Helen Adelaide | Birth Announcement + 1 Week Update

Helen Adelaide

Born: Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at 12:03 PM

Weight: 6 pounds 14 ounces |  Height: 20.5 inches

Whew. I gave birth.

I think I’m safe in saying that it was the most painful, exhausting experience of my life so far.

But it was so worth it.

This little girly is already growing & acquiring a double chin. It’s so wonderful to see her get stronger every day.

I can’t put into words how much I love her. She is so precious to me.

And that’s all I can write for now with this little dolly sleeping on my chest.

48 Responses to Helen Adelaide | Birth Announcement + 1 Week Update

1. Flavia 
   February 21st, 2013 at 7:20 pm
   Congratulations and blessings, Erica! She is so beautiful and how fantastic and thoughtful that you took the time to publish this blog post to share Helen with all of us. I hope you are getting as much rest as possible. I can’t wait to see pictures of little Helen as she continues to grow and thrive. Hugs to all of you!
2. Linda J 
   February 21st, 2013 at 8:01 pm
   Congratulations on your beautiful baby girl. Our daughter-in-law’s due date was 3 days after yours…………we are still waiting!! Enjoy your beautiful baby!
3. Claire L 
   February 21st, 2013 at 8:57 pm
   Congratulations! She is so awake and inquisitive-looking for being a week old. I love her name! Is there a story behind it?
   I enjoy following both your cooking and portraits of life on both of your websites. Can’t wait to watch Helen grow and appear with you in future posts.
4. Emily 
   February 21st, 2013 at 9:02 pm
   Oh, congratulations friend! She is absolutely beautiful. There is something special about baby girls. (Granted, now that I’ve had one of each, I can say there’s something special about baby boys, too). She is perfect! I’m so happy for you and can’t wait to hear and see more. Well done!
5. Sara 
   February 21st, 2013 at 9:05 pm
   Congratulations! What a sweet little peanut. :)
6. Kate 
   February 21st, 2013 at 9:32 pm
   Congratulations, Erica!! She is adorable, and what a beautiful name!
7. Sveta D. 
   February 21st, 2013 at 9:35 pm
   What a doll! She is so cute! I was able to attend a birth a few weeks ago, and it was incredible! It amazes me how much work you mama’s go through for the little ones. :) But it’s worth it. Be blessed! (I do believe this is my first ever comment…but hey, we stalkers have to come out sometime. haha!)
8. Kathryn Grace 
   February 21st, 2013 at 9:52 pm
   Ooooh, she is SO beautiful! So, so precious. I love her name! Can’t wait to see more pictures as she grows. Judging by these pictures she is going to be a beauty. :-) Congratulations!
9. vicki helgeson 
   February 21st, 2013 at 10:00 pm
   Erica, You don’t know me, but I follow your blog. It is just wonderful and a blessing to read. Congratulations to you and your husband on the birth of your precious daughter! Blessings, Vicki
10. Samantha 
    February 21st, 2013 at 10:14 pm
    Ohhh!! She’s beautiful!!! Congratulations, Erica!
11. Ayla 
    February 22nd, 2013 at 12:52 am
    Congratulations! She is so beautiful. Love the name, too :)
12. Begoña 
    February 22nd, 2013 at 4:30 am
    Congratulations! She’s is really beautiful and yes, giving birth is… I cant put it into words. The most amazing experience i have ever had, i felt like a lioness! Strong, powerful. If we did that, we can do anything!!
13. Josefin 
    February 22nd, 2013 at 5:56 am
    Congratulations! I’ve been reading your blog for a while now and I’m excited for you all the way from Sweden. God bless!
14. Martina 
    February 22nd, 2013 at 7:57 am
    Congratulations to both of you :-) she is beuatiful.
15. Jude 
    February 22nd, 2013 at 8:14 am
    Yay! I was so happy to see that beautiful little face when I clicked on your blog. I’ve been checking in each day, waiting with bated breath. Glad everything is well. Xx
