Baked Oatmeal with Blueberries and Bananas



via skinnytaste.com

Oatmeal with blueberries, bananas, honey and cinnamon. Yes please! I loved this when I made breakfast for dinner last week. It was so easy to put together and I loved eating leftovers for breakfast the next day. Plus it smelled heavenly when it was baking.

This would be a great dish to serve to overnight guests as you could prepare it the night before and bake in the morning. Making it again this weekend when we have my parents in town! 

Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas, sliced
• 1.5 cups blueberries
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 cup uncooked oats (I used the Trader Joe's gluten free oats)
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 3/4 tsp cinnamon
• pinch of salt
• 1 cup milk (I used unsweetened vanilla almond milk)
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees and spray small square baking dish with cooking spray (I use coconut oil spray for things like this).
2. Arrange sliced bananas in a single layer in the dish, sprinkle half of blueberries on top, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 1 tbsp of honey, cover with foil and bake about 15 minutes.
3. In a bowl combine the oats, half of the chopped nuts, baking powder, remaining cinnamon, and pinch of salt.
4. In a separate bowl whisk the remaining honey, milk, egg, and vanilla. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients and mix well.
5. Remove baking dish from oven and top the bananas and blueberries with the oat mixture. Sprinkle remaining nuts on top.
6. Bake for about 30 minutes, until top is golden brown.

25 weeks

How far along: 25 weeks

Gender: GIRL!

Weight gain: Ignorance is bliss, right? :)  Till my doctor's appointment tomorrow anyways...

Maternity clothes: Yes! Tops is a mix of maternity/non-maternity, mostly maternity pants or leggings on the bottom.

Stretch marks: Still haven't noticed any - been using my mama belly oil I used while pregnant with Hadley.

Belly button in or out: In, but very stretched out!

Sleep: Sleeping well most nights, getting a little uncomfortable though.

Symptoms: Starting to really feel pregnant finally. Achy back/legs/hips, got the pregnant lady walk going on, occasional heartburn, and taking off my boots is getting to be a challenge!
     

Best moment this week: Enjoying the sunshine this weekend AND watching the Vols make their way to the sweet 16! Hadley's half birthday was this week (3.5 years young already), and to celebrate I took a half day and we had a frozen yogurt date that afternoon (right after her dr appt, she's got a bad cold and wanted to take her in so we are well when we leave for Disney!).

Miss anything: Having a figure. Seriously...I feel like most maternity shirts make you look the size of a small country.

 

Movement: Yes, getting stronger every week!  Love how the movements are changing as baby girl gets bigger!

Cravings: Protein and fruit

Workouts:  Running 3-4 miles three times a week now, and still going to barre about 4 times a week. It feels like there is a 50 pound bag of sand on my back when I try to plank the last few weeks!

 

Looking forward to: We leave for Disney one week from today!  :)  So excited to pack this weekend and get all our last minute shopping done. Also my dad and stepmom will be in town this week and we are excited to spend some time with them.

 



25 week bumpdate!

 

24 weeks

How far along: 24 weeks, 6 months pregnant today! Baby girl is viable!

Gender: GIRL!

Weight gain: 15 lbs at my last appointment a couple weeks ago (I go back next week).  Who knows by this point. I sort of don't want to know!  Yikes.

 

Maternity clothes: Yes! Still can fit into some pre-pregnancy pants with my belly band, but maternity is much more comfy. Tops is a mix of maternity/non-maternity.

Stretch marks: Still haven't noticed any - been using my mama belly oil I used while pregnant with Hadley.

Belly button in or out: In, but very stretched out!

Sleep: Sleeping well most nights.

 

Symptoms: A few Braxton hicks contractions!, some hip/low back pain, mild swelling of my feet by the end of the day.
    

Best moment this week: 1) We took Hadley to her first dance class at Little Gym, it was just so precious to watch her so excited! She kept looking at us, smiling, and waving!  2) We also took her to the movies and she did great until the last 20 minutes - she climbed up in my lap and laid her head on my shoulder. Just trying to soak up all these little moments before I've got 2 little ones to love on! 3) Splurged on baby girl #2's new diaper bag!

