The Beauty of Motherhood

Today marks only 3 weeks more until my baby's due date: August 13. Wow, has the time flown!

So far in my pregnancy, I have learned a lot of patience, selflessness, and endurance. I know that motherhood will bring only more of these life lessons, which makes me so excited. Motherhood is beautiful--in all its stages--and I'm excited to have an opportunity to become a mother in just a few weeks. For now, I'm enjoying the moments of maternity I have left: the little kick to the ribs I feel from Baby Wesley, reminding me that I'm not alone, the times when I get to see my baby on the ultrasound monitor, or listen to his rapidly beating heart, and the moments when Matthew and I look at my baby bump and talk about what a wonderful son we have on the way.

So, after 8 months of pregnancy, I wanted to capture this time in my life--this time of transition between being just a wife, to becoming a mother. To do so, we went down to Vasona County Lake Park, hiking a little ways down the trail to find a nice secluded spot for my maternity photos. Thanks to my husband (whom I've been giving private photography lessons to over the past year or so) and the help of a tripod for some couples shots, I now have some beautiful keepsakes of my pregnancy.

Matthew used a technique called "free lensing" to give this photo an artsy look and tilt-shift depth of field--I love it!

I'm excited that in just a few more weeks, I'll have the opportunity to photograph my wonderful son--stay tuned!

Until then, thanks for reading!

#GDRecipes: Shepherd's Pie

#GDRecipes: Shepherd's Pie

Since being diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes (GD), I'm trying new recipes that are carb-friendly; and, the best part is that these recipes are even more tasty than what I used to eat! 

Here's the recipe and instructions for a delicious shepherd's pie! My husband and I used to eat this all the time, but now we're using fresher ingredients and making the mashed potatoes from scratch; the fresh ingredients make all the difference!

Step 1

Ingredients

• 3 large potatoes
• 3 large carrots
• 3/4 cup broth
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups green beans
• 1 lb. ground meat
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar are my favorites!)

Serves 6. 

Directions

Step 2

EARLY IN THE DAY

1. Chop up potatoes and carrots and put into the crockpot. 
2. Add 3/4 cup broth and s&p to taste. 
3. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until vegetables are soft enough to mash up. 

LATER IN THE DAY

1. Cook the ground meat in the bottom of a deep skillet. 
2. Steam the green beans (in the microwave, or on the stove) and place the cooked beans on top of the cooked meat in the skillet. 
3. Mash up the carrots/potatoes in the crockpot. 
4. Spread out the mashed vegetables on top of the meat and green beans. 
5. Top with cheese, letting it melt before serving. 

Step 3

Nutrition Facts

Of the entire recipe 

Calories: 2000 

Total Fat: 60g

Total Carbohydrate: 235g

Protein: 111g

Fiber: 38g

Per Serving Size (1/6 of the pie)

Calories: 333

Total Fat: 10g

Total Carbohydrate: 40g

Protein: 18.5g

Fiber: 6g

Step 4

Watch out for more #GDRecipes in the future! I'm going to continue to record my food successes here, not only for those looking for GD-friendly recipes but also for those who want to try healthy (and delicious) alternatives to processed foods!

And, if you have any ideas for carb-friendly entrees, I'd love to hear about them. I'm starting to become less creative with my menu planning, so I really would appreciate some new recipes.





Thanks for reading!

Baby Bumpdate: The Nursery

I seriously CANNOT believe how time flies. At this point in my pregnancy, labor and delivery feels like it's just around the corner. Matthew and I have been taking birthing classes, packing hospital bags, and getting ready for the big day (as much as one can prepare for something like this). It's been a journey so far but I have no complaints, especially since I'm still keeping active, getting full nights of sleep, and finally feeling like I have all the physical necessities for Wesley's arrival. So, hopefully you'll enjoy reading today's baby bump update (bumpdate) featuring Wesley's fun, fishy nursery!

Here's a bit about how I've been doing recently:

How far along am I? I'm currently 36 weeks and 2 days. This is gettin' REAL!

How much weight have I gained? 28 pounds

What food do I crave? Lately, a big glass of crushed ice really hits the spot; I really enjoy munchin' on the refreshing frozen ice.

How's Wesley doing developmentally? We have another ultrasound next week, just to make sure things are going smoothly with Wesley's growth. So, for now, I don't have any new news.

How is my GD affecting Wesley? As far as I know, I'm keeping my GD well under control using my diet and blood sugar level monitoring. So, Wesley isn't being negatively affected by it!

