Maternity Leave: Day 1!

Yesterday was my first day of maternity leave, and to say that it was busy is a definite understatement! My husband has demanded me to nap every day until the baby comes, but I'm starting to think that may not happen considering all that needs to get done before she arrives! I'm definitely in "nesting" mode and wanting to do "all the things" around the house (cleaning, decluttering, washing all the baby clothes, reorganizing her room over and over again, etc). It's so hard to just relax. I am SUCH a planner and the fact that I can't write on my planner "Baby Emma is born" on any day in the next few weeks kind of terrifies me. God is definitely teaching me how to let go of my plans and let Him take control. This is something I 100% canNOT plan, so I am definitely having to roll with the punches and give over every anxiety and worry to Him!

But, needless to say, there are still things that need to get done, and yesterday my lovely mama and grandma came over and helped me a ton! But first, I made a quick trip to the new Sprouts by our house. I usually don't shop at Sprouts because $$$, and our bill definitely was higher than usual, but I loved perusing around the new store and buying some goodies for our meals this week!

It felt so good to get fresh produce! I got zucchini and bell peppers to make a beef stew for dinner tonight, plus some gluten free products that I can't really find anywhere else. I usually stay away from gluten free processed foods (a cracker is a cracker, a cookie is a cookie, etc) but I wanted some quick things I can grab and go at home when hunger strikes! I got two kinds of crackers and some waffles for easy breakfasts. I also got some fruit, larabars, and nuts from their bulk bins! Overall, I spent $85, and I usually spend $50-$60 per week. So even though Sprouts won't be my go-to grocery store, I defintiely will visit it from time to time! 

I made a quick breakfast when I got home of 3 scrambled eggs with some coffee! I haven't had much protein the last few days, and knew I need a good dose. These eggs hit the spot!

Around 11am, my mom came over and we washed some baby clothes, picked up my grandma, and headed out! We went to Babies R Us and Hobby Lobby for some baby stuff, and I found this super cute sign that made me cry. I didn't get it though, because I think that it might me too mushy for my husband haha but I just cried in the aisle for a little bit, then walked away. Ohhhh hormones....

We got a ton of shopping done, then headed to Souplanation for lunch (MY FAV!) I wanted to go back for seconds, but got nauseous just after this much food as my belly is slowly running out of space. I'm having to eat less and less food, but more often throughout the day I am also kind of sick of eating and have way less of an appetite than before, but I read that's totally normal. We go for our next ultrasound tomorrow and I hope baby girl is still growing strong! This mommy is trying to eat eat eat! :) 

We came back home after lunch, packed up the hospital bag a bit more, and then I hopped into the shower to get ready (finally...it was 2pm at this point). My belly felt so big yesterday! 

After this point in the day, I totally spaced and forgot to take pictures! BUT, I went to the mall with my mom in the afternoon, had dinner with my parents and my aunt, uncle and cousin (I split a pasta and chicken dish with my mom), then went to the hospital I am delivering at with my husband for an orientation/tour in the evening! It was nice seeing to see the hospital and hear what to expect when we check in, how labor and delivery looks, and where we will be staying once our baby is born. It is feeling more and more real as the days go on! We are so excited! 

I'd say maternity leave is off to a great, yet busy start. I'm hoping to incorporate more rest and relaxation in the days ahead! I am SUCH a busy body sometimes, and now with all this nervous and anxious energy, it's even worse! 

Today has been great so far though! Did my workout, finished up a meal plan for my client, and now about to fold some laundry and head to Target to print some Easter pictures! I am hoping a nap happens in the afternoon (right, Vasken?)

I hope you all are having a great start to your week. If anyone has tips on keeping anxiety at bay while you get closer to your due date...I AM ALL EARS! :) 

A Rough Week of Eats!

What a week, you guys! This week went by so fast but was also super draining and hard for me. Between work stress and life stress, plus you know, being pregnant, things felt super emotional and out of hand at times. But, thank God, He turns everything around, and what started as a rough week has ended as a pretty smooth week for me!

Eats were all over the place this week, as I started the week off with terrible nausea and heartburn after a weekend of celebrating my husband's 30th birthday! We had a big party for him Saturday, celebrated again on Sunday with family, and then celebrated with just me and him on Monday night. Needless to say, lots of food was consumed, and lots of swelling was experienced by this pregnant mama. I've realized that my body is not responding well to the junky foods (no duh) and I feel so much better during this pregnancy eating more wholesome foods. Which I started doing once the celebrations ended, and it definitely turned the week around!

The week started out with eating a whole lotta Ritz crackers. Which helped my nausea a ton, but also got to be too much at one point. Why is it that our body can only handle carbs when we are nauseous? Ritz seem to settle me well, but I also got some gluten free pretzels from Trader Joe's this week per my friend Michelle's suggestion, and they tasted great too! Even though I am not strictly being gluten free yet (I am waiting for this pregnancy to pass), I am trying to find alternatives if a gluten free option is available.

Breakfasts got a little more exciting as the week progressed and I started feeling better! Mostly eggs wrapped in a gluten free tortilla, and I also treated my hubby and I to some gluten free French toast this morning! Super simple recipe for these:

4 slices gluten free bread (Trader joe's is my favorite!!!)

1 egg

3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk

Dash of cinnamon

1 packet stevia

a dab of coconut oil for each toast

Whisk the egg, almond milk, cinnamon, and stevia in a shallow bowl. Then start heating up the coconut oil in a skillet. Drench each piece of bread into the egg mixture, then place on skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side on medium-low heat! I had mine with a drizzle of maple syrup. hubby went nuts over them, and it was a very happy Friday morning in the Verano household!

Lunches were a little sporadic, and I've been totally slacking on the picture taking...sorry! But my work has been providing lunch a lot lately. This week was Juan Pollo (I ate chicken rice, tortillas...it was a nausea day), and pick up stix, which actually ended up grossing me out. Then I got chipotle one day, and brought lunch with me the rest of the days (dinner leftovers are awesome!)

I had dinner with a dear friend on Wednesday night at Wood Ranch! I got the BBQ chicken plate and ate half, then saved the rest for leftovers! It hit the spot and was so delicious!

Snack wise, most days were ritz crackers, but I was able to handle baby carrots, fruit, and larabars towards the end of the week! This flavor tastes like a straight-up candy bar...so delish!

Overall, even though the start to the week was rough, I'm happy that my body has recovered from all the eating out and salty foods! It's crazy how much those foods can affect our health, especially when we avoid them for a while and then have them a few days back to back...whoa!

It just goes to show how important it is to care for ourselves. Self care isn't just getting pedicures and massages, which is awesome too! But it starts with taking care of ourselves on the inside, because we only get one body, and it's our vessel to do life in. And as always, I'm here to support and encourage you as you make changes towards a healthier and happier lifestyle! Contact me for support/if you have any questions!