Well I won’t beat around the bush – my sweet Lincoln here has something to share…he’s going to be a big brother this fall! (GOSH, this kid!)
As many of you have correctly guessed (hello random cinnamon roll craving!) this family of three is about to become a party of four, and I thought this Mother’s Day-themed post would be the perfect time to share that I’m going to be a Mama again! We are ecstatic and Lincoln is (so far) excited to have a baby “brudder” or sister. I am wrecked over the thought of not being able to give him my complete and undivided attention anymore, but I’m also incredibly happy to be able to give him a sibling.
Although I never get this personal online, I feel compelled to tell you that over the past year I’ve been made sensitive to the fact that some people can’t just snap their fingers and get pregnant. This little bean didn’t happen as easily as Lincoln did so to anyone struggling to get pregnant, my heart goes out to you. It’s easy to look at people sharing good news online – whether it’s a new baby, new house, epic vacation – and think, why not me?! (I’ve done it plenty,) but so many times there’s an unknown backstory. That said, it would crush me if anyone dealing with infertility read this news and thought it came to us on a silver platter. Don’t stop trying and remember that you are not alone. Talk to your friends (it is unbelievable how many people I now know have struggled/are struggling with getting pregnant,) focus on de-stressing your life, and/or do what did and try acupuncture plus a crap ton of b vitamins! In all seriousness, I’m with ya.
So far I’m feeling pretty good. Like my first pregnancy, I haven’t had have any nausea or food aversions (it’s actually been the opposite – I can’t stop eating all the things!) but the fatigue from Celiac plus being pregnant is pretty brutal. All in all I cannot complain though! We find out the gender in about a month so I’ll keep you posted, and in the meantime I’ll just be over here continuing to try and wrap my head around the fact that we’ll have two children (total – no twins in this belly!) before the holidays. Holy moly…here we gooo!
Alrighty, onto zee food!
I kept forgetting Mother’s Day is this weekend, which is why this I’m posting my favorite Mother’s Day recipes three days before the big day. Better late than never though, right?!
I think a lot of online sources will lead you to believe that Mom wants, like, asparagus tips and a kale salad to eat on Mother’s Day, but I’m here to tell you NO. No, no, no! Luckily Ben knows that on this day, especially, I love being pampered with a hearty breakfast, unique drink, or over the top dessert (or, uh, all three!) which is why I’m including boldly flavored, crunchy, savory, salty, and sweet recipes in this roundup of recipes for Moms who LOVE to eat!
I’ll probably spend this Sunday like I have the past two Mother’s Days – gardening in the sunshine then hobbling to bed 8 hours later after completely overdoing it. What can I say, I love me a good tradition.
Last thought, I know many of you reading ARE Moms, so feel free to pass this post on as a little virtual nudge to whoever could benefit from having it this weekend. Finally, happy, happy Mother’s Day. ? It certainly took becoming a Mom to fully understand how unbelievable my Mom, Mother-in-Law, and all of YOU truly are. ❤️
Champagne Sangria Punch
If Mom is a champagne-lover (and not PG,) hand her a glass of Champagne Sangria Punch, aka mimosas spiked with wine (YES!) first thing Sunday morning. Trust me, best way to start her day!
Sausage, Pepper and Mushroom Hash
Rarely do I get a chance to savor a big, hearty breakfast between getting Lincoln ready for school and Ben out the door, so a big plate of Sausage, Pepper and Mushroom Hash is something I’d definitely appreciate being handed on Mother’s Day morning. Top with a fried egg and you’re set.
Maple Almond Granola Parfaits
This particular granola holds a special place in my heart because I ate it for breakfast several times when Ben and I were on our Babymoon in Charleston while I was pregnant with Lincoln. Just sweet enough and packed with protein and sweet dried fruit, handing her a crunchy/creamy Maple Almond Granola Parfait in the a.m. would really show you care.
Kale and Bacon Quiche with Hash Brown Crust
I had this Kale and Bacon Quiche with Hash Brown Crust for brunch in Chicago again, while I was pregnant with Lincoln, and I’ll never forget it. If Mom is watching her carbs but still craving something decadent for brunch, this is the dish. Plus you don’t have to mess around with buying or making a pie crust.
Avocado & Shortcut Beet Hummus Toast
If your girl is a health nut, and loves her some avocado toast for breakfast, kick it up a notch by serving her Avocado & Shortcut Beet Hummus Toast which is made easy by using store-bought hummus. Don’t skimp on the goat cheese and sprinkling of coarse salt, which really makes this toast unique.
