Food of Love: My Beloved's Birthday Dinner

Hey Humble Readers...

Well, we are home from our trip, and it was a great time.  I loved the time away, and I loved coming home.  I'll tell you all about our adventures tomorrow. 

Today's post is dedicated to food po.rn.  :)

Every special occasion, even if we go out to a restaurant for dinner, I ensure that I make a special dinner for us to enjoy at home together as a family.  Putting together the menu is always fun... I look for things that are outside our normal rotation, things that maybe require a little bit more effort or a few luxury ingredients. 

This year, for my Beloved's birthday dinner, I started looking for ideas about a month ago.  I wanted it to be different.  Maybe something I hadn't made in a long time, or ever, for my Beloved. 

First, I found the cake... but you'll have to wait for more on that. 

Then, I found one of the sides.  Prosciutto wrapped asparagus.  I don't know why, but asparagus is always a special occasion food in my mind.  And of course, prosciutto is just a treat.  I wrapped about half of a bunch of asparagus, and then roasted them in the oven laid on top of the rest of the bunch, so that any drippings would flavour the rest.  Turned out very well. 

After I decided on the side, I started thinking Italian.  And then, I started thinking, braciola... super thin steak stuffed with whatever, rolled and braised in a tomato sauce.  I used to make it for my parents a long time ago, but I don't think I've ever made it for my Beloved. 

My Beloved's plate.  He practically licked it clean.

I bought inside round steaks, already sliced and pounded thin (my grocery store calls them rouladen).  I toasted off some pine nuts, and then some panko breadcrumbs.  Then I sautéed up some onions and spinach, and combined all of them together.  Then I spread the stuffing out on the steaks, rolled and tied them (with kitchen string).  I browned them off in a pan before transferring them to the slow cooker.  Then I made my favourite tomato sauce and poured that over the top.  I cooked it on high for two hours in the slow cooker, but ideally, I would have preferred to do it on low for four.  Served it up with some whole wheat spaghetti and lots of the tomato sauce.  The only thing I forgot to add was basil. 

And then there was the cake...

Doesn't look very pretty. 

Ginny 'helped', which of course meant that ingredients ended up all over the place.  Here's the original recipe I found.  I am going to state right up front, mine did NOT turn out as pretty as hers did.  I think I used a lot more of the filling between each layer than she did. 

Here is my Chocolate Irish Coffee Crepe Cake. 

Twenty-three layers!

Where the original recipe called for amaretto, I used Bailey's.  I also added a couple of teaspoons of instant espresso powder into the whipped cream. 

My Beloved's piece, with a  couple of the truffles.

Basically, it was crepe, chocolate ganache, whipped cream, crepe, chocolate ganache, whipped cream... over and over and over.  Twenty-three times.  It was a lot of work, and as I said, mine didn't turn out very pretty.  I was able to make a few truffles out of the left over ganache to use for decoration.  One big added bonus of this cake was that I didn't have to turn on the oven.  Oh, and I used lactose-free whipping cream (no carbs!!!) and that worked out just fine. 

Overall, I'm pleased with how it all turned out.  It was enjoyed by my Beloved and Ginny... I really liked it too.  (Pip was being a stinker and not wanting to eat tonight, so no cake for him.) 

Ginny, post-cake.  She's covered in chocolate. 

What's your favourite special occasion meal?

Hobbit-ish Potpurri: Oh My Aching...

Hey Humble Readers...

Thank you so much for your words of encouragement on my last post.  I managed to get out for my walk yesterday (bigger bandage on my blisters) and actually got 6km in, plus I did my squats and abs & arms workout.  And by bedtime last night I could hardly walk.  LOL.  My... well, my glutes were aching.  Still are today, so I skipped my walk this morning and did a bunch of housework and grocery shopping instead.  Didn't get all my steps in, but I'm okay with that.  I also found a tip for stretching my new shoes, which I did today.  Tomorrow will be the test. 

*****
I meant to post this yesterday, but the day got away from me.  The winner in my giveaway associated with my interview with J.R. Vikse is Good Timing!  (Had my Beloved do the 'pick a number' thing.)  I'll be in touch soon GT, to arrange for you to get your copy of The Lazy Postman.  The second part of my interview with J.R. will be posted during September's ICLW. 

*****
So, other than a to do list a mile long for tomorrow morning (including packing), I'm feeling very ready for this trip.  I know it's just a couple of hours down the highway and only for the weekend, but I'm almost as excited as I was when we went to NYC.  Almost.  We agreed that we are only going to eat at restaurants that we don't have at home... little local places mostly.  Actually, most of the ones we've chosen have been featured on You Gotta Eat Here (the Canadian version of Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives).  And we have a few fun adventures planned that I'm looking forward to telling you all about next week.  My MIL will get here in the early afternoon tomorrow and then we are off!  Hooray!

*****
Pinterest find of the week:  Ok, actually I found this one a while ago, but I only implemented it about a month ago.  Instead of using shaving foam or soap when you shave your legs, use baby oil.  This is genius!  My legs feel so soft!  I add a step, using a sugar scrub on my legs first, then the baby oil.  I find that I don't have to shave as often, and the baby oil is also supposed to make your blade last longer. 

