Daydreaming about maternity leave...

As I sit here at my desk on Monday morning, I can't help but daydream about maternity leave. Three months of no work...no phone calls, no monthly reports, no budgets...ahhh that sounds wonderful to me! 7 months to go. The countdown begins. Maybe, I am a little premature, but I feel that it is never too early to countdown to something you are really looking forward to.

I have already started planning what I am going to do with the time off. Now, I know some of you might laugh at my list and silenty think..."Wow does she have another thing coming if she thinks that she will be able to do all that with a new baby in tow." Well, I have always dreamed big...why not? My maternity leave falls on the perfect time of year...the holidays! Here is my list of things I would like to do while I have the time off:

- Get all of my Christmas shopping done and presents wrapped BEFORE Christmas Eve =)
- Start my workout regimen, so I can get back to my pre-baby shape
- Join 1 or 2 baby-and-me classes
- Take TONS of photos of baby and start scrapbooking
- Catch up on General Hospital
- Make tons o' Christmas cookies...especially my favorite sugar cookies decorated like Santas
- Bring baby to see Santa
- Watch every episode of Everyday Italian and make time to try what looks yummy
- Read, read, read
- Get organized! Now, my life is organized, but I am sure once Jeff and I move, there will be plenty of areas that will need to be organized. I vow to tackle these areas with the time that I have off.

I don't think those goals are too lofty! I think they are spot on. I am sure that I will continue to add to my list as I think of things. 7 months to go!

Think Your Guy's America's Next Sexiest Dad-To-Be?

Why yes, I do! I entered Jeff in the "Pregnancy and Newborn Magazine's America's Next Sexiest Dad-To-Be" contest. If he wins, he will be featured in the June issue of the magazine and will win a whole bag of daddy-to-be goodies! I submitted the essay below and the above picture of him from Hawaii. Say a prayer that he wins! He definetely deserves it =)

Here is my entry:

My husband Jeff is “America’s Next Sexiest Dad-To-Be” for so many reasons…some that cannot even be articulated in words. Sexy, to me, is more than my husband’s sparkling blue eyes, handsome smile, and boyish dimples. Sexy is the way in which he shows his love for me and our baby. When I found out I was pregnant, I was overjoyed and yet scared. Jeff assured me that I would be the most beautiful, loving mother that any baby could wish for. It brought tears to my eyes to know that he felt such confidence in me.

Jeff believes in me and keeps me going every day. I work and go to school, which leaves about a half an hour of time that Jeff and I get to spend together each night. We miss out on a lot of the things that newlyweds/newly expectant parents get to do. However, Jeff reminds me every day and every night, as he places a tender hand on my belly, that by working so hard now, we are building a better life for our baby.

On top of keeping me motivated, Jeff takes care of all of the household tasks that I am unable to help with. He does all of the grocery shopping, laundry, and cleaning. He is so thoughtful; he even finds time to write me little notes of encouragement and hide them in places that he knows I will find throughout my day. It is so comforting to know that when I come home at night, I will find a hug and kiss waiting behind the front door, my pajamas neatly folded on the bed, and toothpaste already on my toothbrush!

I know that Jeff will make an excellent father, because of the way that he loves and cares for me and the baby now. No matter how busy he may be, he always finds time to whisper in my ear how much he loves the two of us. He makes me feel special and beautiful, two things all expectant mothers need. Jeff is my very best friend and one true love. He encourages me, makes me smile when I am sad, makes me laugh every day, and prays with me each and every night for our growing baby. Wherever he is, I feel at peace. I feel loved. I feel at home. There is nothing sexier than that.

Tell Me What to Eat

If any of you are anything like me, I often ask myself..."Should I eat organic?"

Some research shows that organic foods (those grown without pesticides and antibiotics) are not nutritionally superior to those produced conventionally. But a University of California, Davis, study of organic berries and corn found that they contained 60 percent more antioxidants than their non-organic counterparts. Regardless, eating organic at least some of the time is a great way to minimize pesticide intake. According to the Environmental Working Group, here are the most and least pesticide-laden foods when grown conventionally.

Smart Snacks

Snacks that contain mom and baby-healthy nutrients

The snacks listed here contain mom and baby-healthy nutrients such as calcium, fiber, protein; disease-fighting antioxidants; good fats; and even chocolate! Enjoy two snacks per day during your second and third trimesters.

