20-minute Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

As the temperatures begin to cool, and flu season quickly approaches I wanted to share my easy chicken noodle soup recipe!

Ingredients:

2 quarts - Low sodium chicken broth

1 bunch of organic celery

1/2 bag of organic baby carrots

1/2 bag of quinoa & brown rice pasta (or any noodle of your choice)

1 lb. organic ground chicken

Turmeric, salt, papper, and garlic to taste

Directions:

In a frying pan cook ground chicken on low heat until it reaches an internal temp of 165°.

In a large pot add both quarts of low sodium chicken broth and bring to a boil.

Wash, trim, and chop celery and carrots - then add to broth.

Once broth is boiling add in pasta, cook for approx 8 minutes (follow cook times for your specific pasta).

Once chicken is fully cooked, add to pot and stir.

Add spices to taste, and cook on low for approx 10 minutes.

Enjoy!!

5 Tips for postpartum life

We are in newborn heaven, and loving every second!

Before B arrived I had a few things in place that have really helped with postpartum life.

5 Tips for postpartum life…

1. Have more than 1 diaper changing station. We live in a 2-story house and so having 2+ diaper changing stations set up has really saved us. There is no way I’d want to run up stairs with a newborn every time I needed to change him…although it’d be quite the workout!

2. This cart is everything. We have this cart on our first floor, and it is a tremendous help! It has 3 levels, and allows me to have a diaper changing section, a pumping section, and a clean clothes (for me too!), water and snack section.

3. Nap when he naps may not always be possible…I mean in the beginning you just want to stare at your newborn, trust me I get it! Try your best to sneak in a few naps throughout the day when your baby naps, this will save you when you are up all night feeding and changing them. Sleep deprivation is no joke. If you are open to it, perhaps have someone you trust come over and watch the baby so you can sneak in a nap too!

4. Okay this one may be TMI, but since the majority of you are Moms or Mama’s-to-be let’s get into it… splurge on the fancy diapers. Not for the baby, for you. The hospital ones will get the job done (IYKYK) but these are much better, trust me. They make postpartum life much easier once you get home, and make you feel slightly more put together (if that’s even possible).

5. Create a drawer or section of your closet with all of your nursing or postpartum clothing options. I created a drawer of tops & bottoms I thought I would want to wear (think ultra comfy, non-restrictive, and easy breastfeeding access) postpartum, and it has been a life saver. In the first few days and weeks you don’t have time or energy to search for things to wear.

3 Ways to help new parents

We are beyond excited to have our baby boy home with us. It has been such a journey to get here, and we are soaking in every minute.

Having a support system (near & far) is essential for postpartum life. It allows the new family to feel supported, but not crowded. Our tribe of family and friends have been essential during these first few weeks.

Here are 3 things you can do for new parents (that make a huge difference)

1. Food…it may seem simple, but having meals delivered is a huge help! There are only so many minutes in the day, and with a newborn many of them are filled with learning, loving, and constant breastfeeding. So nutrients are key! My Husband and I did our best to stock up ahead of time, especially since we don’t have any family nearby, but having meals delivered from our favorite places has been such a tremendous help. It’s a loving way you can let the new parents know you are here, you support them, but you are giving them space to adjust.

2. Don’t rush to see the baby. Everyone loves a newborn…I mean is there anything more adorable?? But give the new parents time to settle in back home, adjust to their new routine, and most importantly give them time to adjust to their new baby and allow the baby time to adjust to life outside of the womb. We did our best to set expectations and boundaries prior to baby’s arrival, and I would highly recommend this for new parents. It gave us time to truly be present for one another, and adjust to our new normal.

3. Check on the parents. In the beginning everyone wants to see the beautiful baby and soak in all the newborn cuddles, but don’t forget about the parents. Especially the Mama who worked so hard to get the baby here. The first few weeks (or the 4th trimester) are a time of healing, bonding, and learning for the new family. It can be so exciting to meet the new baby, but a loving text, card or call go a long way with new parents. The support (even from afar) makes all the difference.

Photo By Jontel Chere