this time last year

At 7:30am 12/31/11 I woke up to Trevor's fire pager going off to announce a retirement for a fellow firefighter. I rolled over and told him I had a very vivid dream (which is typical for me) that I was pregnant with a little girl. We had been trying for a while and in December I received some bad test results so I was kind of bummed by the dream. December was the month I decided to not care so much, nearly impossible. Trev rolled over back to sleep and I laid in bed trying to decide if I should test or not. I had told myself I wasn't going to this month because I want tired of the disappointment. Dreams are a big part of my life (I have the Japanese character tattooed on my right shoulder). I finally decided to, so I snuck quietly to our upstairs bathroom so Trevor wouldn't hear me and call me out. I took it and went to go grab it and throw it out, fully expecting it to be negative like so many others, and it was POSITIVE! So positive for being so early. I wasn't even late yet! I had an OMG moment and then I ran downstairs, threw open our bedroom door and yelled to a sleeping Trevor "OMG, I'm pregnant". The look on his face was disbelief. We typed into a calendar that my due date would be 9.11. His grandpa Jack's birthday (who we always said we would name him after and my little brother Jack) and awesome since Trev was a firefighter.

The rest of that day is a blur to me. Our emotions were running so high. I was excited, nervous, scared, joyful, overwhelmed, and relieved all at the same time. We decided to tell those close to us right away but only those close to us. I packed up an Auntie Anne's pretzel shirt I had emailed the company for when we started trying, knowing that is how I wanted to tell my family, and we headed over to my parents' house. I told Annie I had forgotten one of her Christmas presents and had her open it. I could tell she was less than enthused and after a few minutes it finally clicked for my mom and she said "Are you?!" To which I started crying and said "Yes!" Then she proceeded to give me oodles of boy things she just bought because she had a feeling it'd happen soon. My dad was just in shock. As typical teenagers, Annie and Max just thought it was "cool".

Next we went to his parents' rental house they were staying in because of their house fire. Trev started a conversation with them about how terrible 2011 had been for them since their house burnt down and Laurie lost her brother. Then he said "Well 2012 will be better because you will be grandparents and get your updated house". It took Laurie a second and then she started crying and was so happy. Harry proceeded to say he wondered if I was because I started to look it. I guess at 11 days pregnant I was already starting to gain those 55 lbs lol.

A few hours later we called my sister, brother and sister in law who were all out to dinner in Traverse City. They were shocked. I don't even know that they knew we were trying!

Later that night we went bowling with his parents and cousin Autumn and Mark. We didn't tell them but I bowled a 119 (911 backwards) and at the same time the song "Hit the road, Jack" played. And I noticed, for the first time, that my jacket was by the company Jack.

After bowling we went to Heather and Seth's to see them and Erich and Michelle. We got there and I pulled out of a shopping bag my drink for the night, sparkling juice. The girls screamed and Heather started getting teary eyed. It was awesome. At midnight Trevor and I kissed and celebrated 2012 being the year we would become parents.

I look back to last New Year's Eve and while the memories are still fresh in my head, it feels like forever ago. I feel like I'm a completely different person from that day, and maybe I am. As Trevor and I were laying in bed last night reliving these memories, I told him "This time last year was the last time I thought about myself". Life is crazy, exhausting and chaotic now and I never get enough sleep or have enough time to get done all the things I'd like but boy is it 100x better. 2012 was an amazing year. I carried and had my first child and we became parents. He brings us so much joy and laughter and has really changed our marriage. Being a mom has really made me look at myself and the kind of person I want to be. I can only imagine how wonderful 2013 is going to be because of our Jack.

Jack is 3 Months Old!

