Welcome Back! Your November 2020 Life Update: Out of the Kitchen & Into Our Lives
It feels wonderful to be back with another “Out of the Kitchen” post, a series where we step away from recipes for a moment to share a glimpse into our lives. It’s been a little while since my last monthly update – the last one landed in August. As many of you know, early September brought us the incredible news that we were pregnant! This wonderful revelation meant that September and October were largely dedicated to navigating the challenges of the first trimester, primarily grappling with persistent morning sickness and an overall feeling of discomfort. My energy levels were low, and my focus was understandably elsewhere.
Thankfully, as November unfolded, I officially entered my second trimester, and with it, a significant improvement in how I’ve been feeling. The cloud of morning sickness has largely lifted, bringing back a sense of normalcy and renewed energy that I hadn’t realized I missed so much. It’s been a journey of adjustments and learning, but we’re embracing every moment. For those curious about the early days of our pregnancy adventure, I’ve shared all the ups and downs in my detailed first trimester recap – be sure to check it out for a more in-depth look!
One of the true highlights of November, for any gluten-free person, was the glorious return of Aldi’s gluten-free stuffing! This isn’t just any stuffing; it’s a seasonal item that disappears as quickly as it arrives, making its reappearance a cause for celebration. Knowing its limited availability, I made sure to stock up, bringing home seven boxes. Here’s hoping this generous stash will see me through until next year’s holiday season – a true victory for gluten-free living! Finding reliable and delicious gluten-free products is always a win, especially during the holidays.
Beyond stocking up on essentials, this month also marked a shift in my cravings. After weeks of battling nausea, the idea of sweets finally sounded appealing again – a welcome sign that my taste buds were returning to their former glory! We capitalized on some unusually warm weather at the beginning of November, embarking on a refreshing hike. The crisp autumn air and beautiful scenery made for a perfect outing. And what better way to reward ourselves after a good walk than with some creamy, delicious frozen custard? It was a simple pleasure that felt incredibly indulgent and perfectly capped off a lovely afternoon.
Despite the improved energy, November still had its fair share of cozy moments, focusing on relaxation and comfort. Lounging and chilling became essential parts of our daily routine, especially as my body continues to change and grow. Our beloved dog, Salsa, was, of course, right there with us, always ready to snuggle and be part of the action – or in this case, the serene stillness. Her calm presence is such a comfort, and it’s sweet to see her always “on board” with whatever we’re doing, even if it’s just a lazy afternoon on the couch.
One of the undeniable truths of pregnancy is the increasing need for comfort and support, particularly when it comes to sleep and relaxation. This month, my collection of pregnancy pillows truly became an essential part of my life. These specialized pillows, designed to cradle and support a pregnant body, have been an absolute game-changer. They provide crucial support for my back, hips, and growing bump, making it possible to find comfortable positions whether I’m sleeping, reading, or simply lounging. If you’re expecting, investing in good pregnancy pillows is a decision you won’t regret – they are truly a lifeline for tired bodies!
The surprisingly warm weather at the start of November also inspired us to get into the holiday spirit a little early. We decided to put up our Christmas garland, bringing a festive touch to our home even before Thanksgiving. There’s something undeniably uplifting about holiday decorations, and having them up early just extended that feeling of warmth and joy. It creates such a magical ambiance, and I’m already looking forward to sharing a shot of our entire house next month once all the lights are strung and everything is fully illuminated. It’s a small way we’re making our home feel extra special this holiday season.
While my energy for elaborate cooking and baking projects was still somewhat limited in November, I did manage to work on a handful of recipes. Among them, a particular favorite that emerged was this delightful haystack cookie recipe. These cookies are wonderfully simple to make, requiring no baking, and deliver a satisfyingly sweet and crunchy treat. They were the perfect low-effort, high-reward indulgence during a time when I preferred to keep kitchen time minimal. It was a lovely reminder that even with less energy, creative culinary endeavors can still bring so much joy and deliciousness to our days.
Life certainly has a way of creating amusing coincidences, and our pregnancy journey has been full of them! It’s still quite crazy to think that we actually found out I was pregnant back in September while we were waiting for a Domino’s delivery to arrive at our house. Fast forward to November, and the universe decided to echo that moment in a truly memorable way. We ordered Domino’s again – because, honestly, I think they have the best gluten-free pizza options out there, which is a lifesaver for me! – and as fate would have it, while we waited for our pizza, we received an email with the highly anticipated results of our baby’s genetic and gender screening. It was an incredible moment, filled with anticipation and excitement, once again underscored by the arrival of a pizza. I guess pizza and big news just go hand in hand for us now!
Receiving those screening results was a profound moment, bringing us so much clarity and excitement about our little one. Knowing everything was progressing well medically was a huge relief, and of course, learning the gender was a thrilling milestone. We’re holding onto that exciting detail for just a little longer, planning to share our baby’s gender with all of you in December. The anticipation is building, and we can’t wait to reveal it! In the meantime, the second photo captures another exciting milestone: my week 13 baby bump. It’s truly amazing to see these changes, feeling our baby grow and develop day by day, and watching my body adapt to this incredible journey. Each little bump is a visible reminder of the miracle unfolding within.