16. jill 
    February 22nd, 2013 at 8:55 am
    What an adorable child. God’s blessings on the new addition to your family. She is so precious. I’m anxious to hear how you and Reuben decided on her name. Congratulations to you all!
17. Megan 
    February 22nd, 2013 at 9:50 am
    Oh my goodness she is SO ADORABLE!! Congrats! :)
18. Elizabeth 
    February 22nd, 2013 at 10:00 am
    I’m so thrilled for you! What a precious blessing. Enjoy every moment with the little one.
19. Hannah 
    February 22nd, 2013 at 10:22 am
    Oh, sweet gorgeous baby! Congratulations! Rest up and enjoy that snuggly newborn!
20. Sereina Charise 
    February 22nd, 2013 at 11:31 am
    Aww, how sweet! She has such a beautiful name. Congrats!
21. Dee 
    February 22nd, 2013 at 11:39 am
    Erica,
    I’ve never commented before but I have followed this blog and your cooking blog for quite some time. Congratulations on the birth of Helen! She is beautiful! Enjoy this time….they grow up all too fast. God bless!
22. Lauri 
    February 22nd, 2013 at 12:55 pm
    Congratulations to both of you… Helen is a cutie!
23. Barbara 
    February 22nd, 2013 at 3:04 pm
    Congratulations Erica! She’s a little doll. Love her name!!
24. Shelly 
    February 22nd, 2013 at 3:26 pm
    I’ve been checking in on you to see if you had your baby. She is adorable! Congrats!
25. Diane 
    February 22nd, 2013 at 5:45 pm
    Congratulations, Erica and Reuben! Welcome to the world, Helen!
    She is beautiful and has a strong lovely name. Blessings to you all!
26. Debbie Z. 
    February 22nd, 2013 at 7:24 pm
    What a beautiful little girl! I have been checking your website regularly, hoping to get a glimpse of the new baby…I am so glad she is here and the two of you are doing well. What a gift from God. You will take so many beautiful photos of her. She is lucky to have a photographer mommy. Best wishes to you and your husband as you embark on the journey of parenthood and all the joys it brings.
27. Dancing Fingers Singing Keypad 
    February 22nd, 2013 at 8:31 pm
    Have been a silent admirer of this blog and your cooking blog.
    Heartiest congratulations to you and your husband! Your daughter is gorgeous and so very cute!
28. Kristina 
    February 23rd, 2013 at 1:18 am
    She is absolutely, there-are-no-words adorable!!! So, so precious. Enjoy every moment. Congratulations! And thanks for letting us know. :)
29. Laura 
    February 23rd, 2013 at 2:54 am
    I’ve been following your blog for a while now and just wanted to say congratulations! I just repinned that second picture on Pinterest this morning but didn’t look at where it came from – so only just now found out that it was in fact your baby! She is absolutely gorgeous :)
30. Diane 
    February 24th, 2013 at 11:32 am
    Oh congratulations to you all! Such a lovely family. Thank you for sharing such adorable photos.
31. Debbie 
    February 24th, 2013 at 3:16 pm
    I have never commented here before, but I follow your cooking blog and use several of your recipes regularly. I checked over here to see if your baby had been born. I have to tell you congratulations and that she is honestly very, very adorable. I know you will enjoy these special days. Newborns are exhausting and the lack of sleep for parents is taxing, but the dawning of that special new love is the most amazing thing ever. I love snuggling a newborn and was happy to sit for hours with each of my three when they were tiny. Each time I had a baby I thought it would be my last so I cherished each moment of holding them. So many of the other duties of life can wait. Babies are tiny for such a short time. Happy snuggling!
32. Abbie 
    February 24th, 2013 at 8:46 pm
    Congratulations Erica and Reuben!
    What a beautiful little girl and I’m so happy that all went well!
    God’s blessing on you all!
    Abbie
33. gift4gab 
    February 24th, 2013 at 10:39 pm
