Where have I been? Oh, where have I been? I'm asking myself at this point. I'm so sorry for the lack of updates and recipes. It turns out that getting ready for a baby is kind of time consuming. Kind of. Especially if you leave it all to the last minute. Yikes.
I've also been wrapping up this little side project called my second cookbook. No biggie. Wait, HUGE biggie! You guys know how passionate I am about cooking for two. It's my whole life. I left my corporate job, and threw away my Master's degree to do this for you. I'm so into two! This is my true vocation, and I'm so grateful to you guys for letting me live my new life. This life keeps me WAY busier than I used to be, but I'm having a lot more fun. Plus, the fact that I can work from home most of the time and be with my baby girl brings tears to my eyes. The big man upstairs had a huge role in this life plan, and I'm so joyous that I get to hang on for the ride. It just keeps getting better. Thank you for that. Thank YOU.
More book details --> I created my first volume of Cooking for Two! It has breakfasts for two, lunches for two, dinners for two, and yes, even more desserts for two! Everything serves just two! But, almost all of the lunch and dinner recipes can be doubled or tripled to make more servings. I didn't want to leave anyone out when sharing my famous Steak Enchiladas, Alabama Fried Chicken Sandwiches, or my Mom's famous Southern cornbread dressing. As always, I don't recommend altering dessert for two recipes; baking is just too finicky. But, anyway, I know you're going to love this book! The release date will be in the fall, but there will be a special chance to buy it in July. I wish I could elaborate on that, but I just can't at the moment. I'm so sorry! But, stay tuned, and as we get closer to July, I will fill you in on all the fun details! I can't wait to share everything with you :)
Shall we talk about the nursery? Do you guys want to see photos? I snapped a few for you, but it's not exactly finished yet. We figure that she'll be sleeping in our room for the first few months, so I feel like I have plenty of time. I know how crazy that sounds. There's also a good chance we're moving again, so I can't imagine tapping holes into these beautiful dark navy walls that my husband painstakingly painted around our thick crown molding. Oh, bless this 1920s house.
If you know me in real life, you know that I hate pink. Err, I used to. Once the initial shock of being pregnant wore off, I remember the exact moment when the thought first crossed my mind that it could be a little baby girl growing in there. I smiled, threw my hands up to the heavens, and let the tears fall down my face. A little helper in the kitchen sounded so perfect and necessary in my life. (Not that if I had a baby boy I would keep him out of the kitchen--quite the opposite). Anyway, friends started asking me how I was going to decorate her room if I hated pink. I leaned towards grey, black and white for a long time. Not only is that the saddest-sounding thing ever, but my husband pointed out that I have a fear of color. It's true, come to my house sometime---my walls are painted colors (from the previous owners), but my furniture, curtains, and rugs are all neutrals.
So, the story goes that I was thumbing through a Pottery Barn Kids catalog one day and saw a navy blue room with hot pink and gold accents. I showed it to my husband and said 'OMG this is my dream little girl's room!' and then I flipped the page and moved on. He stopped me in my tracks and said 'if that's your dream, we're doing it.' Why didn't I think of that? He's the best. So, here it is: dark navy walls, hot pink and white accents. I'll share the info on where we bought things below. If we end up staying here, I'll add gold accents somehow. I've always loved the quote 'Let her sleep, for when she wakes, she'll move mountains.' I come from a long line of hard-working, confident, and self-sufficient women, and I know my little Camille is going to be the same way. And probably even feistier. I'd love to get that quote framed above her crib at some point.
Wait, can we take a short intermission? Since I've survived almost 38 weeks of being pregnant, I just want to say a few words about it before it's all over. Something that isn't said enough. Ok, here goes: You are completely capable of having a normal pregnancy. I'll say it again: you are completely capable of having a normal, symptomatic-free pregnancy.
The minute my bump started showing, women came from all over to tell me their horror stories of pregnancy. Why do women do this to each other? Fear-mongering is one of my biggest pet peeves. When someone tells you all about their terrible heartburn, back aches, or other awful health problems they experienced while pregnant, just remember me: I had zero issues, except a growing belly. Not even a single back ache. It is possible. A positive attitude is necessary. Oh, and a gallon of water a day. I don't know a single health issue that drinking more water doesn't solve. But anyway, you are completely capable of growing a child in your body without issue. It needs to be said more. I'm so grateful to my best friend Esther who had a glorious pregnancy before me, and instilled in me the belief that I could, too. I doubted my tiny frame could carry this baby, but she made me snap out of it, and adopt a positive attitude. I love you, Esther!
Anyway, thanks for tuning in to hear all about my crazy life. I have plenty of recipes to share with you guys in the coming weeks. I planned my maternity leave so that I would never leave you hanging for recipes. But, please be patient with email and comment responses. My dream is to not touch my iPhone for the first 6 weeks after Camille is here. I really want to tune everything out and focus on her. So keep in mind that I could go into labor at any minute (and, actually, the process has already started, if you know what I mean. Sorry, TMI), and I might drop off the face of the earth. But, I will always check in with new recipes.
