2 weeks and 7 years

Let me share a little bit while Zach puts Hazel down. This is her second night going without her beloved binky and I am just so proud of her. Ahem, it was more her parent's apprehension than hers. She would say " Mama when are we going to gather the binkies for that baby boy?" This of course being the story that we as parents chose to tell her. So with that, we didn't make a huge deal we just followed on the heels of her questions with our little action. So far so good.

Today is 2 weeks since I started the SCD diet for my colitis. Last week I was feeling kinda devastated and starving. I did find out that most people don't really start seeing results till week 3... so hope that is so for me.Well I feel like I am doing a little bit better. I've morphed into eating almond pancakes with honey on them and then making extra to snack on throughout the day like a biscuit or cookie I might normally eat. Today I made a butternut squash nut butter brownie and let's just say by end of day- there will be none left to put away or cover up. I ate them all ! A 9X9 pan, I guess it was... vanished into my stomach. Well I had to do something when my mother-in-law brought these delicious chocolate chip cookies to the house- they look exceptionally delicious- I almost lost control.. almost.

Today is 7 years since Zach and I went on our first date- where we met for the first time. We had met through mutual friends who kinda only dated for a week if that and in that short period of time we met- thanks to the powers of Zach's huge chops, my bff Suzanne and Friendster... does anyone remember Friendster? No? Well you're not missing anything!
Our first date was at this amazing Thai (Thai House in Nyack,NY) place (where a year and 1/2 later Zach proposed)I showed up a tad bit late, there was ice everywhere- which made it very difficult to park and once I had- I could barely walk the sidewalks let along run.. but I did and I made it. I instantly knew.. despite his lack of laughing at my jokes,( which I later called Suzanne to complain about! he TOTALLY didn't laugh at my jokes Sue!) I really thought this is kinda it. We then went to see Monster- yes friends, I have no idea what the hell we were thinking! First date movie? Um No! But we did and then he drove me to my car and we talked about going to the coffee shop for a cup of something. Next thing I knew he had driven away. To this day we laugh at that. He wonders why I called him and why I gave him a another chance, but I knew he was it from the second I met him- so wouldn't you have given him another chance?! Besides anyone who is that absent-minded and nutty can hold my hand any day.
xo

embracing

Thank you for the responses to my last post, the support of the wonderful people I may have never me in person but have shared something with via crafting- is awesome. Such good spirits- which lifted my spirits so the circle continues!

This morning I felt well enough to teach Hazel about the color red. We pointed out all the red things in our kitchen and I had a basket full of red items from around the house. Maybe later I'll go through that again with her. We made some apple & raspberry applesauce, which we made yesterday and both devoured it! Then we worked on coloring Valentines and this little wooden faerie my mother picked up for her. We all drank tea and Hazel had 2 ginger biscuits. A treat I loved whenever- that I"ve passed on to her since I can't eat them anymore. Before her nap we did a little rearraging of furniture in her bedroom.

Zach is working from home, due to the snow, which takes a little bit of pressure off. The Die Off as they refer to it in the beginning stages of the SCD diet has started. Feeling very weak and almost lifeless bouts here & there. I'd worry if this wasn't protocol... it means the diet is working! It's cleansing me! I also need to remember that this, like any recovery is a long journey- where some days I will feel amazing and other days not so much.. but I shouldn't let it get me down.

(our little holiday mantle)

I've started collaging a bit at night- during TV watching. I try not to watch too much TV- hardly ever during the day, but at night.. well my new show is Being Human. I'm a sucker to a cute vampire! Luckily, my husband is a sucker for a girl who likes cute vampires lol so we watch together. Back to the collaging, since I was in high school I would make these collaged journals- pictures,artwork,whatever I could get on a book- then covered with clear packing tape.( then my BFF would write back and forth in them) Oh how I"d drive my father crazy always stealing his tape- he go to tape up a box of wooden nickels which he use to make & sell and "Doh!" the tape was MIA. Sorry, Dad!

So after Hazel is a sleep, I have taken to glue sticks,scissors and collages. Something about it is so calming, cozy and comfortable. Sometimes the collages are inspiration- or crafty with a theme- sometimes free form. I have a book I keep for recipes with all food & cozy family-like ideas on the covers, one for Hazel with baby/mama/kidlet /learning themes etc. At one point I sold a few in my ButtonChops shop- but I haven't thought about maing more to sell. In fact as much as we need the money here at home, I haven't had much push to get that machine humming with product. I want to make things with my hands at the moment. In the good old days my machine was always warm. I'd stitch a little here and there all day- but now with the cold weather and physical issues- cozying up on the couch in front of a bloodsucker, with my husband, the fire and a handcraft is more appealing! Things change and I need to embrace the change.