a vegetarian pregnancy

My main concern during my pregnancy has been and will continue to be my diet.  I know there are thousands of vegetarian women who have had healthy pregnancies, but it's still a concern (I'm a very moody eater.) Seventy grams of protein each day seems like a daily mini Mt. Everest, but I feel very weak if I don't get my full dose -- and I know that need for protein will increase as the baby grows. 

My doctor suggested I would be eating a ton of eggs over the next year, and I think she literally meant a ton -- good thing I'm lacto-ovo!  I have been eating at least two eggs a day, but they only have 6 grams of protein each.  A cup of kefir (much more pleasant than eggs) has 14 grams of protein, so that gives me at least 20 grams of protein to start off the day.  The breakfast issue?  I am tired of eggs and have to choke them down in between bites of fruit (I constantly crave figs, blueberries, kiwi, mango and cold pineapple and watermelon.)  This weekend, I plan to look for a high-protein cereal I may also try mixing some protein powder into my hot cereal, and I am open to any additional suggestions.

Lunch in the office can be challenging, but our corporate gym has delicious protein smoothies, so I pop over when I need a pick-me-up.  

Dinner at home is easy, but dinner on the run isn't.  I've learned that Mediterranean food may be my best bet for a quick dinner.  Last night I had to eat while I was driving between meetings, and I enjoyed a fabulous falafel sandwich from Afrah.  

On the cooking front - I am looking for suggestions of good vegan (or vegetarian) recipes that boast high grams of protein.  I found one for a lentil, lime and spinach soup that I am eager to make tonight, but I need a lot of variety to match my eating moods.  Any and all suggestions are welcome!

it's official!

We had our first doctor's appointment today and I was so nervous! Other than major fatigue and some nausea, I don't feel much different, so I was eager to know if my body was playing tricks on me or if this was the real thing.

Technology is so amazing - at less than eight weeks, we could see our little one floating around and growing with all its might. Hearing the heartbeat for the first time was incredible! Today's visit was just a quick "confirmation of pregnancy," but it gave us great peace of mind - and a due date: January 28, 2009! We go back July 2 for our full pregnancy work-up and a second sonogram.

We know our little one doesn't look like much now, so Robin modified the image with a color picture of what it should look like at about 7 weeks.