Pregnancy is something else. My body is not my own and I am learning that very quickly these days. As some of you know, I am a pretty active person. I have spent most of my life playing sports, running, hiking and just enjoying the overall adrenaline rush that being active provides. With my pregnancy, I have put all of that on the back-burner. No more running, just nice easy strolls. No more sports, unless it's to be the ball girl for the husband as he practices hoops. And that's ok...just different and weird.
Another thing that's different is that I am finding it harder and harder to tie my shoes! No one ever talks about that in the pregnancy books. Bending over doesn't feel right and I am wondering why I have so many shoes that require laces. My slip-on shoes are winning as my most favorite shoe wear these days.
Something else that's crazy? My sleep. So it seems that, besides this growing belly, other parts of my body are flexing and softening to prepare and make more room for my little one. One of those parts is my hips...making sleeping on my side (per the recommendation these days) quite difficult. Have no fear! After much research, I found a solution...a body pillow! Yup, I invested in something called the Mini Snoogle (made in the USA!) and it has the potential to grant me the sleep I have so desperately been desiring. Last night was the first trial and it was a success...good work Snoogle!
The most amazing thing going on right now with my pregnancy is that I can feel my little one move. At first, it was just little waves of feeling...barely noticible. Now, my little one's actions can be seen and felt from the outside. It is awesome to finally be able to place the husband's hand on my belly so that he can feel our little one move. I honestly never tire of the movement...in fact our little one is so active, I wonder if there's a little jungle gym that has been built in there. :) It's an amazing sensation and I love it.
It has been a fun ride so far and am excited to see what's around the next corner. Keep on movin' little one...it must be in the genes! :)
Friday, May 25, 2012
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Um, hi, it's me...are you still there???
Well hello to my little group of followers...yes, I am still here...just busy. Seriously, I am! We've had a lot of stuff going on here and I have finally found a minute to sit down and blog a little something.
First of all, happy belated Mother's Day to all of you mother's, mother's-to-be and those attempting to become mother's. What a magnificant day for us to appreciate everything our mom's do for us. It's no small job and I, for one, am extremely grateful for my beautiful, loving, compassionate, hilarious, fun-loving mom!!!
On another note...this was my first Mother's Day as a mother! To say that I was excited about this was an under-statement. I can remember the last couple of years being a little sad because I wanted to be a mom so much. This year, I soaked it all in...I cried in church when they blessed the mom's and I cried when my loving husband surprised me with flowers, chocolate, lemonade (my pregnancy craving) and a sweet card. It was a meaningful and wonderful day.
Ironically, every day kind of feels like Mother's Day these days. My little bump is a constant reminder of how lucky I am!!!
First of all, happy belated Mother's Day to all of you mother's, mother's-to-be and those attempting to become mother's. What a magnificant day for us to appreciate everything our mom's do for us. It's no small job and I, for one, am extremely grateful for my beautiful, loving, compassionate, hilarious, fun-loving mom!!!
On another note...this was my first Mother's Day as a mother! To say that I was excited about this was an under-statement. I can remember the last couple of years being a little sad because I wanted to be a mom so much. This year, I soaked it all in...I cried in church when they blessed the mom's and I cried when my loving husband surprised me with flowers, chocolate, lemonade (my pregnancy craving) and a sweet card. It was a meaningful and wonderful day.
Ironically, every day kind of feels like Mother's Day these days. My little bump is a constant reminder of how lucky I am!!!
Monday, April 16, 2012
Happy Anniversary to Preheating the Oven Chicago
Was it only a year ago that I started this blog? Indeed it was...April 16th marks the one year anniversary of my favorite blog and yours...Preheating the Oven Chicago. Ok, so maybe it isn't quite your favorite blog, but maybe you've at least had a little bit of fun reading it.
So much can happen in a year. Such a statement has never been so true in my life. I started this blog as someone struggling with infertility. I was frustrated over years of trying to conceive and I needed an outlet. Not only that, but I wanted other women to know that they weren't alone. This blog has been an amazing way to connect with people and I am hopeful that I can continue to do so.
This year also marks the amazing miracle of our little baby. Never have I been more grateful in my life than for this ultimate gift. Every doctor's visit I am in awe and my eyes fill with tears when I hear that strong little heart beat. I live my life for that little miracle now.
This year I have also gained some new insight on life. I have learned to relax more and enjoy my life. I have tried to let go of the stress and worry and replace it with things that make me happy. I have come to the conclusion that I cannot make everyone happy all of the time even if I want to. I am a better, more well-adjusted person because of all of things I have experienced this past year.
