team pink or blue??

Alright guys, we are less than 24 hours away from finding out if our little bean will be on team blue or pink. Truthfully, the gender of our little miracle is so much less important than their health and I can't wait to see how much our baby has grown since the last time we saw them on the big screen.

The hubby still thinks it would be nice to keep it a surprise but this momma can't wait any longer to start organizing, planning, washing clothes, choosing a name and connecting with this baby in my belly even more.

As much as this momma wants to know, I know that it all comes down to whether the little bean wants to co-operate. Little Miss L. gave us a hard time but her brother let it all hang out for us see.

Okay, I always love to predict what others are having... so, let's hear your predictions everyone!!

shanna's eats: fig and olive crackers with 20 year old cheese

This is one of my go-to snacks when I feel a hunger attack about to start. I love love love cheese and crackers - the combo of the two melt my heart. If I was to chose my ultimate combo to have right this minute, I would definitely chose an extra old cheese that is 15 years or older paired with my all time fav Raincoast crisps from Lesley Stowe. I love all of Lesley Stowe's creations because they are made with natural ingredients. My fav is the fig and olive crisps, they are a definite must - try if you have not had them before. It's the best combination of figs, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, Kalamata olives (I usually hate olives!) and sesame seeds.

My mouth is watering thinking about this snack and now this preggo is off to the kitchen to grab myself some goodness...

19 weeks

How far along?: 19 weeks
How big is baby?: Baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the size of a large heirloom tomato.
Weight gain?: I lost two pounds after being sick this past weekend.
Stretch marks?: I have been lathering on the olive oil.
Maternity clothes?: I finally went out and bought a pair of maternity jeans. I must say they are super comfy!
Food cravings?: I have been craving veggies and dip. At the start of the week, I cut up a whole bunch of veggies and keep them in the fridge for easy and healthy snacking.
Sleep?: Toss and turn, throw blankets off and then pull them back on..repeat about a million times. Insomnia!
Gender?: Less than a week away until the big day!
Exercise?: The weather is starting to warm up again (am hoping spring decides to stick around this time) so we have spent a lot of time outdoors. Love our daily walks.
What's been going on? I was able to sneak away for our girls' getaway this past weekend. We had a great first day but then I woke up bright and early on Sunday extremely ill. I won't go into details, but it wasn't pretty. I even had to get the hubby to pick me up as there was no way I was going to be able to take the train home. Things are finally looking up around here and I am starting to feel better. I did lose some weight from being so sick but I am hoping I can quickly add it back on. There were a few days when I did not feel this little bean move but I am happy to report baby is kicking momma again.

Check out week 19 with pregnancy #2 here.

shanna's eats: roasted beets and corn

Whenever I ask others if they like beets, the response I usually get is the same... they either love the vibrant veggie or hate it. I love love love beets and I love the fact these colourful little balls are nutritious, full of vitamins, fiber and antioxidants.

In the summer months, I love pulling fresh beets from the garden and picking up a few cobs of corn to hurry home and make one of my favourite side dishes. I preheat my oven at 400 and roast beets (peeled and sliced) and corn in a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil for about 40 minutes. Once done, I toss with a dash of sea salt and black pepper then finish off with chopped fresh parsley on top. I like to eat this dish warm but it also tastes mighty fine cold. Lately, I have been craving this tasty combo and find it is the perfect lunch when I am not too hungry. Right, now I can't hit up the local farmer's market, so I just use frozen corn. I cut up some pita bread, toast it with a little extra virgin olive oil and rosemary and voila I am set for lunch.

18 weeks

How far along?: 18 weeks
How big is baby?: Head to rump, baby is about 5 1/2 inches long (about the length of a bell pepper) and weighs almost 7 ounces.
Weight gain?: I am up 5 pounds.
Stretch marks?: I have been lathering on the olive oil.
Maternity clothes?: Thinking I might have to pull out a few maternity items I do have in the next couple of days.
Food cravings?: I am craving egg whites and still on my smoothie kick.
Sleep?: Sleep...we will meet again some day, right?
Gender?: Hoping to find out at the end of the month :)
Exercise?: One word- slacking.
What's been going on? I keep hoping with each weekly update that I can now official say that I am not experiencing morning sickness but unfortunately I can't. I am however happy to say that with each and every day our little ones kicks are becoming more frequent and harder. I am looking forward to this coming weekend as  this momma is taking a getaway, where I will be able to spend some girl time (minus the kiddos) with some pretty awesome ladies!!

Check out pregnancy #2 at week 18 here.

weesale- don't miss out!

Brockville and surrounding area mommies, don't miss out on an awesome Mom to Mom sale this Saturday at the Brockville Convention Centre. It is the perfect opportunity to pick up children's clothing, sporting equipment, maternity and nursing wear and so much more! Plus, 100% of the admission proceeds are benefiting the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign. If you would like more information please check out The WeeSource.

Have a great weekend and happy shopping everyone!

