Happy Second Birthday, Emma Rose

This blog was started a few years ago to document our lives.  I love to write because I feel as though I can fully think through every detail - reflect and learn by putting my fingers to the keyboard.  I stopped a few months ago because I felt as though I needed to take the time to ground myself:  celebrate our lives first hand and live in the moment.

Now, I feel that I need to return to the keyboard and document life once more.  It was actually Emma's birthday which pushed me to do so.  

On July 17th, our feisty and fiery little lady turned two.  We were surrounded by friends and family.  We received love notes from near and far.  Family from around the world took time out of their day to celebrate my wonderful child's birthday.

It got me to thinking about birthdays.  They are merely a day.  One day out of the year where we choose to celebrate a life and all that that life has achieved in a year.  Growth, change, learning, developing.  Birthdays are fantastic reminders that we as a human race care about life and value it so much.  When the world seems clouded with hate, anger and violence, something as simple as gathering around a birthday cake can refresh our view of mankind.  

Emma's Birthday Interview!

What is your favorite color?   

Pink (much to mummy's dismay) but she forever calls everything "Blue."

What is your favorite food? 

Banana or "treats" (which could be anything)

What is your favorite TV show?  

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse

What is your favorite thing to do? 

JUMP!  Especially on trampolines.

Where is your favorite place to go?  

The playground - especially Preston's Hope.  It's adorable.

What is your favorite toy?  

Brian Bear (heaven forbid we ever lose him) and the trampoline 

What is your favorite animal? 

Doggies! 

Who is your best friend?

I don't think there's any one best friend, but she's made quite a few new friends! I think mummy still wins as favorite! 

What do you want to be when you grow up? 

At the moment, she seems to enjoy playing doctor!  She gives pretty unsuccessful CPR - let's hope she gets a bit better if that's her career ambition! 

I'm happy to be back in the world of blogging.  I'm making a promise to myself to update you all a lot more.  Emma's birthday served as the perfect reminder that she is so very loved.  We are so very loved.  I need to remember to keep you all in the loop because we are embarking on exciting times. 

*Thank you to Aunt Maureen for the photos! 

Xx

Dear Baby - it's your Birthday Eve!

Dear Baby,

Tonight when I put you down for bed, you awoke five minutes later and cried.  You never wake up and cry.  I went back into your room and gave you the last of your milk.   You then reached up and rested your head on my shoulder.  You haven't rested your head on my shoulder since you were a tiny baby.  I held you and we rocked.  Your room was quiet and cool. You were warm.  I could feel your heart beating as you stroked the back of my arm.  After a few minutes, I lay you back down to bed and said goodnight.

This - on the eve of your first birthday.

One year is an awful long time.  Why is it then, that this first year of your life felt like a minute?  I remember certain hours would drag by - some of them were terribly difficult.  Others seem to last mere seconds.  Exactly this time, 365 days ago, I was desperate to meet you.  Not because of the pain or the pressure - but because it had been me and you for nine months.  Nine whole months.  I wanted it to be me and you - the real you.

You were suddenly there and everything in this world suddenly changed.  You were so tiny and now you are so, so big.  You were strong willed and resilient then and you still are today.  Sometimes I wonder what life was like before you - was it easier?  More relaxing?  Maybe.  But it was incomplete.   I wouldn't want my life to be any different than how it is today.

When you go to bed each night I miss you terribly.  I often watch the monitor, studying the outline of your feet or watch for your chest to rise and fall.  You are perfect - and I didn't think it was possible for a human being to be perfect.  Your heart, soul and very being are just perfect.  I wouldn't change a hair on your head - nothing would make you any more beautiful or more fantastic. Never forget that.

I wish I wrote more letters to you, but I am spending most of time being with you rather than thinking about you.  I am lucky as I have had the chance to spend nearly all of this first year with you.  It really has been me and you - day in and day out.  I wouldn't want it any other way.

