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Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Special Moments

I remember when I first got pregnant and I was experiencing scary troubles that made me terrified for my baby. I was so scared that I was going to lose this baby and I felt so helpless to do anything about it. So I did what I could, I talked to my baby. I rubbed my belly and begged my baby to hold on in there. I promised that there was a wonderful family waiting out here to love him/her and all the baby had to do was hold on. Well, I am over half-way through this pregnancy now and we are holding on together. And this evening, while my son was kicking me, I looked down and wrapped my arms around my belly (this is the closest I could get to holding my baby boy) and we talked again. I thanked him for holding on, I thanked him for being strong. With tears in my eyes, I talked to him and he kicked and squirmed like he was trying to talk back. It may seem a bit silly but it was wonderful as I loved on my baby, so grateful that we get to go through this together and that soon, I will get to hold him for real.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Special Moments

I love the active moments. I love the moments when my little man is in there, kicking and poking and making himself known. It feels like a private conversation between he and I. I feel so bonded with him in those moments. I want these moments to go on forever. It is the most special part of being a mom.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Appointment

I saw my doctor today. My blood sugars are stable enough for now, my blood pressure is fine, and I haven't gained any weight in 3 weeks. I have gained enough overall for us not to be concerned about it. And my little prince is doing fine in there. So all in all, it was a good appointment.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Trying

I am trying hard to eat healthy and do the best I can. I do have to tell you that it is HARD when I am pregnant. And . . . to be honest, I don't always succeed. When I am craving something bad for me, it is so much harder to resist when I am pregnant. How do other women do this??? I have no idea. I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow, I hope I didn't gain too much since my last one.

Friday, November 25, 2011

Introducing!

I would like to introduce you to my New Little PRINCE!!!!! It appears I am going to be adding a some blue to my family! I am so excited to be having this adventure and I am thrilled that Prince Charming gets to be daddy to a little boy.

Today!

My Ultrasound is today. Keep your fingers crossed for me that the baby shows it's wares and I get to know whether we will be a family of little princesses or whether a little prince will be joining in the fun! And that whatever the gender is, the baby is healthy!

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Countdown!

tomorrow by this time, I should be looking at my baby with the ultrasound technician! I hope he/she cooperates and lets me know whether to buy blue or pink!

Friday, November 18, 2011

Healthy Baby club

I was out a Healthy Baby Club today. It was nice to get a chance to chat with the moms. The nurse was there this time and she had silicone models of babies at different gestational ages. I was amazing to hold a baby in my hands that was 2 weeks younger than my little monkey is right now. It looks so sweet and real, it brought tears to my eyes thinking how real it made my baby to me.

I have to admit that I have been a bit overly hormonal the last few days. I don't mean to be and I try to control my reactions, but I know that I am more sensitive and more easily overwhelmed than I usually am. When I can feel that I need help because I am sick and overwhelmed with it all, I ask Prince Charming for help and he is always quick to help. So at least he and Princess Belle are understanding. I have to give Princess Belle credit, she has been so completely helpful the last little while. She is thrilled with life right now and she is anxious to help in any way she can.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Appointment

I saw my doctor again. He seems to be seeing me every two weeks, I guess that is because I am considered high risk. I don't mind, I enjoy every chance to check on my little one possible.

I told him how I changed my diet to suit me better and showed how my sugars have improved since doing so. He said it is working and we will leave well enough alone for now.

He checked my blood pressure, which isn't high right now. He did say that my dizzy spells were related to my blood pressure and to make sure to sit down and be careful when I get them.

I should be able to get a good Ultrasound view of my baby next week. I can't wait to see if I have another girl or if I am having a boy!

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Reminiscing

It is late and I am tired, but I was just thinking and remembering bringing my babies home from the hospital, the wonder of it, the joy of it. I am so blessed to be doing this again. All of my babies have worn the same pair of snugly jammies home from the hospital. I have them hung up on the wall in the girls room. I guess it won't be long before, I have to take them down, wash them and pack them up in a bag to be worn again. Do you get honestly think anyone could be any more lucky than me??




Look at those chubby cheeks! Too bad they didn't stay that way, they look absolutely munchable!