How is my little bubba getting to be so big? I can't believe how interactive he is becoming! He's such a little person now and not that much of a baby blob. :)

So this is what Jack is up to now:

-he loves making spit bubbles
-he can grab some things and bring them to his mouth but he prefers trying to cram his whole fist in!
-he likes to raise his left arm up the entire time he lays on the changing table (that he loves being on).
-he is fascinated by his feet and tries hard to grab them.
-he's wearing 3-6 month and 6 month clothing because he is long limbed (not like his mama)!
-he has a little cradle cap that were working on.
-he takes amazing naps for Dad during the day but still likes waking up often to eat at night (now that Mom is back to work she's enjoying the extra cuddles).
-on 12.10.12 he rolled over onto his back from his belly-silly boy did it on Dad's first day watching him.
-he has really found his voice. He will talk forever if you say "ow" to him (kind of like the MN Vikings horn sound if you watch football). He's also starting to develop a belly laugh and a shriek! One day we thought he said dad and thank you!
-at night we have to swaddle him (he enjoys this now) and walk around in a dark room (bathroom) with the fan going and patting his butt while he falls asleep (but he is sleeping in his rock 'n play more-I think he's less restless this way).
-his neck is SO ticklish and he laughs and squirms when you kiss it. Sometimes his belly, too!
-he likes patty cake still but also when we have him dance "Gangnam Style" and sing "Heyyy, sexy baby" (instead of lady). Lol, poor kid!
-when he's fussy we call him "fuss pants".

I am down to 119lbs, so only 4 lbs to go. I'm going to try hard to keep cooking my own healthy vegan meals but it is hard when I want to spend my time with Jack after work (usually babywearing him for extra snuggles) and Trev works most evenings-so I'm solo. I'll stay vegan for sure but probably with some help from Trader Joe's frozen section.

I went back to work yesterday and its really hard. Hard because I miss Jack SO SO much (luckily Trev texts me pictures, videos and updates of their day) but hard also from not having started the year with my students. I hear it all takes time but it is painful in the meantime. I can't wait for Christmas break soon.

Well that's all for this month. I have a .25 year old that needs some extra snuggles! :)

Cookbook Winner

Jianna won (second to comment on my FB update this morning due to posting troubles yesterday). Thanks to everyone who read the post and commented. I really enjoyed reading your responses and hope you all consider purchasing HHA! :)

Drawing Update

I've had a few people say their comments didn't go through on my blog. Check and see and if it didn't, post it on my Facebook before 2PM when I will chose the winner. There are 8 comments right now. The first one on FB will be #9, then #10, etc. (for drawing purposes).

Happy Herbivore Abroad Interview, Review & Giveaway!

I have to say I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of Lindsay's book tour for her new book, Happy Herbivore Abroad.  You can read about my journey to veganism here, but at the end of the day what is most important is that Lindsay is my favorite cookbook author.  When I was first vegan I would get very overwhelmed by the random ingredients in recipes, the amount of time and effort they took and how unhealthy a supposedly healthy recipe could be!  When my co-worker introduced me to Happy Herbivore, I was hooked.  Her recipes were easy, healthy and quick--something I appreciate even more now that I am a working mom of a new baby boy.   

I own both Happy Herbivore and Everyday Happy Herbivore (and enjoy her meal plans that have helped me lose 50 of my 55lbs of pregnancy weight in a healthy fashion!) but I have to say that Happy Herbivore Abroad is my absolute favorite of the three cookbooks.  I don't know if it is the traveler and Spanish teacher in me, but I really enjoy the flavors and variety in these recipes!  I absolutely love the amount of European recipes, specifically the Spanish recipes, throughout the cookbook.  I'm also impressed by the new layout and font.  It is really easy for me to understand how many people each recipes serves and the nutritional information for it.  Additionally, the recipes all call for ingredients that are easy to find, don't cost a lot and are probably already in my pantry.  It is completely accessible cooking for everyone--something that is usually not typical with cooking food from around the world.  As a travel junkie, I adore the stories she has behind each of the recipes and the pronunciation tips for foreign words.  Not only is this a cookbook but also a travelogue of her extensive adventures.  I found myself reliving many of my favorite travel memories through hers.  While nursing one night I sat down and read the cookbook as if it was an actual book and was really entertained.  She has surpassed my expectations with this cookbook--and I have to admit--I had really high ones given my travel experiences. 

Probably more exciting than receiving Happy Herbivore Abroad was my chance to interview Lindsay about the cookbook!  I was definitely a little star-struck to get this opportunity.  Hearing her take on her new book was very cool:

Ashley:  As a Spanish teacher, I love to travel as well. I find that when I do, I discover almost more about myself than I do about my destination. Have you had a similar experience?