*****
Tomorrow, Friday, is my Beloved's birthday.  I am so very blessed to have him in my life.  He's a wonderful husband, an amazing father, and my best friend.  This trip is partly to celebrate his birthday, and I also have a big dinner planned for next week, the menu for which is a surprise for him so I'll have to tell you all about it later, just in case he pops on here. 

*****
Well, I'm off to bed.  I want to get a walk in tomorrow morning, and it's going to be a busy day.  Have a great long weekend everyone!

Hobbit-ish Potpurri: News & Updates

Hey Humble Readers...

Well, I'm back.  Beauregard the laptop is back in my posession and is actually running better than what it did when I first got it.  I got the computer back a couple of days ago, but because they had to completely wipe the hard drive, it's taken me some time to get things back to the way I like them.  Thank heaven I had backed up all the pictures on Picasa.  And the computer tech guys were able to save the files that I was most concerned about losing from my writing and my plethora of lists!  Yay!

*****
My Beloved's first few days at his new job have gone well.  He says it's a much more professional environment than he's been accustomed to.  And it's a rather posh office... a newly built building with granite countertops in the bathrooms and a water feature in the reception area.  Still in the dark on the medical benefits (which is one of my main concerns) but all in all, he seems happy and excited about his work.  A couple of little bummers... he has to leave a half hour earlier in the morning, and he can't come home for lunch any more.  I miss that little bit of adult conversation in the middle of the day and he misses seeing the wee-lings.

*****
My mom has had a bit of a health scare.  (Just a reminder that my mom is a 6 time cancer survivor - cervical, uterine, lung, melanoma, lymphoma, lesions on her brain)  One of her past cancer issues was a melanoma on her forehead by her left temple.  A month ago she found a small spot on her forehead on the right temple.  Given her history, her doctors didn't want to mess around, and so yesterday they removed the spot.  It was a little over 4mm, and it was sent for further testing.  I've been able to keep my concerns in check until today, because I found out that her main doc wants to see her on Monday morning.  Part of me knows that it's likely just to check on the incision and possibly remove the stitches, but I'm still anxious.  I know that she absolutely doesn't have the emotional reserves right now, with everything going on with the divorce, to deal with a full on cancer battle again.  DOESN'T SHE DESERVE A BREAK?!?!

*****
I'm hesitant to say this, but I think we may be past the sleep regression situation.  At least for the time being.  We changed up the bedtime routine a bit.  Ginny and Pippin both go to bed at the same time now.  We do teeth brushing, stories, and prayers together now, whereas before we would put Ginny down first and then put Pip down an hour or so later.  We are doing a modified version of Ferber (I think that's the name of it anyway), where one of us will go in and comfort him a bit every 10 or 15 minutes if he's fussing.  In the last couple of days we've only had to go in twice.  I was just so hesitant to do that, because I didn't want his crying to upset Ginny's sleep (and I really don't like CIO), but my Beloved was adamant that we give it a try... and it's worked.  And it seems like Ginny's settling a little quicker now too. 

QUESTION:  Have any of you found that your baby had a tough time learning to self soothe if they didn't learn to suck their thumb?  (we don't use pacifiers either) 

*****
Goals for 2013 Update:  I'm well into my third book of the year already.  I'm very happy that I've gotten such a good start on my reading goal for the year.  Other goals have been very slow to start.  I have been better with my line-a-day journal, but my weightloss has plateaued at 19.6lb down (since November).  Workouts have been pretty much non-existent (hence the plateau), but I have booked an appointment for a hair cut tomorrow (my first since last April).  And I'm planning on colouring my hair next weekend.  Potty training... oh heavens... I am so lame.  I am going to get on that on Monday.  My daily to do lists have remained unaccomplished mostly for the last couple of weeks, but I'm allowing myself some slack there because of Pippin's sleep issues for the last two weeks. 

*****
What's been the highlight of your week so far?

Developing Family Traditions: An Introduction

Greeting Humble Readers...

I have been thinking a lot lately about the traditions that we celebrate and carry on in our family, and about how I want to develop some new traditions for our little family.  Coincidentally, the lovely ladies over at PAIL Bloggers have chosen this topic as the November theme posts.  Talk about great minds thinking alike!

tra·di·tion

noun \trə-ˈdi-shən\

Definition of TRADITION

1. a: an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior (as a religious practice or a social custom)  b: a belief or story or a body of beliefs or stories relating to the past that are commonly accepted as historical though not verifiable
2. the handing down of information, beliefs, and customs by word of mouth or by example from one generation to another without written instruction
3. cultural continuity in social attitudes, customs, and institutions
4. characteristic manner, method, or style tradition

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Definition courtesy of http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tradition

 

I feel that I need to start with a few pieces of information.  First of all, I'm coming at this whole topic from the framework of my Christian faith, and how we commemorate holidays, holy days, and the every day celebrations are all informed and shaped, in large and small ways, by what we believe.  Second, I'm not one to follow a tradition just because 'we always have'.  Traditions should have meaning and purpose, even if that purpose is simply something fun.  But if the sole purpose of a tradition is because it's fun, and over the years it becomes un-fun, well then why the heck are you doing it? 

 

I think, when most people think of traditions, they think of the biggies... the things they do around the big holidays, like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter.  And those are good starting places.  But when I look at my family, I want to have celebrations throughout the year, marking the wonders of the everyday as well. 

 

And I think, for my family, an important part of our future traditions, whatever shape they take, service to others will play a role.  At least I hope it will. 