Prosciutto-Wrapped Mediterranean Lamb Burgers with Bruschetta
One of the things I appreciate about Ben is that he’s always willing to cook recipes that I’ve deemed delicious-looking but too much work. While Prosciutto-Wrapped Mediterranean Lamb Burgers with Bruschetta may sound super fussy, they’re actually really easy and you’ll knock her socks off by grilling this elegant and unique lunch or dinner.
Mojito Fruit Salad
If your Mom/wife/partner is anything like me than they totally geek out over beautiful, colorful food. Mojito Fruit Salad definitely fits the bill and is the perfect accompaniment to her Mother’s Day lunch or dinner. Tip: drizzle extra fruit salad + the syrup that forms in the bowl into a glass of champagne at the end of the night!
The Best Fruit Dip EVER
While I really need to re-shoot the photos for my Best Fruit Dip EVER, I’m including it because it’s one of my Mom’s and my absolute favorite recipes. Honestly I just eat it with a spoon! Serve with a fresh fruit platter – she’ll absolutely love it.
Blueberry Almond Crisp
My Mom and I both also love blueberries AND crisp, so Blueberry Almond Crisp is a winner in the dessert department for Mother’s Day in our family. My Mom has taught me many things over the years and one of the most important is DOUBLE THE CRISP in your crisp recipes, which I definitely implemented in this one. ;)
No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecakes
If Mom is a chocolate-lover you CANNOT go wrong with these individual-sized No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecakes that taste like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Toooootally epic!
Have a great weekend!
Keep it up.These yummy dishes would make any mother smile keep it up!! sighed kaitlyn hackman
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Congratulations!!! I am expecting this fall too- on Halloween to be exact! Love you blog…we’re making you Kung Pao Chicken Lettuce Wraps tonight :)
I just realized I never congratulated you…CONGRATULATIONS! I was so happy to hear that your little family will be growing. And I at least partially understand your feelings about not being able to give Lincoln your undivided attention anymore. Upon learning we would have twins, my post-freak out thoughts immediately turned to the idea that I would never have just one child. And as an only child myself, that was just mind-blowingly odd. But you, as a daughter and sibling yourself, know how very possible it is to make sure that each of your littles knows just how much they are loved. You’ll find time for both of them, no doubt, and Lincoln will be so stoked about having a mini-me that he won’t even notice all of the attention isn’t on him! :)
Best of luck with continuing to feel well! It seems maxi skirt season is officially here in the Midwest so cheers to the ideal pregnancy wardrobe!
Congratulations! I am a bit late in posting, but just catching up after vacation. I have to say thank you for your message about getting pregnant. My husband and I are trying now (for about 9 months) and I have been having a roller coaster of emotions every time there is a new pregnancy announcement, birth of a baby, etc. (which seems to be every day). Often we don’t know the back stories and feel like it comes so easily to everyone else, so thank you thank you thank you for the reminder that it’s not always true. It is also reassuring to know that while some people do get pregnant super fast, some dont! And it’s all meant to happen for a reason. Love your blog, and best wishes for a healthy pregnancy!
I know exactly how you feel, Samantha! My thoughts are with you and your husband!!
Congratulations! From someone who has struggled with infertility and had to go through rounds of IVF to have her children, I appreciate your post. Also, I saw this article today about the link between celiac disease and infertility and it made me think of you (isn’t it crazy that complete strangers randomly think of you!? ha.). http://www.todaysparent.com/trying-to-conceive/infertility/infertility-and-celiac-disease-is-there-a-connection/
I actually thought for a long time that my body was to too damaged from CD, and that’s why we were having trouble. It really does a number on you!
Oh congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!! It took us over 3 years to get our sweet Willa girl and we are beyond thrilled! She is 14 months now, and we are onto the fertility treatment journey again to get her a sibling! Such a hard, sensitive subject. I used to hate Mother’s Day and hate feeling so alone, broken, isolated, “why not me!?” But, to be on the other side, wipes out all those sad and hard times and makes us appreciate our sweet girl that much more. I take nothing for granted! Diaper changes? Bring it! Love it! Congratulations again! <3
Yay!! Congratulations! My husband and I are expecting our first in November! (Guessing you’re a Nov due date as well??) Yippee! Hope we can work together on a post again soon.
That is so exciting, Samantha, congratulations!!!! Yes, definitely, can’t wait to hear from you. :)
long time reader and recipe maker but first time commenter–CONGRATS! so excited for you and your family! i am the oldest of two (no kids myself) and i LOVE having a younger sibling/best friend :-)
Huge congratulations! Thanks for the words about fertility. It needs to become more of an open conversation as you said. I’m due this fall, too. Please do not hesitate posting mocktails or craving satisfying recipes!