With that being said, it only seems right to toast this special day. (Is it weird to toast yourself? Probably, but I'm going to do it anyway.) So everyone, raise your glass of water....Here's to the one year anniversary of Preheating the Oven Chicago! And here's to many more blogs filled with recipes, health tips, cooking tips, baby info and of course, random thoughts by yours truly!!!
So much can happen in a year. Such a statement has never been so true in my life. I started this blog as someone struggling with infertility. I was frustrated over years of trying to conceive and I needed an outlet. Not only that, but I wanted other women to know that they weren't alone. This blog has been an amazing way to connect with people and I am hopeful that I can continue to do so.
This year also marks the amazing miracle of our little baby. Never have I been more grateful in my life than for this ultimate gift. Every doctor's visit I am in awe and my eyes fill with tears when I hear that strong little heart beat. I live my life for that little miracle now.
This year I have also gained some new insight on life. I have learned to relax more and enjoy my life. I have tried to let go of the stress and worry and replace it with things that make me happy. I have come to the conclusion that I cannot make everyone happy all of the time even if I want to. I am a better, more well-adjusted person because of all of things I have experienced this past year.
With that being said, it only seems right to toast this special day. (Is it weird to toast yourself? Probably, but I'm going to do it anyway.) So everyone, raise your glass of water....Here's to the one year anniversary of Preheating the Oven Chicago! And here's to many more blogs filled with recipes, health tips, cooking tips, baby info and of course, random thoughts by yours truly!!!
Friday, April 6, 2012
Dreaming of Cinnamon Rolls
It was all I could think of for two weeks...cinnamon rolls! The thought of the warm, sticky, cinnamony, yeasty goodness couldn't escape me. Oh sure, I thought about going to some local bakery to get one, but I stopped myself every time. I kept thinking, "Why should I go buy one when I can make them myself?" Hind sight is 20/20 here, but at the time, it seemed perfectly logical that I should make my own. Realistically, I probably would've enjoyed a local bakery's rendition just fine.
But I was craving a childhood memory. One of a pull-apart cinnamon roll from my mom's favorite haunt...MCL Cafeteria. Sure, it's a cafeteria, but boy, do they have good food. In particular their macaroni and cheese, their green beans, their yeast rolls and of course, their cinnamon roll. Oh my gosh. If I had the time and energy, I would've driven myself right down there to get one.
So, for the sake of time and energy (and sanity), I made it my mission to make my own. Ironically, the April 2012 issue of Bon Appetit happened to feature my craving right smack dab on the cover!
I mean, look at those things! How can you NOT want one?
So, I made them...well, not exactly like the ones in the picture. I wanted a simpler, less calorically destructive version. It was easy to do. I made the dough recipe as called for and then just added the cinnamon-suger filling (using only half the butter in the filling). None of the gooey stuff for me, but still very delicious!
For the recipe, see this link: http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/2012/04/the-ultimate-sticky-buns
But I was craving a childhood memory. One of a pull-apart cinnamon roll from my mom's favorite haunt...MCL Cafeteria. Sure, it's a cafeteria, but boy, do they have good food. In particular their macaroni and cheese, their green beans, their yeast rolls and of course, their cinnamon roll. Oh my gosh. If I had the time and energy, I would've driven myself right down there to get one.
So, for the sake of time and energy (and sanity), I made it my mission to make my own. Ironically, the April 2012 issue of Bon Appetit happened to feature my craving right smack dab on the cover!
 |
| Bon Appetit's Ultimate Sticky Buns (photo from bonapetit.com) |
So, I made them...well, not exactly like the ones in the picture. I wanted a simpler, less calorically destructive version. It was easy to do. I made the dough recipe as called for and then just added the cinnamon-suger filling (using only half the butter in the filling). None of the gooey stuff for me, but still very delicious!
For the recipe, see this link: http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/2012/04/the-ultimate-sticky-buns
 |
| The dough |
 |
| Ready for rollin' |
 |
| Yum...cinnamon and sugar...and BUTTER! |
 |
| Not the best rolling job...oh well. |
 |
| Cute...although slightly imperfect...let's call them "rustic" |
 |
| Ready for the oven |
 |
| Oh boy! |
 |
| Ready for eating! |
Friday, March 30, 2012
Morning Sickness
When I first learned I was pregnant I was beyond excited. I was even more excited by the fact that I didn't feel sick at all. "Wow, I am so lucky," I thought. I have heard many horror stories and couldn't believe how fortunate I was.
