014. xo!

List originally spotted here, image via yours truly.

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Big news ...

We're having a baby girl! I had a feeling she was a little lady, but I didn't want to make any assumptions until we knew for sure - and now we do!

I'm over the moon picturing tutus, tea parties, and dress-up dates. The hubs is a little nervous picturing first dates, prom, and boyfriends. What can you do? At least we have sometime before we have to start really worrying about all that. :-)

I have so many hopes for this little one. It's amazing how well I feel I know her already, how much  I love her.

Image via.
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Weekend Wrap Up

Weekends have definitely taken on a new significance since getting knocked up - I really treasure these few days to recuperate more than ever. Late nights aren't so late (or so boozy), but that doesn't really bother me. Maybe I'm growing up. :-)

This past weekend started of rainy and was cold, cold, cold all the way through. Friday night we had dinner with the hubs' favorite uncle (in town for a medical conference) and then called it an early night (no shocker there, see above). It's always a treat to spend time with family you don't get to see nearly as often as you'd like.

Saturday was lazy, but that night actually ended up being pretty special. Since we've been together, the hubs and I have taken at least one night in December to wander around whatever city we're in at the moment and take in all the Christmas lights. For the past few years that's meant a walk around Nob Hill, Union Square, and Downtown - hot coffee or coco included of course. It's not a radical tradition to keep, it's a small thing really, but still feels important - chatting, walking hand in hand. I look forward to it all year. This year felt even more significant - everything this time of year seems a little more significant with a baby on the way. The season is highlighted knowing that is the last year  it will be "just the two of us" and that this time next year we'll be wandering looking at Christmas lights and the kittens in the Macy's window with a baby in tow. Craziness ... 

How were your weekends dolls? I'd love to hear!

Image via yours truly.  

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Bump Nest

I'm currently in my 2nd trimester and have just started having trouble sleeping. New aches, the necessity of side sleeping, stiff hips, I can go on but I won't bore you. Enter Bump Nest.

Ah, Bump Nest, purveyor of bliss inducing body pillows, and the newest addition to my pregnancy must have list. Their pillows are perfectly shaped to support a pregnant body, relieving aches, pains, and pinched nerves, keeping you properly aligned in the process. You just curl up in the Bump Nest, and spoon away. It's like sleeping in a hug. Plus the pillows are cute and indulgent to boot.

Warning: your partner may be a little jealous at first. ;-)

Image via.
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Wed Day

About this time last year, I had traditions on my mind. Same story this time around, except magnified by the fact that we're expecting. We're still actively (and happily) participating in our family's traditions, and this year that make sense for us. Plus we want to. But this time next year we'll have a little one. So...

I'm not really sure yet. But I guess that's alright. Maybe that's how traditions work, they evolve slowly. We let what works stick and then new ones are added to the tapestry. I'm excited to see what evolves, to see what colors are woven in.

What new traditions have you added to your holiday?

Image via. 
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Weekend Wrap Up

It was a lazy weekend in our household - exactly what I needed. Making a baby is tiring business, who knew?

Friday night we ventured out to a neighborhood bar and sat next to the fireplace - chatted with new friends and called it an early night. The rest of the weekend was filled with sleepy mornings, burnt pancakes, reading, football, rented movies, Pinterest binges, pizza, and plenty of time snuggled up on the sofa.

How were all of your weekends dolls? More eventful than mine, I'm sure. :-)

Image via yours truly. . 
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First Trimester

I felt like my first trimester flew by. On one hand this is great, I can't wait to meet this new little life, but on the other, I feel like I've been waiting my whole 29 years to be pregnant and I really want to savor it. Plus, holy cow, there's a lot to do before May when we'll have this little one in our arms.

One of the things that first struck me was how different I felt right away. Not bad really, just different. Although, I feel like I had a pretty easy first trimester actually. I had my moments of morning sickness, cravings, food aversions, and struggled with exhaustion here and there, but it wasn't soo bad. I mean, man, I've heard horror stories, so compared to all that, I'm not complaining.

Even so, there were a few key things that helped me though these past few months. The first pregnancy item I purchased was the Tracy Andersen Pregnancy Project - a series of nine work out DVDs, one tailored for each month of pregnancy. The workouts are challenging, but gentle, and target arms, legs, and yo booty. Core work is mild and indirect. Plus Tracy filmed the workouts during her most recent pregnancy, so you feel a kind of closeness with her while you're working out. I highly recommend it.

I've long been a big fan of Fresh's Sugar Body Polish, but right now on my newly sensitive skin, it feels even more luxurious. You can treat yourself with this scrub, or make your own.

Stretch marks are primarily hereditary, thankfully, my mama has nary a stripe. I'm hoping to be as lucky, but ... you can never be too careful. So ever since I've got that positive result on that pregnancy test, I've been covering my belly and boobies in vitamin e oil twice a day. The best defense is a goof offense if you ask me.

Finally, burgers. Yep, burgers. One of my first pronounced cravings was for red meat, and carbs which I rarely ate prior to pregnancy. I think it's important to listen to your cravings - I'm not saying go crazy and eat three burgers a day every day for nine months, but .. here and there? I say go for it! Your body knows what it needs, and if what it needs is a little red meat, why not?

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Wed Day

So, I have some news ... we're having a baby! 

Oh man, it feels so good to finally share this. I really don't like having a secret, especially one as exciting as this - but you're supposed to wait through your first trimester before shouting it from the roof tops, so that's what we did. It's hard to keep something like this in, especially when it's all so new, a little scary, and the only thing you can think about. 

It goes without saying that we are over the moon excited. And a little surprised - we weren't exactly "trying." But the universe doesn't give you more than you can handle, and the timing is actually pretty perfect. I feel really lucky that this little life chose us.  

I hope this explains why posts around here may have been a little lighter, and why I haven't been as active a commenter on all the other lovely blogs out there. I've been wiped lately - this growing a human business is tiring work! 

Tickle My Fancy isn't going to transform into a full on mommy blog, but I hope you'll indulge me a little as I share pieces of my pregnancy journey here and there. The best truly is yet to come. 

xoxo

Image via yours truly. 

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