I know sometimes it looks like I have no idea what I'm doing.  I'm sure I frustrate you because I'm not getting things right - but I promise - I am trying.  I want more than anything to be a good mama.  Trust me - when I put my mind to something, I end up putting my whole self into it.  Being your mother is my greatest role in life.  I hope I manage to make half the impact on you as you have made on me.

One year ago I became a different person.  I have you to thank for that.  Thank you for the lessons on how to live and how to love.  Thank you for the kisses and the trust you put in me.  Thank you for the laughter and tears.  But most importantly, thank you for the love - I see it every time you smile at me.

I love you, Emma Rose Berry.  More than you will ever know.

Happy Birthday, my sweet.

Love,
Me xxx

Happy Birthday, B!

It feels like it's all about Baby McBerry at the moment.  Let's take a minute and see what else is going on in the world of J and B!

Last weekend, we celebrated B's birthday with his parents and Heidi and Toby.  B's mum, Marilyn, prepared a mouthwatering three course meal, complete with Champagne and Chambord (I even had a little taste!).

Squash Laksa Soup

Vegetarian option:  No Prawns

Lamb sausages wrapped in prosciutto with Norfolk asparagus and Rosti Potatoes

Vegetarian option:  Arancini (similar recipe) instead of lamb

Lime Possets with Raspberries

It was an amazing meal - we felt truly spoilt!

After, we enjoyed a cup of tea with carrot cake!  Marilyn is an amazing cake decorator - I can do the baking, but I'm not very skilled in the decoration department.  We had a little tutorial where she taught me the tricks of the trade.  I am so pleased with how it turned out!

For B's actual birthday, I wanted to celebrate in the best way I knew how! Presents!  I had loads of great ideas, but the unpredictable nature of the next month or two left me with few options.  I decided to go for some good ol' gifts I knew he would like.

Gifts included a garden tool set, liquid smoke, a Michael Kors reversible belt and a Dents wallet. Success?  I think so. 

In the evening, we used our June date night gift from our anniversary present!  I had purchased £20 gift vouchers for Nando's, Pizza Express and Prezzo - the three restaurants in town in King's Lynn.  The challenge:  One evening, one course in each restaurant.  

Starter: Dough Balls and a tomato cucumber salad from Pizza Express

Main:  Half a Chicken and chips and a veggie bean burger with chips from Nandos. 

Wow....sunshine!

Dessert:  Honeycomb cheesecake with banana gelato and amaretti and banana gelato from Prezzo. 

In case you missed it, here are the 1st Anniversary Paper gifts so far:

January:  Tickets to the King's Lynn Comedy Club

February:  B and B (Which didn't actually happen due to our sudden move!)

March:  A Couples Massage at Knight's Hill Imagine Spa

April:  £10 for a Fondue night in

May:  £100 for the Neptune Inn in Hunstanton

June:  £20 for Prezzo, Pizza Express and Nando's.  One night, One course in each restaurant

Happy weekend, Everyone!  Happy Birthday, B!

Xx

32 weeks and Jim's Birthday!

How far along:  Thirty-two Weeks!

Weight Gain:  25 pounds.

Maternity Clothes:  Warm weather has posed another problem in the maternity clothes saga. I saw myself getting through my pregnancy with leggings and jeans, a few dresses and tshirts. Well. It's too warm for leggings, jeans AND my long sleeve dresses. I am going to investigate shorts and skirts in a desperate attempt to stay cool. Hopefully they are easier to track down!

Stretch Marks: Nothing new to report!

Belly Button:  I think we are on the verge of an outie. 

Queasy or Sick:   Since taking the iron tablets I've had a bit more energy, but still not much motivation - especially following a long day of work!  At least it's not nausea!!  

Sleep:  Apparently I snore. B was not impressed with this, but I don't really seem to notice (or care). I'm getting up only once a night for a loo break - but other than that, I'm happy!

