The Mega Post!

 *This pic was taken my sophomore year in college on an ice day.


Whew!  Sorry for the short blogging hiatus - Austin had its once a year, "barely snowing, so let's shut down the whole city" day last week, and things have been busy, busy.  I've baked a lot, had my first doctor's appointment since the pregnancy...lots has happened, so it's time for an update!

Infertility:  It's been a hard few weeks.  The reality of being back at square one has really hit home.  I've really been enjoying not being at the doctor every other day, having ultrasounds, using ovulation predictor kits, and wondering what part of my cycle I'm on.  Yesterday marked 6 weeks since the ectopic, and at 8 weeks we're cleared to start trying again.  Yikes!

We went back to our doctor for a consultation yesterday.  I felt a little sick driving in to the parking lot.  Part of me stills prays that I'll have regular cycles and won't have to step foot into the Texas Fertility Center ever again!  Can I hear an Amen?

I've also been rebelling against the idea of a laparoscopy to check for endometriosis.  Exploratory, elective surgery isn't on my list of things I'm just DYING to do.  However, since my pregnancy was ectopic, my doctor strongly recommends the surgery before attempting any more treatments.  The other option, of course, is In Vitro.  I know without a doubt that I am just not ready to go there yet.  I've been in constant prayer for direction and wisdom, so I'm trusting my gut that IVF is not the direction to go right now.

What does that mean?  Surgery.  Ugh...

The upside is that my doctor will take pictures of my insides so we can all see what's going on in there.  I'll make sure to post all those here once we get them.  Just kidding - I don't need any creepy pictures of myself (or rather, my guts) floating around the internet.  


Baking:  I've been baking, baking, baking!  I've got more up my sleeve for Valentine's Day as well!

Peanut Butter Brownies with Chocolate Ganache - Recipe here

YUM!  I baked these for a meeting at work.  The only thing I'd change is the peanut butter ratio.  They had just a hint of peanut butter, and I like more of a punch, like a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup.

Blondies - Recipe here

Blondies are my go-to dessert when I need something I can make quickly.  As you can see, they can be made with all sorts of yummy ingredients.  I stuck with the classic chocolate chip variety this time, because chocolate is my favorite thing.

Chocolate Stout Cake - Recipe here

Oh my goodness - I LOVE this recipe.  It calls for stout, like Guiness, but Harlan had some Brooklynn Brewery Black Chocolate Stout!  It really intensifies the flavor!  My mother and father-in-law both celebrated birthdays last week, so I brought this to celebrate with them last weekend.  I'd show you a picture of my own cake, but sadly, it's all gone!

Up Next...Valentine Whoopie Pies - Hooray!

How absolutely adorable are these?  I found the pans at Sur la Table, and now they're on sale!  Go get one for yourself.  The pan comes with recipes for both the cake and filling.  I can't tell you how excited I am to make these!

In other blog news:

Words can't express how much I appreciate my friend Kristine.  We've gone through a lot of the same things in regards to infertility, and she is such a wonderful example to me.  She has offered so much encouragement, and I know God has something extra special planned for her!

Last week, she gave me this album Steven Curtis Chapman wrote after the tragic death of his little girl.  The music is raw, heartbreaking, and moving.  It has really touched me, encouraged me, and shown me more about the love my Father has for me. 

There's one about God's faithfulness.  I thought I'd share it with you:

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!

"Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,

for his compassions never fail.

They are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness.

I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;

therefore I will wait for him.”

The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him,

to the one who seeks him;

it is good to wait quietly

for the salvation of the Lord."

Lamentations 3:22-25