Ryan was born just outside of Philadelphia. I visited Pennsylvania with him while we were dating, but unfortunately we’ve only been back once since we got married. Each time I visit, I fall in love with the countryside, the people, and the food. We’re hoping to make a trip out east this fall with Lucy. A visit to Philadelphia always merits two culinary indulgences: a freshly baked soft pretzel and a Philly Cheesesteak.
Now, there are endless debates about where to get the best Philly Cheesesteak…and I don’t begin to consider myself an expert. Instead, Ryan and I make a healthier, more heart-friendly Philly Cheesesteak at home. We load up our hoagie rolls with lean meat, freshly sauteed veggies, and provolone cheese. We talk about the apple orchards during the fall, about the town of New Hope where Ryan’s grandparents grew up. And we feel ever so thankful to have friends and family all over the country.
These Philly Cheesesteaks are loaded with bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. I bought a grass-fed flank steak from Whole Foods and asked the butcher to slice it thinly. Within 30 minutes, we had these delicious sandwiches on the table. You can make your own hoagie rolls if you’re feeling ambitious, but with 99 degree temperatures here in Colorado, we went for store-bought.
99 Degrees and 39 weeks pregnant!
Cravings: Peanut butter and bananas are my new power food. Freshly pressed juices, hard-boiled eggs, and English muffins are also at the top of the list.
Health: Last week, my OB checked me and I was 3 centimeters dilated and 70% effaced. She told me, “You have a lovely cervix for a first time mom,” which I took as a compliment (although one I don’t entirely understand). My OB went out of town over the past weekend and so I hoped and prayed Lucy would wait until her return. Wait, she did, but now I feel like she won’t ever come out! I have almost constant braxton-hix contractions throughout the day, but nothing too painful. Two of my friends (with babies due around my due date) have welcomed their little ones into the world. I’m trying to not get impatient! My older sister Susanne’s first baby was 10 days late…so we’ll see what happens. I’m still walking and stretching and enjoying every movement of hers I feel inside me.
Fears: Fears have transitioned into manageable concerns. There is so much we don’t know (about labor and delivery, about parenthood), and yet I’m confident Ryan and I will handle each obstacle with love and grace. A huge forest fire erupted in Black Forest yesterday. My sister and her family were evacuated from their home, and we still have no idea if it’s standing. The fire is near the hospital, and there’s much concern throughout our community. Just last year, my parents nearly lost their house in the Waldo Canyon Fire. Lucy will be coming into the world at a very tumultuous time here. Please keep the people of Colorado in your prayers.
Hopes: There is a peony bush in our front yard. We haven’t done any landscaping since we moved into our new home, so this spring has brought surprise after surprise as bushes turn from brown to green. Just yesterday, the peony bush began to bloom and as I walked outside I told Lucy that the tiny pink flowers were blooming for her. I hope that Lucy learns to find beauty in this world, a world that can be unpredictable and often frightening. We’ll surround her with love and support as she grows from a newborn to a little girl, and we’ll take time to point out the small miracles that flood our days.
Ryan and I have completed nearly every item on our list. Now we’re just waiting. I’ve loved being pregnant, and I know I’ll miss her inside of me once her birthday finally comes. And so I’m taking each moment as a special gift and savoring these last few days we have together, as one.
Healthy Philly Cheesesteaks
1 (12-ounce) flank steak, trimmed and cut into thin strips (ask butcher to assist, if possible)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 large portobello mushroom caps
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 cup thinly sliced onion
1 1/2 cups thinly sliced red or green bell pepper
1 tablespoon freshly minced garlic
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon lower-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
4 slices provolone cheese
4 hoagie rolls
Sprinkle beef with salt and pepper. Remove brown gills and stems from portobello mushrooms . Thinly slice mushroom caps.
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 tablespoon of oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add beef to pan and sauté for 2 minutes or until beef loses its pink color, stirring constantly. Remove beef from pan. Add remaining oil to pan. Saute onion for 3 minutes before adding mushrooms, bell pepper, and garlic; saute vegetables for 6 minutes. Return beef to pan and saute for one one minute or until mixture is thoroughly heated and vegetables are tender. Remove from heat. Stir in Worcestershire, soy sauce and mustard.
