I have been a mom for 5 days and I think I’ve experienced every emotion and feeling under the sun. Complete euphoria, exhaustion, frustration, pain, tearfulness, excitement…everything. Literally. I listened to all the advice given to me as a new-mom-to-be, but kind of like labor, there’s really no preparing oneself for this type of a life change. I’ve cried more today than I have in years, I’d guess. I called my mom just to cry. My friend and also new parent called to check-in…and I cried just giving a baby update.
On the plus side, after you give birth, your post-baby body sure feels ultra thin…even if it’s very far from reality 😉
As Mr. Prevention and I were walking through the grocery store tonight with the baby, he joked that this is our new Saturday night outing. I said, in all seriousness, that I’m okay with that as long as we’re together. And then I cried. And cried a little more as I glanced down at Shea as she cooed…and cried some more. I’m so glad the store was pretty empty and no one saw.
I then laughed and cried a bit more as I described to Mr. Prevention my first public diaper change. I’m such a newbie, let’s just say that much…
I’ve also learned the importance of timing with an infant. Granted, 80% of my days are spent breastfeeding and/or pumping, but the other 20% is a toss up between trying to sleep some and trying to squeeze in productivity – laundry, dishes, blogging…whatever. I’m also sorely regretting not heeding the advice of others (and Pinterest) and throwing together freezer meals. Things are going to be verrrry basic for awhile in terms of cooking/eating.
Mr. Prevention goes back to work on Monday and I am so overwhelmed with just the thought of having to taking Shea back to the pediatrician by myself that day. And I plan to take Shea in to work on Tuesday which will be a several hour adventure. I’m a nervous wreck already.
As much as I looked for quick and easy meals pre-baby, the need for such meals has multiplied infinitely. Cooking, like everything else, sounds like such an overwhelming feat at the moment. Quick meals like this are required!
- 8 oz uncooked lo mein noodles
- 1½ Tbsp brown sugar
- 3 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp Sriracha hot sauce
- 2 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1½ tsp sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled
- 2 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, minced
- 3-4 green onions, sliced
- Cook lo mein according to package directions. Keep hot.
- Meanwhile, whisk to combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, sriracha, ginger, and sesame oil; set aside.
- In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Once hot, add the crushed red pepper and cook until fragrant. Add the lightly beaten eggs and scramble for 2-3 minutes; remove to a small plate and cover to keep warm.
- Add remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan. Once hot, add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes on each side, or just until firm and bright pink. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a clean plate; set aside. Add zucchini to the pan, increase heat to high; stir fry until just charred; about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for one minute.
- Add drained noodles to the skillet along with the cooked egg, shrimp, and prepared sauce. Turn the heat on to medium-low, and stir until everything is coated well with the sauce. Sprinkle the sliced green onions and cilantro over top and serve immediately.
Thank you for all your Shea love! I am emotional but I am definitely blessed with this beautiful baby girl!
Be well,
Congratulations! It’s amazing how such a tiny little person can completely change your world, isn’t it? Lovely recipe, and a terrific use for the zucchini I’m still eating from my garden. Enjoy your new little one.
It gets easier, I promise! And this recipe looks delicious.
I love that dish! And it will get easier Nicole – in a couple months you’ll feel like a pro! ๐
I totally agree with Lee – it does get easier but even more and more enjoyable each day, week, month, year. I also want to say how inspired I am that you’re still able to create such awesome recipes. Congratulations and thank you so much. Mari x
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Thanks, Mari! Appreciate it ๐
All that crying = hormones + sleep deprivation! Get Mr. P to call Jeff if he needs to commiserate about how weird post-pregnancy wives are with their crying. He has some good stories about me! ๐
Hang in there! I’m sure you’re doing great.
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Haha, I love it! ๐ Thanks, Liz! Today was the best day by far…it just keeps getting better and better ๐
I always said I never appreciated my mom or moms in general enough until I became one. Having a child is the most wonderful, beautiful thing that I have ever done, but it’s also the hardest, most physically demanding job ever. It does get easier as the months go on, and the most amazing part is that your love for Shea will just continue to grow. Enjoy her snuggles and her sweet coos – the days are long but the years are so short! Congrats on your beautiful baby girl!
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So true! I am learning this already…I can’t imagine how much stronger these feelings will be in the future ๐
Wow! What an amazing journey you have just embarking on, the greatest you will have. The highs are beyond belief and the lows don’t matter. The most difficult part will be for you to find ‘me’ time and to make sure you don’t lose sight of your own independence and persona. But it’s all AMAZING. Congratulations. Mari x
From one new mom to another, congratulations on your new, precious addition!! I’ve been a mom for 6 weeks, and I’m pumping milk while drooling over this delicious looking recipe that I probably won’t have time to make for a looooooong time. ๐ Motherhood is joyous yet certainly overwhelming. Since our son arrived, meals have been limited to steamed veggies and salmon (or whatever is in our freezer that can be quickly thawed and baked). I hope you are getting plenty of rest! I can’t wait to try this recipe and the one for buffalo ranch panko baked chicken fingers, YUM!!