 

So, in the weeks to come, I will be writing about the things we do now as traditions, and things that I am hoping to incorporate in the future.  Some will be frivolous and silly, others, I hope, will be more thoughtful. 

 

Next week... Everyday celebrations.  How do we take the the ordinary happenings and make them memorable and extraordinary? 

 

A Conundrum

Hey Humble Readers...

I'm looking for some advice.

But first, I need to say

BELOVED, GO AWAY! 

THIS POST IS NOT FOR YOUR EYES!  IF YOU READ THIS YOU WILL BE RUINING YOUR CHRISTMAS SURPRISE!

IF I FIND OUT THAT YOU HAVE READ THIS, YOU WILL JUST GET COAL FOR CHRISTMAS!  That's a promise!

Ok, enough exclamation points. 

There is an item that I know my Beloved would love, but at regular prices, it's just out of our budget.  It is the one item that I have been hoping and hoping would go on sale sometime before Christmas.  I was actually planning on waiting until Black Friday and hoping for a great price. 

Just FYI, for my American readers, the last Friday of November in Canada is really nothing like what it is for you.  The only comparison in Canada is our Boxing Day sales, the day after Christmas.  Only in the last couple of years have Canadian retailers started doing some major discounting on that particular day. 

Anywho, in my weekly perusal of the flyers, I discovered that Wally World has a pretty good price on this thingy.  It's about 22% off it's regular price.  I checked all the other usual flyers where they might sell this, and this is far and away the best price out there right now. 

Soooooo.... do I buy it now, or do I wait?  Do I go with a good price now, and be done with it?  Or do I wait and hope for a better price in a couple of weeks? 

What would you do?

*****
Be back later with a Foodie Friday post!

Hobbit-ish Potpurri: Back In Action

Howdy Humble Readers!

I'm baaaaaack!

Beauregard the computer was finally returned to me last night, after I had to go into the computer store/repair shop and raise holy heck, and then had to call to speak with the manager.  Needless to say, I won't be going back there again and I'm going to make sure that everyone I know hears about their crappy customer service.  Three and a half weeks for a virus clean up was ridiculous!

*****
During my absence from the blogosphere, the Shire received its first snowfall of the year.  Yeah, it was earlier than any of us would have liked, but considering how easy we had it last winter, I'm not surprised.  Thankfully, it didn't stick around and we're back to seasonal temps for the moment.  It is forecasted to get pretty chilly this weekend (daytime highs of around freezing), but so long as the snow stays away until after Halloween, I'll try to be ok with things.

*****
One thing that is always a battle at this time of year is when to turn on the furnace.  I confess, I'm a miser when it comes to the utility bills, and the longer we can go without running the furnace the happier I am.  Not to mention the noise... living in a small condo with its own forced air furnace means that you hear all the furnace noises.  The longer I can go without that aggravation is a victory.  I'm hoping to get through to the end of the month before I have to turn it on, so that means we are bundling up a bit more in the house.  Despite my hobbit-ish tendencies, I'm wearing socks on a regular basis, we're all wearing more sweaters or long sleeved shirts, and Ginny has an extra blanket on her bed. 

*****
I've gotten a really good start on my Christmas shopping (thanks in large part to a bogo sale at Toys R Us).  The wee-lings are almost done and I actually have some really good ideas for what to get my Beloved this year.  He's normally so hard to buy for.  Now I just need to figure out my homemade gifts for the people at my Beloved's office. 

*****
My Beloved has had a couple of job interviews in the past few weeks, but no good results.  His experiences at those interviews solidified our conviction that the only way doors are going to open for him is if he gets his accounting designation.  So, we bit the bullet and he's now enrolled in the CGA program.  He needs to take 15 courses!  And he can only take one at a time. Yikes!  I'm in the process of trying to find out if there's any grants that he might qualify for to help with the cost.  We're taking this step on faith, in hopes that even just being enrolled will help move him up the queue for some of these job openings.  Who knows, maybe he'll get hired by a company who will help pay for his courses.

*****
AF is here, and she's kicking my ass again.  I just keep hoping that things will go back to the way they were before.  After Ginny was born, and my cycle came back, things were pretty much the same as they had been for most of my 30s, cramps on cd1 and cd5 with a fairly moderate flow.  After Pip, things are much heavier, and cramps are non-stop from beginning to end.  They aren't like the cramps I had in my teens and 20s (needed rx muscle relaxers to help control them), but I'm living on ty.lenol to get through. 

*****
Well, lunch time approaches, and I've got a little girl here who's saying she's 'hun-geee'.  I'm looking forward to getting caught up with you all.  Hopefully I'll get a chance to read some blogs this afternoon while my wee sweet girl naps. 

Hobbit-ish Potpurri: Doctor Doctor

Hey Humble Readers...

It is a gloriously sunshiney day here on the flatland, and the wind has decided to give us a break!  Summer is here!  Hooray!  And the best news of all, the forecast for the long weekend is showing only a teensy amount of rain.  Super-Hooray!  My Beloved and I have a great surprise for Ginny for Saturday, and I'm thankful that it's going to be nice out.

