Whole Wheat Scones

I had the urge to make scones today (grandma H's recipe), but knew I needed to make them a little healthier than normal to try to justify it during pregnancy. So I adapted the recipe, and thought I would share. They seemed a little dry, but I think I just cooked them a little too long since it's harder to tell when they brown with the wheat flour. So, watch carefully.... once a toothpick comes out clean, get 'em out of the oven!


1. Combine:
3 c. whole wheat flour
3 T flaxseed
1/4 c. crushed/chopped almonds
1/2 c. sugar
2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda

2. Cut in until mixture resembles coarse crumbles:
6 T. cold butter, cubed (no substitutes)

3. Combine in bowl, then add the crumble mixture until just moistened:
1 c. vanilla yogurt or sour cream
1/4 c. milk

4. Knead in:
1 c. cranberries*
1 c. white or chocolate chips*

5. Bake
On a greased baking sheet, pat dough into a 9 inch circle. Cut into 8 or 12 wedges; separate wedges. Brush with milk to lightly coat tops of wedges. Bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.

*You really can add anything in that you would like- I like the scones with cinnamon chips, but you could try them with other kinds of dried berries or nuts.

Pregnant Teacher: Round Two

Being a high school teacher and being pregnant is very interesting. I recounted a few stories here, but had a couple others to add (and I'm sure I will have more as time progress). So here's the first one...

I took my class on a field trip to a local elementary to read the children's books they wrote and illustrated in my creative writing class. While there, we had some downtime between various class sessions, and I was, of course, chatting with the students while each group waited to go. One of my junior boys, who I'll call Aaron, says to me, "So, did your water break?" Then he smiles, embarrassed, and blurts out, "I don't even know what that means." I roll my eyes at him, and then proceed to explain what it means so he doesn't sound like such an idiot and say it to another pregnant woman who's only 22 weeks along. "You see, Aaron, the baby is living in the mom's belly in amniotic fluid, like water with nutrients. It stays there until it's time to give birth, at which time the 'water' gushes out. That's why people say the water breaks. But it doesn't happen until the mom is in labor, and I'm quit a bit away from that." So that shut him up. I guess though, most 17-year-olds don't know much about this, and maybe it's good, because if do know about it, they either have a younger sibling or have gotten a girl pregnant.... or I suppose their mom could be a nurse... either way, I'm not letting them stay in their ignorance.

The next incident was funny to me, too, and a little less serious in nature. This past week we just switched to the new semester and new students. I've been getting to know the students, and in this particular class the majority of the students are girls. While they are completing a terms matching activity with their partner, some of them ask me how far along I am, and simple questions like that. Then one says, "Do you ever pee your pants?" Kids are so blunt these days! But I laughed and said yes, I have laughed too hard once and had a mini-accident. It just happens, so it's not like I'm going to lie about it. I joked that I would have to start bringing changes of clothes in the car from here on out. Now, realize this conversation wasn't in front of the whole class, and couldn't have lasted more than a minute or two. I suppose that I could just say, "That's not appropriate," and ignore the question, but maybe they've never had a positive pregnancy role model, and somehow I think it's important to be open.

Still, there are things I won't tell them. Like the exact due date, or what the gender of the baby is. Those things I keep to myself for now, because they are special and everyone else doesn't need to know. Keeping those secrets give me some sense that my pregnancy isn't completely public, like my growing belly, which can't be ignored anymore. While I certainly get tired of comments from students and staff alike, "You're getting big," and "You won't be able to fit into that sweater much longer,"  I am trying to go through this pregnancy graciously, as a positive witness to the blessing God has given me.

Pregnancy Week 24 Update

Things are moving fast. It's crazy that I'm just a few weeks away from my third trimester. I am really starting to show too. While I could make some of my pre-pregnancy clothes work so far, most are out of commission as of now! Thankfully, I haven't had any headaches for the last few weeks, which is a huge blessing. I know people were praying for me, and God is good! I'm still not sleeping very well, just having a hard time getting comfortable, but if that's the only issue right now, I'll take it.

I got my alumni gym membership at CU so I can walk/run on the track. I've been going with my cousin Janae when we can both coordinate. It feels good to get that running in, even if it's just a mile. Of course, I can't really run the mile straight through because of the pressure on my bladder and having to run to the restroom all the time. But still, I love the exercise.

With everything expanding, I found an amazing store for maternity bras called Alberta's in Centerville, Ohio. I went in, got measured, tried on bras, and was out in ten minutes. Fabulous. Now I actually have two bras that fit! If anyone is a larger size and has problem finding the proper fit, this is the place to go! The bra I got was about $45, which is a little higher than I like to pay for a regular bra, but well worth it for a good fit at this time in pregnancy.

