It is a funny thing, being pregnant. I was sick for almost the entire first half of this pregnancy, only starting to feel good the past couple of weeks. I still don’t look pregnant. I just look like I have had a few too many Jelly Doughnuts. I don’t feel the baby moving very much either.
The funny thing about being pregnant, for me, is that it doesn’t really feel real. That is, until you sit in that dark room, anticipating the sonogram, and the second that wand hits your tummy you see the outline of the little human moving around. Moving, kicking, double flipping. It is always such a neat moment and one that I know I am very blessed to experience.
Today we found out that our baby, who will be joining our family in May, is a little girl. I know that we were all a little shocked because I would have bet money that I was having a boy this time around, but we are thrilled none the less.
The good news is that our little Leah Katherine (I *think* that is going to be her name, anyway) is an active little thing. I was so relieved to see all of her activty because on the way to the doctors appointment I was telling Nick how nervous I was because I hadn’t really felt her move lately. Either there was something wrong with the baby or we had a lazy kid on our hands. Turns out I was wrong!
The bad news is that the doctor told us she has a possible obstruction on her heart. My doctor didn’t seem overly concerned. She said it could be something or it could be just a shadow or something. My placenta is also low lying and they couldn’t see her kidneys, but that is probably because she was moving around so much.
Anyway, I have a level 3 sonogram scheduled for the 31st and will keep you all posted. I’ve always wanted to have one of those, so I guess this is my chance!
And to tie in a recipe, one of the reasons I thought I was having a boy is because I have been craving a lot of the same things I did with our oldest. Breakfast food, tortillas and cheese and carbs. Banana Bread has been a favorite of mine this pregnancy as well. I have had the chance to try out a bunch of different recipes, even though I still have one recipe that is my absolute favorite.
The recipe I’m sharing today is from a Taste of Home Cookbook. It is a lighter version of the other banana bread recipes I try. It isn’t my all time favorite, but for a lighter version it is pretty darn good! I hope you enjoy it.
Banana Nut Bread from Taste of Home
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Directions:
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in bananas and sour cream. Combine the flour, cinnamon, baking soda and salt. Stir into banana mixture just until moistened. Fold in nuts.
Transfer to a greased 8-in. x 4-in. loaf pan. Bake at 350° for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely. Yield: 1 loaf (12 slices).
brittany says
YAYAYAYAYAYAY!!!!!!!!
brittanys last blog post..I’m feeling…poetic.
Judy says
Congrats on the sonogram and finding out that it’s a little girl!
Judys last blog post..Cinnamon Bun Cookies
Holly says
Congratulations! Leah Katherine is a beautiful name if you decide to go with that.
Hollys last blog post..HollyMVG: @kbjorklund Thanks!
Shari says
Congratulations! I love the profile – she looks wonderful.
Sharis last blog post..Santa and Snowman Milkshakes
Tish says
Congratulations! She looks beautiful 🙂
Christine says
Congratulations! Songrams are always so amazing – even for your 4th aren’t they? You sound very relaxed about the potential issues as well. Take it easy and try to relax until your next one where you get to see your beautiful daughter again!
Julie says
I am so incredibly happy for you Kristen.
Congratulations
Allison says
Congrats Doyle family!!! 🙂 Hope you all are doing well! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
RecipeGirl says
Congrats!!
RecipeGirls last blog post..Cinnamon Bun Cookies
Anna says
Congratulations on having a girl :). Love the name.
katie says
Wow Congrats! Your Fourth! You’re brave!
katies last blog post..My Struggle with Bulimia- College
CoreyAnn says
CONGRATS on another girl addition to the YCDI family!!! How are the sibs taking it?
Katie says
Congratulations! That’s my name-Katherine. And my birthday is in May. 🙂 I have three girls and every time I would have sworn it was a boy.
Liz Weiss says
What wonderful news. Wow. That sonogram is so vivid. The technology has certainly come a long way since my last sonogram in 1998. Enjoy your lovely Leah!
PS: If you get morning sickness again, let me know. I have some great home remedies that really work.
Liz Weisss last blog post..Recipe Rescue – New Feature Starting this Friday
Patsyk says
How exciting! A little girl! 🙂 Please do keep us posted as you go along. I look forward to reading your posts since you always incorporate you life into them.
Patsyks last blog post..Martha’s Jam Thumbprint Cookies
Ron Merlin says
Congratulations!
Since you have a “hankering” for Banana Bread here’s a variation you might enjoy just posted on my blog:
http://themerlinmenu.blogspot.com/2008/12/banana-cranberry-bread.html
My three grown children devoured it!