Ironically, one of my first jobs as a dietitian was working in a high risk OB clinic. I can vividly remember this nice young woman and her husband coming in to see me one morning. She looked like death warmed over and he looked scared out of his mind. About 5 minutes into our conversation, the lady turned green and gave the universal signal (hand over mouth with eyes wide open) that she was going to be sick. My advice? "There's a sink! Puke in there!" Not the best idea, but the trash can just didn't seem logical at the time for some reason. Anyway, that day changed me forever...pregnancy is serious business.
The joke was on me though. Around week 6 I started to feel just like that lady in the OB clinic. Fortunately I never had to puke, but man I was I nauseated. Now, before I start with my (what may sound like) complaining, I want you to know that I am beyond grateful for my little one and know that I am so lucky. But here it is...morning sickness...which is a dumb name for it as mine was all day sickness...is the opposite of a good time. If you have ever been sea sick or car sick, than you know what this type of nausea feels like. It's like you are on a boat holding on for dear life as the waves swell and crash into you. Sure, there are moments that you feel like yourself, but most of the time anything will set you off. I can remember the husband eating a very healthy snack of sunflower seeds and I had to leave the room. I couldn't even cook! Yes, that is why there was such a cooking gap in my blog. :) I had to rely on the husband and I ate a lot of macaroni and cheese and crackers.
I made it though and now at week 16, I am feeling much, much better and I am so so so happy about it. I missed enjoying food and now I am making up for it. :)
For those of you going through morning sickness, here are my recommendations for you:
1) Don't cook! Seriously, it just makes you feel worse. Instead, have someone else make or get you things you can tolerate. Trust me, it's worth it.
2) Potato chips and lemonade. This was amazing advice given to me by my very amazing boss. It sounds so wrong, but it totally works...try it.
3) Eat all day long. I know, that sounds so scary, but this also works. If you always have a little something in your belly, the nausea doesn't feel as strong. Bland foods are great. I personally ate my share of crackers, pretzels, bran flakes (I know, that one's a little weird), cheese and toast.
4) Give ginger a try. I found that ginger really seemed to help with the really strong bouts of nausea. Those ginger chews are a little wonder. Keep them stashed in your purse or in the desk at your office.
5) Tell people that you don't feel well. Otherwise, you will be worried what they will be thinking about you. I knew that I might need to "step out and get some fresh air" during work, but didn't want my boss to think I was trying to manage my twitter account or something. So, I told her the truth. I know this isn't always an option, but at least tell them you're not feeling well...to explain your weird reactions to every smell in the office.
Good luck and hopefully you'll start feeling better soon!
Ironically, one of my first jobs as a dietitian was working in a high risk OB clinic. I can vividly remember this nice young woman and her husband coming in to see me one morning. She looked like death warmed over and he looked scared out of his mind. About 5 minutes into our conversation, the lady turned green and gave the universal signal (hand over mouth with eyes wide open) that she was going to be sick. My advice? "There's a sink! Puke in there!" Not the best idea, but the trash can just didn't seem logical at the time for some reason. Anyway, that day changed me forever...pregnancy is serious business.
The joke was on me though. Around week 6 I started to feel just like that lady in the OB clinic. Fortunately I never had to puke, but man I was I nauseated. Now, before I start with my (what may sound like) complaining, I want you to know that I am beyond grateful for my little one and know that I am so lucky. But here it is...morning sickness...which is a dumb name for it as mine was all day sickness...is the opposite of a good time. If you have ever been sea sick or car sick, than you know what this type of nausea feels like. It's like you are on a boat holding on for dear life as the waves swell and crash into you. Sure, there are moments that you feel like yourself, but most of the time anything will set you off. I can remember the husband eating a very healthy snack of sunflower seeds and I had to leave the room. I couldn't even cook! Yes, that is why there was such a cooking gap in my blog. :) I had to rely on the husband and I ate a lot of macaroni and cheese and crackers.
I made it though and now at week 16, I am feeling much, much better and I am so so so happy about it. I missed enjoying food and now I am making up for it. :)
For those of you going through morning sickness, here are my recommendations for you:
1) Don't cook! Seriously, it just makes you feel worse. Instead, have someone else make or get you things you can tolerate. Trust me, it's worth it.
2) Potato chips and lemonade. This was amazing advice given to me by my very amazing boss. It sounds so wrong, but it totally works...try it.
3) Eat all day long. I know, that sounds so scary, but this also works. If you always have a little something in your belly, the nausea doesn't feel as strong. Bland foods are great. I personally ate my share of crackers, pretzels, bran flakes (I know, that one's a little weird), cheese and toast.
4) Give ginger a try. I found that ginger really seemed to help with the really strong bouts of nausea. Those ginger chews are a little wonder. Keep them stashed in your purse or in the desk at your office.
