Happy Mother’s Day!
I’ve finally managed to put together a food post this week in time for Mother’s Day. It takes a little more multitasking at the moment with Soren strapped to me in a Babybjorn as I’m whisking away in the kitchen. Or running from entertaining him to styling food and photographing it before it wilts. Quite a change in pace. I’ll actually be a mum celebrating Mother’s Day myself this year. Exciting and rather special to say the least.
So to celebrate Mother’s Day I’ve put together a few recipes to hopefully give you a few ideas for your own creations this weekend. Savoury and sweet recipes with a little feminine touch to brighten her Sunday morning. Wishing all the mothers out there a very happy Mother’s Day. Put your feet up, read your favourite mag with a cup of tea or whatever it is you like to do for yourself. For me I think I’ll be taking a nice early walk along the river followed by breakfast with my boys. And no doubt a few sweets being consumed here and there. Looking forward to it :)
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For recipes, click on the text page images to enlarge
Head over heels
I’ve been a little preoccupied of late. And it’s because I’m head over heels in love. This little guy has flipped my world upside down, and totally in a good way. Sure at times there have been tears but one look at him and any feelings of frustration are forgotten. To see him in Reid’s arms brings a smile to my face. We are a little family and I couldn’t be happier.
Soren is nearly 7 weeks old now and has outgrown his preemie clothes. Not that that is a bad thing. But any parent I’m sure can relate to the feeling that these little ones certainly grow quickly and to cherish each day. He has quite a personality already and appears to be a bit of a social magnet. My weeks have been filled with daily visits by family and friends. He has been spoiled with gifts and I’m sure he has more clothes than I do.
I’m ever so slowly getting back into some work. A small project I finished recently I’ll share with you next month. I’m also determined to get back into the kitchen and cook something other than an easy 15 minute meat and veg meal, which seems to be a common thing lately.
I hope you are all well and enjoying the change of season. For us down under we have stepped into autumn. Although it is still very warm, about 29˚C today. I’m looking forward to cardigans, tights, warming mugs of hot chocolate and comforting hearty meals. That and morning cuddles in bed with my boys (sorry, cheesy but true!) :)
Dévorer Montréal now on sale
As mentioned in the previous post I’m a little behind on sharing the news of our book Dévorer Montréal going on sale. Last week the launch was held in Montréal by Claire at one of the restaurants we feature in the book Les Trois Petits Bouchons on rue Saint Denis. Of course with recently giving birth to our little guy I couldn’t make it there but I hear it was a fun night and a well earned reward for Claire to celebrate with the many people who have supported the project.
So I’m excited to say the book is finally on sale! It is in French so for those (like me) who are unable to read French, we are hoping the story told through images of this great city will tempt you to take a look. The book is sold in-store and online in Archambault and Renaud-Bray in Canada, as well as for sale internationally online on Amazon.
For those who may have missed my post introducing the book you can read it here.
I have a few favourite shots in the book which I’d love to share with you. It’s a small taste of what is inside.
Happy Easter!
Well I have made it through the past 2 1/2 weeks with a newborn, with the help of a little too much chocolate and sugar : / The getting up every 2 hours during the night has been a bit of a mission but I think I’m finally getting used to the change in sleep and a hang of this being a mum thing. Multitasking is still a challenge but I figure with patience and time I will get there.
Yesterday I managed to fit in a small food post in between feeds and comforting our little guy, just in time for the Easter weekend. Each recipe contains a good dose of chocolate, since who doesn’t love chocolate at Easter time! I hope you all have a great Easter weekend and enjoy the time with your loved ones.
Also, I’m a little behind on news but I’m excited to say that Dévorer Montréal has officially launched and is now on sale!!! I’ll follow this post with another containing the details shortly.
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For recipes, click on the text page images to enlarge
Introducing Soren
The last week has been quite a week. Last Thursday I had an appointment with my OB who said it was best I have a c-section to deliver our little one due to a slight complication. He booked me into the hospital the following day. Friday I was riddled with nerves. Fear of the procedure, concern for our little ones wellbeing and a general angst of what was to come.
At 2pm we arrived at the hospital and it was a nervous wait with a list of requirements for the procedure – hair cap, no makeup, no nail polish, circulation stockings, gown… The procedure was about to begin and I was in tears before things even started.
For me a c-section was quite overwhelming. I’ve only ever stayed in hospital for a brief time when I was about 3 years of age so being admitted to hospital for a surgical procedure was all a little too much to handle. And being awake for it and not feeling my body from the chest down was something I found hard to handle.
Things began before I even realised. I asked when it would start and within a minute the plastic cover was dropped and our little one was being held up in the air. To hear his screaming cry was the most beautiful and relieving sound in the world. I was so scared there might be a problem and to hear him was pure relief. Reid was left in charge to cut his umbilical cord and go with our little one into the recovery room to wait for me.
Soren Étienne Stewart Cathcart (Cathcart being my married name) was born at 5:02pm on Friday 8th March and weighing a small 5.3 pounds. I’ve spent the last 5 days in hospital with him by my side, first in an Isolette (an incubator) and then in a bassinet once his temperature and sugar levels were stabilised. All I can say is I have truly fallen in love with this little guy and I’m still amazed that he came from Reid and I. I could spend hours looking at his tiny facial details and listening to his sounds. I’m a mum and I couldn’t be happier.
I’ve been meaning to post a few pictures of his room (or wall as you may recall me saying). We painted the wall a grey blue with white bedding and furniture, and timber tones. My good friend Natalie McComas made him the little Sweet Dreams bunting and when I was in Montréal I found a few plush toys to add some colour. Quite simple and minimal.
I’m still getting to know Soren and also getting used to the lack of sleep so I might be a bit quiet for a couple weeks. I’ll be back to things soon x.