*****
This week has been all about doctors.  Yesterday was Pippin's 6 (or 7) week check-up, and his first visit with our regular doc... the uninspired Dr. B.  Everything was pretty routine.  He got all frowny at me when I told him that I was letting the pumping thing taper off, but I stood my ground and refused to let him make me feel guilty.  And it's not like Pip is hurting for food.  The little stinker has already ganined more than 4 pounds!!  It's no wonder he's outgrown his newborn wardrobe.  The only really useful tidbit from the appointment was the suggestion to try saline drops for Pip's weird snarfly sinus thing (the kid has snored from birth, and always sounds mildly stuffed up). 

*****
One thing that Dr. B pointed out (which I had already noticed) was that Pippin has a small flat spot forming on the back of his wee noggin.  Sadly the wee little mister doesn't like sleeping on his side just yet.  Settling him for sleep is a bit more challenging than it had been. 

*****
Today I saw Dr. W for my 6 (or 7) week post partum check up.  She was super excited about the weight I've lost, and she was much more understanding about the breastfeeding/pumping situation.  She did remind me though that the weight won't drop off quite as easily (ha-ha) once I'm done with pumping.  She also took a look at my incision, and was very happy with how it has healed.  One thing that surprised me, both yesterday and today... no mention was made of me having an internal exam.  Not that I'm complaining, but I know I had one at the 6 week appointment last time.  We had a bit of a chat about PPD, and how my mood has been.  She was concerned when I brought up the family drama, but was happy to hear that I'm being proactive about monitoring how I'm feeling and that I'm working hard to get outside and be active. 

*****
No good nibbles yet on my Beloved's resumes.  He was contacted by a non-profit organization, and while it would have been a great job, it just didn't offer enough for compensation.  And another company called, but they wanted us to move to a town three and a half hours away.  Not to mention that the town has a significantly higher cost of living so the increased salary wouldn't actually be much of an increase.  We're still hopeful though.

*****
Any suggestions for how to get a super deep sliver out of your foot?  It doesn't hurt, it's just kind of freaking me out. 

My Beloved

Hey Humble Readers...

I'm more than a couple of days late on this post, but I wanted to do it anyway.  Because my Beloved is an amazing man, a wonderful husband, and an awesome father.

When we first met, he wasn't sure that he wanted to have children.  He was afraid that he didn't have what it takes to be a parent, that he wouldn't be a good father.  I don't really know when things changed for him, but by the time he proposed to me he was already talking about our future children. 

As we started down the TTC road, he was supportive of my sometimes hilarious, sometimes obnoxious initial obsession with getting pregnant.  When we got pregnant that first time, he was just as happy, excited, and freaked out as I was. 

And when we lost that first, and second pregnancy, my Beloved cried with me.  He once told me that losing our babies was as hard for him as when we lost his father.  He put up with me when I was in my darkest places, and kept believing when I was tempted to give up.  The nights when all I wanted to do was zone out for hours playing video games, he would make me go to bed.  He held me when I cried when someone would say some of the insensitive 'just relax' comments. 

When we finally got pregnant with Ginny, he held my hand in waiting rooms and listened as I kept hedging on the 'if' of that pregnancy, encouraging me to look to the 'when'.  When the anxiety was threatening to drag me down while I was pregnant with Pippin, reminded me to breathe and believe that all would be well. 

And then Ginny was here.  And he became, in that moment, the most amazing father. 

When Pip was in the NICU, he wore a path between the pediatric unit and the maternity unit to constantly bring me updates.

He changes diapers, he mixes formula, and burps babies like a champ.  He's down on the floor playing with Ginny the moment he gets home from work.  He kisses boo-boos, does the Cook.ie Mon.ster voice, and can make Ginny shriek with glee. 

All that, on top of working all day and all the everyday stuff he does around here (like dishes and the laundry). 

I am so incredibly grateful for his presence in my life.  I can't imagine anyone else ever making me feel so loved, secure, and special.  How in the world did I get so blessed?

*****
Ok, now that the sappiness is done...

This is what 'the kids' gave Daddy for Father's Day.  (Thanks to Pinterest for the inspiration)  He really enjoyed it, and thankfully has taken all the candy that he didn't consume on Sunday to work so it's not lying around here tempting me.

Candy bouquet... YUM!

'My' gift to him was a big breakfast full of yumminess.  Eggs, hashbrowns, sausage, and a groovy cinnamon french toast casserole.  I'll share the recipe with you on Friday, I promise!

Mega Father's Day Breakfast

Hobbit-ish Potpurri: Anniversary Happenings, et al

Hey Humble Readers...

Yesterday was a crazy busy day around the hobbit-hole.  Add to the usual Saturday busy-ness (grocery shopping, tidying up the house, etc), it was our 5th anniversary.  It was certainly a different kind of day than the day we were married... it was blustery and snowy here yesterday, but five years ago in K-town we had a pretty nice day.  Nice enough to have pictures taken outside.  Like this one...

Anyway, my Beloved planned our anniversary celebration and he did a great job!  He booked a 'date night' at Heriage Ranch here in town.  We had a beautiful one hour carraige ride, all snuggled up under cozy blankets.  We got to see a family of deer through the trees, and even though it was chilly, we had a wonderful time.  I just wish we would have remembered to take some pictures. 

