Sharing the Love

I thought I would celebrate Valentine's Day by letting everyone know that I am still alive. Yes, even more than alive, just a little bit bigger than a house, very pregnant, and sleepier than I used to be. In honor of the day, and the fact that food is one of my loves right now, I thought I would share some successful recipes. I've made others that weren't so great, but I will save those for some other more morbid holiday.

Hope your day was loverly. My kids were really into the day for the first time; it all started when I taught them how to make paper hearts. Next thing you know the house is covered in hearts that say things like, "I love mi Momy." I'd correct her spelling, but she is only four. We had a lovely candlelit dinner with the kids, and a tasty pork tenderloin (it's nice to have a farmer husband). Then my husband cleaned up everything while I took a bath, and he was off to a deacon's meeting. He left me with jammied kids who seemed willing and interested to sit down and watch my wedding video. It was their first time to see it- and of course I cried (again). 

Yesterday was my official "37 week" mark, and since I have had a fair amount of contractions already, I'd been trying to keep things at bay up until this point. But today I woke up and felt like there was no more need to hold back...let's have this baby!! Cooper and Adeline helped me make two special desserts this afternoon, which I did not get pictures of or eat, because my huge baby girl is taking up all the dessert room. Both were really good though, if licks can tell you anything- and gluten, dairy, and sugar free. I know! Imagine that! Here are the links for the few who would want to make such a dessert:

Cookie Dough Bites, image and recipe compliments of Kelly at The Spunky Coconut

Strawberry Cream Pie, image and recipe compliments of Tropical Traditions

I used the cookie dough recipe from the first picture and link to make the pie crust, per Kelly's instructions. We ate it a little too soon and it wasn't all the way set up by dessert time, but it had the general consistency of a cheesecake, which is a pretty big treat if you are not eating dairy!

Roast Pork Tenderloin with Apples and Cider Sauce. Photo and recipe, compliments of Gourmet.com. RIP, Gourmet Magazine. You are sorely missed. But I am thankful you still bless us with your archives on the website.

Here is one other dessert I am enjoying on a daily basis:

Healthy Chocolate Frosting Shots, photo and recipe compliments of Chocolate Covered Katie

I don't actually eat it like the picture depicts, although you might find me sneaking in the fridge and eating it with a spoon. I usually spread it on a banana for a quick snack. It's mostly coconut milk, which adds enough fat and protein to my banana to balance out all the sugar.

So much more to report: a mini-kitchen remodel, a surprising cure for near constant pregnancy heartburn, a recent baby shower, new highs and lows with pregnancy and adrenal problems. But those things will have to wait until another day. I'll leave you with a couple blurry pictures from our evening- Amore!