    Congratulations! She is beautiful. I am so happy for your family.
34. JMN 
    February 25th, 2013 at 7:41 am
    I’m another reader who uses your recipes regularly (in fact my husband is making your meatballs for my birthday right this minute!) and I too wanted to add my congratulations on your beautiful little girl. And, yes, I fully agree with your assessment of giving birth – I have not forgotten the pain or the wonder and it has now been ten months since my little boy was born. In any case, many congratulations and thank you for the many recipes we’ve enjoyed from your blog over the years. All the best for these first weeks!
35. Menaka 
    February 25th, 2013 at 12:56 pm
    First time leaving a comment here.
    Congrats! She looks adorable, isn’t she? And that hat in the first picture, is it the turban style hat?
    I am due on April 12th; my 4th baby and I have 3 little ones at home. My first son turns 4 on the 3rd of April so we will for sure have a big celebration:)
    I loooove reading about people’s pregnancy (yeah yeah I am nosy) so I have been following your pregnancy update for a while.
    God bless you and enjoy your bundle of joy.
36. Rebecca 
    February 26th, 2013 at 6:01 am
    She’s beautiful! Congratulations and blessings. She’s looks like her Dad, hey?
37. Vanessa 
    February 26th, 2013 at 12:30 pm
    Oh my goodness, she is so beautiful! :) I love that second to last picture. ;) She is precious- congratulations!
38. Abigail 
    February 26th, 2013 at 7:40 pm
    Your baby is so beautiful!!!! :D How do you like being a mother? :)
39. Manu Grice 
    February 28th, 2013 at 11:06 am
    Warmest congratulations on the arrival of your gorgeous baby girl! I love reading your blogs and your rice pudding recipe has become a family favourite. Enjoy this precious time with your beautiful daughter!
40. Jelli 
    February 28th, 2013 at 10:54 pm
    Congratulations! You both made it through birth well, it seems. I’m so happy that you’ve got a healthy gorgeous little blessing girl to enjoy now. Yep, I agree that birth was pretty intense–more than I’d expected to be sure, but 110% worth it. God knows what he’s doing, and being a mama is beyond words incredible. Enjoy this new phase with Helen and Reuben. (Isn’t it great watching your husband in “daddy”mode?)
41. Moriah Mari 
    March 1st, 2013 at 11:25 am
    Oh, congratulations!! She’s precious! I am so happy for you and your husband.
    ~ Moriah
42. Madeleine 
    March 2nd, 2013 at 12:54 pm
    Hello, Erica. I just discovered your blog a little while ago, and have been so enjoying it! I am fifteen, and delight in so many of the same things! The Lord bless you and your darling little one. She is very sweet. I will continue to read your blog, because it’s so inspiring. My Mama said,”That will be you in a few years!” :)
43. Melanie 
    March 2nd, 2013 at 5:16 pm
    Congratulations! She is a beauty. Enjoy every moment. My baby is just over a year now, and on the one hand, the time has flown right by; on the other hand, it has crept by with so many precious, sweet moments. :)
44. Lauren @ Beautiful Fight 
    March 3rd, 2013 at 10:56 am
    Awww! She shares my birthday! :)
45. sarah marie 
    March 5th, 2013 at 10:25 pm
    Congratulations! What a beautiful girl with a beautiful name!
46. Cait 
    March 7th, 2013 at 8:05 pm
    Congratulations and blessings to you, Reuben, and baby Helen Adelaide. She is beautiful. Well done mama! My baby just turned one and I love to look back on her birth. What an incredible gift and experience, however painful and hard.
47. DessertForTwo 
    March 9th, 2013 at 8:54 pm
    Congrats, Erica! She’s beautiful! And what a sweet name :) Many congrats to you & Reuben :)
48. Sarah K. 
    March 15th, 2013 at 1:26 pm
    Aw,goodness. She is so perfect. I saw the first picture pop up around Pinterest, and I didn’t even realize she was yours!

