The 2nd Trimester Begins

Here is my latest ultrasound picture at 12 weeks. And it looks like it's a girl, from what I could tell. The nurse said this baby is very active and constantly moving. Everything is looking great!!

The 2nd Trimester Begins

Here is my latest ultrasound picture. Measurements

How To Make the Most Nutritious Bone Broth

I am a convert to bone broth. I had heard about it so many times, even from my visiting teacher, but I never knew exactly how to go about making it. Complicated it sounded. Well, I decided to get my gear in action and learn how to do it. I mean, come on, how hard could it be. You go to the grocers, you go to the meat section, and you pick up some bones (chicken, beef, ham, any bone works). The issue was, there was no bones in the meat section that you could just buy alone. So, I talked with the butcher, asked if he had any bones with marrow, and little or no meat on them. He did, in fact, he had multiple selections and ended up cutting me femur bones which are the highest in bone marrow. I have made bone broth about 4 times now, and each time has not been easy. It takes practice. But I must say, as I am making some in my crockpot right now, that it does get easier each time. The first few times, I had too much fat in the broth, and I had to drain it multiple times. This time, I cut off the little fat on each bone, which is the way to do this, and then placed about 10 bones in a large crockpot, and about 8 c. of water. I set it on high for the first few hours, then reduced to low. When you make broth this way, make sure you allow to come to a boil and then reduce the heat. Allow about 10 hours for the bones to release vital nutrients into the water that mostly come from marrow. Why drink bone broth? Bone broth is the most nutritious way to go. Marrow is full of collegen, vitamins, calcium and minerals to name a few. Do the research. You will be amazed at how simple and nutritious bone broth is to make. Make sure you do drain the fat before you drink in a mesh colinder. If you have any bones left from chicken, beef, turkey, or pork, Never throw them away. The bones have vital nutrients you could never get in a single vitamin alone.

baby girl

My family and I, are a family of girls. My sisters had mostly ALL girls, and of course boys are the minority. Ever have that strong inkling that you just know what your having? I am having a girl, just wait and see. Only 3 weeks until the gender ultrasound. I have a closet full of baby girl clothes right now. Yes, that is my mothers doing. She has shopped for baby girl clothes for my baby. Even she knows. Anyway, my birthday today was AWESOME!!!!!!!! I went to the club at 7 am today, saw my cool buddies, had the best birthday party at this Vietnam place, and the best soup of my life, and got tons of presents. Probably more then i ever have. Whoohoo. Life is good!!!

growing baby

This Sunday I will be starting my second trimester. I really can't wait to say so long first trimester, it was nice knowin ya. The sickness has faided, the fatigue is going away, and the major hunger is beginning. The paleo lifestyle is about 50% right now, or until my hunger settles down. But until then, moderation is key and know matter how many times those obnoxious cravings creep up on me, I am happy to say, I never knew how much willpower I have. Willpower, it's important.

Happy Halloween!!!

Happy Halloween!!!! I hope everyone had a spook filled Halloween full of fun, creativity, and of course healthy food. At work, I had a fun time working with kids in a small group setting, who of course did not want to work on reading, but instead talk about their Halloween costumes and favorite candy. As I watched these blue teeth, purple tongue kids (no doubt too much food coloring in their candy), I thought, how I remember getting excited like that when I was a little girl. Now, I actually dread Halloween because I can't stand the site of candy around my house. I dread it even more that we didn't get one trick or treater this year (blame that on the new development where we live and many vacant homes). I was however very excited to come home and dress up in a costume which I always do every year. Except, this year I didn't know what to be. I thought and thought and then a thought occurred to me. I will be a pregnant woman since I am practically showing already. But then I thought, Na! I will be a cowgirl like I am every year and so that is what I was. I am almost entering my second trimester. Morning sickness is getting better. My baby will be here before I know it!! Have a nice weekend ya'll.

Fast Food Idea #2

So last post I mentioned it was Taco Bell I was craving, but now it's McDonold's. There is no secret behind my obsession with both of these places. As a little kid, there is no reward I wanted more then McDonold's. My favorite thing to get there was the Happy Meal, and I always ate the hamburger without the bun. I hated bread, and I think it's funny that now, eating the paleo way, that is exactly how I love eating my burgers once and again. So, if you have the urge to eat a hamburger, ask for it wrapped in lettuce. Every place will do it for you, and often times they double the lettuce in lieu of the bun. You are eating the paleo way without even knowing it, and you will notice you don't even miss the bun.