5) Tell people that you don't feel well. Otherwise, you will be worried what they will be thinking about you. I knew that I might need to "step out and get some fresh air" during work, but didn't want my boss to think I was trying to manage my twitter account or something. So, I told her the truth. I know this isn't always an option, but at least tell them you're not feeling well...to explain your weird reactions to every smell in the office.
Good luck and hopefully you'll start feeling better soon!
Monday, March 26, 2012
Happy Birthday to my Father
Happy Birth Anniversary to my dad. Growing up my dad was my hero and buddy. I can remember early days of father/daughter bike rides, soccer practice (thanks by the way dad, for not letting me run too far down that field in the wrong direction), board games and just plain fun.
My dad has always been one of my biggest fans. He never missed a volleyball game or tennis match...even though I was never that great at either sport. He encouraged me to study hard and get good grades, but never was pushy or over-bearing about it. Even as a crazy teenager, he allowed me to be who I was and always supported my pursuits.
As I have gotten older, I have really come to appreciate this type of support and unconditional love. I had and still have a great father. Someone, who to this day, continues to teach me new things and encourages me to follow my heart and pursue my dreams.
Thank you dad for everything. Happy Birth Anniversary! :)
My dad has always been one of my biggest fans. He never missed a volleyball game or tennis match...even though I was never that great at either sport. He encouraged me to study hard and get good grades, but never was pushy or over-bearing about it. Even as a crazy teenager, he allowed me to be who I was and always supported my pursuits.
As I have gotten older, I have really come to appreciate this type of support and unconditional love. I had and still have a great father. Someone, who to this day, continues to teach me new things and encourages me to follow my heart and pursue my dreams.
Thank you dad for everything. Happy Birth Anniversary! :)
Friday, March 23, 2012
The Miracle
I have accepted that I am one of the millions of women that struggles with infertility. I will never forget my first visit to the reproductive endocrinologist and how I felt when I left. Never before had I felt so sad and completely destroyed by something. Sure, I have had hardships, but this one thing...the one thing I never thought would be a struggle, had become just that. Disappointment doesn't even begin to describe how I felt. I was determined though, that I would beat this thing. I prayed about it, I sought out the help I needed, and I wouldn't stop...perserverance. Has it been easy? Absolutely not. Would I change anything? Absolutely not. You see, this is the journey I was meant to take. Had I not gone through all of this, I might not have learned all of the amazing things I have learned about myself (my emotions, my strengths, my weaknesses, my health, etc), my husband or our relationship. I have been cultivating myself and training myself...making the relationship with myself and my relationship with my husband stronger.
The timing seems right then...
I am now 15+ weeks pregnant and I am beyond ecstatic to share the good news with you! Our little one is a true miracle...conceived without any medication or intervention...a true miracle and blessing. I have been beyond emotional...as I am sure you can only imagine. Life has changed in the most positive way possible. Thank you to all of my family, friends and supporters...I could not have done this without all of you. For those of you still struggling with conceiving...I offer this advice...the journey is hard and difficult, so find things that make you happy and do them. Stay away from people that aren't supportive, instead surround yourself with supportive friends and family...and finally, don't give up hope...there is a plan for you. One of the most poignant things I remember reading in a book about infertility is that (no matter if you have faith or are faithless), you are not in control...you are on someone else's time and it's not for you to try to change that. Children are meant to be born when they are meant to be here on this earth. So, while it's hard to wait, just think, your baby is destined for amazing things.
In closing, I wanted to confirm that I will continue to post on my blog...still focusing on nutrition, health, infertility and my journey during pregnancy. Hopefully you can stay and enjoy the ride with me!
The timing seems right then...
I am now 15+ weeks pregnant and I am beyond ecstatic to share the good news with you! Our little one is a true miracle...conceived without any medication or intervention...a true miracle and blessing. I have been beyond emotional...as I am sure you can only imagine. Life has changed in the most positive way possible. Thank you to all of my family, friends and supporters...I could not have done this without all of you. For those of you still struggling with conceiving...I offer this advice...the journey is hard and difficult, so find things that make you happy and do them. Stay away from people that aren't supportive, instead surround yourself with supportive friends and family...and finally, don't give up hope...there is a plan for you. One of the most poignant things I remember reading in a book about infertility is that (no matter if you have faith or are faithless), you are not in control...you are on someone else's time and it's not for you to try to change that. Children are meant to be born when they are meant to be here on this earth. So, while it's hard to wait, just think, your baby is destined for amazing things.
In closing, I wanted to confirm that I will continue to post on my blog...still focusing on nutrition, health, infertility and my journey during pregnancy. Hopefully you can stay and enjoy the ride with me!
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