Pregnancy cravings can be intense, and for me (and seemingly for the baby!), hash browns have been at the top of the list this month. It’s a craving that only the real deal can satisfy. Ryan, ever the thoughtful partner, went above and beyond one weekend, truly going gourmet for me. He meticulously prepared freshly grated hash browns from scratch, cooking them to crispy perfection. It was an incredibly sweet gesture and exactly what I had been dreaming of – a truly delicious and comforting meal that hit all the right spots. Those homemade hash browns tasted like pure love and satisfaction.
Continuing on the theme of supporting my well-being during pregnancy, I was thrilled to find a fantastic deal on a used spin bike on an online marketplace! Before becoming pregnant, running was a huge part of my fitness routine, but I’ve had to pause that activity for now. I’ve been wanting an alternative way to stay active and keep my cardiovascular health up, and a spin bike seemed like the perfect solution. This find was a significant step towards maintaining my fitness during pregnancy. I’ve been absolutely loving using it, especially following along with Peloton classes. The guided workouts make it easy to stay motivated and get a great sweat in, all from the comfort and safety of our home. It’s a wonderful way to keep moving and feel strong throughout this journey.
Preparing for the arrival of our baby has been a shared journey for Ryan and me. We’ve both been diligently reading various books and articles about pregnancy, childbirth, and newborn care. It’s been so much fun to share the new things we’re learning, discussing different perspectives, and imagining what life will be like with our little one. This shared learning experience has brought us even closer. Ryan has truly immersed himself in preparing for fatherhood; he’s even watched videos demonstrating how to change diapers! His enthusiasm and dedication are heartwarming, and I have no doubt that he is going to be an absolutely amazing dad.
Amidst all the planning and preparations, it’s the simple moments that truly define our family life. The second photo perfectly captures one of these cherished scenes: just my boys, Ryan and Salsa, hanging out together on the couch. There’s something incredibly sweet and comforting about seeing them relaxing side-by-side. And if you look closely, you’ll spot Salsa perched on top of the couch, surveying her domain with typical canine grace. These quiet, loving moments remind us of the beautiful family we already have, and the anticipation of expanding it only makes them more precious. Our home is truly filled with love, laughter, and a whole lot of furry cuddles.
Now that I’m feeling better, we’ve been more intentional about carving out time for at-home date nights. It’s so important to nurture our relationship amidst all the pregnancy excitement and preparations. One memorable evening, we decided to play Bananagrams, a fast-paced word game that always sparks our competitive spirit. I was particularly proud of myself that night because I managed to form the word “santaclause” – a festive and challenging feat, if I do say so myself! It was a fun, lighthearted evening that reminded us how much we enjoy each other’s company and how much laughter board games can bring.
Another incredibly fun and creative date night idea we put into action was our very own “House Olympics”! This was such a blast and something I highly recommend for anyone looking for a unique at-home activity. We designed five hilarious rounds of activities, turning everyday household items and spaces into competitive challenges. The rounds included a “sock toss” (aiming socks into a laundry basket from a distance), a “candy cane drop” (dropping candy canes into a bottle using only your mouth), “here kitty kitty” (a game involving calling a cat, though we adapted it), “ballin’” (a mini basketball challenge), and “indoor soccer” (using a soft ball and household goals). The competition was fierce, but all in good fun! Ryan ultimately emerged as the champion, so I playfully made him a “#1” badge to commemorate his victory. To my absolute surprise and delight, he then presented me with a “#1 Mom” badge – a truly touching gesture that melted my heart. House Olympics truly brought out our playful sides and created unforgettable memories. It’s a fantastic way to bond, laugh, and create your own traditions.
November culminated in a very special Thanksgiving celebration, just the two of us. While we missed our extended families, there was something incredibly intimate and focused about celebrating together as a couple, especially with our baby on the way. We created a delicious and traditional Thanksgiving feast that was perfectly tailored for two. Our menu included a succulent ham, creamy garlic mashed potatoes, tender sautéed dill carrots, and, of course, that coveted gluten-free stuffing I stocked up on! For dessert, we indulged in a decadent peanut butter cheesecake, making the meal feel truly complete and celebratory. It was a wonderful opportunity to focus on gratitude and each other.
Even though we couldn’t be physically with our families, we made sure to stay connected. We enjoyed heartwarming Zoom calls with both my family and Ryan’s family, which was a fantastic way to share our day, catch up, and feel close despite the distance. These virtual gatherings have become such an important part of how we connect with loved ones, especially during a time of such significant personal news. After our delightful dinner and family calls, we officially kicked off the holiday season in classic fashion by settling in to watch the beloved movie “Elf” while sipping on warm, comforting hot cocoa. It was the perfect cozy ending to a month filled with so many special moments, marking a beautiful transition into the joyful anticipation of December and the holiday season ahead.