I've been upping the protein in my diet as recommended by our classes, which hard for me to do, but I know it gets my body and the baby ready for birth. They recommend 80-100 grams of protein a day. It's hard for me to get to that point, especially when I'm not hungry. I've been trying to eat more foods with higher protein counts to get to this point- Greek yogurt, nuts, cheese, eggs, chicken... Unfortunately, most fruits and veggies don't have much protein, though they have other important nutrients. So I find myself really thinking about what I eat and trying to get a good balance. No way I'm perfect though- I definitely splurged on Oreo cheesecake on Saturday for Justin's birthday. At least I'm working toward the goal the majority of the time.

I've definitely been feeling my baby boy kicking around on a regular basis. It's a lot of fun to wonder what position he is in, and how he is interpreting his watery world right now. Justin and I continue to go to our Bradley Method birthing classes, and they are really profitable. We get to be around other couples at our same place in life, and learn more about the birth process. I am determined to give birth with the least interventions as possible, because it just seems best for the baby. I certainly don't think I'm some kind of superwoman, but I just keep thinking that if women have done it naturally for thousands of years, then I can too. Of course, if there is some kind of complication, we would do whatever is best for the baby. I've been reading lots of books on birth though, and this the conclusion Justin and I have come to.

Speaking of the classes, Justin was a assigned to write a poem or letter to me about this time in our life. It's so great, I will end this post with it:

Our life so far has been just us;

Learning, living, and building trust;

We’ve shared joys and crossed many states,
Letting no day together go to waste.
Through it all, our love has grown -
We will soon welcome a boy of our own!
New sights and sounds, a bump and small kicks
Are bringing a joy we’ve never witnessed.
As my wife you are perfect like no other,
And I can’t wait to see you as a new mother.

Biltmore House Christmas Visit

It had been over 5 years since we went to the Biltmore House in Asheville, NC. It was time to go back! We knew this would probably be our last getaway before the baby comes.

 This place is just beautiful, even on a rainy day in December. Besides the self-guided audio tour, we also took the Architect's Tour, which allowed us to go up on the roof and into some back areas of the house. That was really interesting, and the guide, who gave a lot of background information, was great. I was amazed that the greenhouse (first picture below) was still functioning fully too. The poinsettia variety was phenomenal- I've never seen that many different kinds- red, but also pink and white and speckled, plus a host of other plants.

 We also stayed at a B & B called The Sweet Biscuit Inn. We were completely satisfied with our stay there. Our room was not too large, not to small, with tasteful decorations. The hosts gave advice if you needed, but let you have your time and space too. The Christmas decorations were simply gorgeous- I got some ideas for my house next year! Breakfast was yummy too.  I would definitely recommend it and go there again. 

Second Trimester Update at 22 Weeks

I'm about 22 weeks along, and I thought I should update on my pregnancy so far. Right before Christmas we found out the baby was a boy! Yay! I always wanted an older brother for my kids, maybe because I didn't have one (though I LOVE my [not-so-little-anymore] brother). Plus I just thought it would be fun for Justin to have a boy first. This was a big deal too, because not one of my aunts or cousins had a boy first, on my mom or dad's side of the family. So, we are excited. I am keeping the nursery neutral though, a Noah's ark theme, so we don't have to redo things for the next baby.

As far as pregnancy symptoms, I had a few weeks in November where I wasn't so tired, then went back to being tired again, though I don't think as severe as the first trimester. Then, I was falling asleep while eating dinner. It's not so bad now, and shorter naps or earlier bedtime seem to do the trick (if I can actually get solid sleep). Of course, I toss and turn several times and have to get up to use the bathroom at least once a night. But I'm making it. It was really nice to have winter break to relax, read, see family, and sleep whenever I wanted too.

Also, I've been having headaches frequently- a couple times a week. These are strange, because I haven't had trouble pre-pregnancy, and they started second trimester. I don't like taking pills, but I have started using Tylenol at the advice of the doctor, but as sparingly as possible. Usually I don't have to take more than 2 a day, and it's certainly not everyday. I don't like taking pills, because whatever I get the baby gets, and in a much larger dosage. But I have to be able to work and function, so I am trying to do what I have to. Of course I am making sure I am hydrated, and eating healthy. It seems that the headaches are hormonal, from what we can tell. My blood work came back great; it doesn't look like I have some deficiency that is causing it.

Probably the best thing is being able to feel him kick! From maybe about week 19 or so, I would think that maybe I felt something.... but wouldn't be able to tell for sure. Last week, week 21, I could tell for sure. It's really cool... like seeing him for the first time on ultrasound and hearing his heartbeat. It's still not strong enough for Justin to feel, though we have tried. Soon enough!

We have started childbirth classes with the Bradley Method, more on those later, and started looking into pediatricians. We have also visited Family Beginnings, where we are most likely to go for the birth. We started looking at names too, but don't ask questions, because we probably won't tell until he's born. :) Sorry, it's our little secret!

Overall, it's an exciting time, and we can't wait to meet him in May!