That’s me, folks! And now for the close-up
I am two weeks from my due date and can I just say how amazed I am that I’m just about done? I can not believe the end is almost here. I’m one of those goobers who loves being pregnant, but pregnancy is also kind to me so it’s easy for me to enjoy it. I have no idea what is in store for our family in terms of more kids so I’m just trying to enjoy the last of this for it really may be the last for me. But I don’t want to be pregnant forever - I’m anxious to meet my little boy.
It’s certainly been harder to connect with this wee one since I already have a child who occupies 95% of my time, but fixing up the nursery and what little crafting I have done for him have helped tremendously. I couldn’t find a newborn hat that I liked so what does one do when that happens? You whip up one of your own.
It’s actually supposed to fit a 3-6 month old, but let’s face it, this kiddo’s noggin is going to be huge (my kids get it honest - I am twenty-seven and still haven’t grown into my head) so I think it should be fine. I’m hoping to whip up a matching blanket but we’ll see - that takes low priority on the totem poll right now.
My to-do list is slowly but steadily dwindling down and I’m just hoping Max stays tight and cozy until the end of this weekend. I think once I get to next Sunday I’ll be ready physically and mentally and then next week I’ll be chomping at the bit for him to get out. We’ve got our bags packed, things are put away and organized, and most importantly, our Tivo is set and ready to be worked out. I normally hate summer TV but being able to record so much, and also the fact that networks are realizing they need to monopolize on the summer hiatus for most shows, I am very excited. Some of my favorites are SYTYCD, Burn Notice, and Psych. I also loved the first season of Flipping Out and was so happy to hear Bravo brought it back for another season. Not to mention we’ll be working our Netflix like no ones business since we’ll be shut in with a newborn for most of the summer. I’m actually excited about being forced to slowdown. It seems like life has gotten out of control lately and to have nature force you to slow down and change your cadence seems like such a welcome change, esp. during a time of year that naturally seems to want to give you a break.
People have asked me what my cravings have been with Max (no meat this time - I think I’ve had four hamburgers with this baby, unlike the 250+ with Conner) and it first started with cheddar on wheat thins, then it morphed into the white fudge covered pretzels (thank you Sams Club for the big box of Flipz!) and now it’s bean salad. Ohmygosh, I’ve been making it every week for the last few weeks and while I’m usually the only one who eats it, I don’t care it’s so good! The sugar, the vinegar…it’s really my version of pigging out on pickles but it’s so much better than pickles. I totally recommend this recipe, esp. if you want a chilled side dish for the summertime. Love it!
Four Bean Salad
1 (14.5 ounce) can green beans, drained
1 (14.5 ounce) can black beans, drained
1 (14.5 ounce) can red kidney beans, drained
1 14.5 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained
1 red onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
3/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3/4 teaspoon ground dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon
1 1/2 teaspoons dried cilantro
In a large bowl, layer the beans, onion and green pepper and set aside. In a small saucepan, mix the vinegar, sugar, oil, mustard, tarragon and cilantro and cook over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, pour over bean mixture and stir until all ingredients are coated. Let marinate for a few hours in the refrigerator and stir occasionally.
Filtering Life says:
Lovin the black belly. You look amazing, in the photos and in person. Can not wait to see Max on the outside! Bennett is waiting for his BFF.
June 18th, 2008 at 6:25 am
Jodi says:
Aww, I love belly shots
We can’t wait for Psych and Burn Notice either! Last summer I was due in July and dh was more excited about the USA line-up than our new baby on the way - hmph!
June 18th, 2008 at 6:44 am
AmyG says:
I’m loving that belly! I can’t believe the time is so close. I loved being pregnant, to! I hate that I started having kids so late, lol… I would love to do it, just one more time!
Anywho… love the hate! So cute! And thanks for the recipe, it looks yummy & I think I’m going to make it this weekend.
June 18th, 2008 at 6:49 am
Melany says:
Oh Candace, you look amazing. I love being pregnant too. Even though I had some serious issues during my pregnancies, I still loved being pregnant
I can’t wait to see that little guy of yours. I can’t believe it’s only 2 more weeks. Love his little hat
June 18th, 2008 at 7:06 am
pinkmommy says:
You look great! And that salad looks so yummy! I have to try it!!
June 18th, 2008 at 7:13 am
Amy Martin says:
I love that belly!!! I’m definitely trying that bean salad
June 18th, 2008 at 7:40 am
Kacey says:
Love the hat - the colors are perfect.
Your belly is still that perfect cute preggo belly - pregnancy obviously becomes you.
June 18th, 2008 at 8:42 am
Heather says:
love the belly!
you definitely seem more in control and settled in this post - i’m sure it helps that a week has passed without a new one, which has left you time to check off your to-do list.
love the bean salad! of course, now that i’ve seen a picture of food, i’m going to have to go home and make that. (and i’m in the same boat as you with the meat thing - i have had ZERO cravings for meat during this pregnancy - i have to force myself to eat it)
June 18th, 2008 at 8:51 am
Elizabeth says:
You are looking fantastic, Candace. Wishing you well.
The bean salad looks amazing!!
June 18th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
bee says:
OMG, you look awesome! I may have to try that bean salad… I’ve hit a summer dish dry spell. Not good for a hungry mama!
It seems you are feeling much calmer about everything. I’m glad!
June 18th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Toni says:
Wow, you look wonderful!! I wouldn’t have a probably being pregnant if I looked that good at 9 months
Love the hat, wish I could learn! Finding the time to teach myself is part of the problem.
Printed out the salad recipe..I have been wanting that for a while now. Looks like it will hit the spot.
Can’t wait to hear about Max’s arrival!!
June 18th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
Rebecca says:
I am so excited for what lies ahead of you! Good luck with everything. Life is turning a new direction and the next chapter will be awesome!
thanks for the recipe…I am going home tonight to see what I ahve in my pantry and what I need to buy to make it. Sound delicious!
June 18th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Emily says:
That salad looks amazing! And you’re so tan! Have you been on vacation and didn’t tell anyone?
June 19th, 2008 at 4:09 am