Recipe Roundup, Pumpkin Edition

This isn't really an installment of Cooking with Baby, as I've been uninspired by the size referents lately. We could perhaps stretch it a bit and say that it's likely that Baby is the size of some pumpkin somewhere in the world--pumpkin is what all these recipes have in common. But I made a lot of stuff this weekend, so I wanted to share.

the size of a pumpkin.

I am not quite sure what spurred the pumpkin-a-thon...perhaps the cooler temperatures had me zeroing in on fall recipes, or (more likely) maybe it's just that pumpkin is really a vehicle for cinnamon and sugar and other delicious things. Whatever the reason, it happened.

First up: Pumpkin Poppers. I used this recipe, which was sent on by Kate. I made some modifications that she had suggested (more pumpkin, less flour) to make them less cakey and more moist. BA liked them, but I'm not sold. They were better when Kate made them. Maybe I'll have to eat a couple more today to see if they improved with age.

Next: Pumpkin Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls. We went to a lovely dinner at the home of some friends, and I was searching for something to take (we no longer have a stash of wine in the house that I can grab for this purpose). BA reminded me of the time we had a party and someone brought a coffee cake for us to eat the next morning--how nice it was to not have to worry about breakfast on top of the dinner/party dishes. So I set out for a breakfast recipe, and this is what I came up with. This makes two pans/batches/circles/whatever.

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls
for the rolls:
2 pkgs Pillsbury Crescent dough (if you can find it, use this new nifty version they have called "recipe version" or something that is seamless, so you don't have to press the seams together. Otherwise, the original kind works fine) (If I were really good, I'd make pastry dough, but...not there yet)
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup canned pumpkin
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg

Preheat oven to 350. Unroll crescent roll dough (you'll do one roll at a time). If necessary, pinch seams together to form one long rectangle. Put cream cheese, brown sugar, pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg into a bowl. Mix with an electric mixer until well combined. Spread half the mixture over the dough, leaving a 1/2" border around the edges. Starting at the long end, roll the dough up. Cut into one-inch pieces. Place around a 9" cake pan (see picture below). Bake for 26-30 minutes or until rolls are golden brown. Remove and allow to cool slightly before frosting.

for the frosting:
4 oz softened cream cheese
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 Tbsp canned pumpkin

Mix all ingredients until smooth. Spread over warm rolls.

So, I wanted these to have more cinnamon, but I don't have the capacity to gauge whether this is normal or just my current taste-bud situation. You could add more, or sprinkle over the top before frosting. Or not, if that's weird.

The only annoying thing about this recipe is that it uses relatively little pumpkin, so if you've opened a can, you have most of it left over. I wanted to use the leftover pumpkin before it got gross, so I dug out this little recipe. It's based on one I pulled out of a magazine several years ago, but I've made changes.

Ravioli with Pumpkin Sauce
1 package ravioli (such as Buitoni) (I used tortellini because I had some at home)
1 can (approx) pumpkin
1 1/2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
3 Tbsp brown sugar
1 pinch red pepper flakes
1 Tbsp butter
1/2 tsp minced garlic, or 1 clove
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 cup sour cream, plain Greek yogurt, or heavy cream

Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the ravioli according to the package directions. Be careful not to overcook. Drain and set aside (drain well, because these pastas retain water in their little crevices and that can water down the sauce).

Meanwhile, melt the butter in a saucepan and briefly saute the garlic until soft (I've also cut up an onion and put it in at this point). Stir together the broth, pumpkin, sugar, and all the spices. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated (10 min or so).

Remove from heat and stir in the cream or whatever dairy you are using. Add salt and pepper to taste. Spoon ravioli onto plates and top with sauce. If you'd like, add grated parmesan on top, or some fresh herbs, or whatever makes you feel fancy.

Baby Jail

The crib came. I guess those delivery delay horror stories did not apply to me, and now we have a (fully-assembled!) crib very early on in a room that is not at all ready for it. I suppose it will be nice to have it to look at it next to paint colors, etc. Here is a picture, but be warned: there is no mattress yet (money-grubbing companies sell those separately), so it looks like a scary old-timey baby jail. Can't you just picture a poor little baby banging a little tin cup against the rails? Maybe playing a tiny harmonica?

