We made it, I am 14 weeks today which means the 2nd trimester has arrived! I was hoping that the first day of week 13 would be a magic day but it wasn't. I have slowly noticed my nausea becoming less and less though which I am SO happy about. I haven't gotten that burst of 2nd trimester energy yet but I am still holding out. Last night I was at a birthday party for a friend and ate so much food, grass fed steak, a loaded baked potato and kale salad. I looked down at my plate and laughed saying I think my appetite has returned! I devoured the food and when I got home Jeremy commented on my belly having popped. I think it was the dinner more then baby! I am starting to feel pregnant more every day, still wearing my normal clothes but by the evening I am usually popping the button on my jeans to let baby get some air. I don't remember exactly but I think around 20 weeks is when I started pulling out maternity clothes with Ava. I have thought several times this week that I felt baby move and then realize it is just my stomach. I'm ready to start feeling that but didn't feel Ava move until about 17 weeks.
Here is a little sneak peak of my adorable ALL girl toddler! This is a normal look for her when we are going to leave the house. She must wear her shoes and its not uncommon to see her in pajamas with her pink crocs on. She loved necklaces, hats, bracelets and always has to take her bag when we leave the house. She keeps me laughing that is for sure! Poor thing has been sick for the last week but is finally back to her active chatty self.
I was in the process and almost done weaning Ava when she got sick this last week. She ran a fever on and off for a week and was lethargic so I encouraged her to nurse as much as she wanted. So, we are starting back at the beginning I feel with this whole weaning this. I was glad to be able to comfort her when she was sick and as much as I don't think I will miss nursing her I will miss being able to comfort her like that. Her appetite has grown so much since starting to wean her which I was really hoping for because she has never been a big eater. Ava turned 16 months last week and has a list of words she can say now and daily adds to that list. I love this stage and am trying to enjoy every moment I have in the next 5 1/2 months with just her.
Well, I guess technically lots is cookin around our house but what I was referring to was my plan and effort to get back to cooking more and the dreaded...meal planning! I can grocery shop all day long and stick to my budget but meal planning is a whole different animal for me. I like being spontaneous and I have to be in the mood to certain foods, and how on earth am I going to know a week in advance what I am in mood for? So my plan has been to shop and plan 5 dinners and then of course all the other things we need to breakfast, lunch and snacks. I started last week and it was a success and kept us from going out to eat! I'm always looking for good ways to get more raw vegetables in our diet but also simple and tasty recipes. This kale salad has become a new favorite in our house and I'm thrilled about that! I had never tasted raw kale but liked it cooked so I was a little hesitant. It is wonderful! Today for lunch I shredded a cabbage and then dressed it with this recipe of dressing and toppings and it was amazing! I love the sweet yet tangy flavors all blended together! Really, you should try it. Don't let kale scare you.
