35 weeks: 5 to go

Two weeks ago, I was one of those girls that loved being pregnant and didn't want to see my belly go. Well, that came to a quick end recently. I'm done and over being pregnant. Yea, it's a beautiful thing and an amazing experience and blah, blah , blah. But I feel like I have been pregnant for 7 years now. I don't remember what my waist line feels like. I miss being able to put on my shoes without losing my breath. I want to drink beer and eat sushi. I hate having to roll to get out of bed because I can't sit up without my husband assisting me. I miss sleeping on my stomach and I miss running. I want to paint my own toenails and sleep through the night without waking up every hour to pee. But most of all, I'm super anxious to meet my mini :)

How far along? 35 weeks & 2 days

Total weight gain/loss: up 23 lbs

 
Maternity clothes? I wear some maternity, some old clothes, and some of my hubby's. I am actually currently wearing pre-pregnancy jeans at work--- BUTTONED!! holla! I am kind of bummed that I just discovered Gap Maternity. Their clothes are adorable and they don't even look maternity. 

Stretch marks? Nope and I am keeping my fingers crossed that I've been blessed with good genes. 

Sleep: I have been sleeping more than ever... Bleh. 

Best moment this week: This past week was Thanksgiving, our baby shower, my 26th birthday and my sister was in town. Needless to say, it's been an amazing week and I was ridiculously spoiled. 

Movement: This baby never sleeps, I swear. But here's kind of a funny moment- we were laying on the couch last night and we set the remote on my belly. She instantly did some barrel rolls and started kicking it. I think it's so funny how she can't stand anything foreign on my stomach. 

Food cravings: I can barely even fit any food in there!

Labor Signs: just a lot Braxton Hicks

Belly Button in or out? Outtie! 

Wedding rings on or off? On. 

What I miss: I miss ALL THINGS!

What I am looking forward to: Christmas and popping this kid out. 

A few pictures from my shower this past weekend. 

Foodie Friday: Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

Not only is this an easy and filling recipe, it is also really healthy! It has a little bit of a spice to it, but not too much. My parents even has a bowl and loved it (rare). After our first attempt at cooking this last night, I would have to say that we would definitely make it again!

Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

Ingredients

• 1 sweet onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup diced celery, approximately 2 stalks
• 3 (uncooked) chicken breast fillets (1.5 lbs) cut into bite size pieces 
• 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, drained
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can fire roasted tomatoes
• 1 (4 ounce) can diced jalapeño peppers or 2 fresh jalapeño peppers seeded and diced
• 4 cups chicken broth or stock, low-sodium, fat-free
• Kosher or sea salt to taste
• 2 teaspoons taco seasoning (see below)
• 1/2 cup freshly chopped cilantro
• 6 white corn tortillas, cut into 1/4" wide strips, then cut strips in half

Directions

Add all ingredients to the slow cooker, except tortillas. Cook on low 7 - 8 hours, or until carrots are tender.

The last 20 minutes of cooking time, cut the tortillas in half, then cut into 1/2" strips, add to slow cooker. Cook an additional 20 to 25 minutes. Or if you would like them crispy, bake in oven until browned. Add to soup when served. 

If desired, add a dollop of fat-free Greek yogurt or sour cream and reduced-fat grated cheddar cheese (or veggie cheese). 

No Sodium Taco Seasoning

1 T. chili powder

1/4 t. garlic powder

1/4 t. onion powder

1/4 t. crushed red pepper flakes

1/4 t. dried oregano

1/2 t. paprika

1.5 t. ground cumin

1 t. black pepper

* we add a few shakes of cinnamon. Puts an interesting twist on it!