22 Weeks

How far along: 22 Weeks.

How big is baby: The size of a Papaya

Total weight gain:  I will be finding this out next week at the Dr’s. I will say that I found a picture of me when I was pregnant with Ezra at 24 weeks and I was a A LOT bigger than I am now. That makes me happy haha.

Sleep:  I randomly wake-up at least once a night after apparently having been sleeping on my back (a big no no) and have a huge side cramp form overly stretching my ligament while trying to roll over to my side. Usually at that point I realize I have to pee as well, but the minute I stand up I realize that I can’t breathe, because of the back sleeping, and have to take like 5 breaths to get back to normal. Meh.

Best moment of the week: Halloween was pretty great! Bella was a princess in a blue dress (who was absolutely NOT Elsa……) with blue and purple hair. At one point when someone asked if she was Elsa she shook her head and said in a very Christian Bale sort of voice, “I’m Batman.” I love how alike we are. Ezra was a SWAT member, and also a little candy thief haha. You know the families that leave bowls of candy on their front porch and say take one (we’ve all done it), well to Ezra that meant take a handful. Ryan was a Lumber Jack and I was a pregnant cat. 

 The best moment of the week was also my daughter’s soccer team’s last game. I’ve learned it’s so rewarding watching kids that you coach take all the things you’ve taught them and do them on the field. We had the best game of the season and I was such a proud couch by the end. 

Food Cravings:  Nothing to report on.

Food Aversions: Thins that I tend to eat regularly. I’m starting to get sick of the usuals.

Symptoms: Just the random ligament stretching pains.

 Mood: Stupid stupid emotions. Any sad news story or youtube video or ridiculously happy news story makes me cry. Looking at my kids when they are being cute, or sweet, or just sitting there concentrating on something makes me cry…. Bleh. Same goes with getting annoyed. I’ve been getting annoyed at the smallest things. Below is one of the many things that caused me to cry.

Movement: Baby girl punched her daddies hand this week. She is starting to be more active throughout the day. It’s such an amazing feeling. I remember this now with Bella and Ezra, it was my favorite part about being pregnant.  

What I’m looking forward to: Dr. appointment next week. Other than that not a whole lot. I’m starting to sort of count down the days till I get to meet my baby. We are at 16 weeks now! 

Been a min or two...

I'm an awful blogger!!! I'm so sorry for the lack of posts :(. Spring took over my life with children's sports, gun shows, and well....life. There is, however, a light at the end of the tunnel. Sports and school are ending this week!! Soon I'll be working 4 tens each week and using my Friday, Saturday, and Sunday's to go camping!!!

Before I post about some amazing pancakes I made for my family this last weekend, I would like to share about some amazing changes in my life. I recently made the choice to focus on my health this summer. I started a 30 day system (that may just turn into a a life system) about 12 days ago. This system focuses on removing the toxins and replacing with all the nutrients your body needs and craves. I have been a faithful coffee drinker for at least 10 years and I'm proud to say I haven't had a coffee in 12 days and I have more energy than ever! I also battle with some bad anxiety issues, and I have been feeling so calm now. I've lost 10 lbs (again still only after 10 days) and I couldn't be happier. I have also been feeling  more confident (bought this lovely little bikini) with my body. My husband is starting this Monday and I can't wait for him to receive all the benefits of this amazing system. If any of you want more information about it send me an email or a message!! I'd be more than happy to share!

Now, onto some very important things:

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

For the pancake:

1 Cup Flour

2 Tsp Baking Powder

1/2 Tsp Salt

1 Cup Milk (I used some leftover buttermilk, to make these vegan you could use almond/soy/coconut milk)

1 Tbsp Oil (it called for Canola, but I used Coconut)

1 Large Egg (sub 1/2 cup of applesauce for vegan recipe)

For the swirl/filling:

1/2 Cup Butter (or Good Earth vegan spread) melted

3/4 Cup packed brown sugar

1 Tbsp Ground cinnamon

For the glaze:

*Now I veered with this one and created something with ingredients I had on hand. The recipe wanted a cream cheese glaze*

1/2 Cup to 3/4 Cup of Powdered sugar

Milk 

Maple Syrup (organic pure if you can)

1. Prepare the cinnamon filling: In a medium bowl, mix the butter, cinnamon, and sugar together. Put into a big zip-lock bag and set aside.

2. Make the batter: In a medium bowl whisk together the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and salt). Mix in the wet ingredients (milk, oil, and egg) until it is just combined. 

3. Mix all the ingredients for the glaze in a small bowl. Start with the powdered sugar and slowly add the milk. You want a consistency that's not too thick and not liquid. Once you get that consistency add a little bit of the maple syrup. If you absolutely love the taste of maple syrup add a decent amount, if you only want a hint of it, add less.

4. Pour the batter onto a skillet or your favorite pancake pan. After you have all that will fit in one sitting, cut a corner of the zip-lock bag and start your swirling on the pancakes. Flip them once one side is done and vice versa. Top with the glaze and whatever add ons you'd like. 

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the sun!!!


Based on a recipe from: http://www.life-in-the-lofthouse.com