 

 

Miss anything: Figure flattering clothes. Sushi.

Movement: Yes, getting stronger every week! 

Cravings: Peanut butter, any kind of fruit, cereal

Workouts:  Running 3 or so miles 3x a week now, and still going to barre about 4x a week. I definitely have harder days and easier days as far as running goes.

 

Looking forward to: 14 day till we leave for Disney! We did a lot of planning this weekend and did some shopping for our trip this weekend! I ordered Hadley a personalized autograph book for the characters to sign - this will be such a cute keepsake for her! She is beyond excited and tells everyone she is going to Disney World! It's so cute because she just has no idea how magical it all will be :)

 

24 weeks!

Crockpot Chicken Tacos & Mexican Rice

via iowagirleats.com

Make these. Just do it.  I literally loved everything about it and it was perfect for a weeknight meal (I made the rice the night before and it heated up nicely).  I could eat Mexican food every single night of the week. These hit the spot and I didn't feel near as guilty as I do after eating at a Mexican restaurant!  

Ingredients:

For the tacos:
2lbs chicken breasts (cut chicken breasts in half)
1 packet taco seasoning, or a DIY version would work too
16 oz jar salsa (use good salsa, your favorite)
Taco shells or a head of lettuce if you want to make a wrap
Toppings of your choice - chopped tomato, lettuce, green onions, cheese, avocado, etc

For the Mexican Rice (can be halved, this made a lot of rice):
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup minced yellow onion (I just chopped up half an onion)
1 cup salsa (use good salsa, your favorite)
1 cup jasmine rice
2 cups vegetable broth

Directions:

For the Tacos: Lay cut chicken breasts in a single layer in bottom of crock pot. Sprinkle on taco seasoning then pour in salsa. Lift chicken breast halves to get salsa underneath. Cook on low for 4-5 hours, or high for 2-3 hours, or until chicken breasts are tender. Shred then mix with some or all of the cooking liquid.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Add shredded chicken into the bottom of taco shells then top with cheese. Bake on a foil-lined baking dish for 2-3 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Top with desired toppings.

For the Mexican Rice: Heat oil in a pot over medium heat. Add onion, season with salt and pepper, then saute until tender, about 5 minutes. Add salsa, rice, and vegetable broth then bring to a boil. Lower heat then place a lid on top and simmer until rice is tender, about 20-25 minutes.


Enjoy!

23 weeks

How far along: 23 weeks. Baby girl can hear me now which I find so, so sweet.

Gender: GIRL!

Weight gain: 15 lbs at my last appointment Who knows by this point. I sort of don't want to know.

 

Maternity clothes: Yes! Still can fit into some pre-pregnancy pants with my belly band, but maternity is much more comfy. Tops is a mix of maternity/non-maternity

Stretch marks: Been using my mama belly oil I used while pregnant with Hadley. I don't have any noticeable marks yet.

Belly button in or out: In, but very stretched out!

Sleep: Sleeping well most nights.

 

Symptoms: A little hip/low back pain, random heartburn at night, mild swelling of my feet by the end of the day.
    

Best moment this week: We had the BEST weather this weekend. We spent as much time outside as possible. We also celebrate my mom's birthday this weekend. We went to her church with her and had a lovely brunch that morning at First Watch, a newish place in town. Later, I took Hadley to the cupcake place near our house and let her pick out a cupcake for her mimi and one for her. We took it over to her house and sang happy birthday to her. It was really sweet!

Happy Birthday Mimi!

Just singing Happy Birthday to baby sister with her shades and mardi gras beads on, all while waving the flag! High on this awesome weather we had all weekend!

  

 

Miss anything: Endurance, options in my closet. Oh, and WINE. 

Movement: Yes, getting stronger every week!  I can feel her everyday now, and notice when I drink something cold, she usually wiggles around. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this aspect of pregnancy.

Cravings: Protein, seafood, sweets

Workouts:  Running 3 or so miles, 3x a week now and still going to barre.

 

Looking forward to: Springtime! This weekend's weather got me so ready for warm temps, shorts, and cute new clothes for Hadley.  3 weeks till we leave for Disney!



23 weeks

Woah, belly looks huge!

Five on Friday!