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Tuesday Talk

I walked down the mall today. And let me tell you this pregnant body does not move like it used to. Before I was pregnant, I walked down there, almost every day, sometimes more than once if I felt like getting out of the house for a while. But, today? By the time I got back, I was walking at a snails pace, holding my back and my hips! I was sooo sore!!!! Who knew that walking could hurt my back like that??

On the upside, I dropped by the Sears Optical here in St. John's to check on the progress of my glasses prescription. he had me pick out frames while I was there. Scott, the man who works there was wonderful. He hand-picked out dozens of frames, had me try them on and was quick to put back the ones that didn't suit me. He knew what would look best on me and what would work best with my ridiculously high prescription (and thus thick lenses). He then proceeded to work magic and to get me a deal where I could get sunglasses too! And between him and the manager, they managed to get me them at NO EXTRA COST!!!! They were wonderful and helpful and really took the time to get me the best glasses for me at the best price! He doesn't get a commission, he gets paid no matter what kind of glasses I get or if I don't get any at all, but he is kind enough and diligent enough to do a wonderful job!

Monday, November 14, 2011

Changes

Given that my body is rebelling against spending my pregnancy on a vegetarian diet for gestational diabetes, and given that I have been steadily gaining a lot of weight since I started trying, I have decided to make a change. I have to eat for my diabetes, but I am going to try to eat by the South Beach diet. I am going to cook this way for the whole family. Prince Charming is on board, as he wouldn't mind losing a few pounds himself. I am not going to do phase 1, as I am pregnant and I don't want to be restrictive. I simply want to concentrate on a healthy diet with good carbs and lower bad fats.

So here is my plan:

A diet including all foods from phase 1 and phase 2:

BEEF Lean*
* Lean meat has 10 gram or less total fat and 4.5 grams or less of saturated fat per 100 gram portion (30 grams is about 1 oz)
All hot dogs (beef, pork, poultry, soy) can be enjoyed occasionally (once/week) if they are at least 97% fat free (contain 3-6 grams of fat/serving).

POULTRY (SKINLESS)

SEAFOOD

PORK

SOY BASED MEAT SUBSTITUTES

CHEESE (Fat Free or Reduced Fat )

EGGS

MILK/DAIRY
DAIRY
(2-3 cups allowed daily, including yogurt)
Yogurt - artificially sweetened non-fat flavored yogurt (limit to 4 ounces daily and avoid varieties that contain high fructose corn syrup)
Greek Yogurt nonfat
Low-fat milk (fat-free and 1%)
Low-fat plain, vanilla, or artificially sweetened soy milk (4 grams of fat or less per 8 ounce serving). Be sure the product does not contain high fructose corn syrup


BEANS/LEGUMES
fresh, frozen or canned (without added sugar)
(Start with 1/3 - 1/2 cup serving)

FRUIT (3 total servings daily)
Apples - 1 small or 5 dried rings
Apricots - 4 fresh or 7 dried
Banana, medium-sized (4 oz.)
Blueberries 3/4 cup
Cantaloupe - 1/4, or 1 cup diced
Clementine 1
Grapefruit - 1/2
Grapes - 15
Honeydew 1/8 melon or 1 cup diced
Kiwi - 1
mandarin oranges 2
Oranges - 1 medium
Raspberries 3/4 cup
Strawberries 3/4 cup

VEGETABLES
may use fresh, frozen or canned without added sugar, eat a minimum of two cups with lunch and dinner

Asparagus
Broccoli
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage (green, red, Napa, Savoy)
Cauliflower
Cucumbers
Eggplant
Garlic
Green Beans
Kale
Lettuce (All varieties)
Mushrooms (All varieties)
Onions
Parsley
Peppers (All varieties)
Radishes (All varieties)
Sauerkraut
Spinach
Squash, Spaghetti
Squash, Summer
# Yellow
# Zucchini
Tomato

NUTS AND SEEDS
(Limit to one serving per day as specified. Dry roasted recommended.)

FATS/OILS
Up to 2 Tbsp. of the following fats or oils are allowed daily.
Monounsaturated oils are particularly recommended.

