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!
Kari 05.06.2016
Congrats!! That is very exciting news. i hope your pregnancy goes smoothly and that you continue to feel well.
Kelly P 05.06.2016
My son is very close in age to your Lincoln and I started following you when we were pregnant at the same time. I’m pregnant again and due in the fall also and so very truly happy for you and your family. Thanks for bringing some attention to struggling to make it happen. I know just what that feels like and want to tell others too so it doesn’t hurt so bad when you’re going through it. Again, such a big congratulations from my family to yours :)
Kristin 05.09.2016
Thank you so much, Kelly, and a huge congratulations to you and your family too!
Lisa @ TechChick Adventures 05.06.2016
Wow, what great news indeed!! Congrats to you. Becoming a family of four is definitely an adjustment – like you said, I really struggled with dividing my time between my kids, like I depriving my first born. But in the end, it all works out and you get over it :) Wishing you the best with your pregnancy!
Kayla 05.06.2016
Wahoo! Wonderful news! Congratulations! You and Ben will be fabulous as parents of two. Good luck with this pregnancy. :)
heather 05.06.2016
So exciting! God bless. <3
Melony 05.06.2016
Congratulations!! I laughed when you said that Lincoln was (so far) excited….my two are way past the toddler stage, but my son was thrilled to have a baby sister….for about 2 weeks, then he came up to me one day and said “Mommy, when is Rachael going home??” :) I guess his nose was a little out of joint that someone else was getting attention too, but he got over it pretty quickly.
Kristin 05.09.2016
Hahaha, I know, people keep asking me if they think Lincoln has any idea. He knows there’s a baby growing, but I don’t think he realizes that it will be staying with us *forever* after he or she is born!
Tanah 05.06.2016
Congrats!! and all of these recipes look delicious!
Beth @ Reality Daydream 05.06.2016
Yayayay! I’ve been waiting for this announcement! :) Lincoln is going to be such a great big brudder. And you and Ben have GOT THIS! Also, I really appreciate your little disclaimer and being sensitive to those that are in the trenches of infertility. It’s a rough road isn’t it?!
Kristin 05.06.2016
You are such an inspiration, girl!! Hope you and the ladies (and gent) are well – we need to do another summer get-together! :)
Courtney 05.06.2016
Oh gosh, congratulations!! I’m so happy for you and Ben! and Lincoln too!
Sarah 05.06.2016
Congratulations to you and Ben on baby #2!! Your blog was the first blog I started reading regularly, maybe 3 years ago, and it’s been fun to watch Lincoln grow into an adorable little boy. I’m sure he’ll be a great big brother!
Megan 05.06.2016
Congratulations to you guys! That’s wonderful news – so glad your dreams were able to be fulfilled! All the best!
erin (everything with love) 05.06.2016
congratulations! we are due with baby #2 in October, and we also had some difficulty with our experience while trying for our second. this might sounds strange, but I truly think that I was meant to go through it so that I could get some perspective on what the experience was like for those who struggle with fertility. because before all of it, I never really got it. I love how you put it in your post.
Kristin 05.06.2016
I completely agree with you – as with most things in life it’s hard to truly grasp what an experience is like unless you go through it yourself. Congrats to you too!
Tracy 05.06.2016
Yay!! Congratulations & happy Mother’s Day to you!!! <3
Liz 05.06.2016
Congratulations!!! And what a sweet post :) I had trouble conceiving my first and had to undergo fertility treatments, and then I miscarried my second pregnancy after being totally shocked that I got pregnant naturally when my first was just 9 months old. Similar to what you said, after I miscarried it was CRAZY how many friends I found out had gone through the same thing, and I was so glad I reached out and didn’t try to go through it alone. My husband and I are back on the TTC bus now, and it’s a struggle to stay positive. But the bright side is that I have a beautiful 14-month-old daughter to remind me daily of how abundantly blessed I am! Anyway, thanks for your heartfelt acknowledgement of fertility struggles and I am SO happy for your family!
Kristin 05.09.2016
Absolutely, Liz! This process definitely taught me to (try and) count my many blessings vs focusing on what I didn’t have. Sending positive thoughts and vibes your way!
Lindsay 05.06.2016
Congrats! I am a long time reader and adore all of the updates you give on Lincoln! I have a 3 year old boy myself and after nearly a year and 9months of trying am expecting a little girl in August. The first one came easy as well so I know exactly how it feels and how isolating it can be. I think its really great of you to share to the many of us who have been there or may be there right now! Congrats again! Looking forward to a summer of mocktail recipes for you ;).
Kristin 05.09.2016
That is SO great, Lindsay!! Congrats to you!!
Debbie A. 05.06.2016
Congratulations Kristin and family! Your heart will keep growing with love with every child. Truly the BEST job in the world is being a Mom as you now know. Enjoy reading your blog and the very tasty recipes. Happy Mother’s Day.
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday 05.06.2016
SO MANY CONGRATULATIONS! Thanks for sharing your life, your story, and your delicious recipes and I hope you have an amazing Mother’s Day!
Sara 05.06.2016
Congratulations! I’m a long time reader of your blog and big fan of many of your recipes. Plus, I’m a mom of a 3 year old and 7 month old boys. So fun to hear your having another. :)
Dana 05.06.2016
Congrats on the happy news =) Happy Mother’s Day. I look forward to being a Mom like you one day. I think you’re awesome for sharing something personal, and overall you are just too cool ;-)
Kristin 05.09.2016
Same, Dana! Thanks so much! :)
Cara 05.06.2016
Oh, congratulations!!!!!! I am so, so excited for you three!