Exciting News! Our Family is Growing: Announcing Baby Number Two!
Good Morning!
I have been keeping a secret for the past 15 weeks…and it’s an incredibly exciting one that I can finally share with all of you!
Yes, that’s right – Will is going to be a big brother! We are absolutely over the moon to share that our little family of three will soon become a joyous family of four. We’re expecting our newest arrival in February, and I am currently about 15 weeks along, feeling wonderfully well and full of anticipation!
The Journey So Far: Navigating the First Trimester
Reaching this 15-week mark feels like a significant milestone, especially considering the roller coaster that was the first trimester. While I’m incredibly fortunate not to experience severe morning sickness, my body’s unique first-trimester challenge is an almost incapacitating, EXTREME exhaustion. It’s a fatigue that goes beyond feeling tired; it’s a deep, bone-weary weariness that makes even the simplest tasks feel monumental. For about two weeks, getting through a full day felt like an Olympic sport, and I often found myself struggling to keep my eyes open by early afternoon.
Commute Challenges and Unexpected Food Aversions
This time around, the exhaustion was compounded by a major life change that happened the exact week I discovered I was pregnant. My once pleasant 15-minute commute to work transformed into a grueling 45-minute (or more!) journey each way. Adding nearly an hour and a half of driving to an already energy-draining first trimester truly tested my limits. Imagine feeling utterly drained, then facing a long drive home, only to then try and muster the energy to prepare dinner.
Beyond the fatigue, I also experienced some very peculiar and strong food aversions throughout my first trimester. Foods I normally love became entirely unappealing, and in some cases, downright nauseating. Many nights, the thought of stepping into the kitchen, let alone cooking certain ingredients, was enough to make me feel unwell. The mere smell or thought of cooking chicken, or even assembling a fresh salad, became a challenging prospect. My diet became incredibly simple, focusing on anything that didn’t make my stomach churn, which was often a short list. Needless to say, the relief of exiting the first trimester and feeling my energy levels rebound, along with my appetite returning to normal, is immense!
A Brief Pause for A Cedar Spoon: My Commitment to You
You may have noticed a shift in my posting frequency over the past few months. It’s been disappointing to have to take a step back from consistently sharing new recipes and culinary adventures on A Cedar Spoon. This blog is a passion project, a creative outlet, and a wonderful connection to all of you, my readers. However, during the intense initial weeks of pregnancy, I simply had to prioritize my well-being and the health of our growing baby. My focus shifted entirely to managing the extreme exhaustion, navigating food aversions, and simply making it through each full day of work and commuting. There were many days when the thought of developing a new recipe, photographing it, and writing a post felt utterly impossible.
I want to thank you for your understanding during this quieter period. My commitment to A Cedar Spoon remains as strong as ever, and I’m incredibly eager to get back into the kitchen and share more delicious content with you. Now that I’m feeling much better, I’m hoping to ramp up my energy and creativity, bringing you more of the recipes and stories you love.
Cravings and Culinary Inspirations: Italian Flavors Ahead!
One of the more delightful (and sometimes challenging!) aspects of pregnancy is the emergence of food cravings. This baby, it seems, has a very distinct palate, and it’s leaning heavily towards Italian cuisine! I can’t quite explain why, but anything remotely Italian has been incredibly appealing, providing much-needed comfort and flavor during those tricky first few months. Can you blame him or her for having such good taste?
This strong preference has ignited a new spark of inspiration in my kitchen. You might just see a surge of Italian dishes popping up on the blog in the coming months! I’m excited to experiment with various pasta recipes, rich sauces, savory risottos, and perhaps even some comforting Italian baked dishes. I look forward to exploring traditional flavors and giving them my own unique twist, sharing recipes that are both authentic and approachable for your home cooking. Get ready for a delicious journey through the heart of Italy, right here on A Cedar Spoon!
- Hearty pasta dishes with fresh, vibrant sauces
- Comforting baked casseroles with an Italian flair
- Flavorful risottos and grain-based Italian meals
- Classic Italian appetizers and side dishes
- New takes on beloved family-favorite Italian recipes
Welcoming Autumn: A Season of Comfort and New Recipes
In other wonderful news that has nothing to do with baby cravings but everything to do with my renewed energy, I am absolutely thrilled that fall is just around the corner! Autumn is undeniably my favorite season for cooking. There’s something so inherently cozy and inviting about the flavors and ingredients that this time of year brings. My kitchen is practically buzzing with anticipation for all things pumpkin, crisp apples, warm spices, and the general bounty of fall produce. I can’t wait to start whipping up an array of comforting dishes that warm the soul and fill the home with incredible aromas.
From pumpkin-spiced treats and apple-infused desserts to hearty stews and roasted vegetable dishes, the possibilities for comforting fall fare are endless. You can expect to see a return to those beloved seasonal recipes that celebrate the best of autumn. I’m particularly excited about developing new ideas for fall entertaining, easy weeknight meals that feature seasonal ingredients, and, of course, plenty of baking projects perfect for cooler weather. The combination of renewed energy and the arrival of my favorite cooking season has me incredibly excited to get back to sharing my culinary passion with you all!
- Delicious pumpkin-inspired breakfast and dessert recipes
- Sweet and savory apple dishes, perfect for harvest season
- Hearty soups, stews, and chilis to warm you up
- Comforting baked goods featuring autumn spices
- New ideas for seasonal side dishes and holiday entertaining
Preparing for Baby Number Two: A New Family Dynamic
As we eagerly await the arrival of our second little one, our thoughts are also very much on Will and his transition to becoming a big brother. We’re already talking to him about the new baby and the exciting role he’ll have. It’s a mix of joy, excitement, and a touch of nervousness as we anticipate the shift in our family dynamic. We know it will bring new challenges, but also immeasurable love and laughter as we navigate life as a family of four. Preparing our home, our hearts, and Will for this wonderful expansion is a special journey in itself, filled with sweet anticipation.
There’s a unique kind of excitement that comes with a second pregnancy – while some of the “unknowns” of a first pregnancy are gone, there’s a whole new set of questions about how our established family unit will adapt and grow. We’re looking forward to every moment, from the little kicks and movements to dreaming about nursery ideas and, eventually, holding our precious new baby in our arms. It’s truly a blessing to be expanding our family, and we’re so grateful for the love and support we’ve received.
Looking Forward: Gratitude and Growth
This new chapter in our lives is filled with so much promise and happiness. I am incredibly grateful for my wonderful family, for the opportunity to share these personal milestones with you, and for your continued support of A Cedar Spoon. As I move further into my second trimester, I feel a renewed sense of energy and purpose, ready to embrace both motherhood and my culinary endeavors with enthusiasm. Thank you for being a part of this journey with me, and I can’t wait to share more delicious recipes and family updates very soon!
Warmly,
Julia