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.
Click here for the recipe >
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!
caslyn 05.06.2016
YAY BABY! Congratulations!!!!
Erika 05.06.2016
Congratulations!!! So excited for you and your family!
Lesley 05.06.2016
Congratulations!! I am due with our second this fall, and – I kid you not – I was sitting at my desk this morning and just had a sense that when I checked your latest post I would find good news. I must just have babies on the brain :) Glad to hear that you’re feeling well!
Kristin 05.09.2016
HAHA, I love it! I think Mothers have a six sense about these things. ;) Congrats to you, Lesley!
Becky 05.06.2016
Yay! I’m so excited for you and Ben and Lincoln! You and Ben will still be in man to man defense plus Lincoln is old enough to be a good helper! I hope the summer isn’t too hot for you. I was pregnant during a seriously hot summer 5 years ago and it was a drag! Nothing a little more lemonade can’t help ;)
Kristin 05.09.2016
That is definitely one benefit to this baby coming a little later than we expected – Lincoln will be a lot more independent/a great helper when this little one comes!
Connie Conlon 05.06.2016
So very excited for you and Ben !! Lincoln is going to be a big brother…yay !!
Nicole 05.06.2016
Congratulations!! I’m so happy for your family. We had our second 6 months ago and it has just been the best thing ever! My daughter is obsessed with her baby brother and can’t wait to see him every morning. Absolutely the best watching your kids love each other!
Lacey Jones 05.06.2016
Congratulations to you Kristin!! and to Ben and Lincoln. He will have so much fun being a big brother! My husband and I have been trying for about 10 months. I am thinking I will try some Vitamin B ;)
Kristin 05.09.2016
Definitely couldn’t hurt, and I am sending positive vibes your way, Lacey!
Becca 05.06.2016
Congratulations Kristin!
jennifer 05.06.2016
Congratulations! I’ve had my suspicions for awhile now! Happy for you 3 now 4 and can’t wait to try the hash recipe.
Amber 05.06.2016
Congratulations!
A very wise man told me once that people are like Glaciers. You see just a small portion of what is happening in their lives but most of their “stuff” is hidden like most of a glacier is under the water.
Kristin 05.09.2016
So true, Amber!
Betsy 05.06.2016
Congratulations!!! I’m so sorry you struggled to get pregnant and thank you for being sensitive to others. I remember after finally getting pregnant through IVF I wanted to wear a sign telling other women how long I fought for that pregnancy because I remember seeing other women and just getting devastated. I’m glad to hear you’re feeling well, relatively speaking. I’ve been meaning to make your chocolate peanut butter pudding forever, seems like the perfect weekend!
Denise 05.06.2016
I woke up today especially sad because my mom passed away shortly after Mothers Day last year and I’m finding this weekend rather difficult. I instinctively came to the IGE page to see what could cheer me up and look what I discovered! You’re going to be a family of FOUR! Yaye! I am beyond heppy for you and Ben and Lincoln! I remember worrying about the very same thing when I was pregnant with my second child (I have 4 now!)…and I remember having the conversation with my mom…what have I done mom?! How will I love anyone as much as I love Ellie (my oldest)?! And she told me love multiplies, it doesn’t divide. I didn’t believe her and continued to completely freak out the entire time I was pregnant with my son. But as we all know how moms are just always right, the second he was born (and I wasn’t thrilled because he chose to NOT wait for me to get an epidural!), my ‘love capacity’ was instantly doubled and I couldn’t even believe it! Happy Mothers Day to you, what an exciting time for you all! Congratulations!
Kristin 05.09.2016
Thank you so much, Denise! I can’t imagine how difficult this time of year must be for you. I hope you had lots of family time yesterday!
Michelle 05.06.2016
Congratulations! So happy for you! Have a wonderful Mother’s Day!
Terri A. 05.06.2016
Congratulations on your news! That sangria is calling my name.
Julie 05.06.2016
Congratulations! That’s so exciting for you all.
Kel 05.06.2016
Congrats – wonderful news!!!
Melanie 05.06.2016
Congratulations!! So happy for you all. I’m pregnant with baby #2 as well and am also feeling sad about not being able to spend as much time with my toddler. I keep telling myself that having a sibling is worth the trade! :)
Kristin 05.09.2016
I really think so too! Congrats to you!
Donna 05.06.2016
Awwwwww….many congrats! From a long time reader of IGE, I’m SOVERYHAPPY for your family. Our youngest is about to turn 1 in June and I have to say having two has been way more awesome than I expected. It was a zillion times LESS scary than I imagined;)
Kristin 05.09.2016
Thank you so much! I think I’m most nervous about juggling two kids and a job at home without completely FAILING at both. Ahhh, we’ll see!
Lindsey 05.06.2016
Congrats! I am also due this fall and thought “yes! She is reading my mind!” when you mentioned wanting flavored drinks in your lemonade post the other day. I am normally a (mostly) water-only gal, but so far this pregnancy I want all the lemonade. Hope you continue to feel well!
Kristin 05.09.2016
Yes, same!! Congrats to you, Lindsey!
Laura 05.06.2016
Congratulations. I’m so so pleased for you. I got pregnant very easily with my son then it took over a year to get pregnant with my daughter who will turn one on Sunday. I also used acupuncture and b vitamins and upped my protein intake. It’s so difficult when people ask if you would like another baby and you’re trying and its just not happening. Treasure every moment. Laura x
Kristin 05.09.2016
I totally relate. :) Happy belated birthday to your little one! :)