I think that's it for now. Until labor. Thanks again, you guys! I love you so much. SO much. Seriously, I pause once a day in gratitude and look at my life. I couldn't have planned it or imagined it any better. It's all made possible by your love and support. And our mutual love of small batch recipes and hatred for tempting leftovers ;)
Love and cupcakes,
Christina
Bob Utterback says
OK, now from an old Man.....Women are the most beautiful when carrying a child, and I am sure your Husband know this. As we had 4 boys by the 1st marriage while in the Air Force and flying all over the world, and a Daughter by 2nd marriage, but she did not want to be adopted. (Now, both wives are decease and I am a Loaner). I love and treat her the same, as I do the boys and their Families, but seeing her, breaks my heart, as she is now in a wheel chair from contacting MS 6 months after her Daughter (now 16), was born. For the past 12 years, she teaches 2nd graders in a Private School. I am so proud of her.
I did buy 2 of your 1st book and will be getting 2 more for other Family members. I have tried a few of your sweets and looking forward to more things that I can prepare as a single Guy.
Hope that you are doing great and really looking forward to seeing your wonderful Daughter....Hold her close. Congratulations and I too like the colors. Best regards from FL.
Auntiepatch says
I love the hot pink knobs! And the baby will, too! (Love the fur babies photo)
ali grace | cookies and grace says
You go, girl. I'm all for neutrals and everything - but I think it's a little sad for us to leave colors out entirely. Your nursery looks awesome. So classy and spunky at the same time, like you!Perfect for that sweet baby girl of yours. Keeping you in my prayers during this exciting time!
P.S. Thanks for reminding us that pregnancy is not the devil.
P.P.S. Waiting for JULY!
Michelle says
I had two pregnancies and one was a breech baby. Never sick a day with either times. They were both easy babies
to raise. I felt like I really lucked out considering the stories you hear. Good luck to you and you husband!.
Kathryn says
So excited for book #2 but even more excited for you guys to finally meet Camille!
Sarah | Broma Bakery says
I can't wait for book two! Congratulations, my dear. And that nursery! I've always had a thing for navy walls. They look spectacular with the gold and pink accents! So so excited to see your little girl soon. You're a rockstar!
Cheri says
Thank you!!!! I too had a normal pregnancy. Other than some heartburn when I ate spicy food it was painless. And you know what? So was my delivery. I mean it wasn't pleasant, but I had an unmedicated labor and delivery and it wasn't that bad. I hated hearing the horror stories and rarely heard positive, but they do exist.
Also, we have the same glider. You will love it!!! I can't tell you how many hours it's been used over the past year and it's still in perfect condition.
Congratulations!
Alison says
I think it's great your pregnancy has been so easy. That is a big blessing. And just so any mommy's to be who have not had the same experience don't feel to blame, having a pregnancy with less than desirable symptoms does not mean you have failed or done something wrong. Bodies are different. People respond to pain differently. Morning sickness, while unpleasant, is actually a positive sign that a woman's body is producing enough hcg to maintain the pregnancy until the placenta has formed. And heartburn and sciatic pain usually mean the baby is growing and putting pressure on things that aren't used to the pressure. If you have to have an epidural, do it! I had four and every time that little baby came out just fine. A c-section? It's not your fault, and either way, you get a baby in the end, so while you may not want it, it's a huge blessing that we have the ability to surgically remove a baby when a vaginal delivery isn't possible. I'm sure, Christina, your pregnancy will continue to go smoothly. And I hope for a beautiful and stress free labor and delivery for you! I enjoyed every single one of mine and it is one of the most wonderful things I've ever done. Congratulations!
Andrea Janes says
This was such an amazing post, I think I smiled all the way through it. That nursery is perfect, and I know just the gold decals to add if you do end up wanting them! Hope to see you (and Camille)soon, can't wait for her arrival! Cheers, Andrea
Erin @ The Speckled Palate says
1. You look FANTASTIC!
2. "You are completely capable of having a normal pregnancy." Amen, lady! I had my daughter last month, and I felt guilty for a large portion of my pregnancy because I didn't have morning sickness. I didn't generally feel bad. And while I had some heartburn at the end, I really felt like my body was doing its job wonderfully, and I was always stunned when I heard horror stories from STRANGERS because, well, that's not how it was for me. And I'm really happy it was. And I'm happy it has been the same for you.
3. The nursery is absolutely beautiful! I love the combination of colors, and I hope that y'all are relaxing and taking in these last days as a family of two (plus two fur pups!) as you finish up the nursery. :)
4. You've totally got this, and you don't have much longer to go! Excited for y'all and this new chapter!