Distribute meat and vegetable mixture evenly amongst sliced hoagie rolls. Arrange provolone cheese slices on top of each hoagie. Broil in a 500 degree Fahrenheit oven until cheese is melted and bubbly (be sure to watch your hoagies closely as broiling can turn to burning quite quickly!)
Monet
Anecdotes and Apple Cores
99 degrees OHHHH that sounds uncomfortable! Hopefully you aren’t getting the painfully swollen feet I hear many pregnant women get when it’s hot. I have never had an authentic Philly cheesesteak and now I can make them myself right here in my home. Deeeelicious! Can’t wait to see the babe!!!
Beautiful post, Monet 🙂 Just reading about your anticipation makes me so happy for you and Ryan (and so excited for our own someday!). So glad to hear you’ve completed nearly every item on your list. Enjoy these last days! Stay cool! 99 degrees is yowza! hot!
Thinking of your family and hoping that all is well xx
These cheesesteaks look so good! I could do with one right now! it’s so exciting that your little girl will be here any day now!
You poor thing in that kind of heat! As always, you look absolutely amazing. I think Lucy is perfectly happy where she is, and who could blame her? A constant supply of healthy, delicious food all while tucked in a cozy place – genius!
If there were ever parents-to-be who could rest assured that they will succeed beautifully, it’s you and Ryan.
Stay cool and as comfortable as possible! Know that we are all anxiously awaiting the happy news and wish you all the best!
Vicky
That is one gorgeous cheesesteak, but it pales in comparison to you! You are one gorgeous pregnant lady…and it’s so hard to believe that Miss Lucy is very nearly here!!! You and Ryan are going to be such great parents…with that much love to give, there’s no doubt. Just go with your instinct, and you’ll do GREAT!!
Philly cheese steaks are one of Chris’ most favorite sandwiches and I can’t wait to give this a try! I can’t believe how close Lucy is to coming into this world! All of my love to you and your family – there’s so much change on the horizon.
I found the last bit of waiting to be the most challenging. Both my babies were a full 2 weeks ‘late’ (I still maintain they were right on time for their bodies!) Just keep breathing and staying relaxed as possible. FYI- the cervix has to flatten before it can open completely to allow the baby to pass through- so you’re 70% flattened (This is awesome!! this is usually the longest part of labor for first time moms)And you’re already 3cm open- have to get to 10…so you are already cranking along! I will keep visualizing an easy fast labor for you…and the best part?? Looking at your baby’s eyes for the first time, and knowing her… waaaaay better than the joys of actually carrying her.. The best is yet to come!!
As for those sammies??? I SO want one right now. Running down to the freezer to see if I have any beef left from our grass-fed cow we bought a year ago!
Oh all the fires sound scary-I’m definitely going to keep Colorado in my prayers.
You are just all belly-it’s too cute, I’m sure the weather is super uncomfortable though! The peonies sound lovely and I am so excited for you to have your little Lucy 🙂
And omg my bf would love these philly cheesesteaks-I just will have to keep it a secret that it’s healthy 😉
Oh boy what a healthy version of the cheesesteak! Looks so appetizing right now.
These sound great. I’ve been slowly trying to convince my boyfriend that just because I eat healthy, doesn’t mean my food is weird and boring. I’ll have to make him these to further prove my point. 🙂
I can’t believe you’re already at the end of your pregnancy. It could be any day now. I’m so excited for you.
Cervix compliments for the win! 🙂 I heard about the fires this morning–hope you guys are doing ok. And I could absolutely sink my teeth into a sandwich like that. Perfect.
So we haven’t had a baby yet, but that is a strange compliment.. lol The baby is almost here!!! Can’t wait till you share a photo!!
We absolutely wish we could grow peonies.. Its just too hot in Miami.. On sunday it was 104 and add to that 90% humidity.. Its almost unbearable to go out….
