Hello, hello from the end of a gorgeous fall week! We’ve been hanging in the 30s, 40s, and 50s the past couple of days and it’s been just fabulous. Especially since I’m carrying around so much extra “insulation”. Sistah is HOT!
I had my next to last checkup before baby earlier this week and when asked how I’m feeling I answered with an honest “GREAT”. My back is killing me and my walk has officially become a waddle, but the end of this pregnancy is so close I can practically touch it and with it has come a very unexpected burst of energy. After weeks of feeling like making it through the entire day was an impossible feat, I am totally digging it.
Here’s what else is currently going on!
Time and place: 2:12pm, at the kitchen counter. Lincoln came down with a bug in the middle of the night last night (?) so he went down for his afternoon nap right after lunch. Hopefully he can kick this thing relatively quickly – he’s got a baby brother to meet!
Awaiting: baby! We have mere days until our little guy is born and I am more than ready, both emotionally and physically, to meet this little rolly pollie. This pregnancy was much harder on my body for various reasons – being in my 30s (ugh,) having Celiac Disease (double ugh,) not being as active (triple…ok, I’ll stop,) etc, and to be honest these last 2 months have kind of crawled by. Regardless, little man’s room is ready, his wittle clothes are washed, and our arms are open. Let’s do this!
Wearing: leggings. I finally joined the LuLaRoe revolution and have been living in their leggings. They really are as soft as advertised, and so adorable (and in case you were wondering, the OS waistband fit over my baby bump – three cheers for strechy pants!) One of my best friends, who just started selling the line, and I got together with another one of our besties last weekend and we ALL showed up in head to toe LLRoe. It was hilarious! Maybe you had to be there… Anyway, I recently bought this pair and got so many compliments on them. I can feel an obsession quickly building.
Snacking. If you need another idea for your fall apple stash, try my latest snack creation using The Laughing Cow cheese wedges. I sliced apples, spread them with The Laughing Cow’s Creamy Original Swiss cheese, then sprinkled with cinnamon and freshly chopped peanuts. So Divine. By the way, I feel like chopped peanuts are so underrated – have you ever tried them sprinkling them into your salads? AMAZING.
Loving: Contigo Snap Seal Travel Mug. The Target end cap strikes again… ? Truly I’ve been in the market for a new travel mug for the past couple of months (I threw all ours away in a manic kitchen purge,) and this Contigo cup I picked up at the very tail end of my last Target visit has worked out really well so far. The coffee stays blazing hot for hours and the cup is dishwasher safe, too.
Watching: Modern Family. I was going to say the Presidential debates – I am hooked – but I’ll keep IGE drama free (that’s what Facebook is for, right?) and go with Mofy because if you are not watching, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?! It’s one of the only shows on television that Ben and I enjoy watching together (besides Top Chef – Charleston’s up next, woot!) without having to pretend the other one isn’t rolling their eyes every five minutes. Ok, 2. Ok, 1. So glad fall television is back. I also think “This is Us” is fantastic, but not as cult-following-worthy as it’s becoming. Just my $.02.
Eating: soup. Of all kinds. It’s the obvious answer to these cool, fall evenings and is a dish I know Lincoln and I will both happily eat for dinner then lunch the following day. Ben, who is generally not as soup-enthusiastic as we are, has been very compliant! I made this Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Soup the other night sans meat, plus an additional 1/2 cup or so of chicken broth, and with dried thyme instead of fresh, and it was sooo good.
Wearing: slip on Chucks. I slipped (har!) this in a post last week but wanted to share again – I recently bought these slip on CTs and they are adorable! Perfect for this time of year and they go with pretty much anything…especially leggings. ? FYI, I had to order a 1/2 size down. Now, any tips for keeping white shoes white, besides not standing in wet grass for fall leaf photo opps? I haven’t owned any since my Keds in 4th grade.
Craving: Chickpea Bacon Carbonara with Spiralized Sweet Potatoes. This spiralized dish is speaking to my soul. Carbonara is one of my favorite foods – Ben and I had it approximately 18 times each when we went to Italy – and I can’t wait to try this healthier yet still decadent-tasting twist.
Loving: lunch/snack plates. I gave a talk at my last MOPS meeting about healthier, happier family meal times and shared these cute lunch/snack plates that I’ve been making for Lincoln lately. I actually LOVE to talk about children’s meal and snack times but know not everyone who reads IGE has an interest or need in that department. Anyway, my Mom used to make lunch meat faces for us as kids (usually with a slice of bologna!) and the fact that I still remember them with complete clarity, yet can’t recall what I had for breakfast, is a testament to how much fun they are for little ones. For Lincoln I usually stack a slice of turkey on top of a slice of GF bread and use a round cookie cutter to trim, then decorate with anything and everything we have in the fridge and pantry. He is OBSESSED. Just an idea for your lunch-bored toddlers/kids.
Screen shotting: travel ideas. I’ve taken to screen shotting all the places I want to visit in the future for easy, visual reference. My latest include Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland, Autumn in New York, Yellowstone National Park, and Denali National Park (<< holy buckets that Insta account.) Guess I’m in a mountain state of mind!