After the carraige ride, we were shown into a private dining room and he had pre-ordered our meal, so it just started coming.  A small antipasto platter, followed by tossed salads (I had a house made maple vinagrette... YUM!).  Then the BEST steak I have ever eaten (seriously Humble Readers... OMG!  It melted!), served with grilled asparagus, a baked potato, and garlic bread.  And yes, I was a bad girl and had dessert, too... chocolate peanut butter pie.  Because the package deal that my Beloved chose included alcohol, and we skipped that (obviously... I'm so looking forward to my first glass of wine when we go to K-town this summer!), the restaurant gave us two free movie passes. 

My Beloved is an incredible blessing in my life.  I know I have said it before, but he makes me a better person every day simply by being by my side.  There aren't enough words in the English language to express how much I love him, and how honoured I am that he chose me to share his life. 

*****
Also on the schedule yesterday was a big event at our church.  We, as a congregation, have been without a regular pastor for more than two years.  After a very long and drawn out call process, we chose a new pastor and he accepted the call.  He's only just recently graduated from seminary, and yesterday we had the privilege of being present at his ordination (when he officially 'becomes' a pastor).  It was a very moving service.  I wasn't the only one in tears when his wife and daughter (8 years old, she was also the crucifer for the service... she looked so proud carrying in the cross ahead of the procession of clergy) presented him with his stole.  I wish we could have stayed for the reception after, but we had to get home to meet the sitter and head out for our evening. 

*****
I had an NST this morning, so when my Beloved headed off to church, Ginny and I headed down the street to the hospital.  Everything went really well... blood pressure 132/69, Halfling's heartrate in the upper 150s, lots of movement, no contractions to speak of.  Ginny was a perfect angel the whole time, eating her goldfish crackers and charming the nurses.  The only downside was when Dr. W asked about my bloodsugars, and I confessed that I was a bad girl yesterday.  She gave me a dirty look and reminded me about watching my weight gain (I'm down 2 pounds by the way). 

*****
Tomorrow is a big cooking day.  I'm planning on making a big batch of marinara and a couple of shepherd's pies to freeze.  I've got a list of things that I want to make and freeze in the next weeks, and I need to get cracking on them.  Time is running out!

Week 26: Happy Vale-Matchiversary Day!

Hey Humble Readers...

How are things in your neck of the woods?  Hereabouts, things have been mellow.  We had a fairly busy weekend, with my Dad visiting on Saturday, and then heading down south to my MIL's on Sunday after church.  Oh, and we had a very important meeting at church this weekend... our congregation voted to extend a call to a new pastor!  Yay!  We've been without a regular pastor for more than two years.  If he accepts, then he'll be in place by the summer. 

Have you had a nice Valentine's Day?  Do you do anything special with your loved ones, or is it just another day?  My special V-day dinner turned out amazingly well... I think it was the best meal I've ever cooked.  But you'll get to hear and see all that tomorrow.

V-day is an important day for my Beloved and I.  Six years ago today we were matched on eHar.mony.  It was actually the day I signed up for their service.  He had been a member for a few months already.  We had a bit of a bumpy start to our match... for technical reasons, my account was delayed in being 100% activated, and when my Beloved tried to initiate contact I wasn't able to respond yet.  It took a couple of weeks to get things sorted out, so in that time he gave up on me and closed the match. 

Once I was finally able to send him a message, it was a pathetic little "can we give this another shot" type of message.  We started on their guided conversation path, but before long he closed our match again, because he had decided to start dating another match.  I have to tell you, I was pretty bummed.  I tried to move on to other matches, but I kept thinking about him.  A couple of weeks later I noticed on my eHar.mony home page that our match had been reopened.  I debated long and hard about it, but I tentatively sent him a message.  We met face to face in June of that year, and in October my Beloved proposed on a pizza.  And the rest, as they say, is history. 

But enough of the mushy remembrances.  On to the update!

How far along? 26w0d (only 12 weeks left!)

Maternity clothes? Yup.

Body Oddities? VERY dry skin, alternating constipation and IBS flares, acne, bruises from insulin injections, back ache, cracking joints, super sore & slightly leaky boobs, dry/itchy eyes, leg cramps, round ligament pain, tingly fingertips, very tired, NEW THIS WEEK: very gassy (a possible side effect of my new heartburn meds?) and Braxton-Hicks have started.

Sleep? Super tired again this week.  But my sleep hasn't been as good as it was.  Nightmares and a lot of tossing and turning have disrupted things lately.

Intense Dreams?  I had a horrible nightmare the other day that I haven't been able to shake.  In the dream, I had an inkling that something wasn't right, but I couldn't put my finger on it.  I called Dr. B and he refused (and I mean refused!) to see me until the following day.  I went to the hospital (alone), and when the nurse checked me out, the baby's heartrate was 24 bpm.  She told me that the baby was dying and there was nothing they could do.  I have a very vivid image of me staring at my belly, praying that the baby would move.  The rest of the dream was about delivering my now still born son (yes, in this dream the Halfling was a boy).  I woke up in tears.  I got up and chugged a water bottle full of ice water, just in hopes that it would wake up the baby, and get him/her moving.  And I was wishing with all my heart that I had a doppler.

Best moment this week? When I finally felt the Halfling move after that dream.  It was about 5:30 in the morning and I just sat on the couch and bawled my eyes out in relief.

Worst moment? Once again, shopping on Saturday was physically taxing.  I got home with a very sore back.

