Blogging is a weird thing sometimes. While I try to be open and vulnerable in this space, I don’t feel comfortable going to the place of “dear diary.” So often, even when I’m really struggling, I just keep going like normal here.
It’s mostly a good thing because I enjoy writing and it helps me focus my mind on something else for a while but sometimes it also feels empty and like I’m only posting half-truths. I’m sharing recent eats with you guys today but I guess I also wanted to say that there is a lot I’m working through behind the scenes. None of it is being swept under the rug and finding ways to keep going is very much a part of the fabric of my every day life right now.
This helps tremendously. Talk about putting things into perspective.
Okay, those eats.
BREAKFAST
Plain greek yogurt with honey, granola, blueberries, cherries and Wild Friends Peanut Cashew Super Butter.
Lots of smoothies. They are an easy way to throw a ton of high-calorie stuff in the blender and get a substantial amount of nutrition down easily.
LUNCH
Salad with spinach, strawberries, cashews, dried cranberries, tomatoes and salmon.
I’m embarrassed to tell you that I’ve made lunch out of this bag of pretzels more than once in the last week. #momlife These are from ALDI. Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods make equally as addictive PB pretzels.
DINNER
Seared scallops with a white wine butter sauce. I think people find scallops to be intimidating but they’re so easy and quick to cook!
I defrosted my favorite homemade spaghetti sauce from the freezer and ate it over linguine. It was all I had when it came to pasta and I missed the thinner spaghetti noodles.
This was the first time that I ate a steak since before I was pregnant and I think it will be a while before I eat another one. On the side was roasted okra, rice and sliced tomatoes.
I went over to a friend’s for dinner on Tuesday night and she served the most delicious homemade veggie lasagna and homemade bread.
And this dinner was “get creative with the farmers market veggies.” I sauteed squash, zucchini, eggplant, onions and yellow cherry tomatoes and topped it with feta, a fried egg and sriracha. A slice of my friend’s homemade bread on the side. This was so simple but so good.
It’s 11 p.m. and I’ve got a baby passed out on top of me. Time to head off to bed! 🙂
Any foods that once you start you can’t stop? (Like those PB pretzels! See also: Boom Chicka Pop…)
I practically survived on popcorn (and popsicles and fruit) the first 16 weeks of my pregnancy! I’m still crushing the fruit pretty hard, and I also want to eat eggs all the time. The homemade bread here reminds me that I am way overdue for a sourdough baking session!
On a more serious note, you owe us nothing in terms of working out your personal stuff on the blog. You get to share as much as you feel comfortable sharing, and I think your readers respect that and understand that you have your challenges, even if we don’t know the full breadth. I hope that you are finding the right support and some good outlets where you DO feel comfortable talking through things.
congrats on your pregnancy. i am so happy for you. <3
and thank you for the support.
I totally second what Paula says. Your authenticity shines through even when you don’t share share everything you’re dealing with. Although I don’t know you in real life, you’ve been in my thoughts a lot lately. Know that you have a whole tribe of blog readers cheering you on.
As for the eats, that veggie lasagna and homemade bread looks sooo good! The one snack I can’t stop eating once I start are Trader Joe’s plantain chips. It’s better if I put some on a plate to eat with peanut butter or avocado. But when I eat them from the bag, I have no control! 😉
Thank you so much for the kindness and encouragement. And I know exactly what you mean about those TJs plantain chips. They are perfectly salty and hard to stop once you start.
I’ve only ever commented once before but have been reading your blog for a while. Felt inspired to comment today at how your honesty regarding your struggles behind the scenes touched me. I’ve recently gone through a breakup that has, quite frankly, devastated me. It was out of the blue and there are so many factors that are making this so difficult. I don’t have a blog but can appreciate what it’s like to try to keep things together on the surface when you are breaking behind the scenes.
I have my dog to help me through it. Your pooches and baby Finn are a blessing for you. Good luck
Mary – thank you so much for reading and for sharing. I can so relate to what you say about breaking behind the scenes. <3
Girl, you eat better with a newborn than I do! ? Thanks for the healthy eating inspiration. And I “third” what the others say – you owe us nothing! Just know we are with you, cheering you on and wishing you all the happiness you so deserve!
Thanks Christina. xx
It’s extremely difficult as a blogger to share the private, personal, difficult stuff. We don’t have to and even if we wanted to, writing it all out sometimes just doesn’t work or feel right or ready. I totally understand your feelings here though, like you are telling a half truth – not the case- you are sharing what you are able/want to share. some things just shouldn’t be shared or need to wait to be processed. xoxox PS – I kept the Costco chocolate covered raisins in the car and when I was riding in the back with my son (when someone else was driving), those raisins were EVERYTHING TO ME. I always say they are what built up my milk supply along with water lol
Oh chocolate covered raisins are a weakness of mine!