Best Moment of the Week: On Saturday B and I had a BBQ with his current work partner. We busted out the non alcoholic beer, sausages and grilled halloumi. It was *gorgeous* outside - sunny and at least 21 degrees. It was probably the nicest day of the year so far!  We topped the afternoon off with some amazing slutty brownies. I've never made them, but I'm going to give this recipe a go!

Worst Moment of the Week:  I don't think there was anything too bad this week. I had a minor clothing meltdown when I realised that nothing was cool enough to wear in the sunny weather. Oh well, a shopping spree is needed!

Miss Anything:  I miss wearing wedding ring. I'm not feeling particularly feminine at the moment with swelling hands and feet.  I know it's all part of it, but it's really unsightly!

Movement:   Baby loves a bit of rolling around - especially when I finally get to put my feet up at 8:00 at night!  I think room is becoming scarce as I feel so much more movement than I used to. 

Cravings:   Blueberries and raspberries. I can't get enough of them at the moment. I crave fresh, cool drinks - especially iced coffee. I'm trying to be good and only allowing myself a small nespresso coffee every other day or so. 

Looking forward to:  We have one more week of school and then it's HALF TERM!  I can't believe it. Once we hit the other side of the May half term, maternity leave will be on the horizon!  You know what that means - Baby McBerry will be arriving soon after!  

In other exciting news, we celebrated my father in law's 70th Birthday on Sunday!  

B and I batted around ideas for ages but couldn't think of the perfect gift. 70 is a big deal - my proposal of 70 items seemed a big far fetched - so we came up with this happy little alternative! 

B's dad likes good, old classic food. We decided to get him an edible gift symbolic of each decade he has lived through. 

We wrapped all of the gifts and places them in the planter of a raspberry plant - the final, "for the future" gift!  We then read to him a little poem while he opened the gifts. He was pretty good at guessing most of them. 

B and I were pretty pleased with how it turned out - here's the poem in case you missed it!

In celebration 

Of your 70th year,

We wanted to gift you something 

Filled with excitement and cheer. 

We thought long and hard

To work out the perfect treat

And we finally decided 

What better gift than a gift you can eat?

Each gift represents

The decades you've seen

So here are the treats

Of years that have been.  

You were born in the 1940s

The war made you flustered

But at least you always had

Spotted dick and custard.

In the 1950s

You no longer needed to cheat

rationing ended 

and you could buy your meat.

In the 1960s

You were old enough to drink

Here's to a good ol gin and tonic

Which impairs your ability to think.

The 1970s 

were a lucky decade for you

You met and married Marilyn 

And enjoyed a honeymoon.

For the 1980s 

Classic party food came to mind

What could be better 

Than a gift of this kind.

In the 1990s

You cooked dinner a lot 

The kids saw it on a nightly basis 

And face it they could not!

By the time it was 2000

Your usual birthday gift was set 

Everyone always knew

Thortons chocolate ginger you would get.

Now that it's the 2010s

You just fancy a cuppa tea

The classic biscuits are nice

But posh ones you deserve to see. 

And last but not least is the future 

The 2020s to be exact. 

We wanted to give you something 

That will last and that's a fact. 

This plant will grow like our family

Extending every day,

Providing fruit when you are peckish

And reminding you of us gathered here today. 

Happy 70th Birthday, Dad. 

We hope you enjoy this stuff

For all you do and all you've done 

We can't thank you enough. 

Love,

B, Jenny and Baby McBerry

And who could forget the amazing cake made by B's mum! 

Seriously, how amazing is that?

Here's to a lovely week - hopefully your weather is as bright and cheery as it is here!

Xx

Birthday celebrations!

On July 30 I celebrated my 29th birthday!  One year until the big 30, which is scary.  Very scary. As it was B's second day of work I made the most of it and spent the day with some of my favourite people!

My morning started at 7AM when B's alarm went off.  He yelled "Happy Birthday!" and threw my present at me. It felt like a bunch a rocks and lo and behold - it was.  Hot stone massage rocks.  The sweetie.  The BEST bit is that he also bought me a Zoku!  Oh my word was I excited!  I've had a little play and used the toolkit to make some funky designs and shapes.  I cannot WAIT to get creative with this!  If you haven't heard of them or think that you don't need a lolly maker in your life - think again.

