Happy Easter and Spring

Both Easter and Spring were welcomed warmly in our house. Something reminded me that I had received a bundt cake pan for Christmas two years ago, and had never used it! So, I took it out and found that it came with a recipe for Lady Bird Johnon's Lemon cake. The lemons seemed spring-y to me, perhaps it was the yellow, and I was soooo glad I made it. Correction, E and I made it. He is my baking partner; he was the one who cracked all ten (!) eggs, dividing the whites and the yolks- the recipe only called for yolks. The cake is so moist and delicious on it's own, it really doesn't need a topping, but I had a ton of blueberries in the freezer, so I made a blueberry sauce to top it with, which wasn't a bad idea at all. I immediately decided that I had found a new spring tradition. This combo will help us welcome in the new season, though I have a feeling we'll be seeing it again sooner rather than later.

I had intended to get a picture of the cake more complete, but it was almost gone before I knew it!

Easter was really low-key this year. We've continued the tradition I grew up with- J hid a bunch of chocolate eggs around the house for E to find, and the kids got Easter baskets, mostly filled with gifts and candy my mom, a-hem, the Easter Bunny, had sent them. I did see these glasses at the $1 section of Target, and couldn't resist. They are for Belalu, but E liked them, too.

We went out to a really delicious brunch, free mimosas included, and that was our Easter this year. I have lots of visions of decorations and crafts we could do, perhaps dye some eggs, search for plastic eggs outside on the lawn... but it was just too cold and spring still seemed too remote, and the kids are still so young. We were all happy with the day as it was, and we'll see what next year brings.

At the Children's Museum

So, most of these are blurry. Any tips for getting clearer photos from an iphone?

And a video.

Are you still here, March?

I have disappeared into March. It's been a brutal month, weather-wise. We've just been keeping our heads down trying to work through it. After being sick for three weeks, I finally emerged healthy but stir-crazy. So, lots of playing catch-up with housework, with work-work, etc, but always with the promise of spring break fast approaching. And then...the hotel was booked, everyone's health was good, our conversations filled with talk about where we'd eat and which car/bikes/strollers to take... and then... our destination, which had been 70 degrees the week before ... then... suddenly turned cold and snowy and there was no need to travel 7 hours in the car for cold and snowy, since we already had that right here. And still continue to have it. There is still no green to be seen in these parts.

Even our walking days have been kept to a minimum, because the wind has been frigid. I think I've managed to get out for a walk maybe once a week this month.

 We've had lots of playing inside. Lots of reading and drawing and making and watching, too.

 We've been taking advantage of the indoor gym opportunities to get some exercise and socialize.

The good thing about staying in town for break was that I got a good portion of my spring cleaning done. Walls and baseboards and doors suddenly have new life after a good scrub. Cobwebs are gone. (yes, I really had actual cobwebs lurking in the corners). It's still too chilly to throw open the windows, but the birds have been singing loudly in the trees and in the past couple of days I've noticed the snow making a slow and quiet retreat from the walkways and sidewalks around town. March is almost over, and I'm counting on April to herald in a true and proper spring. I think we deserve it after this winter.

Where we're at this week

Our little reading corner in the study

Everyone seems to be well on the road to recovery after last week's cold. It was a mean one, but I'd rather that than the flu.

The weather continues to be mid-winter-in-the-north: frigid (we're looking at a high of 3F in the coming days- gulp) or icy. Serious, take-no-prisoners icy. Our entire road is just a sheet of thick ice. I think the local schools actually cancelled today because of the ice conditions. To counteract the chill, I've taken to pouring over seed catalogs, pinning flowers and shrubs on Pinterest, and sketching out ambitious garden plans that may see full fruition when the kids go to college :)

At home, I'm thankful for my full pantry that allowed me to scavenge around and pull together a promising soup made from the rest of the beans I soaked this weekend for our Sunday supper of baked beans and brown bread. My bean pot didn't have room for them all, so they got thrown in with some tri-colored orzo, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes, garlic, some seasonings and chicken stock. I also made a huge batch of popcorn for snacking and more oatmeal- I'm ready to hibernate this weekend! (Well, I will be after a trip to the grocery tomorrow- our fridge is almost bare.)

The kids are doing well. Less sniffles and sneezes. Belalu is so happy and sweet these days. I love seeing her sense of humor develop and she is into dancing to music and showing everyone her belly button. She is just so precious. I want her to be this happy and confident forever.

So that's us these days. I'm knitting, reading, audio-booking and Downton Abbeying my way through winter. Tomorrow the exercising will begin again after a week of daily headaches and turning in early. What we all really need is a walk in the fresh air, so here's hoping for a thaw soon.

Sick

The weekend was good. I didn't make any bread and kept forgetting to get the Earl Grey tea for the chai, but E, Belalu, and I made the blueberry cornmeal cake from The Smitten Kitchen and last night J and I had a delicious meal of chicken curry and mushrooms that tasted as yummy as anything we could get for takeout, if our town actually offered Indian takeout.

Unfortunately, I also saw it necessary to make a batch of the Influenza Rx sorbet from Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, because the kids and I are sick. I'm hoping it's just a nasty cold and not the flu, but we just got the shot last week, so it could be either.

We had lovely weather Fri and Saturday, so even got out for a couple of walks. Now it's insanely frigid and I just want to hibernate until April. I'm really glad I got ahead on the meal planning this weekend. I hope weather where you are is warmer than here, and your week is going well. Stay healthy!

Happy New Year!

