I had planned on writing this post as soon as I got home from my OB appointment. Instead, I cleaned my house, mopped the floors, and made a batch of banana pancakes. Anyone who knows me well, understands that this behavior is a nervous response. Once I hit about 8 weeks, I haven’t had any worries in my pregnancy. The baby has been healthy. My blood tests have come back normal. My weight gain has been appropriate.
But today, my OB expressed what I call, “slight concern.” My fundal height (the measurement of my stomach/uterus) was behind schedule. “Nothing significant,” she assured me but not without ordering an ultrasound to make sure Lucy was growing the way she should be. Of course, that ultrasound couldn’t be scheduled until later next week. Not good for a mama who is prone to anxiety and worry. My sweet husband reassured me on the way home. He prayed over us, and we both felt Lucy move at his touch. Often, taller women carry their babies more internally. We have more room for our uterus to expand inside. In all likelihood, we’ll go to our ultrasound next week and see a healthy and growing little girl. But I still needed to clean the house and bake when I got home from the doctor. I still worry that something might not be right: my placenta isn’t giving her enough nutrients, the cord is deficient, etc, etc…
Yet then I remember that by worrying, I do nothing but send stress hormones through my body and Lucy’s body too. I trust that this baby was meant to be a beautiful and healthy part of our family. I hold onto the little kicks she gives me after I eat something sweet like an apple. And I’m thankful we live in a country where medical care is accessible and often exceptional.
I imagine I’ll do a fair share of baking this next week to curb my anxiety. These brown butter cornbread loaves came about last night, after a relaxing day with my older sister. Cornbread is one of my favorite snacks. I like eating it at meals, but I enjoy a piece late at night even more. This recipe produces loaves much more similar to a corn cake than the traditional southern cornbread. It’s sweet and flavorful. Why I never thought of using brown butter before in my favorite cornbread recipe is beyond me. It adds a wonderful nuttiness to each bite.
Brown Butter Cornbread
1/2 cup butter
1 cup buttermilk
2 eggs
1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup stone-ground cornmeal
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoons salt
In a small skillet, melt butter until it begins to bubble. Swirl butter around pan with a wooden spoon. The butter will begin to “brown” as small flecks form along the bottom of the pan. The butter will take on a nutty smell. Remove from heat as soon as it turns an amber-gold color. Allow to cool for 15-20 minutes before using.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease three mini loaf pans or one regular loaf pan (or an 8 inch square pan). Set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking soda, and salt. In a medium bowl, whisk together brown butter (cooled), eggs, and buttermilk. Fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan(s). Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes (mini loaf pans) or 35-40 minutes (regular loaf pan). A toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf should come out clean. Allow to cool in pan for 15 minutes before removing from pans. Enjoy while warm!
Oh, isn’t amazing how we worry about our kids before they are even born?! I’m *certain* that all is well with Lucy, but I know how relieving that next ultrasound can be (our baby – DUE TODAY but clearly not coming — was seen with spots on his heart at his first anatomical u/s… and we, too, had to wait an excruciating week to confirm that it was just a lighting issue and there was no real problem). Sending good thoughts your way in the coming days. Baking sounds like a perfect distraction!
Hope you can relax this weekend! Baking never fails to calm the nerves. 🙂 I’ve heard that smoking helps, too, but I wouldn’t recommend that.
Sending warm positive thoughts your way! Things are going to be just fine lady. Keep up the baking and just know that good vibes are coming your way!
What a perfect looking cornbread my friend, got to love brown butter.
Relax with a piece and enjoy life 😀
Cheers
CCU
Oh, sweet Monet, I’m sure everything will be just fine, don’t you worry. You have done all that you can to bring a healthy, happy baby into this world and I know she’ll be perfect. Hold onto Ryan during this stressful time, and bury yourself in a few fun baking projects. Thinking of you both. Lots of love! xoxox
This had to have smelled amazing with the browned butter!
I am not really a doctor but I would say that if Lucy is still responding to food and kicking/moving whenever you eat then that is a really good sign that everything is fine!! I can definitely imagine the stress though. 🙁
This cornbread sounds so tasty! Love that you amped it up with brown butter!
