Fastest 7 months of my life

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Isn't amazing how a baby grows within a mother with virtually no effort on her part?  I mean, yes there are a few naps here and there, and maybe an extra bowl of cereal now and again...but for the most part I'm just being me.

28 wks
And low and behold, the belly broadens. 

Holding belly 28 wks
It might be better if it took a little more thought on my part.  Here it is, less than 12 weeks until my due date and I've hardly made any preparations. No nursery, no new "boy" clothes...still no name. It is hard to say this out loud because I love my children, and I love babies (I'm a doula for heaven's sake!) but I seem to be having a really hard time bonding. 

Looking down at belly

I know that there are several reasons that I feel somewhat distant to this little guy.  First off, it is a boy.  Little girls- that is what I'm familiar with.  I've gotten pretty good at the girl thing.  A boy?  I'm excited...it just feels a little strange thinking of a son.

Another reason I am having trouble connecting is just because I have such a full life already.  Mothering and homeschooling three little girls, being a wife, and managing my home is a major full time job.  I guess if I had a little more time to daydream my mind might wander more frequently to the reality of an impending birth!! 

Lastly, and I haven't spoken of this at all-- but the last several months assisting births at the birth center have been really hard.  Privacy laws prohibit me from saying much more, but it has been tragic.  I guess there is a level of fear that wasn't there before and that causes me to hold back somewhat.  Praying about this.

Bellysecrets 

I am drawing strength, and hope,

Belly to belly with laurel
and smiles from the sisters who patiently (or not so patiently) wait with me.  Their curiosity and affection towards their brother, even while he is tucked away in my womb, is so so sweet.

I know my heart will catch up with my belly. As he wiggles away while I type this very sentence, I can feel that it will.

roughage

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I am absolutely in love with this book!  I found it at the library last week.

Barefoot contessa

Where has Ina Garten been all my life?  I seriously think she may be my new best friend. I love the way she talks about her home in the Hamptons and her "off season" home in NY (not to mention the lovely little flat she keeps in Paris) like her readers most certainly have a similar situation. Um not quite.  But that is where her pretentiousness seems to stop.  I was delighted to find that most of her recipes are simple, the ingredients attainable. 

My Saturday lunch:

Salad with melted goat cheese

A little greek salad with warm goat cheese on toast.  I adapted the recipe in the book to include many of my favorite flavors right now.

Toss together: I don't measure anything, just dump in what looks good to you.

Mixed Greens (I am loving the artisan lettuce tub at costco right now...stays fresher longer than the pre-cut stuff)

Artichoke hearts (mine were from a jar, packed in oil)

Kalamata olives

Garbanzo beans

Then mix dressing: (I measured all ingredients into a jar, then put the lid on and just shook it up. This will make enough dressing for salads all week- time saving!)

6 T white wine vinegar

1 t dijon or seedy brown mustard

1 t mince garlic

1 C olive oil

Coarse salt and pepper to taste

Toss Salad and dressing together.

Then I brushed a few pieces of baguette with olive oil and topped them with sliced goat cheese and baked them at 450 for 8 mins.  This is long enough for the goat cheese to warm and the bread to toast.

It was divine. I really did feel "Barefoot in Paris" versus just "Barefoot and Pregnant".  Going back to the library to find more of Ina.  Any recommendations?