Knitting Project | Ballard Slouch Hat

Back in November, I purchased the most beautiful skein of yarn with the intent of knitting it into a lovely, slouchy hat. But, feeling guilty about an unfinished knitting project (which also happened to be a birthday present for my sister), I set myself the goal of tackling it before even starting on my hat.

I FINALLY finished that project last week and set to work knitting my hat. It was so quick to knit up and I LOVED working with the yarn.

In case you’re interested in making this hat yourself, here’s some info about the yarn and pattern:

Pattern: Ballard Slouch

Yarn: Malabrigo Worsted Merino in “Red Mahogany”

Needles: US size 7 and 8

The pattern gave the option to knit 12 extra rows for extra “slouchiness” — I opted to leave those out, and I’m pleased with the results. If I make it again I might try adding the extra rows, just to see what it would look like.

To block the hat, I simply saturated it with cold water, rolled it in a towel to remove excess moisture, and pinned it in a circular shape on the floor. I dislike the ridge that so often accompanies beret hats, so I only let it block for a few minutes, then put it on my head to dry the rest of the way.

I only used about half of a skein of yarn, so I was able to get some fingerless mitts out of it as well. Maybe I’ll show them to you someday.

Now I seem to have been bitten by the knitting bug. I can’t wait to start on my next project!

What sorts of projects have you been working on lately?

4 Responses to Knitting Project | Ballard Slouch Hat

1. Rebecca Lately 
   February 11th, 2013 at 5:02 pm
   I love the color you selected. It’s gorgeous!
2. Sereina Charise 
   February 11th, 2013 at 9:01 pm
   Very nice! The color is really pretty.
3. Samantha 
   February 13th, 2013 at 9:16 am
   That is beautiful, Erica!
4. Hannah 
   February 21st, 2013 at 8:56 am
   ADORABLE it looks soooooooooooooo cute!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

37 Weeks

Today I’ve hit 37 weeks! My baby is now considered full term, which means it would probably be able to survive on its own if I went into labor (A baby is considered full term between 37 and 42 weeks; anything before that is considered premature, and anything after that is considered post-term).


Weight this week: 137 – up a little over 2 pounds since December. I’m not sure why my weight gain has slowed. It feels like I’m growing bigger ALL the time. And I actually lost weight last week. Weird. Has anyone else experienced this with their pregnancy?

Measurements around largest part of my tummy:37.5″ – I’ve gained 1 inch since last time!

Measurements around where my waist used to be:33″ – up 1 inch from 4 weeks ago.

And now I’m gonna do a bit of complaining. But you have my friend Lauren to thank that this won’t be a completely downer post. She’s inspired me to be more thankful, so for each complaint I make I’ll list something I’m grateful for. Here goes.

• Bending over – Whenever I try to put on my socks or bend down to pick something up, I give a little grunt because my big fat belly is in the way.
• Sleeping – Another way said belly gets in the way. It’s getting more and more difficult to find comfortable positions for sleeping. Not mention the bathroom breaks in the middle of the night…
• Speaking of bathroom breaks… Seems like they’re becoming more and more frequent. Which makes going to town a major pain.
• Hard Belly – At random moments my belly will suddenly become rock-hard and feel like a lead bowling ball.
• Hiccups – Occasionally this kid will develop a severe case of the hiccups. It was cute at first, but now it’s pretty annoying. And its other movements are becoming more forceful as well. It can kick my ribs pretty hard.
• Stretch Marks – Le sigh. I was hoping to avoid them, but I guess it’s genetic and there’s not much you can do to avoid them. But I’m surprised to find that I’m not too stressed about them.
• Tiredness/Waddle – Lately it seems that all of my energy is just sapped away. And my mode of walking has switched to a bit of waddle. So attractive.

But now I must list a few things I’m thankful for.

1) Reuben – I am so thankful that he is able to be home so much these days. He keeps me happy and motivated.

2) A Non-hectic Life – I know some people really enjoy being on the go constantly (and that’s fine), but that’s not what makes me energized. I’m glad that we don’t have a ton of commitments.

3) A Relatively Pain-Free Pregnancy – I know, I just finished complaining about all my aches and pains, but I realize that some women have it a LOT harder than I do. And I barely had any morning sickness in the beginning of pregnancy, so the first two trimesters were pretty comfortable.

4) Pretty Things in the Mail – I have been purchasing a few lovely things that I had wanted for a long time (plus some baby essentials). It’s so nice to have something to look forward to.

5) Sunshine – Lately the sun has been shining for most of the day. I think I would feel much more gloomy if it was grey and cloudy.

6) Simple Pleasures – A good cup of tea. Lovely reading material. Fresh baked bread. Knitting projects. Sometimes it’s the simple things in life that can give so much joy.

7) This Little Life Inside of Me – Even though it’s the source of so much discomfort at the moment, I’m so thankful for this precious little life. I can’t wait to hold him/her in my arms.

