Baby Ellie

Our Valentine's Day was interrupted this year with something better than chocolate or flowers (although my awesome husband got me both of those things as well).

I went into labor with baby Elizabeth Lee on Valentine's Day evening and she made her debut on Tuesday, February 15, at 12:54 p.m. -- about one week overdue. We were so ready to meet her!

She's a chunky little sweetheart at 8 lbs., 10 oz. and 20.5 inches.

Ava has been talking about her little sister Ellie long before we were expecting, so we chose the name Elizabeth so we could call her Ellie. It's been a long time since I've posted on this blog and a lot has happened in the interim, including the sudden and tragic death of my husband's father, Lee, three days after Christmas. We gave her the middle name Lee in rememberance of him and his excitement for his littlest granddaughter that he never got the chance to meet in person.

NaNoWriMo

November is National Novel Writing Month wherein you're supposed to write 50,000 words in 30 days. And squeeze in Thanksgiving preperations and holiday shopping. I've never finished, but I keep trying. But I'm not sure about this year. With the speed in which October has flown by, I don't know where I'll find the time...

Are you doing NaNoWriMo this month? How do find time for it?

Favorite Things About Fall: Food

We're lucky enough to live in a part of the country where there are a lot of apple orchards. I knew fall had truly arrived when the crisp, cool breeze carried the faint sent of ripe apples. There is something so comforting about fall. The apple cider, knit scarves, hearty vegetables, snuggling under cozy blankets, sunny days and cool nights.

Even though we've actually had a major warm-up this week, I'm deep into my fall recipe file. I've already cooked a big batch of vegetable chili and had several bowls of butternut squash soup. And this week I created what I think is going to become a new fall favorite: creamy pumpkin ravioli.

We had ours with roasted Brussels sprouts. If you've never had them, do yourself a favorite and make a batch tonight. They are so good. Even my almost-4-year-old loves them. In fact, while I was cutting up Brussels sprouts for dinner she insisted on munching on a few raw.

Creamy Pumpkin Ravioli
1 pkg. pumpkin (or butternut squash, or plain cheese in a pinch) ravioli
1 pkg. (8 oz.) neufchatel cheese
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup milk
1 red pepper, chopped
1/2 medium onion, chopped
1 cup canned pumpkin (make sure you get 100% pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling)
Chopped walnuts (I didn't measure these, just added in what looked good)
Dash of pumpkin pie spice
Pinch of red pepper

Saute the onions and red pepper on medium until the onions start to get brown and caramelized.

Turn heat to low and add walnuts.

Once pan has had some time to cool, add the cheese, milk, and butter. Stir frequently until the cheese and butter has completely melted. Add pumpkin and spices, then cook until completely heated, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, cook the ravioli per package directions.

Devour immediately.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts
Olive oil
Salt

This really couldn't be easier, but the result is so delicious. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut off the ends of the Brussels sprouts, pull of any leaves that look yellow or brown, then cut in half. Toss the sprouts in olive oil, then spread out on a pan and salt. Roast for 35 to 40 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally to evenly roast.

It's a Girl!

We're getting more sugar and spice and everything nice!

When the ultrasound technician said it was a girl, Ava leaned in close to me and whispered, "We're going to be best friends, Mommy." I hope so. She's already offered to share all her toys.

Image from Amy Atlas

Preschool

My little girl is growing up. Ava started preschool this week.

Cute sign from Blonde Designs.

What up, Suckas?

Anyone still out there?

David and I were in the living room a few days ago and Ava walked in from her room and said, "What up, Suckas?" I don't know where she gets these things, but she always keeps us laughing.

I've been missing from this blog for several months now, but for good reason. We're having a baby!

I'm just now starting to feel human again after many long weeks of intense morning sickness. I don't even like to call it morning sickness because I think some people (especially male people) tend to think of morning sickness as no big deal and even kind of cute really. But this was like the most intense stomach flu I've ever had. I lost 14 pounds in three weeks and nothing was helping until my doctor put me on a medication normally used for people undergoing chemo. And now, well into my second trimester, it's still the only thing keeping me from throwing up every day (although I am feeling much better than I was). But, it's all for a very good reason.

Ava is very excited about the possibility of a sister, but NOT a brother. We'll find out on Sept. 21...

Missed

High Street Market was having a vintage baby sale, including these:

I wanted to buy a few of these goose hooks to hold dress-up clothes in Ava's room because I've been calling her Goose lately (as in Silly, which she is all the time). But, I wasn't quick enough and they sold out before I could buy any.

Now, I'm on the look-out for something similar. Let me know if you spot anything!