4 Things I Learned in September

I'm joining Emily Freeman in sharing what I learned this month.  Some things are serious, some helpful, and some are simply fun.

Here's my list, in no particular order:

1) I learned more than I wanted to know about choroid plexus cysts. At our routine 20 week ultrasound, they found a choroid plexus cyst on our baby's brain.  These cysts occur in 1 to 2 percent of babies and are the result of a little bubble of spinal fluid being pinched off as the choroid plexus forms. The cysts are not a concern in themselves and almost always goes away on their own.  They are not considered  brain abnormalities.  The concern is that choroid plexus cysts are a soft marker for Trisomy 18, also known as Edwards' Syndrome, a genetic condition that causes severe birth defects.

I was scheduled for a more detailed ultrasound with a specialist, but I had to wait nine days. I was nervous going into the appointment, but I was also graced with a marvelous peace.  One of the signs of a Trisomy 18 baby is clenched hands, but this was the first image we saw on the ultrasound screen. 

Both the tech and the doctor did a detailed examination of the baby from head to toe (via ultrasound), and not only were there no defects but the cyst had already dissolved!
 

2) This was the month I discovered chia seeds. Chia seeds are high in protein, fiber, and omega-3, all things my pregnant body needs.  They have a mild, almost non-existent taste so they are easy to add to the recipes I already make.  I'm enjoying them mostly for breakfast.  Combined with oatmeal or quinoa, they keep me full most of the morning.  I've discovered a few new recipes, too:

• Chocolate Peanut Butter Breakfast Parfait
• Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats 
• Chocolate Overnight Oatmeal Smoothie
• Oatmeal Yogurt Cups
• Overnight No-Cook Refrigerator Oatmeal

3) There is an easier way to stir natural peanut butter. Why had I never realized that keeping the jar upside down until ready to break the seal and stir makes things 10 times easier?! The oil settles near the top, which is actually the bottom. Right before opening, flip it right side up.  The oil takes time to rise to the surface so in the meantime, get stirring.  It is so much less messy!

4) I really do have a lot of shoes.  Brian has been telling me that for years and maybe it's not a lot compared to some women, but when I counted, I have 13 pairs for fall. The good news is that Maddie, my 11-year-old, is only about half a shoe size smaller so we are starting to share shoes.

Join me on Facebook!