Back to the beginning...

Well here goes nothing! Today I write my first blog. I am excited to start this new adventure to help people out. I had fraternal twin boys three months ago today and nothing can prepare someone for this rollercoaster ride. I wanted to start this blog to help mothers and fathers get through pregnancy and parenthood from my experiences. I can't believe how much I have been through between the day I found out I was going to be a mother of two boys to today. I have learned that through all of this that I really have enjoyed it all. 

I had a rough pregnancy being on bedrest for 11 weeks with two separate admissions to the hospital. I went for ultrasounds every week for most of my pregnancy and was at risk of a cerclage suture for a short cervix at 23 weeks gestational age. I beat the odds and carried my boys to 37 weeks and a day (which is full term for twins). 

     

When I found out I was pregnant, I wouldn't say it was the happiest moment. I was more scared than happy. I was away in Chicago at the time with my husband and parents. Two weeks earlier I had taken a pregnancy test but it was too early to detect if I was actually pregnant or not. Did I feel like I was pregnant? Looking back, for sure I did. I had all the symptoms: I was tired and a little dizzy in the mornings. But I did not think that I was pregnant due to the false negative test I took. I remembered being so nervous in our hotel room as I waited for the results of the second home pregnancy test. My husband wasn't very interested as I don't think he thought I was really pregnant. I know to this day he wishes we reacted better once the stick did confirm that I was "2-3 weeks pregnant". As I sat on the toilet I was overcome with emotion. I'm not sure why I was crying... was I scared?... was I overwhelmed?... I sure was. The happiness didn't hit until a couple weeks later. 

Having said all of this, in each of my blogs I want to look at the bright side of life! That's where Choose Lemonade came from: when life gives you lemons, make lemonade! Yes my pregnancy was a difficult one but when I decide to choose lemonade it makes a big difference in my day. Being on modified bedrest for 11 weeks was not great but keeping positive was what got me through it! 

Morning sickness is something all mothers will deal with but was particularly bad for me since I was having twins. When pregnant with twins you have double the hormones which means morning sickness can be twice as nasty! On the bright side though I kept reminding myself that soon we were going to be blessed with two babes, so I decided to #chooselemonade. 

One way I curbed my morning sickness was with homemade plain and cheese tea biscuits which really got me through the cold wintery pregnant days! I always kept a little bag beside my bed and had one before I got out of bed each morning. Because I was on a modified bedrest programme my mom graciously made them for me and I've included the recipe here! I love to bake so my blogs will also include recipes I found tasty and healthy... maybe they'll lift your spirits too! They're a big hit with the hubby and his coworkers so they're not just for when you are pregnant :) I hope you all enjoy xx 

** Twin Tip **

When pregnant with twins morning sickness can be unbearable but you can do it! Keep eating snacks throughout the day. You won't feel like big meals so just eat little snacks (don't worry about healthy snacks yet... that will come). My morning sickness with the twins lasted more than the usual three months so don't worry about eating healthy until you are over this sickness! Sometimes taking a day off of work during the week to rest, stay in bed all day, and take care of yourself might just make the difference.

Cheese Tea Biscuits

Makes 12

• If you want plain simply exclude the cheese 

Ingredients

• 3-1/2 cups flour
• 2 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp butter, chilled
• 1 cup milk
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese (or any cheese you want)

Instructions

1. Sift flour and baking powder together
2. Cut butter into the flour mixture until large crumbs form
3. Dissolve sugar and salt into the beaten eggs and milk, whisk until sugar is dissolved
4. Add liquid to flour mixture and mix until it comes together. It will be sticky and wet
5. Put dough onto a well-floured surface and add cheese
6. Work dough gently until dry, adding flour to the surface as needed, and cheese is well-combined. Do not overwork.
7. Roll onto a floured surface to about 2 cm thickness
8. Cut 12 circles with a 3" cutter and place on cookie sheet lined with parchment and brush with milk
9. Bake at 400 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes (don't let them brown or they will be overdone and dry) 
10. Enjoy while warm with some butter or room temperature in your bed :)