Update 2

To get caught up on this story, read here and here.

They returned from Miami last Friday, after seeing two heartbeats and being told that both babies had survived the surgery.

She has been on complete bedrest since then, with weekly ultrasounds scheduled to monitor the babies' progress. Yesterday (Thursday) was the first of those ultrasounds. Sadly, they found that in the past week, one of the girls had experienced heart failure and died.

The remaining baby appears healthy and strong, but there are no guarantees. I do know that one of the benefits of the surgery was that "separating" the twins meant that if one did not make it, the other still had a shot. So, in that sense, the surgery was still worthwhile. Baby Carlyn is by no means out of the woods, but they are grateful to have her.

I know that everyone's continued thoughts are appreciated. I'm not sure that there is much to be done at this point, and I'm sad that there isn't better news to share. I hesitated to share at all, but it also felt wrong to leave this chapter out after having shared the beginning.

18 Weeks

How Far Along: 18 weeks pregnacious.

Total Weight Gain: Within recommended limits.

Size of Baby: Head to booty, baby is about 5.5 inches long and weighs almost 7 ounces. Baby is fully surrounded by fluid, and is practicing breathing. This is a really good thing to practice. Baby's ears are in their final place, and hearing has now developed so that sounds from the outside can be heard much more clearly. So watch your mouth. 

Baby is about the size of a bell pepper, a dragonfruit (WTF is a dragonfruit?) or a pickle. 

This seems like a small pepper to me. I wouldn't bring this home from the store.

As an aside, I really have an issue with some of these size referents that could really be any size (e.g., pickle, potato). That is like saying "Mmm, baby is about the size of a rock. Maybe a dirt clod, or perhaps a ball."

This week is generally quiet, as baby adds fat, hair, and brains! I don't know that there's much else one really needs in life. 

Maternity Clothes: Having fun exploring the world of stretchy things, especially now that it's a little cooler. Pants only--regular tops still ok. However, I am quickly realizing how limited the wardrobe is going to be. Hope you guys don't mind seeing the same 5 outfits between now and February. 

Stretch Marks: My mom told me this week that she never got any, so I am holding onto the hope that this bodes well for me (as it's the only true predictive factor). Meanwhile...lotion.

Gender: Getting close! Only one week left to vote, if you haven't already. There will be fabulous prizes for those who guess correctly (hugs). 

Movement: Yes--stronger, more frequent, and easier for me to identify. Baby was flipping all around during the Giants game on Sunday...and then was conspicuously quiet during the Titans game. I agree, baby...I was equally underwhelmed. I advise just staying in there until this season is over. I don't want you to have to see this. 

Sleep: Really there is no consistent pattern; I never know what nighttime will hold. Overall, I think this week has been pretty good. 

What I miss: Other than the smoking, and the crystal meth, and jumping on my trampoline, not much. I kid...I kid. 

Cravings: Apples (green apples, apple pie, caramel apples). I don't know if this goes with the cinnamon, or is seasonal, or what. And still gummi bears, too--but they've been banished from the house. Which really just means I forgot to buy more at the grocery.

Other crazy symptoms: I cannot tell a lie: this week has been pretty uncomfortable. It must be a stretching/growing phase, as it felt like my midsection was on a medieval rack. The stretching feeling goes from the top center of the belly down, and also is symmetrical on both sides. It also brought a friend, some fun lower back pain. I called Hayden, who assured me that no one is dying. Thanks, Hayden!

This lasted a few days and then resolved, after which I felt pretty great. I guess I made the room that was needed. I think it will just ebb and flow like that. One day I'll be doubled over trying to find a more comfortable position, and the next day I won't feel pregnant at all. It's kind of weird and disconcerting. 

Best Moment this week: Would it be an overstatement to say that last Friday's massage was the best 90 minutes of my life? I was pretty darn happy. Eternal thanks to BA for the gift certificate. 

Also, breaking out my new boots. It's the little things, peeps. 

The Ol' Anatomy Scan

Science lesson!