Monet,
You are still glowing and beautiful in 99 degrees. Sounds like your body is preparing for the final push, 3 cm is great!
Hope that everyone is safe near the fires.
You and Ryan can munch on these fantastic sandwiches, preparing for Lucy’s arrival.
These cheesesteaks look incredible, Monet! So mouthwatering and perfect for enjoying al fresco with the ones you love. Sounds like the clock is ticking on little miss Lucy! You look beautiful and glowing… even if the glow is as a result of a little summer sunshine, haha. Thinking of you and hoping for your safety during the Colorado fires. xo
I loved your post. You write about this special time with such thoughtfulness. I have a little 3 month old baby & you’ve brought back all my memories of those last days waiting for him. By the way, 3 cm is awesome! Well done!
So nice to have a peony bush – they’re lovely flowers! We have one too, and really enjoy it. I was born outside of Philly too! Small world, but someone has to be born there, right? 😉 Great cheesesteak, and much healthier than the original. Although the original is sinfully good. Good thing the two major cheesesteak players are so close to each other – you can do a taste test!
Excited for you, Monet! Your cheesesteak looks fabulous!
You are soooo close to meeting Lucy! I thought of you this week with news of the fires. Praying your sister’s house will be spared! You look absolutely beautiful. Enjoy this last week and stay off your feet whenever possible!
I lived outside of Pittsburgh for 8 years, and I never made it over to Philadelphia!
When you started your post with, ‘Ryan was born’, I thought, ‘Oh, they’ve had the baby’, and ‘Oh, but it wasn’t a girl’ then realised that ‘Ryan’ isn’t ‘Ryan Junior’. That’s a lovely photo of you in your dress. I had a doctor tell me I had a great looking cervix. Very confusing. It’s so easy to get impatient towards the end. I have a friend I met at Mother’s Group and when we were pregnant with our second babies we were both due on the same day and we were going to the same hospital so we were so excited we would be there together (you can stay in hospital 5 nights over here). But…they were due on the 12th, her baby came on the 5th and mine on the 20th. Those 15 days of seeing her with her baby and me with my pregnancy going on and on seemed very unfair. But…they do all come out eventually. Good luck! xx
Oh my, this looks divine, and such a sweet post, too. I’m usually a wimp about cooking meat, but you made these sandwiches sound super simple – I hope to give them a go. Love all the vegetables in there, too. Wishing you a speedy delivery, and hoping it cools down in Colorado soon. 🙂
Mmmm…meaty, cheesy, Phiilly cheese steaks! These look fabulous, Monet. And talking about looking fabulous – dang, girl, you’re gorgeous! I hope your sister and her family are ok. Summer is wonderful but every year come the forest fires. Were you a Friends fan? Remember that episode where Rachel was giving birth and a parade of women who entered the pregnancy ward all had their babies before her (including Janice)? Well, I hope that doesn’t happen to you and soon we’ll be reading about the introduction of little Lucy on your blog.
Monet, you look so pretty and there is only a few days left now…and your philly cheesesteaks look wonderful as well but let me assure you that they pale in comparison with you! I am thinking about you a lot these days and sending you many hugs (from the girls as well – they keep asking whether Lucy has arrived yet)from far away…hope all is will with your sister, her family and their house too!
All the very best and do get some rest!
Viele liebe Grüße, Andrea
Here’s hoping the heat subsides and you get to meet your little girl very soon!
These philly cheese steaks are just making my mouth water. And you’re looking great. Just 1 more week to count down!
Those are some seriously hearty sandwiches! Much better than the greasy version of these sandwiches. 🙂
And if you’re already 3 cm than at least some progress has been made! How exciting!
I love that you made a healthy version of a philly cheesesteak – these look like a great summer meal! I’m so excited for you – hope you get to meet Lucy very soon! And I’ll definitely be keeping all of you in Colorado in my thoughts and prayers
Bella you are doing so great, almost there!!! And I’m so sorry about this heat, I was pregnant with Luke during summer and it was my greatest challenge. I am praying for all & the fires, your family, and for a sweet homecoming for Lucy (which I know it will be!!!) So much joy to follow, there is not one challenge you two can’t tackle together as lovingly & graciously as you have already purposed in your heart to do…what a beautiful life and legacy you both are building!!! Stay cool Mama, and a VERY happy Father’s Day to RYAN!!!!!