Monounsaturated Oils
canola
olive (particularly extra-virgin)

Other Fat Choices:
Avocado - 1/3 whole = 1 TBS oil
Guacamole - 1/2 cup = 1 TBS oil
Mayonnaise - Regular - 1 TBS
Mayonnaise - Low Fat - 2 TBS (avoid varieties made with high fructose corn syrup)
Olives (Green or Ripe) 15 = 1/2 TBS oil
Salad Dressing - 2 TBS. Use those that contain 3 grams of sugar or less per 2 TBS. Best choices contain canola or olive oil. Low carb salad dressings may also be used if they meet these guidelines.
TRANS FAT FREE Spreads 2 TBSP.

SEASONINGS AND CONDIMENTS
All spices that contain no added sugar
Broth
Coconut Milk -Light
Lemon Juice
Salsa (check labels for added sugar)

Use the following toppings and sauces sparingly (check labels for added sugar and MSG)
Cream Cheese, fat-free or light - 2 TBS
Hot Sauce
Low carb condiments, may only be used if they are transfat free and contain no added sugar.
Sour Cream, light and reduced-fat - 2 TBS
Soy Sauce - 1/2 TBS
Steak Sauce - 1/2 TBS
taco sauce 1 Tbsp
Worcestershire Sauce - 1 TBS
Whipped Topping, Light or Fat-Free - 2 TBS

SWEET TREATS (Limit to 75-100 calories per day)
Candies, hard, sugar-free
Chocolate powder, no-added-sugar
Chocolate syrup sugar free
Cocoa powder, baking type
Fudgsicles, no sugar added
Gelatin, sugar-free
Gum, sugar-free
Jams and jellies, sugar-free
Popsicles, sugar-free
Syrups, sugar-free

BEVERAGES
Decaf Coffee and Tea
Diet, decaffeinated, sugar-free sodas and drinks
Herbal teas (peppermint, chamomile, etc.)
Note: caffeinated coffee or diet sodas with caffeine added are allowed, but limited to 1 - 2 servings per day

WHOLE GRAINS AND STARCHY VEGETABLES
(Start with one daily serving, gradually increase to up to 3 or four total servings daily.) Unless otherwise stated, choose whole grain products that have 3 grams of fiber or more per ounce.

Bagels, small, whole grain - 1/2, or 1 oz.
Barley - 1/2 cup cooked
Bread 1 oz.
Buckwheat 1/2 cooked
Cereal Cold: choose ones with 6g or more fiber and 8g or less sugar
Cereal Hot: serving sizes vary check the label for recommended amount. Choose whole grain and slow-cooking varieties (no instant types) with at least 3g fiber and no more than 2g sugar.
Couscous, whole-wheat or Israeli - 1/2 cup cooked
Crackers, whole grain with 3 grams of fiber or more per ounce and no trans fats
English muffins, whole grain - 1/2, or 1 oz. (most contain 2.5 grams of fiber per half a muffin—varieties varieties with 3 grams of fiber are the best choice.)
Pasta Whole wheat is best choice - 1/2 cup cooked (3 grams of fiber or more per 1/2 cup)
Pasta Soy is second best choice - 1/2 cup cooked (3 grams of fiber or more per 1/2 cup)
Pita, stone-ground or whole wheat - 1/2, or 1 oz. (most contain 2.5 grams of fiber—varieties with 3 grams of fiber are the best choice.)
Popcorn, 3 cups popped, Air popped, Microwave, plain, no trans fats
Potato, sweet, small (considered a starchy vegetable; count as a starch/grain serving)
Pumpkin (considered a starchy vegetable; count as a starch/grain serving)
Quinoa, 1/2 cup cooked
Rice - 1/2 cup cooked (basmati, brown regular converted or parboiled, wild)
Tortillas, 100% whole grain, 3 grams of fiber or more per ounce, no trans fats
Winter squash (considered a starchy vegetable; count as a starch/grain serving)
Yams, small (considered a starchy vegetable; count as a starch/grain serving)

OCCASIONAL TREATS
Chocolate (sparingly)
- bittersweet
- semisweet
pudding, fat free, sugar free (one serving per day permitted)