Lindsay:  Yes! I have a story in Abroad about exactly that! Actually, two of the stories in there could fit this description...

 

Ashley:  Being vegan on my most recent trip to Spain forced me to try new foods that I wouldn't have otherwise. What advantages and disadvantages does being vegan while traveling pose for you?

Lindsay:  Like you, I find eating a plant-based diet encourages me to try foods I wouldn't have normally tried. I always like tell people that my diet is much more varied now on a plant-based (vegan) diet than it ever was when I was an omnivore. Being plant-based has opened me up to so many foods, ingredients and cuisines I would have never tried as an omnivore. The only disadvantage is that it's not always convenient -- but that's true no matter if you're in small town U.S.A. or Rome. Eating a plant-based diet takes patience and creativity at times, especially when you're abroad, but I've always been able to find food. I've found Spain to be one of the easiest and most accommodating countries!   

 

Ashley:  I see you've been to many countries where you don't speak the native language. How do you manage staying plant strong and communicating your needs?  Any tips?

Lindsay:  I speak Spanish, French and some German -- enough to get by and communicate my needs. In other countries, where I don't speak the language at all, I always take notes with me -- food words, how to explain my dietary preferences in their native language. I'll get a phrase book, etc. so I still can communicate, just not well. I've also noticed that English has become more widespread throughout Europe, especially in the bigger cities because of tourism, and many restaurants offer English menus.  

 

Ashley:  What is the craziest meal you've tried while traveling?  Did you enjoy it?  Will we see a recipe in Happy Herbivore Abroad?

Lindsay:  I'm not terribly adventurous with my food -- but I did eat a fruit once that looked, and, in my opinion, tasted like an eyeball. I was assured it was not an eyeball...  

 

Ashley:  While in Spain last year I saw a TON of vegan graffiti and support for the first time. Do you feel like you've noticed in your travels that the plant strong community is getting bigger throughout the world?

Lindsay:  I saw a huge difference on this last trip, compared to five years earlier. I saw a lot of vegan graffiti, stickers and other posters about being vegan. I ran into an Italian animal rights group demonstrating at fashion week in Milan and they were so excited that I was plant-based. I've also noticed more and more restaurants, bars, etc. offering clearly marked vegan and vegetarian meals in the bigger cities.  

 

Ashley:  What's your favorite recipe in Happy Herbivore Abroad?

Lindsay:  Asking a chef to pick their favorite recipe is like asking a parent to pick their favorite child :)  

 

Ashley:  Do any of your recipes hold special memories from your adventures?

Lindsay:  Most of them! There's a story attached to nearly every recipe in the book.   

 

Ashley:  Are these recipes as accessible to the everyday cook since they have an international flair?

Lindsay:  Yep! That was my main goal -- international flavor, using everyday ingredients we all have in our pantry.  

 

Ashley:  What are you most proud of with this new book?

Lindsay:  There's so much of me in this book. It's very personal, especially with all the memoir bits. It's not easy to brave your soul to the presses! I'm really proud of this book. It's a beautiful book.

 

 

So if you still aren't sure of how awesome this book is, let me show you a few recipes I have made!  Keep in mind that these pictures were taken from my iPhone and I am not a good photographer.  First, I had to try the paella!

At first I wasn't sure how I would like it since it doesn't have saffron in it, but it was amazing.  Besides a quick whiz of my food processor, this is pretty much a one pot meal that doesn't need a lot of fuss-great for a week night meal.  I loved the al dente taste of the rice...just like the paella I've had in Spain many times!

Since I can't really go to Spain right now because of our newest addition, I wanted to have a tapas night in.