ONE
 I am so thankful it's Friday y'all. And, a HALF Friday at work for me!  Going to meet my better half for a sushi lunch date (I go for the cooked sushi these days but can't wait for the real thing post delivery), hit up the afternoon barre class, and then go pick up my sweet little toddler!

 

TWO
I've already meal planned for next week. And it's only Thursday. WOW! Next week we are having Grilled Flank Steak with black beans, corn and tomatoes, Tuscan Chicken with a big ole green salad, and Buffalo Chicken Tenders (making a GF batch for me) with a Southwest stuffed sweet potato.  I've been trying to eat clean and cook clean for my crew, which sort of goes hand in hand with my gluten free diet. I'm not totally hardcore, but I just try to use real food and avoid the center section of the grocery store (don't fret though, this working mama still cracks open some Kraft mac n' cheese for my gluten eaters as a side dish - sometimes you just gotta do what works). Usually over half my grocery list each week is fresh veggies and fruit.  We get a lot of our fruit from Costco (it almost always looks better than my local grocer), and also our almond milk, quinoa, chia seeds, and coffee there. Love me some Costco.

 

THREE
We have been wanting to sign Hadley up for a dance class lately, and we are going to try out the intro class at Little Gym next weekend - Jazzy Bugs Tap and Ballet. I cannot wait to get her all dolled up for class!  She's not the most graceful child I've ever seen hehe :)  She is so excited!

FOUR
For Lent this year, I'm participating in a 40 day "mini-challenge" where I am giving up shopping for myself.  Check out "The 1 Year Wardrobe Resolution" on Facebook (or The1YearWardrobeResolution on instagram) where a wife and mom details her one year journey of learning to be happy with the things she has and discovering that "less" really is "more."  She started a mini-challenge to people who want to give it a try during Lent and I am totally in.  I am excited to focus these 40 days on being thankful for all the things God has blessed me with!  It is much more than I deserve.

 



FIVE
My amazing mother is celebrating her birthday this weekend. I asked her what she wanted this year, and she said "help mulching my flower beds." Umm, was hoping she wanted to get mother-daughters pedis or facials. So my wonderful husband is going to mulch for her this weekend, and Sunday we are heading to her church and then brunch at Tomato Head.  My mom is such a special, sweet, loving mom, and I hope I can be more like her when I grow up!

 

22 weeks

How far along: 22 weeks

Gender: GIRL!

Weight gain: 15 lbs at my appointment last week. Thinking of buying a scale for our house so I can keep track at home!

 

Maternity clothes: Yes! Still can fit into some pre-pregnancy pants with my belly band I picked up at target, but maternity is much more comfy. 

Stretch marks: I think I have some towards the top of my stomach, almost at my rib cage. I had some crazy red streaks a couple weeks ago and thought I was having some sort of reaction to something I ate, but I think it's stretch marks. Since then I've been lathering on the mama belly oil I used while pregnant with Hadley!

Belly button in or out: In, but very stretched out!

Sleep: Sleeping well most nights.

 

Symptoms: Low back pain, heartburn, mild swelling of my feet by the end of the day.
    

Best moment this week: Brandon got to feel baby girl move this week! What a sweet moment lying in bed with his hand on my belly, giggling at how amazing this whole experience is!

 

Miss anything: Endurance, having options in my closet. Hope y'all like my gap maternity leggings because you'll be seeing a lot of them over the next few months ;)

 

Movement: Yes, getting stronger every week!  I can feel her everyday now, and notice when I drink something cold, she usually wiggles around. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this aspect of pregnancy.

Cravings: Protein and sweets. I'm pretty much a peanut butter addict. I finally got some PB2 to try, because I don't think my waist can afford the real thing daily :)  It was way better than I thought!

Workouts:  Only going to run 3x a week now and still go to barre. I ran outside for the first time in a month yesterday - felt SO good to get out there - I felt a little silly with my belly bouncing around, but it was a perfect day for a run. I totally needed it. I've started to do some interval walking on the treadmill too.

 

Looking forward to: Springtime!! The Skeen family is beyond over this winter. Also, my mama's birthday is this weekend and we are looking forward to celebrating with her!

 

22 week bump!