Much hoopla surrounds this mid-pregnancy ultrasound, as it's generally thought of as the big Gender Reveal*. While it's true that this is when they can see those parts if you want to know, there's also a lot more that goes on. I think it's important that that not get lost in all the what-are-we-having frenzy, so I wanted to go through a little more on what they're looking at/for, and why, in advance of this event. [Interesting note: in some areas/countries, there are policies that prevent practitioners from revealing a baby's sex to its parents. So think about that today.]

Before moving on from those parts, you can read here if you want to know more about how the sex is ascertained from ultrasound images. It ain't just the presence or absence of a dangle, folks. Furthermore, everything in there looks like a penis, so it's easy to be fooled--especially at your earlier scans.

This scan--some people's only major ultrasound--is usually performed between 18 and 20 weeks. Ours will be at 19 weeks. At this point, all of baby's major bits and pieces have formed, and any abnormalities can be detected. This window of time is ideal because baby is big enough to see all the parts in question, but isn't yet so big that s/he scrunches up and makes looking around difficult. Ultrasound becomes less informative as baby gets bigger in the second half of pregnancy.

It has been demonstrated in multiple studies across multiple countries that there are significant differences in infant mortality when anatomy scans are performed. Identifying fetuses with anatomical abnormalities before birth is important because they can then be delivered in the appropriate hospital environment with a prepared medical team. For example, if you live in a rural area, preparations can be made in advance for delivery at a hospital with a high-quality NICU. Furthermore, you can be referred to specialists to gather more information about the particular condition.

They're looking for a lot, but here are some highlights:

• measurement of the head, length, and long bones to make sure baby is growing appropriately
• unusual development or proportions can indicate a variety of issues that merit further investigation
• a survey of all the major organs: the brain, spine, four chambers of the heart, bladder, stomach, both kidneys, and--of course--the how-ya-doin's.
• it is worthwhile to know of any defects here at this point in the event that baby will need major surgery upon delivery (e.g., in the case of a congenital heart defect). Some corrective surgeries can even be performed in utero. 
• the fetal face, eyes, lips, skull, and jaws to ensure they are normal or identify a cleft lip/palate
• the umbilical cord
• you (I) should have a three-vessel cord: two arteries and a vein
• the location of the placenta
• fetal heart rate
• level of amniotic fluid

Visual aid: Click here for a good video of a little 20-weeker (not mine) and explanation of the different aspects and types of ultrasound. I'm sorry I could not embed the video.

The sonographer will take freeze frames of all the relevant shots, and they will be kept in the baby's file. 

The most common issue that is discovered is the location of the placenta (placenta previa). If the embryo implanted low in the uterus, the placenta, which is a major vascular structure, can develop in a position that is partially or completely covering the cervix. In other words, it's blocking the baby's way out. Often, monitoring is warranted, but placentas (is that the plural?) can move as the uterus grows, so it might resolve on its own. A complete previa is bad news bears and requires a C-section as soon as the baby is considered term. If this were olden times, you'd probably be toast. 

For the record, mine was checked at the 12-week scan and seemed to be in a totally acceptable location at the back of the house. Of further interest (maybe not to you...kudos for reading this far): a placenta that attaches to the front of the uterus is called an anterior placenta and it forms a sort of cushion, so moms with this placement first feel baby move much later in pregnancy. Just one factor that accounts for all the individual differences that are reported. 

So, as mentioned, our scan is at 19 weeks. Now you know the low-down. We will be finding out the sex, but we'll be getting a lot of other important information as well--and our primary objective is making sure that everything looks ok, and making a plan if it doesn't.

*On "gender" vs. "sex": Sex is a biological concept that refers to the parts (i.e., male or female), while gender is those elements that are socially or culturally constructed. So we are really talking about sex here, and that is the proper term to use. However, for whatever reason (being uncomfortable with the word?) most people say "gender" in this context. This matters to a lot of people--mostly adults. I'm not going to judge, and I sometimes switch between the words myself in conversation, but...the more you know. 

Perfect Roast Chicken

So the little turnip posed a bit of a challenge...I found yet another source that likened baby to an onion (this week is just a bust, really), so that worked much better with the dinner plan.

 I made this roast chicken, via Martha, which really does turn out just about perfect. I followed the recipe almost exactly, so I've just linked to it here. I served it with risotto, sauteed spinach, and salad.