I made Patatas Bravas, Tostada con Tomate, and "Cheater" Romesco Sauce.  I added a few olives on the side, per Spanish tapas tradition, and washed it down with the Tinto de Verano recipe.  The sauce for the patatas bravas was great and really easy!  I did have to cook my potatoes longer than the recipe states but that is ALWAYS the case for me...maybe I chop mine too big?  Since it is so cold out I broiled my zucchini instead of grilling it and it was delicious with the romesco sauce.  Tastes just like when I last had it in Toledo in a cool restaurant that was somewhat underground/cave like when out celebrating my co-worker's surprise engagement that I helped with!  The tostada con tomate (which is usually for breakfast but I love so much and can't resist) was amazing.  I didn't have a cheese grater so I had to use a microplane.  That took quite a bit more effort but the result was delicious and very authentic!  And the tinto...so good.  Reminds me of the Kalimotxos I used to drink when I studied abroad.  Now if only I could get Fanta Limón here in the states as well...

To keep things well balanced among my Spanish-speaking countries I made the Quick Mole Chili and Morir Soñando for lunch.

The chili was unbelievably easy and quick, as was the drink.  I love the name of the juice drink...to die dreaming...since I have the Japanese character for "dream" tattooed on my shoulder for my habit to constantly dream.  My oranges weren't that sweet so I did have to add some agave but I can only imagine how much better it would taste with really good oranges.  The chili had a nice subtle chocolate flavor without being sweet...the perfect mole taste. 

Lastly, I made the Stuffed Acorn Squash because it is getting chilly here in Michigan and I wanted some warm comfort food.

I really liked the spices and raisins in the stuffing.  I don't think I would have thought to use them in a stuffing before.  I also enjoyed the use of quinoa instead of rice because I love how quinoa adds protein and is super quick to cook.  It was a very easy recipe and one I will make many times again...besides the acorn squash I almost always have all of the ingredients in my house!

Well, if this post hasn't sold you on how awesome Happy Herbivore Abroad is then I don't know what will!  I really can not sing enough praises for it.  For more reviews, follow the Twitter hashtag #HHATour. 

Happy Herbivore Abroad is available now on Amazon but I am lucky enough to give away one copy to a reader!  To enter, leave a comment below (I have to approve comments before they post, just FYI when you post them) telling me either what your favorite travel memory is or what your favorite food while traveling has been.  Be sure to leave your email address so I can contact you if you win.  The giveaway will end Saturday night, 12/1/12 at 11:59PM.  I will post the winner on Sunday and choose the person by using http://www.random.org/integers/.  The giveaway is only open to those in the USA and Canada.  Good luck!  :)

 

     

Who am I?

In the next few days I am going to have an influx of new readers stopping by as I have been lucky enough to be chosen to interview Lindsay S. Nixon (Happy Herbivore) about her new cookbook, Happy Herbivore Abroad. I figured I should share myself a bit with those visiting who don't know me in real life. :)

I have a new title as of 11w1d ago. I am a mom. Jack is my first son and I absolutely adore him. He is who I write about the majority of the time, mostly because that's where my heart is now that he's here. As a parent I tend to be kind of "crunchy" (Trev hates that term) only because I feel that a natural life is the best. I cloth diaper, breastfeed, babywear, co-sleep and try to practice the tenets of Attachment Parenting as it fits our life. I'm not an extremist (we did circumcise, give him Zantac for his reflux and do the CDC recommended vaccination schedule) and try to find a balance that works for us. I do try to educate myself on everything and discuss with my husband. I think this is the most important aspect of parenting. At least know what information is out there, then go with your gut.
A blog that I feel represents my parenting style the most is www.nurshable.com

I am also a wife. Three and a half years ago I married my high school sweetheart, Trevor. We've been together since 9th grade (12 years now!) and friends since 6th grade. I met him on the school bus when he was riding home with his friend (now our friend and one of our groomsmen), Brandon. Brandon liked me and Trev was trying to get me to "date" him...as much as sixth graders can date. Twelve years later I can honestly say that Trevor really is my best friend. What I love most about my relationship with him is he is the ying to my yang. He really balances me out. I don't understand how some people say you must find someone that is just like you. I think that would be destructive for me and us. He keeps me from obsessing and going overboard and makes me laugh. We are a great team and parenting has really brought us closer. Being parents has made us really talk things out and rely on one another more. I've come to love and appreciate him in new ways now.