And there’s my 37 weeks update!

24 Responses to 37 Weeks

1. Erin 
   January 23rd, 2013 at 6:29 pm
   I’ve enjoyed reading your blog for a long time, but this is the first time I’ve commented. We’re also a young couple due with our first just a few days behind you…so I can totally empathize with your feelings about the big belly! My hubby works from home and your post reminded me how wonderful it is to have him there and available to help me more often than if he were gone all day. Best wishes on your little one’s arrival!
2. Erin 
   January 23rd, 2013 at 6:32 pm
   I’ve enjoyed reading your blog for a long time, but this is the first time I’ve commented. We’re also a young couple due with our first just a few days behind you…so I can totally empathize with your feelings about the big belly! My hubby works from home and your post reminded me how wonderful it is to have him there and available to help me more often than if he were gone all day. Best wishes on your little one’s arrival!
3. DessertForTwo 
   January 23rd, 2013 at 9:31 pm
   You’re so gorgeous, Erica! Your little family is beautiful :)
4. Lauren 
   January 23rd, 2013 at 11:49 pm
   I started visiting your blog for your recipes at first, but when I saw your adorable pregnancy photos I just had to come see! I am a nursing student who loves everything about pregnancy and labor & delivery. It is wonderful to hear about how you are doing and I wish you and your family well!
5. Begoña 
   January 24th, 2013 at 6:54 am
   Everything that’s happening to you it’s quite normal. The hard belly thing is pretty annoying at first but then you get used to it. Those are the so called Braxton Hicks Contractions and they help the baby to get the right position for the labour. I stopped gaining weight at the end, I read on What to expect when… that’s normal even though i feel more and more enormous each day. This three last weeks are pretty difficult because all the anticipation and the discomfort but just try to enjoy it.
   My baby was born a month ago and she’s the most beautiful amazing thing in the world. I’ve never seen something so wonderful in my life, she’s like a little miracle and I made her. That’s kind of amazing, eh?
6. jill 
   January 24th, 2013 at 7:17 am
   I had a lot of those “complaints” with my 1st and 3rd babies….low weight gain at the end, hard belly, hiccups…..bet it’s a GIRL! Congratulations! Every time I see your emails pop up I think it’s the big announcement. Take care in this frozen MN winter weather. Good thing you don’t have too many commitments that you need to leave home for.
7. Emily O. 
   January 24th, 2013 at 8:42 am
   Haha, like others have said….all of these things are pretty “normal” with pregnancy! It’s all worth it when your baby is out and you hold him/her for the first time :)
8. Elizabeth 
   January 24th, 2013 at 9:46 am
   Feel good Erica. Thank you for sharing.
9. Laura Brown 
   January 24th, 2013 at 12:46 pm
   I’m going to disagree with Jill on the baby – I think it’s a boy! If you only had slight nausea in the beginning and aren’t craving carby foods, it’s a boy. If you have nausea and cravings, it’s a girl. Congrats on the baby – I’ve been there twice myself, each time gets a little easier. Be glad for the slow weight gain – it’ll make it easier to lose after baby arrives. If you think the “hard belly” is tough now, just wait until the baby drops! You’re in for some fun then! Everything shifts downward, your whole center of gravity and you really waddle after that. It’s wonderful though – cherish these days. Don’t worry about the pain of labor either – it’s quickly and easily forgotten. Well, maybe forgiven, not forgotten. Be happy and healthy. Here’s to praying for a healthy and happy baby, no matter if it’s a boy or a girl. :)
10. Erica Lea 
    January 24th, 2013 at 5:41 pm
    Erin: That’s so cool that we’re just a few days apart! It will be interesting to see how far apart we have our babies. :) Yes, it is so nice to have Reuben close so much. Wish it could be like this year-round! Hope you have a safe delivery and healthy baby!
11. Erica Lea 
    January 24th, 2013 at 5:42 pm
    DessertForTwo: Aw, thanks, Christina! :)
12. Erica Lea 
    January 24th, 2013 at 5:43 pm