1/4 cup honey-roasted peanuts (150 calories)
8 ounces 100% pomegranate juice (160 calories)
1 cup lentil soup (140 calories)
1 kiwi fruit and 1 oz. string cheese (120 calories)
1 cup nonfat yogurt (any flavor) mixed with 1 teaspoon wheat germ and 1 teaspoon ground flax seed (180 calories)
3 Medjool dates (170 calories)
1 cup low-fat chocolate milk (160 calories)
1 ounce dark chocolate (140 calories)
1 apple with 1 tablespoon nut butter (almond, cashew or peanut) (170 calories)
1 cup fresh green, red and yellow bell pepper strips with 3 tablespoons hummus or baba ghanoush (160 calories)
1 hard-boiled egg with 1 cup vegetable or tomato juice (135 calories)
1 cup chocolate frozen yogurt drizzled with 1 teaspoon chocolate syrup (140 calories)

Sweet Tart

Here is another "mocktail" for all the mommies-to-be!

Ingredients:
Ice cubes
2 oz. cranberry juice
2 oz. ginger ale
2 oz. lemonade

Directions:
Mix ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and strain into a shot glass. (Also pretty over ice in a wine goblet.)

7 Days 7 Ways

This is for all my fellow preggos out there. These are the pieces that you need for spring! I've got 7 pieces, that you can wear in 7 different ways in 7 days!

1. Cotton Belted Tunic, $30, by Old Navy Maternity

2. Stretch Twill Trousers, $120, by Cadeau

3. Mod Cotton Twill Coat, $148, by Babystyle

4. Belted Cotton Dress, $60, by Gap Maternity

5. Striped, Cuffed Crew-Neck Cotton Tee, $48, by Michael Stars

6. Comfy Cotton Striped Cami, $20, by Gap Maternity

7. Wide-Legged Pima Twill Trousers, $135, by A Pea in the Pod

Monday
Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday Friday

Saturday Sunday

Easter Time!

Jeff and I had a wonderful Easter this year. We went over to Brian and Angie's on Saturday for dinner. Everything was wonderful! It was so nice of them to have us over. We all received Easter baskets from Jeff's mom and dad. Pictured here is Jeff's favorite gift "The Caveman's Pregnancy Companion." How fitting!

Sunday we spent the day with my family. My mom put on an amazing brunch! I love breakfast. My parents also put together an Easter basket for the two of us. I don't think I have ever received so much candy! (Mind you my mom confiscated gummy bears from me the week before...claiming they weren't good for the baby). I really don't know what we are going to do with all of the candy! I am sure it will get eaten...Jeff, of course, has the restraint to only eat one piece at a time. I , however, cannot just have one piece when all of my favorite treats are in one spot. Our baby is definetly going to have a sweet tooth!

My First Gent's Cut

Jeff was my model for my very first "gent's" cut. It went really well! My lovely model was over 40 minutes late, but, we rocked out the haircut with time to spare.

I know you can't tell from this picture, but his haircut looks great, and he is very happy. I had the threat of him shaving his entire head if it didn't turn out. Visions of a bald husband kept me focused and ultimately lead to a succesful haircut! Thanks Jeff for being such a great model!

Preggie Pop Drops To the Rescue!

Over the weekend, Jeff and I went over to Nate and Kendall's new house to visit. They have a lovely home and what I deem to be THE most comfortable couch in the world! I melted into the couch...I think I could have sat there all weekend...hehe.

Kendall (expectant mother of Gwen Katherine Lisenbee!) gave me a box of Preggie Pop Drops. She said they really helped her with morning sickness and boy have they helped me with mine this morning. They have just the right amount of bitterness to them to relieve the nauseousness. I highly recommend them to any expectant mother struggling with morning sickness. Thank you Kendall!

"It can be done, but you have to make it happen.’"
- Chris Gardner

Mocktail of the Month

In keeping with the spirit of "Cocktail of the Month," I thought I should start posting a "Mocktail of the Month" for all of my pregnant pals out there. Here is the first recipe of many!

Mojito Mocktail

ingredients

12 fresh spearmint leaves

1/2 lime

7 oz. club soda

2 Tbsp. simple syrup(or 4 tsp. sugar)

directions

Gently crush mint leaves and squeeze lime in a tall glass. Pour simple syrup on top then fill glass with crushed ice. Add club soda, and stir well. Garnish with a lime slice, a sprig of mint, and serve. Makes one mojito mocktail.

Cocktail of the Month

Even though I can't partake in any cocktails, I still thought I would post this fun little number on my blog. Jeff's brother is a "Dave," and when I found this cocktail I just had to post it!

"All Dave All Night"

ingredients
Ice
3 ounces orange vodka, preferably Hangar One Mandarin Blossom
1 ounce fresh lime juice
1/2 ounce elderflower syrup
1 orange twist

directions
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the vodka, lime juice and elderflower syrup. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with the twist.