In addition to these family roles I am also a sister, daughter, aunt, friend and animal parent. I am the oldest of five, am an aunt to my brother's son, Matthew, have some great girlfriends (the majority of which will all have had babies within a year), and have two Persians, Gato (18.5) and Leo (4) and a border collie/black lab, Sofía (2).

My job title is a high school Spanish teacher. I've been doing it for five years now and I still enjoy it. I hold a Masters in education and am quite proud of that. My most rewarding moment was taking students to Spain a year and a half ago and seeing them grow from that experience. Lately our politicians in Michigan have been making teaching less than desirable. My goal when I return in a week and a half from maternity leave is to continue to grow professionally without becoming too jaded by the happenings in Lansing.

Another facet of my life is that I am a vegan. Throughout my life I have wavered between omnivore and vegetarian. The idea of eating animals always repulsed me. I asked my mom's friend, Ellyn, for some vegetarian reads three years ago because I really wanted to make the switch for good. She mentioned she was vegan, something I never thought I could do because, as everyone says, "I loved cheese". Well she recommended reading a book by Marilu Henner. After our one year anniversary trip to Chicago (where I indulged in meat for the last time), I read it on the way back. When I got to the part about dairy I was stunned. I had never thought of it that way, both as an animal lover or from a health perspective. After that, I was hooked. I read every single book that existed. My coworker, Margaret, went vegan not long after I did and showed me Happy Herbivore. We went to see Forks over Knives together and I then became a plant based vegan. I LOVE the way I feel when I eat this way and can't imagine changing that. I har been vegan for about 3 years now with a brief stint into vegetarianism during pregnancy because of some pretty severe sickness and cravings. My husband was vegan for a while and now is mostly vegetarian. I hope to raise Jack vegan in our home but allow him to make his own choices and decisions outside of the home. I love the fact that my two sisters are also vegetarian. The youngest, Annie, has been all of her life and I think that is so amazing!
Blogs I like are:
www.happyherbivore.com
www.healthytippingpoint.com
www.fatfreevegan.com
www.vegweb.com
www.ohsheglows.com
www.peasandthankyou.com
www.theppk.com

Some smaller aspects of me, but that still make up who I am:

I try to be a minimalist. Clutter always bugged me as a child and I'm constantly in a decluttering process. I never want the big car, house, etc lifestyle. I am more about quality over quantity and having just what I need and use. I think this lifestyle is relaxing because it takes away the focus on things and puts it on people and experiences, makes me feel satisfied and not in a constant state of want and is better for the environment and planet. I will never only own 100 things as many minimalists try but I am trying to pare down to more functional living. For example, less one tasked kitchen items and making my closet more of the French style (fewer items that are high quality, fit well and are all interchangeable so that you can get several outfits from them). For example, I had many things that would only go with browns or navy or black. I had separate shoes and purses and accessories for them. However, I never liked how I looked in brown or navy. Now that I am having to practically start my wardrobe from scratch with my new post-partum body, I am making sure all my pieces can mix and match and go with either black, greys or white. I like it much more now and don't feel as though I have a closet full of clothes I don't want to wear. While on maternity leave we have tried to donate some of our belongings to decrease clutter. When I return to work I do not want an abundance of things to clean, dust and organize when I am home...I want to spend my time with Trevor and Jack. I think our house is the perfect blend of minimalism and comfort. Some blogs I like on minimalism:

www.missminimalist.com
www.mnmlist.com
www.theminimalistmom.com
www.happyherbivore.com

My hobbies outside of all of this include reading, yoga, cooking and travel. If you have made it through this entirely too long of a post and are interested in more of my ramblings, feel free to subscribe. :)

Jack is 2 Months!

Jack is 11.6lbs and 24" long!

This has been such a crazy month. If I had to choose one word to describe it, it would be "discovery".

We discovered Jack doesn't have pyloric stenosis (via abdominal ultrasound) but does have reflux, had a pretty bad diaper rash and has a soy and dairy intolerance. The dairy one is no big deal for me to work with but the soy is rough. I love tofu and soy sauce!