Your blog is fantastic and I agree that you don’t owe anyone any explanations. I would also add, as an attorney, that you are very wise not to share the details, especially when a child is involved – there are things that you simply cannot discuss. I’m sure you already know this, and it is a point that most of your readers understand. I often remind myself that anything written, published online, etc. is out there forever and we all have to be careful. Love your blog and Finn is adorable. ❤️
Hi Suzanne, you make such a great point and it’s definitely something that I am cognizant of from a legal standpoint but also just from trying to be a good person and keep things private.
I love your site and you are SO inspiring to so many!! Those scallops look amazing! Can you PLEASE share the recipe? ♥
Thank you and be good!
BBQ potato chips are definitely my weakness. I don’t want to ban them from the house because my husband loves them, but they have to stay out of my sight!
I feel you on the chips. My weakness is salt and vinegar.
Sending you all my love and best wishes Jen!! ❤️ I think you’re doing an amazing job dealing with all that you have going on. Just continue to give yourself grace whenever you can and take care of yourself as you care for Finn. And what I mean by that is always remember the whole oxygen mask concept. Put yours on first!!
Thank you Jenny. Being a new mom is hard enough and this added layer is making things especially complicated and hard. Yes, to taking care of myself. I’ve definitely been seeking out extra support.
I’ve been reading your blog for a long time (found when I had time to do more running/training). There is NOTHING as hard as those first few months with a new baby and I cannot imagine that emotional roller coaster without some extra help. I imagine that you have a helpful and supportive community there. What I found to be hard was to let people in to help me when I wasn’t feeling my best, my house was a mess, I was perpetually breastfeeding, and I was a bit insecure as a mom. I suggest taking all the help people offer even if they see all the vulnerable bits. As for the blog, how tricky! You are balancing it all so well. I’m thinking of you.
Thank you so much for reading and for the encouragement. I am grateful.
still sending hugs from OH !
chips of any kind ! tortilla or potato. and ice cream. for some reason i can eat it and eat it till im sick if i buy a container. even though i know i will feel like @$$.
thank you tara. and i’m with you on the chips + ice cream. good stuff.
I bet that is really weird to balance out – what you can/are able to share and what to leave out/keep private. Following along this pregnancy with you through your posts has been so much fun – and Finn is so adorable – we all love you both and want what’s best for both you and baby Finn. We can so easily see the deep bond between you 2 and we are cheering for the both of you! I do hate that you are going through this awful mess, and I do appreciate that you have shared what you have, to give us some perspective. You have been in my thoughts and prayers lately and I love that you are powering through this tough time and continuing to blog. I know there is only so much you can say to an audience of who knows how many people, and I’m sure you are wrestling with a lot that you can’t let on to here. My heart breaks for you right now. I know without a doubt you will be ok, but this part really sucks.
On a completely different note, your food looks delicious!! thanks for the ideas and inspirations!
Thank you for these kind words and for your support Kristy. <3
Potato chips…the plain ruffled kind. I haven’t actually tried this and never will, but I bet I can eat a Costco sized bag all by myself ?
This is your blog. You get to share whatever you choose. None of us need to know all the details in your life, Jen. And if there are snarky people out there who continually nose around your business, well they obviously have no life. The people who care about you will just want you and Finn to be happy, healthy and well in every way possible.
You have been on my mind lately Jen <3 The way you have handled this situation (from my perspective) has been nothing short of graceful. I respect that you keep most of your private life private, since it is exactly that! Enjoy your time with family 🙂
Jen,
You and Finn have been in my thoughts and prayers. I like reading your blog. Always have. It’s been a great resource to me for which I’m grateful. You just take care of yourself.
As far as snacks for me, Cape Cod salt and pepper potato chips, salt and pepper cashews and peanut M&M’s!
You should be SO proud of yourself. I don’t know how you are doing all that you are but you are a superstar!!! I am a 52 yr old mom of 4 going through a divorce after lying to myself and walking on egg shells to keep the peace for half of my 25 yr marriage. My heart breaks for you as I can only imagine how hard it will be to share your time with Finn but he will never know any different and will be happy and well adjusted if Mommy is. I now it must be so hard to share but just know there are so many of us cheering you on and hoping for you happiness!!! xoxo
Hi Jen, I wanted to reach out to you as i was/am in the same situation. I had my baby two years ago, and her father and i split up during pregnancy, then got back together sort of, then split up. I was a single mom from day one, and live many many states away from my family. There is much i can share with you if you’re interested. I know i didn’t (still don’t) know anyone who was in the same situation. I knew many single parents but none from the get go. None without family around. It made it much harder not having a lot of people to relate to. If you want to talk more, let me know.
Good Morning!!
Far as I’m concerned you are nothing short of spectacular. Do whatever is going to get through. I have complete confidence in you.
Love u
Just wanted to echo what’s been said above – that you don’t owe anyone here anything. However, you have a huge support network so don’t ever feel like you have to hide anything, or pretend. You’ve created a wonderful space with your blog and it echoes far and wide.
Also, I lived on egg noodles and butter. They cook in half the time as spaghetti, my toddler ate them too, and the cleanup was nil. I’m mad impressed with your ability to get vegetables onto your plate.