Feeling: anxious + excited. Just because I’m ready to meet our baby boy doesn’t mean I’m not experiencing 50 shades of anxiety right now. I miss Lincoln already and can’t even think about not being able to give him my undivided attention without crying. Dealing with a newborn’s sleep schedule got me like ? and I would be lying if I said that I had any clue what my blog posting schedule will be like over the next couple of months. I will say that having perspective, since this is our second time around, has done wonders for my nerves and despite feeling anxious I’m also experiencing an unusual sense of calm (emphasis on unusual.) Whatever happens, happens – you can’t really predict or control a whole lot when you’ve got a newborn. Plus I’m trying not to let any of this overshadow our excitement to become a family of four! Those newborn nights tho… ?
Thankful for: YOU! As I mentioned, I truly don’t know what my posting schedule will look like for at least a month or so after baby arrives late next week, but I remember feeling so encouraged by you to do what’s best for me and my family last time around when I took, oh, three days off? In hindsight I should have given myself way more time to recuperate, which is what I plan to do this time. That said, worker bees gotta work so I know I won’t stay silent for too long, don’t you worry! I just really appreciate knowing that you’re there, and you’re patient. THANK YOU. This is not see ya’ later yet, though, as I’ll be back all next week. That said, I’ll catch ya’ on the flip side!
Have a great weekend!
Wishing you all the best in life with your family :)
[…] (Iowa Girl Eats – I started following back when the boy and I moved in together and I started cooking meat, the recipes on this site use simple ingredients and not too difficult, a few of our favorite recipes are from here, like Crispy Gnocchi with Zucchini, Sweet Corn and Basil) […]
Best wishes on your new delivery! I am a labor and delivery nurse, so I hope you take enough time to recover. :) I am not gluten free but I have been cooking your recipes to rave reviews for a couple years now, and have shared your blog with many people who need to eat gluten-free. And people who just love to cook. You are awesome, love your blog!
Just read “Currently”…love your blog btw….Where did you get that cute plate with Lincoln’s name on it?….and….With Switzerland on your bucket list – have you thought about Leavenworth, WA instead (for the short term)? It’s a cute little Bavarian-themed town in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State. The architecture, food, music, people, all make it feel like you’re in the Alps; and at Christmas time?….it’s Amazing! Fall is a great time to be there with Autumn Leaf Festival, Oktoberfest, & – it’s in apple country with many fruit stands to pick from. I don’t live there (honest), but, we used to take our little ones there every year to see the town, eat ice cream walking thru downtown, & go to the Christmas Shop & buy yet another ornament for each child, & a must–stop at the fudge shop. We still have our favorite pub that we try to get to whenever we drive over Stevens Pass towards Seattle……Enjoy that baby!!! (I know you will & Lincoln will welcome him too)
Take Care,
Linda
Congratulations!! Get as much sleep as possible now LOL. Your readers will all be here when you get back! :)
First of all, prayers for a safe and fast labor. Also, guidance and strength for a soon to be mother of two. I personally found bringing baby #2 home the hardest emotionally, because as you said, you’re worrying about baby #1 and the relationship does change. But there is so much more love to give and receive with another baby at home.
Second, I can relate on so many aspects of this post… In the last few months I’ve went to ignoring any LLR pop-ups or page requests, to now owning two leggings, two Irmas and one Carley… I still haven’t ventured out in public in the leggings yet and wear them only for pajamas, but baby steps right ;) LLR is just so comfortable, fun and accessible!
Will be thinking of you and your family a lot, good luck with the birth and take care, we’ll be here when you have a few minutes to spare and come online :-)
+1 on the Contigo. I love this thing! I’ve had it for 9+months and wash it in the dishwasher a few times a week, still works like new! Side note, it took a few months for me to figure out that you can under the lid you can unclip the black piece which lets you clean in there. It was kinda gross when I opened the clip the first time.
I would LOVE it if you wrote more about baby/toddler meals. I’m always looking for new ideas!
Wishing you ALL the best!!
I am SOOOOOO excited for you all!! I am also excited to live vicariously through you once that sweet little boy makes his debut. I have no desire for more children, but miss those sweet baby snuggles and nursing sessions….
I’ve had good luck with washing canvas shoes over the years as well-works like a charm! All the best to you and Ben and little Lincoln as you welcome baby #2 into your family! I look forward to hearing from you again after what will be a much-needed break :)
I’m in the Scotchguard camp as well! I have several white or light colored pairs of Superga sneakers and give them all a thorough spray before wearing the first time.
Those Contigo travel mugs are the best, just an FYI that Groupon has them as well. 2 for something like 24 bucks.
Best Wishes! Enjoy this special time with your family. Don’t rush-we will still be here when you return :).
Thinking of you and hoping that all goes well….rest and enjoy this precious time with your new baby!
I spray my shoes with scotch guard–has worked great with my white chucks!
Ok great to know – added to my next Amazon Prime order! :)
Love these ‘Currently…’ posts! Anywho, I have the adorable white slip on Chucks that you mentioned (also have them in Navy. Love!) and I pretty much live in them bc, as you said, they go with errythang. So I almost had a full blown panic attack when I woke up one morning to find one of my cats had, ahem, PUKED on them overnight. I was convinced they were ruined, but I threw them in the wash and they came out looking brand new. Nothing quite like bright white shoes, y’all. So just wanted to pass that on to you, should you ever find yourself in a situation where you need your shoes clean. Or you can just buy a backup pair and hide them from your husband in the back of the closet. You know, just to be on the safe side. ??
Noooo, ahhahaha, I would have freaked out! Well, Lincoln already stepped on mine at the zoo yesterday so I’ll definitely be giving the washing machine a trick a try sooner vs later. ;)