Magical Mel

Saturday we visited our friends Evelyn and Stuart at their new home. Their son Eric is 1 and have another due in 6 weeks so it was time for them to move out of their one bedroom condo and into a 3 bedroom house. The house was beautiful and the food was plenty, I had such a hard time staying away from dessert but Ev kindly whipped together some fresh fruit for me to enjoy. It had been awhile since we all got together and now that little Marley and Jacen have joined the group, there was never an empty lap! My friend Mel even got ambitious enough to handle two at once. Mel is the ultimate children's entertainer. She's always ready to put on a show for any miniature audience. So its no wonder that while holding Marley, Eric and Jacen wanted a piece of that action!

Suspenders? Yes!

Today I made a new discovery. For Christmas, I asked Gerwyn to buy me some new post baby pants. Unfortunately I purchased one size too big and now I walk around with the dreaded "saggy bum" all the time. (They are pants with lycra in them so they fit at the store, but of course, once you wear em around for a few hours, they stretch out!) I had tried putting on a belt but found that it just made the pants very bunchy at the waist and was also uncomfortable when I sat down. (The belt would cut into my belly.)

While looking through my closet today, I discovered a pair of suspenders that I had purchased years ago and never worn. I snapped them onto my saggy butt pants, and voila! Pants that fit again! I remember my dad being a big fan of suspenders and now I understand why! So what if it makes me look like a hillbilly, at least I'm no longer walking around showing my butt crack to everyone...

Sayonara Sugar...

During my month long cleanse a couple of years ago, I realized the benefits of cutting out sugar and wheat from my diet. I lost weight and generally felt better (both my digestion and bloating improved). Of course, after that month ended, my relationship with sugar rekindled and I've pretty much returned to my old habits. Its become even worse in recent days since giving birth, I find I crave sugar (which is one of its side effects,) and have been giving into my cravings on a rather large and gluttonous scale. Tubs of Haagen Dazs, and recently half a dozen cupcakes in a sitting have become the norm.

Well today is officially the end of my sugar binge-fest. While at the doctor's office for Marley's 4 month check up, I noticed some rough patches on her back and asked the doctor what they might be. Turns out its the beginnings of eczema. I was a bit shocked and rather depressed to find out that my little 4 month old baby already has a skin condition. I had heard that this condition is a reaction to toxins in your body, specifically your gut. And since her gut is only filled with my menu choices, I can only assume that this is partly my fault. In examining her back today, I noticed its spreading and getting worse. So in an effort to improve both of our guts, I'm going to cut out all (or a large part at least,) of the refined sugar I've been eating for another month and see what happens. It may not improve her situation, but I know it will improve mine.

Gerwyn's BIG birthday party

Saturday we continued the celebration of Gerwyn's birthday with an "intimate" party for 40 of Gerwyn's closest friends. I made mini burgers for the first time which turned out pretty yummy and whipped up a few cupcakes. I think I would have made more food from scratch if it weren't for a certain baby who required a lot of attention. Luckily we bought a lot of frozen appetizers which worked out quite well. I even managed to stay up until about 2:30 am! Marley also managed to stay up until midnight and had no problems going to sleep with the loud music in the background. I get the feeling someone is a party animal just like her dad.

Hair loss

I just took a little trip down memory lane via old blog posts and noticed how full and luxurious my hair looked! These post baby hormones have recently caused havoc on my hair and I've been losing tons of it every second. Its now to the point where there are obvious white patches of scalp which can be visible when looking at my head. The photo on the left is before Marley's birth at my 35th birthday party. Notice the full bangs! The photo on the right is at Gerwyn's birthday party last weekend. A significant difference I'd say! Although its been bothersome, I hadn't really noticed the impact until now looking back at my full head of hair! Waaaaaaah...

Happy Birthday Gerwyn!

Wednesday we celebrated Gerwyn's 35th birthday with what's become an annual tradition, a bucket of fried chicken. I remember last year I was so naseous from early pregnancy I didn't get to fully enjoy the finger lickin goodness. So this year I made sure to have an appetite. (Luckily breast feeding helps take care of that!) We got a 14 piece bucket, hot wings and of course, the unnaturally neon green coleslaw. All deeleecious, and luckily just a once a year thing. We finished with a Baskin Robbins chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream cake, French Macaroons from Bobbette and Belle and some freshly baked Chocolate Wow cookies. It was a real pig out fest! Luckily we were joined by Mel and Norm who helped to make a dent in all that food. (Otherwise you know we would've eaten it all by ourselves.)
And yes, I look like I haven't showered but I personally feel that KFC is best enjoyed in your dirty track pants with greasy hair.

We'll be continuing the celebration on Saturday with a little soiree at the house for Gerwyn and his friends.

4 month check up

Today was Marley's 4 month check up. She now weighs almost 14 pounds and is 60cm long. She's only in the 40th percentile for her weight but the doctor said that was still average. However one big milestone that is already underway is Marley's first tooth! I had a suspicion it was coming due to all the drool and recent temper tantrums and the doctor confirmed it today. No more toothless grins!

Summer in winter

This is Marley in her summer outfit which Sooky Emo purchased but didn't fit until now. Throw on a pair of tights and who says you cant have summer in the winter time!

French Macaroons

Today I made a new discovery. In retrospect, I don't know why it took me so long because when you look at a French macaroon, they just "look" delicious. I think they were just one of those things that I always meant to try but whenever I went into a bakery I would get distracted by other things. This morning I finally got to try one and now I feel as though I've spent the last 35 years missing out. My friend Mel was trying out a new recipe and gave me a few to try last night. Unfortunately I had forgotten about them and then this morning discovered only one little macaroon sitting in the take out container. (Clearly someone else also enjoyed them too!) From the moment it hit my lips I was momentarily in heaven. It was a truly out of body experience. Crispy almond meringue with a soft melty chocolate inside. It was one delicious moment that I enjoyed all to myself. Now that I've made the discovery I'm afraid I've become addicted. I'm sad to think that I don't know when I'll be able to enjoy them again. Come to think of it, the new bakery down the street makes them! Good thing I'm on mat leave, will be sure to make a pitstop there on Monday. Afterall, there are so many more flavours to try!! Mmmmm deeleecious!

Bobbette and Belle

When I was a kid I used to have this amazing dream where I get stuck in a bakery with no one around and I eat everything I can get my hands on. Today I found my dream bakery. Its called Bobbette and Belle and its everything a bakery should be, beautifully decorated, bright and filled with the most deeleecious pastries. Glass cases filled with homemade French macaroons, whoopie pies and cupcakes. One entire wall was filled with wedding cakes. It was just heaven. I could have eaten everything there and really had to stop myself from ordering one of everything. Luckily Susie and Sally were with me so I didnt want to be too gluttonous and only ordered a raspberry filled vanilla whoopie pie and we all enjoyed the richest hot chocolate with homemade marshmallows. It was my favourite part of the day. Not to mention the fact that I got to spend some quality time with my fellow moms and their babies.

Thanks ladies for your visit and for helping me discover my new favourite place.