Ron Merlins last blog post..Banana Cranberry Bread
Hélène says
Congratulations! This is good news. A new one in 2009. I love the pictures. I like the name.
Hélènes last blog post..Chocolate Pecan Bars
Jen Mullinax says
Awww…congrats!! Three girls and a boy is the ONLY way to go!!:) We will say a little prayer that all is well with Miss Leah. Merry Christmas!! ~Jen
Jen Mullinaxs last blog post..Life as we know it is OVER….
Lisa says
CONGRATULATIONS!!! Yay!!! This is such a joy to read!
And I LOVE the name you have in mind, too! 🙂
Susan at Sticky,Gooey,Creamy,Chewy says
A little girl! How wonderful! I’m thrilled for you! Leah is a beautiful name. I should know – it’s my middle name. 😉
Susan at Sticky,Gooey,Creamy,Chewys last blog post..Sweety Pies Giveaway Winner
leslie says
Ohhh..man I thought ou were going o name her Leslie??LOL
Congrats on your little pink peanut.
I am sure the level 3 sono will go just fine. but yes, please keep us posted!
leslies last blog post..Sugar Cookies (a.k.a Hell)
Jem83 says
What wonderful news! Congratulations!
Jeni and Dean says
Congratulations!
Jeni and Deans last blog post..Tomato Napoleon
Laura says
Congratulations! And what nice ultrasound photos–seriously. Mine I think were always too early (they did them at 18 weeks where I was) and so frankly I could never make out anything.
Lauras last blog post..Dreaming Of Mandelbrot & Making Brownie Biscotti
sharon says
Congrats! Such a beautiful name for an already beautiful baby 🙂
sharons last blog post..Pumpkin ‘n Spice Cinnamon Streusel Buns
Lore says
Congrats Kristen and way to go Katherine! 😉
Lores last blog post..Original Recipes Round-Up #6-Winter Holidays
Dana says
I always tear up when I see an ultrasound. I remember how incredibly emotional I felt seeing both my boys in utero. I was convinced my second was a girl because I felt much more sick and craved different things the second time – but no! Congrats!
Danas last blog post..Something Savory
Robin Sue says
Ya hoo! She really is kicking in those pics isn’t she? I am sure you will feel her moving a lot soon! You will both be fighting for space especially when it is time to sleep. I would push my baby one way and he would push right back, he is still pushing! Congratulations! Will be praying for a healthy little baby girl for sure!
Robin Sues last blog post..Italian Sausage Cacciatore
Lissete says
That sono is so clear! Those 3D ones are AMAZING! Can’t wait to see that one.
Lissetes last blog post..OMG
peabody says
I always look like I ate too many jelly doughnuts. 🙂
Congrats to you and your family…remember, Peabody makes for a great girl name. 😉
peabodys last blog post..Single digits…
Hopie says
That’s so exciting! I do love the name Leah and my mom is Katharine (although with an ‘a’), can’t go wrong there 😉 I hope everything goes well on the 31st. I’m sure it will.
Hopies last blog post..Holiday Pecan Pie
Hana Mi says
awwww a little girl, Mazeltov x
@GiftedHand
Hana Mis last blog post..Some Hamisha nosh
coco says
Congratulations 🙂 I hope everything turns out well for you!
Hilary says
yay! congrats on another girl! we will keep her and your family in our prayers! let us know how it goes.
Hilarys last blog post..A Fresh Start
Bridget says
Congratulations! Don’t worry too much. I think sonograms are good and bad. My sister’s showed something concerning, but a month later it had “resolved.” I wish the doctors had never said anything.
Bridgets last blog post..Cookie packaging
ovenhaven says
Congrats on the lil girl! I think Leah Katherine is a beautiful name 🙂
And thanks for sharing the banana nut bread recipe. I’m busy with all the Christmas baking, but am already eyeing what to bake after that 😛
ovenhavens last blog post..the similarity between a baker and a cook
Sarah says
Aww, what a cutie!! Congrats! BTW, when my mom was pregnant, the doctors actually DID place bets that I would be a boy… Been proving the medical community wronge ever since!!
Sarahs last blog post..Caffeine Hit!
Stephanie says
Congratulations on your little girl! I hope everything turns out okay with her heart.
I got the June Cleaver book in the mail yesterday. I’ve already read the first chapter and am eager to continue reading the whole thing!