Hang in there, mama! And for what it’s worth, I’ve been consistently measuring a bit behind, fundal height-wise, for the last 10 weeks or so. But, an ultrasound revealed that our little lady is growing just perfectly – I’m just carrying her a bit further back, which makes me look/measure smaller. Sending good vibes that the reason for yours is the same! =)
Hi Amy! Thank you for the encouragement. I think we’re going to be fine…little Lucy has been reassuring me quite consistently with her strong kicks 🙂
Oh, I love that cornbread. And try not to stress. I’m sure everything is alright and little Lucy is just perfect!
My thoughts are with you and your little one. I totally agree, baking is soo calming and relaxing. I love the crocheted table runner you photographed them on. They remind me of my grandma who used to make them and give this cornbread an even more comforting touch.
*Hugs* Monet! Everything will be just fine, you’ll get to see Lucy again next week, and soon you’ll hold her in your arms! Definitely work out your stress through baking and anything you’d like during this time, and spend time with your wonderful family 🙂 We’re all thinking of you! *HUGS*
A baby is a miracle, and just like everyone else you will be fine. Don’t stress too much, but I know it’s hard. It’s your kid. Just pray and everything will be okay. This cornbread looks delish. 🙂
Beautiful cornbread! Brown butter always gives such a new dimension to old favorites! And please don’t worry, everything will be just great! Stress does not help anything anyway.
Love this cornbread recipe Monet!!! Your photos are lovely -so comforting, warm and homey;-) Yes, please don’t worry(even though it’s nice to have a clean house!)-just enjoy everything you have to look forward to in the very near future;-)
Monet, these loaves look divine! And I love that it’s more like a corn cake! Please don’t worry about Lucy, I’m sure she’s ok inside you! Your doctor already said there is nothing significant, right? Wish you a wonderful week, without worries my friend!
Baking makes most things better. I’m sure you have nothing to worry about, but doing what you can to relieve your stress is smart. And this cornbread looks terrific! A piece would certainly eliminate any stress I might be experiencing! Hope things go well, and thanks for the post.
You poor thing! I know I’ll be a big bundle of nerves when I’m pregnant, so I can just imagine-but I’m certain that you’re right and it is nothing to worry about.
But baking is always great 🙂 And I love browned butter all the time in all things and this cornbread is no exception!
I know I will be the same way whenever I have a baby, worrying about every little thing, but at least that means you’re taking the best care of your baby! I know everything will turn out just fine, but this cornbread looks like great comfort food in the meantime!
I’m sure your baby is very healthy with all of the amazing food you are eating. Such great news that you are all on track 🙂 Can’t wait to meet bub! These look so good. I haven’t made cornbread before but I really should!
I can understand your worries. I’m sure all will be well, Monet. These loaves look amazing! Love the use of cornmeal in a loaf.
Monet, as all the other kind commentators before me have pointed out, I think you have taken such extraordinary good care of yourself and Lucy that I am sure absolutely everything will be fine! And we are sending you tons of good thoughts and hugs and kisses from afar! Let´s nor forget about the wonderful comfort-style looking cornbreads you made, pure bliss – brown butter and buttermilk are just the best!
Take care and “see” you soon, my friend!
Nice recipe!!! And I am sure everything is just fine with Lucy… you will see next week!
Ciao.
Hi Monet,
Don’t worry yourself! I’m sure everything will be just fine!
Your cornbread look wonderful, it has that homemade look, fresh and delicious! Cornbread is one of my most favourite! I’ve just baked one too!
Take care!
I’m sure everything with your little girl will be absolutely perfect, and I hope that ultrasound comes round quick so you can be over worrying soon (I would be exactly the same way). This cornbread looks exceptionally good!
That sounds awfully similar to how I handle worries myself. It will be ok! Just take some deep breaths and keep baking. 🙂 This cornbread sounds so simple and perfect–brown butter is such a great idea!
One thing for sure, stop worrying 🙂 Lucy is all comfortable, healthy and happy in you belly. Make some more goodies and share it with us and her as well 🙂 Fingers crossed (although I feel there’s no need for this)!
Monet, it’s good to read your follow up comments that Lucy is kicking and doing well. I hope everything turns out fine with the next ultrasound. What a scary moment when you hear your OB say “uh oh.” I definitely agree with everyone here that baking is one of the most relaxing things ever. I turn to it all the time when I’m stressed and worried. Lucy kicking when you eat something sweet means you should eat more sweets – give the girl what she wants! 😉
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