Movement? Not as frequent as it had been, but a much more consistent pattern now.  First thing in the morning, about 10 minutes after I eat, and in the evening while the Braxton-Hicks kick in, so does the Halfling. 

Food cravings/aversions? Ham & Swiss sandwiches from Tim Hortons.  Mmmmm... I want one right now!

Rings? Still on, but getting snug.

Gender? Still leaning toward a girl, altho that nightmare had me thinking boy for a little while.  Please take a moment and answer my poll question (in the column to the right), and let me know what you think!

Medical Concerns? Gestational Diabetes (insulin 5 times a day), High blood pressure (on 50mg of lobetalol 3x daily), continued heartburn (on 60mg of Pan.taloc daily), kidney stones (they're back!), low lying placenta.

What I miss? my sex drive, being able to get down on the floor to play with Ginny easily

What I look forward to? my next ultrasound (March 7), not having to inject myself 5 times a day

Emtional State?  Mostly good, but that dream really stressed me out

Inspiration Needed!

Hey Humble Readers...

First, let me get something out of the way... Beloved, if you are reading this, STOP!  COME BACK TOMORROW!  THIS POST IS NOT FOR YOUR EYES!  GO AWAY!  NOW!!!!

Okay, back to my Humble Readers...

I am in need of some suggestions.  I know it's early to be thinking about Valentine's Day, but it's an important day for my Beloved and I (the 6th anniversary of when we were matched on eHarm.ony) and while we can't afford to do something big and splashy, I do like to make a fancy meal for us each year.  Because of our budgetary restrictions, I need to plan ahead for any out of the ordinary ingredients I might need. 

I have chosen one part of the meal, but I seem to be working backward.  Normally, I choose the main course, and then choose sides to go with it.  This time around, I found what I think will be a great special occasion side dish, but I'm at a bit of a loss as to what to serve with it. 

Warm Potato Salad w/ Smoked Salmon & Dill
Image courtesy of http://www.foodnetwork.ca/

This is what I have found.  It's simple yet elegant, in my opinion.  And totally outside of our normal menu choices.  And veggies to go along with it will be easy enough... oven roasted asparagus or broccoli, maybe with some sauteed mushrooms. 

The thing is, I can't come up with a main dish to go along with it.  The cooking program the recipe was featured on had it in a menu with penne with a lobster cream sauce but potatoes and pasta?  That's too much starch for me, even if I wasn't diabetic.  Not to mention, I have never cooked lobster, and I'm not quite ready to attempt that yet. 

I'm not sure if I should go with more seafood (and if so, what?  My experience cooking seafood is still rather limited), or if I should go with red meat (steaks, maybe?).  I know I don't want chicken, because we eat that all too often... same goes for pork. 

Ok readers, please put on your thinking caps.  I want to plan this so that I can build it into the budget over the next few weeks.

Very Merry Birthday, My Beloved!

Hey Humble Readers!

Today is a special day in my little hobbit-hole.  Today my Beloved celebrates his 40th birthday! 

My wonderful, patient, sweet, ent-ish, unflappable Beloved...

He puts up with my mercurial moods and is amazing with our wee sweet girl.  He cheers me on in whatever I attempt, and quietly, humbly makes our world work. 

I love him so much.  How did I get so blessed?

*****
The sunburn is getting better, slowly.  That itchy crawly stage has set it... Ugh!

Bloggity Summer Camp: Dream Date

Good Morning Humble Readers...

How's your week been?  Has it been rainy or hot?  Productive or relaxing?  Fun or a bit of a drag?

Today at Bloggity Summer Camp, Calliope asks a fun question.  "What is your dream date? Have you ever dated anyone you met from the internet?"

My dream date is pretty simple.  Someplace quiet and different (new to me) for dinner and conversation, and then going somewhere interesting, like a concert or an art show or the like.  Nothing huge.  Just time with my Beloved and a new experience or two.

And, yes, I have indeed dated someone I met on the internet.  In fact I married him. 

Honestly, I did date a couple of other guys that I met online before I was matched with my Beloved on eHar.mony.  I remember my Mom freaking out initially... but she got used to the idea, once I asked her if she would rather I meet some guy in a bar.  I could also get a husband like my sister did... fall in love with a groomsman from her first wedding.  After that, the internet didn't seem so bad. :)

Bloggity Summer Camp: My Beloved and I

Howdy Humble Readers...

How are things in your world today?  Anything exciting to share?

Today's Bloggity Summer Camp topic of discussion is "How do you (and your partner if applicable) feel about PDA? Does your husband/wife/partner know that you blog and if so are they involved?"

My opinion... public displays of affection are fine, so long as both parties are comfortable and that they aren't being inappropriate in the company of others.  I mean, I really don't want to watch the couple from next door grinding against each other and swallowing each other whole out in the parking lot. 

My Beloved is a little bit more lax about it... at least when it comes to his displays of PDA with me.  He likes to try to cop a feel occasionally when we are out and about, and I am just not a big fan of that, so I give him shit about it.  But that doesn't seem to stop him from trying.

Yes, my Beloved knows I blog.  He will often read my posts, and seems to enjoy the comments the most.  I started this blog almost three years ago, when I was pregnant for the first time.  Originally it was meant to chronicle my pregnancy, but it soon became an outlet for my grief and a prominent part in my road to healing.  Since then it has become such a part of me... almost like another limb.  My Beloved understands that I get great benefits from this humble corner of the internet.