The recipe calls for discarding the onions at the end, but I kept them for other uses because I thought they were nice and roasty. I used some to make an onion risotto that was underwhelming, so we'll just move on from that.

I also used more of the onions and the leftover spinach to make a quiche (my new favorite way to breathe life into leftovers), so I thought I would make good on a promise and share my favorite "lighter" quiche base.

This one had the aforementioned onions and spinach with some chopped breakfast sausage (also leftover), some red pepper flakes, and a little garlic. I used cheddar cheese because that's what I had on hand, but you can amend depending on what you're tossing in. Turned out pretty tasty, if I do say so myself.

"Lighter" Quiche Base
3 eggs
2 egg whites
1 small (personal size) container nonfat Greek yogurt
1 cup shredded cheese

premade pie crust: I use a regular Pillsbury one or a Wholly Wholesome whole-wheat one from Whole Foods if we're feeling healthy.

Prebake crust at 400 for about 10 minutes.

Mix all other ingredients together in a bowl. Pour into crust and bake at 350 for 40-45 min or until set. Ta da!

Let it cool a bit before cutting. Cut out one piece and throw in the trash because the dog may or may not have licked it.

17 Weeks

How Far Along: Let the record show that it was noted that I started to show (as in needing maternity clothes) around 16-17 weeks. As neighborfriend Kate said, "you officially look knocked up." I was so over looking "a little bit fat." 

Total Weight Gain: Willful ignorance.

Size of Baby: Baby weighs about 5 ounces and is about 5 inches long. This is about the size of a turnip. I think I can declare in advance that there will be no turnip recipes this week. The turnips in pictures looked smaller than the avocados, which is confusing, so I give you this picture instead: 

uh, Aunt Berna?

Baby is also the size of a small baked potato, which is more appealing. 

Baby can now move his/her joints--and a good thing, too, because one of the major reasons for producing offspring is so that you can teach those tiny humans to do The Robot. And for that you need to bend. Baby's skeleton is also turning from soft cartilage to bone. The veins that have been showing through the skin are less visible now, as baby is putting on fat (better be...otherwise I'm constantly eating for no reason). 

this is a scientific image

Maternity Clothes: Oh yeah...I'm in the jeans. I don't need maternity tops at this point, at least not for belly coverage, but I do need longer ones with jeans so that the panel is covered. It goes pretty low. Wouldn't want to shatter the illusion. 

Gender: Aunt Sara is turning up the heat lobbying for the private ultrasound clinic, but we've held off so far. Only 2 more weeks left to vote!

Movement: Yes, sometimes. It is stronger now (or rather, baby feels bigger), but not necessarily more frequent. 

Also for the record, I can document here that I'll officially note movement for me to feel around 15-16 weeks. Perhaps I should compile these all in one place.

Sleep: There are good nights. And there are bad nights. The bad nights are very, very long.

What I miss: I'm still ok. I suppose if I had one wish I'd like to be able to sleep like before--it seems I can't stay in one position for too long before I wake up uncomfortable. People are all like, "oh, it's good practice for when the baby gets here!" but I'm pretty sure I don't need to practice not sleeping. 

Cravings: Still with the cinnamon. I am trying to address this with better options (Kashi Cinnamon Harvest cereal, cinnamon raisin toast) rather than Hot Tamales and cinnamon buns. Wish me luck. Alas, I have no such substitutes for the gummi bear situation. 

Other crazy symptoms: Headaches. Thirsty all the time. A little bloody nose (that's definitely a weird one). And they were right about the growth spurt--some growing pains for sure. 

Best Moment this week: Baby related: Good news from the twins' surgery AND finding out that a close friend is having a boy!

Non-baby related: Making progress on the dissertation countdown (this is alternately exciting and terrifying...it's so close! OH GOD IT'S SO CLOSE)

"It Got Real" Moment: I ordered the crib. Generally I am waiting to do nursery things until we're a little further down the road, but I was advised that many places can take up to 16 weeks to deliver furniture. When you're talking baby furniture, you're kind of on a timeline, so the crib got bumped up on the ol' to-do list. While it gave me anxiety to pull the trigger--now I'm stuck with that one--it was on sale and now it's done. AND assembly is included with delivery. The marriage survives another day!

baby goes here