We also discovered that Jack prefers to sleep on his tummy, what his routine and cries are for, how to make him laugh and smile (he could talk to Trevor and laugh with him ALL day-I'm a little jealous), loves his diaper changed and being naked, wants to be held all the time (and you can't sit down while doing that), loves his back patted, falls asleep easily to the hair dryer noise app on our phones and adores doing patty cake with me.

Jack discovered: how to yell on 10.12, how to roll to his side on 10.20, his feet at 7 weeks, the contrast on the blinds, that if he kicks his legs he will fart, how to splash us in the tub, my hair, how to pull on mom's shirt when hungry and then hold onto her strap until he's done feeding, can FREAK out when getting breastmilk in a bottle in order to get more, can make pouty faces and stick lower lip out so we think he's adorable even when he's sad, how to imitate our faces and sounds, he likes his paci upside down (I'm sure were in for tons of orthodontic bills), that football is awesome, blue bird on his swing and bouncy, that he only is happy if the car is moving and mom is holding in his paci, how to give open mouth kisses and how to jump on mom's tummy.

We've discovered Jack is a little high needs but if you meet those needs he is really, really happy and will give you lots of smiles and laughs (cuddles, too!).

I'm getting nervous for going back to work in a month because Trev and I will be trading shifts so we will be flying solo often. I hope I have enough breastmilk to satisfy him while I'm gone, that Trev doesn't get too frazzled and Jack isn't sad about me leaving every day. I feel like I'm starting to get more into my groove even though I'm functioning on very little sleep (Jack doesn't sleep too well). I don't leave home much because his carseat hurts his reflux but I don't mind. I'm fine spending my time at home with him. I just yesterday filled up my tank for the first time since the day before I had him! Even though he hates his carseat he did well sleeping and traveling to see his new cousin Matthew two weeks ago. I'm about 13 lbs away from pre-pregnancy weight but I'm sure I'm not going to fit into my size 0 pants and extra small shirts again. My bone structure is just so different! I'm still holding out until the week before I go back to work to buy any clothes. Being vegan again is really helping me lose the weight! (42 lbs down at 2 months is pretty good, I think!)

Tomorrow he has his two month check up and shots :( so I will update this with his stats then. I really hope the next month goes by super slowly. I'm not ready to not spend all of my time with my little bubba.

Random Parenting Thoughts

First, a weight update. I lost 2.5 lbs this week from our decision to eat like plant based whole foods vegans. What a slow battle I have ahead of me. I'm nervous for starting back to work in six weeks and not having any clothes to wear and having to spend a lot of money on a new wardrobe. The money I got for my birthday just got me started on nursing bras and tops-boy are those pricey! Definitely a new adjustment from being skinny with no effort for 26 years. Trev lost 6 lbs this week so we are still going to continue with veganism for now. We each had a little cheese this week just for convenience sake when we ate out at Panera. It is just difficult all around to cook because Jack likes to be held constantly and would comfort nurse all day if I let him (a pacifier really doesn't work well with him). I don't mind holding him or wearing him in the Moby but it makes doing things as simple as cooking quite difficult.

Something that has become really obvious to both Trevor and I (the type A planner that I am) is that there is no way to know what you'll want and need for a baby before they're here. It's somewhat frustrating for me because I am a minimalist at heart and neither of us like clutter. Tonight Trevor and I were saying that we just need cloth diapering items, a carrier (Moby/Boba), car seat and some zippered sleepers. Maybe the swing, too! Yet we have tons of baby things. Obviously there are little things like towels, nursing pillows and such are needed but we are shocked at how little babies require. Jack is co-sleeping with us. He will not sleep in his rock n play, bouncy, pack n play or crib no matter what and I refuse to let him cry-it-out. I was really nervous about co-sleeping at first but I don't move an inch with him next to me and I keep pillows and covers out of the way. I actually like the snuggles and think they'll be even better once I'm back to work and gone half the day. If he sleeps in his swing instead I actually miss him and have a hard time sleeping!

