For the first time in almost a year, we took Peanut out to lunch. I am not sure exactly which experience prompted the “we are never going out to eat with the baby again” mantra in our house. The diagnosis of his food allergy or the fun time at Tandori Nights when he managed to climb out of his high chair and onto the table while we were eating. 

I am, obviously, proud to report that it was a success.  A giant bowl of strawberries, a sippy of water and juice, a cell-phone and sitting next to Daddy did the trick. We even received a compliment for such a well behaved 18 month old. If she only knew.

Eating breakfast, especially cereal, when ttc and when pregnant makes little boys while eating no breakfast and less calories in general makes little girls. Or so a new study has concluded.  

So, did my almost 70 pound weight gain from eating almost exclusively breakfast foods make my Peanut a Peanut and not a Peanuette? Or did all of those pancakes, omeletes, french toast and Cheerios just contribute to his egg and peanut allergy?

Since we are hoping for a girl next time, my new lower-calorie diet has eliminated all cereal.   The first time I planned the horoscope of my baby to-be and next time I will try to influence the gender as well.  My control issues are, perhaps, getting a bit out of control.

But, the 3rd, that one, I am throwing caution to the wind.  No trying to  plan control horoscope signs, gender, food allergies and all the rest. Whatever will be, will be.  My husband says not to worry, there will never be a 3rd. But, I say, you can’t control everything.

A little piece of toddler heaven

I love my play group. We have met almost every Tuesday for the past 15 months.   A few of the moms have become my closest friends.  And Peanut has started to learn to play nicely with the other kids and not take their toys.  That last statement was a lie.  Any day now…

Besides just making our weeks more fun, apparently, play groups have given Peanut another benefit.  This article from MSNBC explains a recent study showing that day-care or playgroups may help protect children against leukemia.  Kids who attended playgroups or day-care before age 2 had the highest rates of protection against the disease.  The article states that children who attended day-care or playgroups had as much as a 30% decreased risk of contracting leukemia.

Check out our section on local Mom’s groups and get out and have fun. 

I started out with such promise. Like a rising star.  I survived eight days without sugar.  Eight days skipping all of my beloved desserts- even overlooking an enormous dessert tray brought to the Luna Mom’s playgroup after Stroller Strides (why do so many moms equate play with dessert?)

I felt strong.  I was in control.  I was on top of the world.
I came crashing down Saturday night while out to dinner with some friends from high school.  The sorbet trio seemed innocuous enough.  Almost healthy, really. 
But, that seemingly innocent sorbet trio led to defeat.
The following day I bought a batch of Skinny Cow flying saucers, a delightful mix of chemicals and sugar. By Wednesday, I had to buy another batch. By Friday I was purchasing chocolate chip cookies from Whole Foods, “for my husband”. 

A few days later when I returned from Trader Joe’s with chocolate covered pretzels and 2 boxes of chocolates (100 calorie bars, why not get 2?), my husband pointed out, “man, when you fall, you fall hard.” 

So, it is over. The great no sugar experiment.  Apparently 8 days is my limit.  And, clearly moderation is not for me.  I have been snacking like I am trying to bulk up to play the part of “fat friend” in a movie.
I am going to try it again. Maybe tomorrow. Or, maybe next week. After those 100 calorie bars are no longer with us.