    Lauren: Thank you! That must be so exciting to be a nurse. Good to hear that it’s something you love! :)
13. Erica Lea 
    January 24th, 2013 at 5:46 pm
    Begoña: Ah! I had no idea they were Braxton Hicks. I thought that the crampy feelings I’ve been having were those – or maybe they both are? I have so much to learn! :) Good to hear that it’s not weird that my weight gain has leveled off.
    Congratulations on the birth of your daughter! It IS amazing that we grow these precious little lives inside of us.
14. Erica Lea 
    January 24th, 2013 at 5:49 pm
    jill: Good to know that I’m not the only one! :) That’s so interesting – I’m horrible at predicting or even having inclinations about whether it’s a boy or a girl. I’ll be happy with whatever God gives me! :) Yes, this weather has kept me inside quite a bit – not good for my exercise routine. Reuben makes sure I dress up warm when we go do out. :D
15. Erica Lea 
    January 24th, 2013 at 5:52 pm
    Emily O.: Haha, yes. I don’t really have much to complain about. Can’t wait to hold this rascal! :D
16. Erica Lea 
    January 24th, 2013 at 5:52 pm
    Elizabeth: Thank you!
17. Erica Lea 
    January 24th, 2013 at 5:55 pm
    Laura Brown: Huh! That’s so interesting. I DO crave carbs, but I’ve always been a carb-lovin’ kind of girl. :) Thank you – so good to know that it gets easier! Yeah, I’m hoping weight loss won’t be too difficult for me, but I’ve heard that it takes 9 months to put it on so you should expect it to take that long to lose it. :/ Yeah, I’m dreading the day. Guess it’ll be a sign that everything is moving forward, though. :) Thank you for your encouraging words! Have a lovely day!
18. Hannah 
    January 25th, 2013 at 9:58 am
    I followed your blog for a while, but somehow forgot about it (I think about the time you got married). I am so glad to have found it again, and to see that you two are so happy and about to welcome such a wonderful blessing into your arms!
    You are just gorgeous, and that little baby is very blessed to have a mama who’s looking forward so much to meeting him/her!
19. Kathryn Grace 
    January 25th, 2013 at 10:40 am
    You’re adorable… I hope I look that cute when I’m weeks away from delivering. (Doubtful. :-). Looking forward to baby pictures! :-D
    Love your new blog header!
20. Diane 
    January 26th, 2013 at 2:46 pm
    Blessings to you and Reuben, Erica.
    I am convinced the baby is a girl, as well. Youll know the day is near if you get a sudden burst of energy and decide that you MUST clean the entire house RIGHT NOW. I have three boys and this urge to ‘nest’ hit me two to three days before each of them made his arrival.
    Best wishes for a safe and speedy delivery!
21. Samantha 
    January 26th, 2013 at 8:13 pm
    I bet it’s a boy! Your carrying low and although it’s not always right, it’s usually a good indicator. But again, it’s not always right. Excited for you either way!
22. Rachel 
    February 9th, 2013 at 6:34 pm
    Awww … so sweet! I’m so excited for you, Erica :)
    And, yes, it’s always good to stay positive! :: grin ::
    Blessings & Grace in Him,
    Rachel
    {http://mysunkissedfarm.wordpress.com/}
23. Kayla 
    February 14th, 2013 at 12:57 pm
    I used to keep up with your blog regularly, but I got married last summer and haven’t had regular internet access since…so I didn’t even know you were pregnant! First, congratulations…a little late! We got pregnant about 10 minutes after we got married…okay, so more like 4 or 5 days…and I’m 25 weeks along now. I started off a lot bigger than you, and I already feel huge. I love feeling the baby moving and it’s so exciting for us! At the same time, I have heard there are aches and pains that go along with it, and I’m not too excited about experiencing all of that! I’ve had sciatic nerve issues some in the past, and it’s flaring up again now, but not too bad yet.
    I hope everything goes well for you!
24. sarah marie 
    February 17th, 2013 at 8:51 am
    I remember that ‘hard belly’ sensation; for me it happened especially when going from a sitting position to standing. Those are most likely Braxton Hicks contractions you’re feeling.
    Okay, your 37 week pregnancy weight is not far off from my 9-months-postpartum weight, so I’m just going to go mope now… ;)