So here we have all of these places for him to lay and sit and he is not at all interested. He will occasionally sleep in the swing but he gets so chilly I end up just letting him nap in the Moby. I'm hopeful baby #2 enjoys these things but I won't be upset if it doesn't. I love holding my baby. Jack's crib will convert to a bigger bed when he's older so its not a lost cause but Trev and I are already toying with the idea of just getting a king sized bed instead of a crib next time! I would have never thought we'd be in this position! Luckily I never said never during pregnancy. I knew it would be a wait and see deal but its still surprising.

Also, whoever invented snaps on baby clothing is ridiculous. Zippers are where it's at. Or onesies with baby legs. Mental note for next kid: don't buy snaps.

Yesterday I tried exclusively pumping instead of breastfeeding but it was draining (pun intended lol). I wanted to try it because Jack feeds ALL THE TIME and 45 minutes to an hour each sitting. So yesterday while pumping I had to make sure I was ahead of his needs at all times, then I had spend the time sitting at the pump where I couldn't do anything (hard when you have a baby that wants to be held), wash parts and bottles and then feed him. At first he seemed much more content with the bottle but as the night went on he wanted to comfort nurse. This stressed me out because I couldn't pump if he was doing this and if he did, I wouldn't have anything to pump. Also, how would I be able to build my stash for my return to work if I had to feed him everythinv I pumped? At 8 PM I said screw it and went back to nursing. I think nursing would be faster if we didn't have to use the shield (over supply and over active let down issues) but I tried a couple times yesterday and he freaked out.

So all in all parenting is really a bunch of trial and error (says the expert here at 6 weeks). He has his own personality (that my mom says mirrors mine as a baby) and needs that I'm learning I just need to meet by going with the flow.

Baby Weight Weight-Loss Time

During my pregnancy with Jack I gained 55 lbs (and Trevor gained a few sympathy pounds as well!). I know this is way more than the recommended 25-35 but there was no way for me to have avoided it. First, I ate a healthy vegetarian diet the entire time. Sure I splurged on a pumpkin pie blizzard or cookies here and there but I've always had a healthy palate and preferred healthy foods. At one point one of the OBs at my office (who is also a vegetarian with vegan daughters) asked how I thought I was eating. I told him "I eat oatmeal for breakfast, hummus sandwiches for lunch and whole grains and veggies for dinner; I even snacked on kale chips last night". He responded that gaining more weight was what my body must need to do. I agree. My mom gained 60 with me and I was 8lb 11oz. Jack was no small baby at 8lb 8 oz so I know he and all the other pregnancy lovelies (amniotic fluid, placenta, extra blood) took up a majority of it. I'd even venture to say my boobs took up the rest (I went from a 32D to 38E!-only 10 shirts in my pre pregnancy wardrobe fit over my chest right now).

Well here I am one month postpartum and my belly is still quite soft. I'm at 135lbs with 20lbs still to go. (35 lost so far!) I don't think I will be able to get to my pre pregnancy weight while I am breastfeeding (my goal is to do so for at least a year, maybe two). I know my body needs more fat stores in order to keep up milk production, but I would like to start being healthier.

Ever since my pregnancy cravings have gone away I have really started craving healthy foods again. Trevor and I made home made pizza the other night and it just didn't taste good. I told him I was craving kale. I know I am nuts but I've always been this way. When I was younger (like 8?) I remember my Aunt Chris bringing a strawberry and spinach salad to a potluck and LOVING it and wanting to eat that over the mayo based salads and chips that frequent potlucks. I have never liked French fries, mayo, pop, or tons of sweets so eating healthy has been easy for me. I go to The Lodge in Keego Harbor because I crave the way they steam their broccoli!

So long story made even longer, Trevor and I both wanted to lose some weight and eat healthier. I really wanted to go back to being vegan and not vegetarian-I just felt so much better. Yesterday we purchased (for $5) this week's meal plan from happyherbivore.com. I have all of her cookbooks (and love them) so why buy her meal plans? Having a baby makes meal time really hectic. Sometimes meals happen at crazy hours, get consumed way after they've been prepared or I just don't eat because I am too tired. I had been living off Trader Joe's frozen meals and carry out for at least two months (bed rest and a newborn will do that to you) and knew my sodium intake had to be sky high. The meal plans factor in leftovers for other meals so that I'm not cooking all the time, are all vegan, are fast and easy (so Trevor can make them!) and are all plant based and vegan. It makes eating healthy VERY easy. When I went grocery shopping yesterday, (which was my first time with Jack and not Trevor and I may have been super anxious about it. He slept in the Moby-thank goodness!) I loved how our cart looked. Nothing processed, no dairy and it was overflowing with produce. I was so excited to start!