  

17 weeks

How far along?: 17 weeks
How big is baby?: Baby weighs 5 ounces now (about as much as a turnip), and is around 5 inches long from head to bottom.
Weight gain?: I am up 5 pounds.
Stretch marks?: I have been lathering on the olive oil.
Maternity clothes?: Still rocking the leggings and yoga pants. I can't wait for the warmer weather to hit so I can start wearing dresses.
Food cravings?: I am in love with smoothies. They are a must each and every day! I will share my favourite smoothie recipe with all of you soon.
Sleep?: Still not happening! I am beginning to think I will never have a good night's sleep again.
Gender?: Had my OB appointment yesterday and we scheduled our next ultrasound. Fingers crossed at the end of the month we will know the gender of this little bean.
Exercise?: Still trying to keep up with my daily walks - having kids that want to be outdoors is the only reason this takes place since I would usually rather be taking a 30 minute cat nap.
What's been going on? I still have the joy of morning sickness, but then the rest of the day I am fine. It now has become "normal" to me and I don't even think twice about it. I was so excited a couple days ago as I was able to feel the little one kick for the first time. I know this is baby #3, but it still felt like I was experiencing it for the very first time. I still sit in awe because I can't believe another little human being is growing inside of me. I had my OB appointment yesterday and everything is looking good. The heartbeat was strong, I could listen to that sound all day long!

Check out week 17 with Baby two here!

shanna's eats: jazzed up spinach salad

I have received a lot of requests from friends, family and some of my awesome followers who are expecting asking what I like to fill my belly with when I am pregnant. I have to start off by saying this pregnancy did not allow me to eat a whole lot during the first three months, but now that I am slowly getting my appetite back which makes me one happy girl who loves me some good ol' food. One goal our family and I always try our best to stick to is trying to eat healthy and clean but that's not to say we don't enjoy our occasional take-out.

So, without further ado, here is one of my favourite go-to dishes these days - jazzed up spinach salad. This salad is perfect for lunch and if I am planning on serving it for dinner I add a grilled chicken breast and voila!  I have made several of these babies and these toppings seem to fit together just right.

Shanna's Jazzed Up Spinach Salad- Serves 2 portions
- 1 bunch of fresh spinach ( make sure you clean well)
- 2 Lebanese cucumbers
- 1 apple (I like Macintosh or Golden Delicious)
- Handful of strawberries
- Handful of sunflower seeds
- Handful of walnuts
- 1/2 cup of Feta cheese, crumbled
- Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil
- Top with 1-2 grilled chicken breasts (Optional)

easter 2013

I love excuses to get together with family and friends and any excuse to fill my belly with delicious food is a good one. Easter weekend was no exception and I sure did indulge (I even switched into my comfy pants before I ate my big meal.) This Easter was a little more low-key but I was more than happy with not having to run around from place-to-place. We headed to my parents this year and the kiddos were so excited to have a sleepover - the only concern expressed by Little Miss L. was whether the Easter Bunny would realize we were not at home and then have to come to grandma's house.

We started our weekend off with a quick visit to the mall where the kiddos had a chance to meet the Easter Bunny and get their picture taken. Little Miss L. was excited to see the ball of fluff but Baby D on the other hand had a similar episode as his encounter with Santa... he wasn't loving it!

After our visit with the bunny, it was time to head back to my parents where the kids enjoyed an outdoor egg-hunt their grandparents had set-up. I love love loved the fact that Baby D finally got the idea of the ol' egg-hunt and enjoyed running about filling his basket with his finds. Afterwards, it was time to fill our bellies with scrumptious food. Boy, I have to give props to my parents because they always know how to get it right and no one ever leaves with an empty tummy. We were all in a turkey coma and headed straight to bed as the bunny could not come until we were fast asleep.

We woke to a beautiful sunrise, I just love that my parents decided to take the plunge and move to the river. They have the most beautiful view each and every day. Little Miss L. was so excited to see if the bunny had eaten his carrot and left them any goodies in return. As she hit the ground running with a huge smile on her face, they kiddos were not disappointed as goodies were found all over the house.

Baby D has been under the weather for awhile, so we did, however, cut our trip a little short. It was a wonderful weekend spent with people I can't get enough of...

Egg hunting with grandpa.

Two very happy kids.

Someone loves his egg-hunt.

Hope everyone had a fabulous Easter weekend!

Looking good Nan at 87, dressed in her spring colours and ready for some sweets.

More Easter goodies.

I love love love the sweet stuff mom.

One of her favourite gifts. Thanks Aunt Karon and Uncle Gord.

I could wake up to this everyday. 

He ate the carrot. Look at those teeth marks.

Our little bunny.

On the hunt.

Loved his new truck.

16 weeks

Yes, this momma is looking tired!

How far along?: 16 weeks
How big is baby?: Baby is about the size of an avocado: 4 1/2 inches long (head to rump) and 3 1/2 ounces.
Weight gain?: I am up 5 pounds.
Stretch marks?: I have been lathering on the olive oil.
Maternity clothes?: Still rocking the leggings and yoga pants!
Food cravings?: Food of choice has been a sandwich made with rye bread, cheese, lettuce and dill pickles.     Yes, seems little weird but it tastes so good.
Sleep?: Insomnia is still hitting this momma hard. I did however, have one good night of sleep this past week.
Gender?: Hoping my next ob appointment we will book the date for our next ultrasound where we can find out the sex.
Exercise?: Been keeping up with my daily walks. I find after 30 minutes I start experiencing a pulling feeling in my side.
What's been going on? I have been feeling better. Still experiencing sickness in the morning but the rest of the day I am good to go. I finally have my appetite back and boy, am I taking full advantage of this. Sleep is still minimal but hoping that changes soon.

Look back on pregnancy #2 at week 16. http://inlovewiththesmallthings.blogspot.ca/2011/02/16-weeks.html