************************************************** ********
Foods to AVOID
BEEF
Brisket
Jerky, unless homemade without sugar
Liver
Prime Rib
Rib steaks
Skirt Steak

POULTRY
Chicken, wings and legs
Duck
Goose
Turkey, dark meat (including wings and thighs)

PORK
Bacon
Honey-baked ham
Pork rinds

DAIRY
Ice Cream
Milk 2% or whole
Soymilk whole
yogurt cup style and frozen

CHEESE
Full Fat

VEGETABLES
Beets
Carrots
Corn
Green peas
Potatoes, white
Potatoes, sweet
Pumpkin
Turnips (root)
Winter squash
Yams

Condiments
ketchup
cocktail sauce

BEVERAGES
Alcohol of any kind, including beer and wine
fruit juice all types
milk, full fat and 2%
powdered drink mixes containing sugar
soda and other drinks containing sugar
soymilk with more than 4g fat per 8 oz serving


************************************************** ********

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Complaining!

Can I just say how much I am hating the diabetic diet. It isn't the food, it is the regulation of everything. I get up, test my sugar, eat my breakfast right away. Two hours later, I test my sugar, eat my snack. Two hours later, I test my sugar and eat my lunch. Two hours later, I test my sugar and eat my snack. Two hours later, I test my sugar and eat my supper. Two hours later I test my sugar and eat my snack. Two hours later, I test my sugar and go to bed! And everything I eat has to be a certain number of carbs accompanied with protein. I hate that it is regimented. I hate that I eat when I don't want too.

I never realized before how few carbs I usually eat in the run of a day. A lot of my favorite meals are proteins like tofu accompanied by lots of carb free veggies, or just lots of veggies with a little carbs. This whole thing is taking a lot more adjusting than I thought. And with the idea that the nurse told me that she suspects I am just diabetic, this whole regimented schedule looms before me in a never ending expanse and I really don't like it.

I do it for my baby. I would do anything for my baby, but if I am a diabetic after this baby is born, I don't know if I will be able to keep this up forever!!!

Monday, October 31, 2011

Soo sick

I am so very sick right now. I guess my little monkey does not enjoy me trying to sort out a way to eat to match my diabetic diet. Honestly, the biggest problem is I have to eat more often than I am used to and it is really bothering me. And today, I woke up with a headache so bad that it is making it hard to function at all. I did manage to put it aside enough to get things ready for the kids, but that was largely due to Prince Charming helping out when I just couldn't do it anymore.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Balancing

I am having issues trying to adjust my diet, balancing my carbs and proteins while finding ways to fill my nutritional needs while battling the morning sickness that eating the right balances seems to bring. UGH, sickness sicks.

Monday, October 24, 2011

Thoughts

I am having a moment where I can hardly believe that in a few short months, I will be holding a brand new baby in my arms. I look around at my house filled with love, laughter, adorable little faces, and little arms that wrap around my neck (or my legs) and hold on so very tightly, little hands that pat my back in a hug and I wonder how I got to be so very blessed. No matter if this lovely little person growing inside of me is a girl or a boy, I know that there will be joy unbounded when he/she arrives. The fact that I get to love and care for four little people is so special that I can't even believe how lucky I am. I may not have any money, but there is not one person in the world who is richer than I am.



Sunday, October 23, 2011

Belly Pic

This is really bad taken in my awful bathroom in the mirror, but here is a belly pic. I had a hard time staying completely sideways and taking the pic, I kept turning into the pic a bit and that makes my butt look GIGANTIC!

Saturday, October 22, 2011

23 Quick, No Fuss Meals

Now a lot of people know that if you are looking to eat a healthy plant-based diet, there are wonderful blogs out there with a vast assortment of recipes and info. One of my faves is "The Happy Herbivore". I find her recipes are in a very similar style to the way I cook, they are accessible and I enjoy that. I just found a post on her blog that I had to share!

23 Quick, No Fuss Meals

23 Quick, No-Fuss Meals: Still crave the ease and simplicity of a ham and cheese sandwich? No problem! Make any of these fast and almost instant meals!

