Like A Lovers Hug

There is something special about being the mum of a new born, it doesn't matter how many times over- it's always the same. Maybe it's the rush of hormones or the pride in having grown a tiny human. Maybe it's having a husband who's home from work and the fabulous extra family time. Maybe it's delicious hot meals that miraculously arrive on your door step from generous friends and family. It could be the sleep induced delirium or possibly the girth that all of the above ensures.

Yes, thats it. For me it's the girth- you know, the chub.

It's special and sacred and homely, that post baby 'roundness' and it lingers like a lovers hug.

I've got it, and I like it.

You know why? Because when I look in the mirror I see a little more of my mother. That warm, generous, soft mother of mine. The one who dried my toddler tears when I cried and tolerated my obnoxious adolescent antics. The one who, along with my Dad, cares for my own babies so that I can have a rest. That mum.

She's got the post baby 'roundness' too (though not quite as much as I do).

So today, in honour of her I dug out the The Big Book of Beautiful Biscuits and baked a classic. One of my favourites, actually.

Chocolate Fudge Bars were a staple in our house growing up (covered in sprinkles, naturally) and recently I've been craving them. These ones will be devoured by my own children, leaving dark chocolate smears on their beautiful faces.

Recipe

1 cup plain flour
½ cup sugar
1 cup coconut
1 tablespoon cocoa
185g butter
½ teaspoon vanilla

Chocolate Icing
1 cup icing sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
30g butter
1½ tablespoons hot water
coconut

 

Sift dry ingredients into bowl, add melted butter and vanilla, mix well. Press mixture over base of greased 28cm x 18cm lamington tin. Bake in moderate oven 20 minutes. Cool in tin.

When cold, ice with Chocolate Icing, sprinkle with coconut. Cut into bars when icing has set.

Chocolate Icing: Sift icing sugar and cocoa into small bowl, add melted butter and water, mix until the icing is smooth and glossy.

Tell me you know this recipe. Was it a childhood staple for you too (fellow 80's babies)?


p.s the winner of the 'Baby's Here' giveaway will be announced on the original post between 8pm and 9pm tonight. Make sure you check back to see if it was you.

Stills: A Weekly Collection {the domestic edition}

1. Piles and piles of washing. I must be nutty because since having my new washing machine*, I have taken great delight in making the clothes clean. Even sorting isn't a chore (who the hell am I?). As I fold and organise endless amounts of clean towels, sheets and clothes I can be head remarking 'oh my gosh, I just can't believe how clean this is'- it's only now that i realise how crap my last machine was. 

2. There were three in the bed.

3. X marks the spot. Drawing maps and searching for treasure.

4. I know I said no coffee, but I just can't help it.

5. Lavender and Country Style (no, i haven't had time to read it)

6. More washing. What can I say?

7. We bought this swing just before Pippi was born. It's one of those items that I was never going to have when Zeph was born (because I was going to be a superior parent, you know) but I can safely say, it's a bloody miracle worker. if you have a baby or are going to have a baby, cut yourself some slack and get a swing!

* I bought this one, if your interested. I can strongly recommend it- mine was delivered to my front door days after purchase. 

20/52

Zeph: On a windy morning by the sea at one of our most frequented parks. I see your baby face here.

Pippi: Being a lion. We were sent these beautiful crocheted masks as a thoughtful 'entertain the big kids when the baby arrives' gift from La De Dah Kids. They have been a wonderful invitation into the world of imaginary play.

Elke: Darling bear, we've been doing a bit of this lately. Pulling the car over, getting you out for a little bit of a burp and a vom before strapping you back in and going on our way.

Down, But Not Out

In a cruel twist of fate, our family was shot down with a stomach bug early this week.

When Zeph started vomiting, I started praying, not for him and his health but for me (because i'm selfish like that). Please, please, please could I be spared violent convulsions whilst stooped over the porcelain throne two weeks post c section, please?

No?

okay.

As the bug swiftly engulfed the entire family (leaving Elke alone, fortunately) I found myself in the all too familiar position of calling mum and dad. God bless parents and their never ending 'presentness' - don't ask me what I would do with out them.

Mum and Dad arrived within half an hour to take the big kids for the morning. When they returned some 6 hours later, Dave and I had still not risen from our crumpled bed sheets. We had slept the entire time, waking only to feed Elke and unenthusiastically change her nappy.

Fortunately, a couple of days of rest was all it took to see this little family back up and at 'em.

Yesterday we packed ourselves up and headed to a deserted, waterfront park, one of our favourites, for a play and a pic-nic. Talking like pirates (it's a 'boat' park, after all) and enacting desperate rescue scenarios kept us entertained for over an hour until the drive back home ensured sweet slumber was upon us again.

Here's to good health... until the next bug rolls around.



*photo's from a previous park trip last week. See that coffee cup next to me in the top image- that was my last coffee for quite some time. It would appear that caffeine and dairy upset Elke's baby tum.