(Grape hearts with Cherry J20.  Yum.)

I also received a package from my parents in Ohio! I wish I could celebrate with them - hopefully in a few years we will! I get a real hankering for American sweets but they are extortionate here!  I can't decide which is my favourite.  The peach rings and Mio Lemon have already been opened!  Thanks Mom and Dad, Erin and Brian!

To celebrate my special day, I hit up Blissful Beauty in West Lynn for a pedicure with Annie in the morning.  She is just fab.  My feet were in desperate need of some TLC post Cornwall, and what better way to celebrate than with a birthday pedicure?!

I think popped over to my friend Heidi's house for a day with her and her two *gorgeous* little ones.  We thoroughly enjoyed lunching at Castle Rising tea rooms.  I think I could get used to being out and about during the day!

In the evening, B surprised me by taking me BACK to Heidi and Toby's house for some champagne and cake!  They joined us for dinner at my favourite restaurant ever - Middleton Steakhouse.  Oh. My. Word.  Vegetarian hamburgers....habanero style.  Seriously - check out their menu and hop a flight to England.  

To keep the birthday celebrations going, Heidi and I went to the Sandringham Flower Show the next day with her girls and got soaked.  Like.  Drenched.  I could actually ring my hair out.  Just a typical English Summer!

(We were NOT impressed at having forgotten our umbrella!)

The upside to the soaking was that we got to see Prince Charles and Camilla.  I couldn't get any good shots, but it's defiantly them!

Camilla with the clear umbrella and white coat and Charles was on the other side - grey suit and black umbrella!

Another year older.  I think big things are in store for my 29th year.  They say your 30s are where it's at - I can't wait!

xx

Happy Birthday, B!

Today is B's birthday!  We celebrated at the weekend as I was back to work today and out this evening for my first rehearsal.  The big 32 - as he likes to say - is just another step in his process of "ageing like a fine wine."

I got up early and made homemade donut holes and turned them into fruit skewers. I've seen these floating about Pinterest (obsessed, by the way), and I thought they would make a perfect treat for birthday Sunday!

Recipe

Breakfast in bed was accompanied by some bubbly, but that didn't last long enough to have a photo taken of it!

Then, in line with English tradition, B opened up his cards and presents in bed.

I'm not great with wrapping, but I can't stand normal wrapping paper.  I use brown packing paper and go to town with black paint and a pencil.  (Polka dots are probably my favourite thing ever)  Note the card on the top of the pile was a USA card from my parents.  They are far better at remembering to post cards than I am!

Presents!  The best bit!

1 (Marvellous Creations chocolate), 2 (Littman Copper stethoscope), 3 (Bang Bang - Marc Jacobs)

(Please excuse the horrible collage - I am still learning how to work the programme!!)

We decided to have a nice meal out at the Bank House Brasserie in King's Lynn.  I have to admit - we always complain that there is nowhere nice to go in town, but actually it was one of the nicest meals we've ever had in Lynn.  Best. Hand. Cut. Chips.

We made our way home and sat out in the garden for hours.  I went through a fair few Nespresso Iced Coffees (new obsession) and B played with his plants.  The garden now has 17 different types of edible plant (B doesn't like flowers as you can't eat them) - all I can say - roll on harvest season!

When it was time to cut the cake, I made sure it was a cake to be envied.  B had seen those Kit Kat cakes floating about online and wanted one of those, but I couldn't do anything the normal way.  So we ended up with this:

Recipe, Chocolate, Wafers

Without a doubt - it is the best chocolate cake recipe I've seen.  I had so much fun making eating the various pieces of this cake while assembling it.  We had a great day - now - on to planning next year's birthday!

Hopefully everyone else had a wonderful weekend!

xx