The Maze Runner - Review

The Maze Runner by James Dashner
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The library recommended this book in the same vein as Hunger Games. I would say that is pretty accurate - if you liked Hunger Games you will probably like this.
I did grow frustrated (along with the main character) at how little information was known or given, but this seems to be the main basis of the plot. I didn't know it was the start of a series when I checked it out, but my final judgement on the book will depend upon how well the author brings things together and explains the world he has created. Its definitely imaginative and I appreciate the risks he took in story telling. My heart raced in the action parts, but I did not feel as emotionally compelled and connected to the main characters as I did in Hunger Games.


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23 Weeks

Yesterday I marked 23 weeks. I can hardly believe how much our baby girl is growing these days. At this point all her organ systems are developed, she's just filling out and putting on the finishing touches before she comes out to meet us.

Drew and I worked on the registry at Target this past weekend...I think he thought it would be more fun for him than it actually was. I was very impressed with how long he stuck with it and what a great attitude he had about it. :) I just have a few more items to add, and clean out the items we dont really need - its just so fun to use the scan gun they give you. lol.

I am trying to eat healthy this week after lots of delicious Thanksgiving indulgence (so worth it). We had meals with Drew's mom, dad, and my family, plus we took lots of leftovers home. I got back into working out on Friday and have gone to the gym everyday since then. I dont always want to go, but once I get there I am glad I made myself get up off the couch. I definitely notice the rate of my weight gain corresponds to whether I work out consistently or not. So far, so good though. Mainly I am trying to keep my chances of gestational diabetes way down and have a reasonably sized baby (I dont relish the idea of pushing out a 9+ lbs. child).

Here is a look at my growing belly:

 One without the sweater (its gotten really cold here just this week, which for us means 50s)

22 Weeks

Here I am with baby at 22 weeks! I'm over half-way through, can you believe it?

I have a 23 week pic - I think all the good Thanksgiving food I ate helped the bump grow a bit more. :) Hope you had a great Thanksgiving too! We really enjoyed getting to see family and spend some time resting.

Healthy Meal

Saturday night I was very hungry, but not feeling up to cooking an elaborate meal. I have been trying to use Saturday to clean-up, regroup, and organize our home so that I can actually rest and Sabbath on Sundays.

I'm also making it a high priority to eat healthy while I'm pregnant & later breastfeeding. I'm trying to keep our diet filled with lean protein, lots of veggies & fruits, whole grain, and plenty of fluids and fiber. :) I hadn't had salmon in while since just walking by the meat & seafood section at the grocery store made me feel ill up until week 12 or so. I've been wanting to re-incorporate it to our meal schedule.

Here is what we had for dinner on Saturday:

This pregnant momma was so satisfied! I picked up salmon pinwheels stuffed with spinach and feta, baked fresh green beans with Parmesan cheese, and homemade sweet potato fries (also baked and lightly coated with EVOO, salt, pepper, and brown sugar). Apple butter is in the small bowl - its my favorite sweet potato fry condiment (only apples, apple juice, and spices go into it).

It was nice to have a really filling meal after working out hard earlier that afternoon, but also not feel the least bit guilty about indulging in such healthy fare. Do you have a favorite easy, healthy, but satisfying meal?