Oh my, come out, Lucy! There’s a blogosphere full of your mom’s friends awaiting your arrival. Kidding, sweet baby, take the time you need. My father-in-law lived in Pennsylvania growing up and talks about how beautiful the country is there. I have yet to go. Our peonies are in bloom too. I have a vase full next to me that I made sure to place in front of the open window so I could smell their wonderful fragrance with the breeze. We inherited them from the previous owner too and I get very excited when I see the buds. Philly cheesesteaks sound like the perfect meal to have on our patio this weekend. I hope Ryan has a very happy and special Father’s Day with his ladylove and adorable baby! (Hint hint Lucy.)
get that basketball out from under your dress! 🙂 just kidding, monet–you look lovely!
also lovely is this version of cheesesteak. it’s still so appealing!
99 degrees! I’m so sorry! Both of my babies were born in August, and I can relate to what it’s like being pregnant in the heat. It won’t be long now!
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File Under: Something Different, Vegetarian-Friendly. Features: Reservations, Catering, Outside Seating, Wi-Fi. Hours: Breakfast & Lunch, 7 days. Weekend Brunch. The Look: This cute, quirky spot has all the charm of a Southern diner accented with nice decor and local art. Outdoor picnic tables help to accommodate large parties. Menu: In the morning, try corned beef and potato hash, Mama’s Boy Biscuit Sandwich (scrambled eggs, thick cut bacon and smoked cheddar) or Chocolate Cake for Breakfast. For lunch, fish and grits, pork chop with apple-cranberry compote, sweet tea-brined chicken breast or a Bridge Club sandwich (smoked cheddar-pimento cheese with marinated cucumbers and tomatoes) with sides like mashed sweet potatoes, garlic green beans and fried green tomatoes. Drinks include homemade strawberry lemonade, milkshakes and their own special brew of Jittery Joe’s coffee.
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File Under: Something Different, Vegetarian-Friendly. Features: Reservations, Catering, Outside Seating, Wi-Fi. Hours: Breakfast & Lunch, 7 days. Weekend Brunch. The Look: This cute, quirky spot has all the charm of a Southern diner accented with nice decor and local art. Outdoor picnic tables help to accommodate large parties. Menu: In the morning, try corned beef and potato hash, Mama’s Boy Biscuit Sandwich (scrambled eggs, thick cut bacon and smoked cheddar) or Chocolate Cake for Breakfast. For lunch, fish and grits, pork chop with apple-cranberry compote, sweet tea-brined chicken breast or a Bridge Club sandwich (smoked cheddar-pimento cheese with marinated cucumbers and tomatoes) with sides like mashed sweet potatoes, garlic green beans and fried green tomatoes. Drinks include homemade strawberry lemonade, milkshakes and their own special brew of Jittery Joe’s coffee.
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File Under: Something Different, Vegetarian-Friendly. Features: Reservations, Catering, Outside Seating, Wi-Fi. Hours: Breakfast & Lunch, 7 days. Weekend Brunch. The Look: This cute, quirky spot has all the charm of a Southern diner accented with nice decor and local art. Outdoor picnic tables help to accommodate large parties. Menu: In the morning, try corned beef and potato hash, Mama’s Boy Biscuit Sandwich (scrambled eggs, thick cut bacon and smoked cheddar) or Chocolate Cake for Breakfast. For lunch, fish and grits, pork chop with apple-cranberry compote, sweet tea-brined chicken breast or a Bridge Club sandwich (smoked cheddar-pimento cheese with marinated cucumbers and tomatoes) with sides like mashed sweet potatoes, garlic green beans and fried green tomatoes. Drinks include homemade strawberry lemonade, milkshakes and their own special brew of Jittery Joe’s coffee.