The end of the first trimester is upon us. It’s a bit like the first semester of college but with less booze…You can’t believe you made it! You have no idea what you’re doing.  You’re worried and scared but freaking excited as well. You’re feeling and experiencing things you’ve only heard about from your more experienced friends. If this were school though, there would be a big exam tomorrow about what we’ve learned the past 12 weeks.  I’d be freaking out because I didn’t read any of the assignments because duh…parties. I did put some thought in as to whether it should be like a multiple choice or true or false type exam but I think maybe more of an essay question –

What have you learned about growing a human? (Please answer in complete sentences.)

What I’ve learned is that growing human is hard. The physical symptoms are often unpleasant and painful. There isn’t a ridiculous method you won’t try to keep them at bay. In a world where you can see at any time of day what someone else is doing, where they’re going or how they’re feeling with the swipe of your finger, it’s hard to give up control to your body. Trusting that your body is doing what it was built to do naturally is difficult. There is as much fear and worry as there is joy and excitement.

Week 12 for us was genetic testing for fetal abnormalities which also meant another ultrasound.  We met down at GW Hospital for the testing.  I was a few minutes late – but these guys don’t mess around Lisa was already in the back just about to finish up.  However, the nice lady at the front desk escorted me back to the ultrasound suite then the tech (I don’t know the official title) was nice enough to show me the baby too!  She said all was progressing well and that all stats were normal. It was my first time being there for a view on the big screen.  It was awesome! They were so quick that we were able to have lunch before I headed back to work.  This visit also means we have new pictures!!!

Lisa ordered a fetal heart monitor this week.  I found the heart on the first night!  The baby’s heart beating is the best sound in the world.  It even trumps a snoring dog which I happen to love (and am listening to right now).  In baby mama news, Lisa popped a bit this week which also meant a shift in wardrobe.  Jeans, long a staple in this household, are not comfortable. She is far from strutting out in the latest maternity fashions but the fitted waistband is no good!

It’s a cute little baby bump!

That little bump is the size of a lime this week.  So much growth has happened over the past 12 weeks…From poppy seed to lime. Holding the lime in my hand today visions of ten tiny fingers and toes danced in my head…

Then I made cupcakes!

Vegan Lime in the Coconut Cupcakes (Click the link to visit the original recipe)
makes 12 cupcakes

1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup canola oil
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup coconut milk (I use a lighter version)
1/4 cup soy milk (I used almond, worked just fine)
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 Tablespoon lime zest
1 cup shredded coconut

1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl and set aside.

2) Whisk together the oil and sugar until the texture has lightened. Add the vanilla extract and lime zest, then the coconut milk and soy milk. Mix until completely combined. Slowly add the dry mixture and stir with a wooden spoon until just combined. Add the coconut and continue to stir slowly until everything is distributed. Don’t worry it if looks a little lumpy – it’s better not to overmix!

3) Pour batter into 12 cupcake liners and bake for about 25 minutes, or until tops are golden brown and your cake tester comes out clean.

Lime Buttercream Frosting
1/2 cup vegan non-hydrogenated shortening
1/2 cup vegan non-hydrogenated margarine
3 cups confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
The zest of one small lime
Shredded coconut for decoration

1) With an electric mixer, mix together the shortening and margarine until fluffy. Add the lime zest. Add the sugar and mix until fluffy. Add vanilla and lime juice and continue to mix until combined.

2) Frost your cool cupcakes, then sprinkle with shredded coconut. Enjoy!

The cupcakes were pregnant lady approved…and really can you get a higher compliment? I’ll leave you all with this quote by Lisa right before she drifted off to sleep.

“I’m laying on my nipple right now and it feels like a burning hell of fire.”