This morning our first meal was an Apple Pie Smoothie and 1/2 cup of blueberries. Trevor did a great job with the smoothie and it really tasted like apple pie! The meal plan contains recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner and pre plans snacks and desserts. The only drawback is the daily caloric intake is 1,200. It's recommended that breastfeeding moms eat 1,500-1,900 calories a day to help milk production. So, I plan to add some healthy snacks (like my larabar this morning) to make sure I hit those numbers. I feel pretty confident, though, that just eating clean and healthy food will make a huge difference in my journey. I don't ever expect my body to look the same. It created, held and birthed a human. But I would like to feel less squishy for now.

Wish us luck! I hope we can stick to it!

Jack is one month old today!

I can hardly believe that our bubba (Jack's nickname...along with Jackariah...sorry bud!) is one month old.  Part of me feels like it was just yesterday and the other part of me can't remember what life was like before him.  It certainly didn't move this fast.  Once he got here life started moving at a lightening fast pace.  Because of that I make sure that I snuggle him as often as possible.  I have a hard time even putting him in his swing or bouncy (asleep or awake) just because I want to soak up every moment with him before he is mobile and more curious.  Being a mom is amazing.  Although my body is nothing like what it was before at this point, I don't mind.  It did an amazing job creating this adorable little person.  Speaking of little, he has grown "perfectly" as his doctor said today.  Here are his stats:

• 9 lbs, 7.5 oz (50th percentile)
• 22.5 inches long  (85th percentile)

In an attempt to remember everything I can about Jack's first month of life, I'm going to list some of his personality traits and things we have noticed.  I have no idea what is "normal" for babies but this is what my little guy is doing and what I want to remember about this incredible first month:

• One of my favorite things that only I really can notice is he has a small little pulse on his upper left cheek when I am nursing him.  I like that it is something special for us.
• He is absolutely amazed by lights.  He could stare at them for hours.  Also, this makes it look like he is watching sports when the TV is on...Trevor is proud.
• He is obsessed with his hands.  It is a constant struggle during nursing to keep them away from his mouth.  He really wants to be a finger sucker and I am trying to avoid it with the use of his pacis.
• He has been smiling since day one but is doing it more often now and giggling occasionally, too.  It melts our hearts.  We will sit there and just watch his facial expressions.
• Speaking of which, after he eats, he makes so many facial expressions.  Smirks, eyebrow raises (one and both), angry faces, kissy lips or he will simply pass out in a milk coma.
• He is a very gassy baby...this is where he is like Trevor.  Jack farts, burps, spits up, hiccups and everything in between more often than any baby I have ever been around.
• He also has the same cowlick in his hair as Trevor.  It looks like his hair might be going blonde like Trevor's was when he was younger.
• Jack loves bath time and hates to get out!
• Like his mom he talks in his sleep (he sings, too...which I do not do!).  
• Singing "You are my sunshine" and "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" can usually pacify him for a little bit!
• The rain noise on my White Noise App on my phone lulls him into sleep at night...thank goodness.
• 8pm-12am are his fussy times and 6am-8am he usually wants to party.
• On 10.8.12 he started really talking with us a lot.
• When he is really hungry he will oink.
• The first time he peed outside of his diaper was during a bath and he shot it straight into an electrical outlet.
• He is wearing mostly 0-3 month clothing.  He could fit into some newborn but it is a stretch and I don't like the struggle.
• He loves looking at baby in the mirror on his play mat and grabbing at the elephant and monkey.  During tummy time he is doing a great job of holding his head up!

Here is Jack at 1 month!:

 LINK TO PRO PICS BY AMANDA WILLIAMS:  Click here