Carrot Cake

I baked my first actual cake, carrot cake with walnuts, with the help of my best friend.

I learned how to make frosting.  Its main ingredient is the confectioners sugar, that was found after going to four grocery stores.  The walnuts were supposed to the chopped but we ended up grinding almost all of them.

Though it was a bit complicated with the different steps and many ingredients, I had fun baking.

Especially when the finished product is nutritious and delicious!

Red Flag is Up

Euen in between red pillows.

I will never forget the last time I had period.  That was way before I got pregnant and was always asked during doctors' check-ups.  It it said that breastfeeding delays fertility, thus delays menstruation.  Well, after one year, three months and five days, the red flag is up.

I was beginning to wonder when will my period come back.  The past few days, I felt sick, I just realized now that it was PMS.  Funny, I wasn't sure at first what was it.  I even got a bit nervous when I saw blood.  I remember getting my period for the first time when I was young.

I have breastfed 100% for six months and eleven days, I just hope that even though I had my period already, my milk supply will still be adequate for the baby.

Happy Six Months

Half a year has passed!!  Comparing Euen's monthsary pictures, she has really grown.

Exactly 16 lbs. this month, she hasn't gained much.  I have increased the amount of servings in her food and she continues to explore different tastes: veggies, some fruits and a little introduction on proteins.

She's learned to balance herself when sitting down. And spends a little more time playing.  I have started to hear more and more syllables from her: ma, da, na.

Also, she's begun to be attached, mostly to me.  She cries when she realizes it isn't me, or her Papa, carrying her.  She recognizes faces: she always gives a big smile when she sees her Papa for the first time when he comes home from work, or Lolo during weekends when he hears his voice.

This is Euen's first monthsary celebration with Kuya Ikoy and Lolo.  With mommy's homemade cupcakes for her monthsary cake.

Baby in her chair

Here's a longer list of the foods that the baby has eaten.

1. Cauliflower.  This she liked very much!

2. Green bell pepper.  She didn't like at first, with it's strong smell. I mixed with sweet potatoes for her to get used to the taste.

3.  Asparagus. She liked it instantly.

4.  Egg yolk. First protein food!  I just grated this and not used the blender.

5.  Chayote.  

6.  Steamed fish.  Second protein!  She liked it as well.

7.  Banana

8.  Rambutan slices.

9.  Mango

I started her with some fruits with very little slices, just to introduce the sweet taste.  Her's a picture of the baby, shirtless with one foot on top of her high chair tray.  All ready to eat!

 

Lolo and Euen

Since I gave birth, almost every weekend, we get to see Papa.  And almost every weekend, he will just look at Euen and talk to her. His famous line for Euen is, "ATATAWA."  Then instantly, Euen will look at his lolo and give him a smile.  And this never fails!  

But never did he asked to carry Euen in his arms.  During the first few months, I just thought maybe he's just scared because the baby's still fragile.  After a few months, the most the he has touched her grandaughter is letting Euen play with his finger. 

Until last weekend when we were all in the dining table, together packing snacks for my sister's work. The baby cried from her crib, wanting to join us.  So, lolo asked to put the baby on the dining table and he held Euen while we continued packing.  Though he didn't really carry the baby in his arms, I was happy to see Papa hugging Euen.  

I was never Papa's favorite and I couldn't remember when was the last time I gave him a hug or kiss.  But I am happy that he has Euen now, to hug and kiss.  And this, I will teach Euen until she grows old. 

Cheesecake Experiment

My sister's birthday gift for me is a hand mixer.  For the further exploration of my baking adventures.  And cheesecake is the first on my list.  This was a no-bake cheesecake.  And it's more of a cheesecake in a pie/tart pan.  

I followed the recipe but it was too late when I realized that my pan is bigger.  Thus, the crust was a little thin and there wasn't enough for the sides.  I used frozen strawberries as topping but this could be varied depending on who'll eat.

We had it frozen and we loved the taste when we ate it. Yey!