I'm currently at my sis's place in Boston with the kids. I've been attending the MLA conference during the day while they visit. It's great they all get to see each other while I get to hear some interesting talks, and I know J is enjoying the quiet time at home.

What resolutions have you made for the new year? E started his year off well- he just up and threw out his pacifier the other day. Whew- we're really hoping that's the end of that. As for me, I've designated 2013 The Year of the House. This is the year I'm going to tackle a big chunk of all those projects that have been driving me crazy since we moved in three and a half years ago. I know I'll never really be done with it, and that's fine, because it should evolve as our family does, but there are a lot of things that I've been wanting to do and just haven't had the time/energy to do them. This will be the year.

I won't subject you to too many more trip photos. Here are my some of my favorite moments/scenes from our trip to Puerto Rico last month.

Fall Holidays

Since I got behind this month, I'll combine Halloween and Thanksgiving into one. Before we know it, it'll be the winter holiday season!

Belalu had two costumes. My mom bought her a honeybee costume, but it was a bit big on her, so for an indoor party, she was a cowgirl instead. Then, the night of trick or treating she wore the honeybee costume, though she lasted a block and a half before she was ready for bed, so E went on with our friends, I put her to bed (J was home handing out candy), and then met back up with everyone.

The Queen Honeybee in her carriage

 Essie was a fireman. He's obsessed with Fireman Sam and rescuing, helping, and saving the day.

There happened to be a rocking horse at the party- too perfect!

This year was the first time I have ever carved a pumpkin- I'm not kidding! I usually leave that job to others, but this year J was dragging his feet and one night I just decided it needed to be done. E helped, of course.

Thanksgiving was low key. We spent the day at home cooking and then went to our friends' house for dinner.

Madison Meet-Up

After Dr. Pauli's visit we got to meet up with three other families familiar with hypochondroplasia. Fi is about 2 1/2 months older than Belalu. A is almost three years old, and P is five. The kids all had fun playing together, and the adults had plenty to talk about. It was really nice to meet everyone, and we decided we would coordinate Fi and Belalu's appointments with Dr. Pauli again next year so everyone could meet up again. 

The whole gang: of course we couldn't get a photo where they were all sitting still and/or looking at the camera at the same time ;)

It was interesting to compare experiences. P, A, and Belalu all had neonatal seizures. A is currently weaning off her medication now, so hopefully they are in the past for her. Fi was the only one diagnosed before birth, Belalu was diagnosed at 9 months, A was in the past year, and I think, if I remember correctly, P was diagnosed when he was three. 

The Boys

The Youngest Girls

P and A

I didn't know the other two families before we met in Madison, but was such a treat for me to meet Fiona and her mom after becoming friends via our blogs. Belalu is so lucky to have a friend so close in age with hypo, and we realized that when we're in Vigo, our families aren't too far away, so we're hoping for another meet-up before Madison next year.

Did you notice Belalu's shirt???

I've mentioned before how lucky I've felt to meet so many wonderful people since Belalu's diagnosis, and I definitely felt that way after our visit to Madison. To know there are such loving families just a phone call and/or car ride away makes me feel very grateful and fortunate. 

Happy October!

September went out with a bang. It was quite overwhelming for me- I'm more than happy with just one social event a week, but we have been out and about since Thursday.

Thursday we went to hear Dan Savage speak about his It Gets Better Project. It was a funny, educational, heart breaking talk. I'll write more about it in my next post.

Friday we had dinner with some new and old friends. It was so nice to be at the end of September and still dining outside under the stars. Essie had more than his share of cookies, though, and even though he got sick the next morning, he didn't appear to feel sick at all. We were supposed to go to a bowling birthday party Sat afternoon, but had to cancel because I didn't want to take the chance that it was the flu and get everyone else sick, too.

Saturday, after stocking up on this week's veggies at the farmers' market, we took the boat out to a sandbar on the river. There was already a houseboat there with a bunch of guys hanging out and a couple of other people by a canoe when we arrived, but within five minutes of our pulling up to the beach, a dozen or so canoes and kayaks also pulled up, and suddenly there was a party- bluegrass music and all. They stayed for a couple of hours and then left us with the silence of the water once again. It was an unexpected, but welcome addition to the afternoon with friends.

Today we had a birthday party at a local park for Essie and Belalu's friend who turned 2. Belalu had received this sweet dress for her birthday last month from some friends of ours, and I was so happy the day was warm enough for her to wear it. I think it'll still fit her in the spring, but just in case...

It was such a great weekend. The weather was gorgeous, we were outside a ton, we got a lot of friends and family time, and I somehow still feel caught up with work and ready to start a new week. Hope your weekend was also wonderful!

Good-Bye Summer! Vigo

Last pictures from Spain.

Essie discovered bounce houses and bouncy slides this summer. He never was fully convinced, though. He's not a daredevil, this one. I love that he's cautious but not fearful.

Foam party for the kids- they really know how to party in Spain!

My gorgeous bathing beauty/ water bunny. This girl is going to be using lots of sunscreen in her life- I have a feeling she'll be at the beach/pool every chance she gets.

 That smile melts my heart...

 I miss living by the ocean.

Little bugger figured out how to undo her stroller straps and took to standing up in the stroller all summer. Well, we know who got all the daredevil genes.

 Gorgeous port of Vigo

 Suddenly these guys appeared

 Dancing in the street: traditional Galician music, dancing, costumes

 Good-bye Vigo. Adiós España. ¡Hasta el próximo verano!