Stephanies last blog post..Spicy Gingerbread Cookies
Hilary says
How exciting! That recipe looks great. I’ve never found a banana bread recipe that I liked. I’ll have to try your’s.
Hilary
Hilarys last blog post..Cool Measuring Cup & Pecan Pie
Pink Heels says
She looks just like you. 😉 Ok, maybe I can’t tell but she looks great! Congratulations!
Micha .:. Scraping the Skillet says
Congrats Kristen! Leah is such a great name – and you are bold and brave to share it with the world!
Micha .:. Scraping the Skillets last blog post..Red, White and Green “Lasagne”
Kelly says
Oh congrats!! Best wishes to you all and Merry Christmas!
Sandie says
She’s beautiful already, and such long legs! (Watch out for those power kicks in the coming months.) It’s nice to *meet* Leah Katherine, she’s very photogenic (and Leah’s such a pretty name_.
Congratulations again!
Sandies last blog post..Wednesday InnSider: The Addison on Amelia (Recipe: Acorn Squash-Apple Cider Fondue)
Michael says
Kristen,
It’s on again.
And you’re still entered.
Michaels last blog post..Wanna Make Some Money?
Dani says
Congrats!!!!!
And that name is beautiful 🙂
Danis last blog post..#28) IronCupcake:Earth Choclate with a Twist – Clementine Cupcakes
grace says
what a lovely name–congratulations!
graces last blog post..saltines have never had it so good…
Cat says
Congratulations!!! I hope everything is a-okay. I’ll keep you in my prayers.
Cats last blog post..La Cucina
Diana says
Congratulations on your little girl! I’m praying for her, keep us updated. The ultrasound is awesome!
Dianas last blog post..What to bring to a Party: Cheese Tray
Paula says
Hurray for little girls!! I hope everything goes well with the next sonogram. Keep us posted:)
Paulas last blog post..Sugared Cranberries
Laura says
That’s wonderful, congratulations! The doctors have to tell you if there are possible complications, but it almost never amounts to much. They just err on the side of caution in today’s world. Enjoy the extra peek you get of your little girl, very fun!
Elle says
Congratulations on your baby girl! Enjoy those carbs…more energy for an active baby.
Elles last blog post..Christmas Cookie for Our Daughter
HoneyB says
Congrats on the little girl! I will be keeping you and your baby in my thoughts and hope all goes well. 🙂
HoneyBs last blog post..Creamy Butternut Squash Soup
Lisa says
It is simply amazing how much more they can see on a sonogram these days than they could back when I was pregnant! What a special gift! Nice recipe too!
Lisas last blog post..Penguins in the Snow
Cynthia says
Congratulations on the little angel!
Happy Holidays to you and the family!
Cynthias last blog post..A memory is just a taste away
giz says
Does this mean I can tell her that I knew her when….
I had a very similar experience with my firstborn – the placenta low – couldn’t see everything – he was placenta previa and is today 30 years old and entirely healthy. Just keep smiling 🙂
gizs last blog post..Christmas Cranberry Tarts
Hayley says
Aw congratulations : ) what a beautiful picture, ultrasounds always make me feel all warm and fuzzy! We’re trying for a baby at the moment, but no luck so far…
Good luck with the next ultrasound and I hope your baby is a healthy one! xxx
Hayleys last blog post..Finest Foodies Friday
Jude says
So cute! I love how Leah Katherine sounds 🙂 Best wishes and Happy Holidays!
Judes last blog post..Dulce de Leche Ice Cream
Deborah says
Congratulations!! Yay – we’re both having girls!! I hope everything is good with the heart – and I wouldn’t worry about the placenta too much. Mine was low lying at the first sonogram, and the doctor said 90% of them move – and mine did. I’m so excited for you!
Deborahs last blog post..Banana and Chocolate Empanadas
Psychgrad says
Congratulations. A little girl! Happy holidays.
Psychgrads last blog post..Sharing during the Holidays
Margaret says
The photographs of the baby brought a lump to my throat. It is so amazing to see a new life.
Congratulations and Happy New Year to you and your family.
Margarets last blog post..ROAST FILLET OF PORK WITH CRANBERRY AND MADEIRA GRAVY
Nicisme says
Many congratulations!!
It must have been something in that baby challah you made last year!
Amy says
Congrats Kristen! How exciting. Glad you’re finally feeling better!
Amys last blog post..Southern Weddings Magazine
FJK says
Congrats.
I was convinced I was going to have a girl, but had a boy … so much for motherly intuition
FJKs last blog post..Breaking News – Budget Cuisine Tips Featured in SF Weekly