What have I been up to lately? During the long 4th of July weekend, Matthew and I took up the project of refinishing an old dresser for Wesley's room. After that, I've spent most of my days getting the rest of the nursery put together. It's been a super fun process, and now I just can't wait to hold my little baby in the nursery Matthew and I have put together for him. Check out all the fun details below!

Matthew and I refinished this old dresser--with a little bit of primer and some fun paint colors, this piece found NEW life in Wesley's nursery. 

Some fun touches I painted for Wesley's room. 

A look at the crib and book nook in Wesley's room. 

We love fishies! 

This mobile was a group effort, put together by the lovely ladies who attended my baby shower. Isn't it fabulous?! 

Some fun fishies floating!

The book nook--where I intend to spend many moments reading to Wesley. 

I bought this book display from Wayfair.com (http://www.wayfair.com/KidKraft-Sling-28-Book-Display-14221-KK1688.html) for $55. 

A place for all his fun toys! 

The fish mobile that hangs over Wesley's baby swing.

Hope you've enjoyed taking a sneak peek into Wesley's room! I'm telling you--I'm getting ever more excited to actually have Wesley in his room. Patience, patience, patience. Until then, I'll just keep blogging, as well as preparing myself emotionally and mentally for this whole delivery thing! :)

Thanks for reading! 

The best 3 grand we ever spent

Matthew and I LOVED this car! We sold it July 2 after we bought a new, used car. 

3 years ago, I made the biggest purchase of my life--I bought a car! I was within weeks of marrying my fiancé, Matthew, and we needed a car before tying the knot. Even though I was nearly broke and sick of looking on craigslist and at used car dealerships, some miracle led me to find a great deal; I found a 1997 Ford Escort Wagon with 54k miles, costing only $3000. So, when Matthew and I decided to purchase the car, it left me 3 grand lighter; a couple weeks later, I drove up to Utah to marry my love with only $7 to my name (and the car, of course).

So, why do I even bring it up? Well, 3 grand doesn't seem like much, but to me it was a test of faith! Finding and buying that car was a miracle and the timing of it all was perfect. And, after paying in cash for my first car, I learned to really trust in my husband and in the Lord to get us through financially during our first years of marriage when cash was in short supply.

But, with every great thing, it must come to an end. After 3 years of owning our little "Wendy" Ford Escort Wagon, Matthew and I just sold it. Our Ford Escort Wagon was like a part of the family and deserves a little memorial; in fact, "Wendy" went on TONS of adventures with us, even saving our lives a few times along the way, too!

So, here's just a few photo reminders of all the good (and bad) times Matthew and I had with THE BEST 3 GRAND WE EVER SPENT: our "Wendy" 1997 Ford Escort Wagon.

Our Ford Escort Wagon took us ALL over! From San Diego to Las Vegas, all over Utah and up to Idaho, down through New Mexico on our way to Dallas, all the way to Phoenix and Colorado Springs, and finally to San Francisco! In our three years owning the car, we travelled 38,000 miles! 

Caleb and I driving up to Utah; this was Wendy's first road trip with me and she did great! --August 2011

Matthew and I went to CAN CUN (in Las Vegas) for our honeymoon. Again, our little car did great with the journey. --August 2011

Our Wendy car suffered an injury when a rock got flung up on the freeway, cracking the back window. --June 2012

Our little car got pretty beat up in Dallas, TX in a rear-ending accident. I'm just glad that Matthew wasn't the one that got "beat up". --July 2013

The aftermath of our little car, duct taped and bumper-less. You can see we were a little attached to this car, though; can you spot the car's name, Wendy, somewhere? --July 2014

Our car is now roaming the streets of San Francisco with a new owner behind the wheel. But, since Baby Wesley is coming so soon, we decided we wanted a safer vehicle and had to part with our Ford Escort Wagon. We've had some great (and some not-so-great) times with this car, but we will always remember Wendy as the best $3000 we ever spent! 

Thanks for reading!

#GDRecipes: Cauliflower Pizza Crust

#GDRecipes: Cauliflower Pizza Crust

Original recipe found here on KeyIngredients.com

Since being diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes (GD), I've been blogging some of my new-found-favorite, low-carb recipes. I really love pizza and decided to try this recipe, an alternative to regular pizza crust.

And, to make a meal of it is REALLY easy! Just add some of my favorite homemade marinara sauce, then top with mozzarella cheese, veggies, and the meat of your choice. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked, mashed cauliflower
• 1 egg
• 1 cup low sodium mozzarella cheese
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 tsp dried parsley

Yields one, 11" diameter crust: Serves 6. 