Simple Stir-Fry: Combine equal parts soy sauce with sugar and set aside. Cook frozen mixed stir-fry vegetables according to packaging instructions (microwave!). Toss with soy sauce mixture and serve over a plate of cooked rice or quinoa. Edamame (soybeans) and/or tofu chunks make a nice addition.

Blissful Burrito: Spread a thin layer of vegetarian refried beans (or regular cooked beans) into a tortilla or wrap. Add salsa and any leftovers you have such as rice, quinoa, vegetables or greens. Roll up and voila!

Penny-Pinching Pad Thai: Toss cooked (and still hot!) rice noodles or pasta with 2 tbsp smooth or crunchy peanut butter and a dash of hot sauce. Cook frozen mixed stir-fry vegetables according to packaging instructions (microwave!) and toss with noodles. Garnish with crushed peanuts if desired.

Fast Fajitas: Mix fajita seasoning packet with water as directed. Cook fresh or frozen bell peppers until cooked, but still crisp. Toss with fajita mixture and cook as directed. Slap into tortillas and voila!

In a Hurry Curry: Mix 1 tsp curry paste with 1 cup coconut milk or non-dairy milk over medium heat to form a sauce, whisking in more paste if desired. Cook frozen mixed vegetables according to packaging instructions (microwave!) and smother with curry sauce. Tofu chunks and/or a side of rice make a nice addition.

Tasty Tofu Scramble: Break a block of firm tofu into chunks. Mix with 3 tbsp nutritional yeast, 1 big squirt Dijon mustard, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, ¼ tsp turmeric and ½ tsp cumin and cook until warm, stirring frequently. Add a splash of non-dairy milk if it starts to stick. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add salsa, leftover veggies or beans to expand this dish. (video on happyherbivore.com/courses)

Pita Pizza: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce or pizza sauce on a pita. Add any toppings you like: vegetables, faux cheese, faux meat — even leftovers. Bake 5–10 minutes at 350 F. Don’t be afraid to try crazy combinations!

Smashing Smoothies: Blend 2 cups frozen fruit with 1 cup non-dairy milk or juice, or a combination of liquids. Add oats, ground flax seeds or a fresh banana for a fuller meal. Great combos: pineapple chunks with non-dairy milk and OJ; strawberries and vanilla non-dairy milk; banana, strawberries and chocolate non-dairy milk. Mixed berries, plain non-dairy milk and flax seeds.

Quickie Quesadilla: Smash a cooked sweet potato into a tortilla or wrap. Add beans, cooked greens and/or corn and fold over. Heat each side in a skillet if desired. Serve with vegan sour cream and/or fruit-flavored salsa over top.

Crazy Corn Soup: Cook 1 lb. frozen corn according to directions (microwave!). Blend into a creamy soup with 1/4 cup non-dairy milk and voila! Chipotle powder or hot sauce takes this soup to a fiery new level! (Recipe from happyherbivore.com)

Sassy Salsa Soup: Place 1 cup black beans, 1 cup salsa and 1½ cups vegetable broth in a blender, pureeing until smooth. Transfer to a saucepan, add 1 cup frozen corn, more black beans as desired, 1/2 tsp cumin and hot sauce to taste. Cook until thoroughly warm. Crumble tortilla chips over top and serve. Fresh avocado and/or cilantro also make a nice addition.

Mama’s Mexi- Dip: Combine vegan sour cream (or silken tofu blended with a few drops of lemon or lime juice) with ⅓ cup salsa or 1 packet taco seasoning. Serve with refried beans and tortilla chips. Guacamole also makes a nice addition. If you have extra time, make a layered dip.

Better BLT: Combine vegan bacon with lettuce, tomato and vegan mayo, avocado slices or hummus between two slices of bread or toast. You can also use a wrap.

Ancient Aztec Salad: Combine 1 cup corn with ½ cup black beans, ¼ cup cooked quinoa and fresh tomatoes. Squeeze lime juice over top. Serve warm or chilled. This can also be served over lettuce with tempeh slices or in a wrap. (Recipe from happyherbivore.com).