Hobbit-ish Potpurri: A Few Little Bits

Howdy Humble Readers...

Thank you so much for all your kindness and comments on my last post.  I think that actually 'saying' it aloud has been a big first step.  It's going to take some time, but I know this too wil pass. 

Here's a rundown on a few things from the last month or so...

My Beloved and I celebrated our 4th anniversary.  On the actual day, I made a fancy supper (salmon, mushroom risotto, roasted asparagus, creme brulee) and fell asleep after my second glass of wine.  Romantic, huh?  Then, the following weekend, we left Ginny with one of Beloved's co-workers, and went out for dinner and a movie.  It was nice to be out, just the two of us, but it was the longest that I've been away from our wee girl, so I had a few challenging moments.

*****
My parents came for a quick visit a couple weeks ago, and Dad installed a reverse osmosis water purifier for us in the kitchen.  No more wasting money on Br.ita filters for us!  It was so nice to see them, even if it was only for a day.  Ginny played shy with her Mama & Papa for a few minutes, but soon was showing off her prettiest smiles and sweetest laughs.  It was great to watch her interact with them.

*****
I have officially finished my first postpartum cycle.  I started temping as soon as AF showed up the first time because I wanted to see if things had changed at all.  I know that things are potentially going to be messed up for a while, but I will admit that I was super frustrated trying to figure out when I O'd.  According to my temps it may have been on CD18 but according to my CM it was on CD22 (both are much later than I usually O... yup, I'm one of those b!tches who O's right around CD14).  So, you may be asking yourself why am I stressing about when I O'd, first time out of the gate... well, I'm concerned because if I really did O on CD22, then my luteal phase was only 10 days long, and kids, that's a problem.  I've been back on my B vitamins for more than a month and they obviously didn't help.  Given the length of time and bumps in the road we had to get to Ginevra, I don't want to waste any time getting things sorted out for when it comes time to be really trying for Halfling 2.0.

*****
Ginny went for her 4 month shots just over a week ago.  It went well, and she was only fussy for about 24 hours.  She weighed in a 14 lb 6 oz and about 25 inches long.  And she's solidly in the 50th percentile on all the growth charts.  She's super close to doing so many things... she can almost roll over (gets about 75% of the way over on her own) and she can sit propped up on the couch for a few minutes before she topples over.  She is responding occasionally to her name, and she's much better about tummy-time.  She doesn't laugh a lot, but when she does it makes my whole day bright.  Since her shots, she seems to be sleeping a bit more during the day than she had been, although that may just be coincidental as I think she's gone into another growth spurt.  She's up to eating close to 8 ounces of formula at most of her feedings, and sleeps super great at night.  Have I mentioned how blessed we are?  I'll post recent picks soon...

*****
I'm counting yesterday as a good day.  I walked for a half hour while listening to some of my favourite boy band music.  Showered before 9am (didn't do a blessed thing with my hair, but hey, baby steps right?).  Read for close to an hour this afternoon while Ginny played with her toes and dozed.  Yes, there was a brief teary stretch this morning, and watched too much tv, but all in all it was a good start.  This morning's walk wasn't quite as enjoyable (stiff knees and backache) as yesterday but I'm glad I went.

*****
Today we're heading to spend some time with wee little Thor.  It's actually an open house to give a lot of people a chance to meet him now that he's been given the all clear by his pediatrician and is well past his EDD.  It's been over a month since we've seen him, so I'm excited to see how much he's grown.  Now I just need to find a cute outfit that actually fits our wee girl... There's going to be a whole bunch of people there, she needs to be looking her best. :)

*****
It's going to take me a while to get caught up on all you lovely people... so, tell me, what's been the highlight of your last month?

The Audition

Good Evening Humble Readers...

I spent the latter half of this afternoon on pins and needles, hoping and praying that all was going well in Salt Lake. 

Well, I just got off the phone with my Beloved and he said that things went well.  His mock game was only a few questions, but he said that he was able to answer the majority of them correctly, including some tough ones.  He is pretty sure he did really well on the written quiz, and during his interview he told the story of how he proposed to me ('will you marry me' written in green peppers on a pizza).  All the folks at the audition were told that they are now in the contestant pool for the show and we could get a call any time in the next 18 months. 

So, now we just sit and wait...  oy!

Lameness 'R' Us

Hey Humble Readers...

I'm sorry that I haven't been around the last few days.  I've hit a big a$$ wall of BLAH and have been really unmotivated.  My plan is to go to bed kind of early tonight and hopefully when I get up in the morning I will have some sense of direction. 

I know that part of it is that my Beloved is away.  I really have been dreading this.  I know I'm pathetic, and that many of you live without your beloved ones on a regular basis because of work or military responsibilities.  As much as I want him to do this whole Jeopardy thing, and have fun, damn it I hate that he's not here.   He hasn't even been gone 12 hours yet, and I miss him like crazy.  Told you I'm a wuss.  *** He just called and is in Pheonix, waiting for his connection to Salt Lake.  His flight from Calgary to Pheonix was full of Calgary Flames fans who were heading to the hockey game there tonight.  Included among the Flames fans... my Beloved's former boss (ick!) and Paul Brandt (OMG... PAUL BRANDT?!?!... he's 99.9% certain it was him).  ***

There have been a few things kind of weighing on me this week, and I don't want to whine about them here, at least not right now.  I'm just struggling to feel chipper and talkative.  I hope you'll forgive me. 