Directions

For Crust:

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. 
2. Spray a pizza pan with non-stick cooking spray. 
3. In a bowl, combine cooked cauliflower, egg, and mozzarella. 
4. Spread the mixture out on the pan, pressing it evenly on the pan. 
5. Sprinkle evenly with oregano and parsley. 
6. Bake at 450 degrees for 12-15 minutes. 

For Pizza:

1. Remove the pan from the oven. Add sauce, toppings (make sure any meat is precooked), and cheese. 
2. Place under a broiler at high heat, just until cheese is melted (about 2-3 minutes). 

Nutrition Facts

Of the entire recipe (one, 11" diameter crust)

Calories: 249

Total Fat: 23.5g

Total Carbohydrate: 9g

Protein: 39g
Fiber: 2g

Per Serving Size (1 slice, about 6 servings per batch)

Calories: 41.5

Total Fat: 4g

Total Carbohydrate: 1.5g

Protein: 6.5g

Fiber: <1 g

Watch out for more #GDRecipes in the future! I'm going to continue recording my successes here, not only for those looking for GD-friendly recipes but also for those who want to try healthy (and delicious) alternatives to processed foods!

Thanks for reading!

Baby Bumpdate: Sewing in my spare time

Despite the fact that I was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes, my entire pregnancy has been nothing but smooth sailing. Through my first trimester, I didn't deal with any morning sickness or other typical pregnancy symptoms. The second trimester came and went, as I was busy with student teaching and lots of travel. And now, in my third and final trimester, I'm enjoying the anticipation that is awaiting the arrival of my little one: Wesley Hase Young.

Here's a bit about how I've been doing recently:

How far along am I? I'm currently 34 weeks and 6 days, so I'm just coming up on 35 weeks!

How much weight have I gained? 25 pounds

What food do I crave? Probably everything with sugar in it, but since my GD diagnosis I've been laying off the cake, ice cream, and pie! But, one thing that I can eat (and often crave) is peanut butter toast. Mmm!

How's Wesley doing developmentally? According to the last ultrasound (taken at 33 weeks), Wesley is already 5 1/2 lbs. They anticipate that at 40 weeks, Wesley will be a BIG BABY--coming in at 9 lbs 10 oz. Since I was 9 lb 14 oz, and Matthew was 9 lb 1 oz, that's not too out of the question.

How is my GD affecting Wesley? So far, the doctors aren't too worried about my gestational diabetes having a negative affect on Wesley. The widest part of his body right now is actually his head, which likely means that Wesley isn't gaining any unnecessary weight from my body's blood sugar levels. That's good news!

What have I been up to lately? Aside from buying baby clothes, setting up baby Wesley's room, and researching tons of pregnancy stuff, I have kept busy with a few little sewing projects on the side. It all came about because of our recent move from UT to CA. When Matthew and I were packing up our things, we threw away a lot of our old clothing that we no longer wear; one thing that we were going to toss was an old suit of Matthew's and a few unworn ties. But, we decided that up-cycling the old clothing might be a better way to use the fabric. Here are a few of the fun things I've been able to put together for baby Wesley using Matthew's old suit, an unworn tie, and some old khaki pants:

While I did have to make some minor adjustments to the patterns in order to make the following items of clothing in 4 month size, you can find the original patterns for these items at the links below:

Suit Vest: http://prudentbaby.com/2012/02/baby-kid/reversible-baby-vest-tutorial/ (12 mo size)
Tie: http://shwinandshwin.blogspot.com/2013/10/10-min-tie-with-free-pdf-pattern.html (little boy size)
Dress Pants: http://www.make-baby-stuff.com/baby-pants-baby-pattern.html (0-3 mo, 6-12 mo sizes)

Suit vest made from an old suit. The tie and pocket square are made from an old tie. 

Suit vest and pants made from an old suit. The tie and pocket square are made from an old tie.

Suit vest made from an old suit. The tie and pocket square are made from an old tie.

Dress pants made from old khaki pants; they still need a little hem before they are ready to be worn! 

Dress pants made from old khaki pants; I loved getting to add the little pocket detail on the back!

Hope things are going well with all of you! And, perhaps this post will inspire you to up-cycle. If you have any old clothing that you are looking to toss, think twice about whether the fabric could be remade into something else; I'd love to see what you come up with! 

Thanks for reading!