Terrific Teriyaki: Combine 1 can chickpeas with ¼ cup teriyaki sauce, 1 tbsp hot sauce and 1 tbsp sugar (optional) cook over medium heat until the chickpeas turn brown and the liquid absorb. Serve over greens or rice with fresh pineapple or mango salsa. (Recipe from happyherbivore.com).

Sensational Salsa Chickpeas: Combine 1 can chickpeas with 8 ounces of salsa. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until liquid has absorbed. Eat with lettuce wraps and sliced veggies. (Recipe from happyherbivore.com).

Cha-Cha Chili Macaroni: Combine 1 can of vegetarian chili with cooked pasta and a little tomato sauce if desired. Corn and/or fresh avocado slices make a nice addition. You can also add hot sauce to spice it up.

Outstanding Oatmeal: Cook 1 serving plain oatmeal according to directions. Mix with 4 to 8 ounces of plain soy yogurt. Add fresh fruit such as berries or banana slices and nuts, such as sliced raw almonds, on top. Drizzle with agave nectar or pure maple syrup. You can also add seeds, dried fruits or ground flax seeds.

BBQ’ed Baked Potato: Slice baked potato in half and smother with vegetarian baked beans. Serve with a side of frozen greens cooked according to package (microwave!).

Two-Minute Tacos: Combine 2 cups TVP with 2 cups hot water and 1 packet taco seasoning, stirring to incorporate. Once TVP has reconstituted (all water has been absorbed), make tacos or a taco salad.

Nice Rice Nori Rolls: Place chopped raw vegetables, such as bell peppers, cucumbers and carrots, with sliced apples or avocado, plus cooked rice or quinoa in the center of a nori sheet and roll up. Dip in soy sauce if desired.

Tangy Tempeh: Cut tempeh in half. Boil in water for 10 minutes. Drain, pat dry and smother in a tangy barbecue sauce. Serve on a bun with pickle slices and a side of cooked mixed vegetables.

Happy Hummus Wrap: Line a tortilla or wrap with red pepper hummus. Pile in fresh veggies such as sprouts, cucumbers, carrots, bell peppers, celery and white mushrooms, all sliced thin. Roll up and enjoy.

Friday, October 21, 2011

Woohoo!

I am totally doing a happy dance right now. I felt the baby kick! At first it was gentle and I wasn't sure, then it was a little more firm poke in the same spot and then it was a third time and there was no mistaking it. I was sitting with my knees up against my belly and I guess the baby was crowded!! I LOVE it!

I was talking to some moms at a mommy group I am in about nutrition today. I found out that I am doing really really well now with this new devotion to healthy eating that I have had again. I am so motivated to feed my baby well and to do good things for this baby. (I do occasionally have a craving slip, but overall, I am doing well.)

I am anxious to meet with the nutritionist about Gestational Diabetes though, because I honestly don't remember anything beyond, sugar is bad, count your carbs and protein is good.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Quick Update on prenatal appointment

Well, I went to the doctor today. There was a delay because he had been up all night delivering a baby and he was behind. So I went next door and did something to make me feel better. My hair has been bugging me for a while, I hate dealing with it when I am trying to get comfortable in bed and it was really hot on my neck, so I CHOPPED off all my hair. I have a pixie cut. The hairdresser was scared to do it because my hair was down to my waist, but she said that she really liked it and that it really suited me. Prince Charming and the girls seem to agree. Princess Magpie kept looking at me in awe and saying, "You are Mommy!"

And on to my baby check-up. We couldn't detect the babies heartbeat because the baby was too busy jumping around and doing acrobats, but I figure if she/he was feeling good enough to be jumping around and dancing, she is good enough for me. I am in my second trimester, I am no longer bleeding and my baby is active. I am good. The bad news is that I have Gestational Diabetes. When I had the test, I stopped by a coffee shop and had a coffee and a little sweet after it was over and it seems that sweets on top of that awful sugar drink they give you was not good for me and when I thought my sugar was low and making me feel really confused and foggy, it was actually really really super-high. So it looks like it is Gestational Diabetes again for me.

I would also like to point out that I am in my SECOND TRIMESTER!!!! Here's to better days with less fear of loss!