In other, way more interesting news, Ginny is doing her darnedest to try to sit up!  Not from a complete laying-down position, but when I have her sort of reclined on pillows (about a 45 degree angle) she is working those abdominal muscles and she gets really frustrated when it doesn't get her anywhere.  She's also doing well with her tummy time, really working on pushing herself up. 

I think, if I can get my a$$ in gear tomorrow, I might start my spring cleaning.  Our closets need a good going through, and I noticed a few unruly dust bunnies that need corralling. 

According to the weather network, we might actually be seeing the end of winter soon.  Tomorrow is supposed to be yucky and snowy, but it's warming up and by Sunday we will be on the plus side of freezing.  Of course, it's probably going to take a month for all the snow to melt, but at least I might be able to go outside for more than a few minutes at a time. 

And in a trifecta of kitchen upsets... this week our hot air popcorn popper died, my salt mill bit the dust, and the handle on the lid to my cast iron pot fell off.  At least it's three things, so nothing else can fall apart, right? 

Hobbit-ish Potpurri: Two Months, An Opportunity, & An Event

Howdy Humble Readers...

I hope you are all doing really well.  We're pretty content here on the not-so-frozen flatland.  Ginevra and I were able to go out for a walk yesterday without fear of slipping on ice or freezing our tukkuses off.  A chinook has blown through (and for those of you who remember me asking... a chinook is a warm west wind that blows through central & southern Alberta, and can dramatically change the weather quickly.  It can be -20 in the morning and +10 degrees in the afternoon), so we had to take advantage of it.  It was wet and sloppy, but oh so nice to be out of the house.

*****
Ginevra is two months old today.  I can't believe it's been two months already.  She's such a little dolly most of the time, and even when she's being a stinker I still wouldn't trade a minute of it.  The poor little hobbit has been struggling with a unhappy tummy for the last couple of days (moderate constipation) and it's put her in a foul mood, but overall she is a cheerful little girl.  One funny thing... she is trying to figure out how to suck her thumb, but she hasn't quite gotten that she actually has to stick her thumb out to do it.  She'll suck on her fist for ages and then get upset.  Her two month shots are coming up next week, and I'm a bit apprehensive about that.  Any tips on getting through it without melting down too much (me or her)?

*****
My Beloved has a big opportunity ahead.  He's always been a gameshow junkie, and he does the Jeop.ardy online test every year, but he's never heard back from them.  A couple of days ago, he got an email inviting him to audition for the show.  This is a dream come true for him.  The kicker is that the audition is in Salt Lake City.  And in case you don't know your Canadian geography, Salt Lake is a heck of a long way from the middle of the frozen flatland in the middle of Alberta.  So, do we spend the money that we should be getting back for our income tax refund (money that we were going to put towards our debt) on a shot in the dark that he might get picked to be on the show?  What would you all do?

*****
 This Sunday is a big day for our baby girl.  She's getting baptized.  We had her christening gown made from my wedding dress, and it turned out beautifully.  I'm hoping to get lots of pics and maybe even video to share with you guys.  Afterward we're going to have a houseful for lunch... at least ten people in our little condo.  Yikes! 

*****
So, in honour of Ginny's two months, I have a few pics to share...

Snoozing with Daddy

The closest I could capture of her smiles...

Serious sleeping.... so serious...

Check out those lashes!

Oddities

Hey Humble Readers! 

I should probably save this for my weekly update, but in the spirit of the up and down nature of my day I wanted to mention a couple of things.

First up, I think I have had my first Braxton Hicks contractions.  It actually woke me up from a nap.  My stomach went really rigid and then relaxed.  It repeated a few times, and then afterward I had what felt like a stitch in my side for a couple of hours.  The Halfling was really active through all of it.  Totally crazy!

Second... it appears that my Beloved is dealing with some pregnancy sympathy pains.  He's had a lot of charlie horse types of cramps in his legs.  I know that some men get the nausea or the weight gain.  But I have to admit this is kind of funny.  Not that him being in pain is funny, but really, with everything that I've had to deal with in the last few months, it does make me smile just a little to know that I'm not in this alone. 

Three Years Makes All The Difference

Good Evening Humble Readers...

Today is our third anniversary. 

I can't believe that it's been three years since we said 'I do' and 'till death do us part'.  So much of that day stands out in my mind, and other parts are gone into the abyss of my memory.  I remember standing at the front of the church, hanging on to my Dad's arm, bouncing on my toes (mostly out of excitement, but partly to alleviate the pain my shoes were inflicting).  I remember screwing up the part of the service where the pastor asks what token I had to give to show my commitment.  I kept interupting her, saying "a ring" over and over and over.  I don't remember much of the sermon, but I do know that she based it on "Everything I Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten".  I remember freezing my tukus off while we did our picturesin a park, and a perfect stranger coming up to us in the park and reciting a poem for us. 

But mostly I remember my Beloved's face.  He looked so handsome in his suit.  I remember him saying 'I love you' over and over and over throughout the ceremony.  I remember him stepping on my veil repeatedly.  :)

These last three years haven't always been easy, but I can honestly say that I am a much better person for having married him, and I am so thankful for the blessing he is in my life.

My Beloved one... thank you for loving me.