My Latest Indulgence

Guys, I gotta admit something.

I'm a sugar-holic. Really, I am.

I won't get into all the nitty gritty details about this unhealthy addiction I have, but it is real.

I am always trying to find new and healthy ways to replace my sugar eating habits. I know, I should just cut it cold turkey and forget about sweets. It would probably definitely be healthier. But, what's wrong with healthy sweets every now and then?!

My mother-in-law introduced me to the idea of using black beans as a replacement for flour. I was intrigued and repulsed at the same time. It sounded disgusting. How could black beans possibly be used in a GOOD way in dessert? Well, her black bean brownies were delicious. Not all who have tried them like them, but most do. Its a great alternative to flours, and adds a lot of protein!

I have a brownie recipe, I just can't find it. But, I did find this gem on pinterest a long time ago, it is a cake version. I've made it a few times, the first being Emma's 1st birthday party. I didn't feel guilty letting her dig into her cake when I knew it wasn't filled with junk or artificial sweeteners.

And now, I will share my treasure with you. I just made a pan of this over the weekend, and piecing at it when a craving for something sweet hits. The nice thing? It doesn't take much to feel satisfied. It is rich, and a little bit goes a long way!

Yes, the cake DOES have honey in it. You can modify that, or decrease the amount. Honey is technically *sugar* in a sense, but it isn't processed or filled with junk. So, in moderation I am more than OK eating it. :)

Try it out and let me know what you think!

Good News!!!

I won't have to poke my fingers with a needle 4x/day the next 3 months! Or see the doctor 3x/week. Or eat on a specific schedule. Or restrict the occasional dessert :)

I had my glucose tolerance test last week, and got a call from the doctor's office on Monday afternoon after my family and I had just finished eating at a Mexican food restaurant. I did enjoy things I knew I wouldn't be able to if the results said I have gestational diabetes (GD) all weekend since family was in town. I had it with Emma, and even though I controlled it and Emma and I are both healthy, I hated having to poke myself.

This time around.... no GD!!!! I am beyond thrilled. I will have to take an iron supplement since I'm a bit anemic, but I was with Emma too. That's an easy fix. Because I don't have the restrictions that come along with GD, Kyle and I are making goals to eat healthier and be more active these last three months.

I am so very hopeful that there will be no complications, and that baby girl will continue to grow big and strong. I really want to avoid being induced and go into labor naturally this time, and since GD is out of the equation it is more than likely. And, if I'm really lucky, maybe she will grace us with her presence a little early :) Ah, who am I kidding. Baby girl, take your sweet time. This pregnancy has gone by SO fast, I can hardly believe I'm already 6 months along.

We've also decided on a first name, but can't seem to find the right middle name. Some say she doesn't need one, but I love middle names. Even if they are rarely used. Naming Emma was a no-brainer, she was named before she was conceived! I like to use family names, but I haven't found a family name that goes with the first name yet. So, any middle name ideas out there- maybe one that starts with a "J"- throw them my way!

Emma loves giving baby sister kisses and hugs. It's so cute to hear her say her name! Melts me. I sure hope she loves her as much when she's here. 

Have yourself a laugh :)

Guys. Downtime at work = blog reading. My husband's cousin who writes this blog recently shared this link to another blog. 

Trust me, you'll want to read it. I had to try so hard to contain myself!

Pregnancy does some crazy things to a woman. I am glad I married such an awesome guy who is extremely helpful and supportive, with all my crazy moments. 

23 weeks

Guys- we have reached viability :) 

That's what I say when I know if anything were to happen (knock on wood!!) and I delivered anytime from here on out, our baby girl would have a shot at life. 

This baby is a night baby for sure! (Thanks night shift!) It's been so awesome to feel her kicks and flutters, and she's big enough Kyle can feel them too. As my belly has been growing, I point to it and tell Emma there's a baby in there. So throughout the day she'll point to me and say "mommy", herself and say "Emma" and my belly and say "baby". It's precious!

My belly seems to have reeeeally grown in the last couple weeks. Fortunately, my weight gain is much more controlled than it was with Emma. Even if it's just a pound less, I'm determined to not gain as much as I did with her. Haha. 

I hadn't seen my older brother in a while, and the first thing he said to me was "wow, you're about to pop!" Yeah... Thanks bro. Love you too. I still have FOUR months to go!!! I will say though, my belly seems to double in size from the moment I wake until bedtime. It's crazy! Below is soon after waking, not so bad.

We are having a hard time deciding on a name, we've slimmed it down to 3. But, nothing I've felt "in love" with just yet. Almost... But I'm thinking it may be one of those "I just have to see her to know" things. I knew Emma would be Emma before we even knew we were pregnant, so this whole can't decide on a name thing is hard. Names are so important to me, they stick around with someone for a long time! Haha. I am so just so excited (and anxious!) to meet this little person kicking my insides. If she's anything like our first child- she will be awesome. 

But, how do you love another as much as your first?! Please tell me. Because as excited as I am, I'm a little sad that it won't just be Emma anymore. I know, it sounds weird. 

Baby girl- we can't wait to meet you!!!

*name suggestions, anyone?!