A Recipe For You

Dear Hannah,

Are you still free? That is, gluten and dairy-free? If so, or even if not, here is a recipe for you! It is a great way to clean out the fridge from an over-exuberant shopping experience at the Farmer's Market.

Cube 5 little eggplants, 2 small zucchini, 1 tiny red onion, and one small red pepper. Get those Dorot spice pods from Trader Joe's. You need 2 garlic pods and 2 basil. Also get a tube of tomato paste.

In a large skillet, add 2 Tbs olive oil and heat on medium.

Add eggplant and cook for a few minutes.

Add onion and cook for a few minutes.

Add zucchini and cook for a few minutes.

Add the red pepper, some salt and pepper, the garlic and the basil, and about 2 Tbs tomato paste. Throw in some red pepper flakes if you feel like it.

If it looks dry, add more olive oil.

Cover and cook until veggies are tender on low heat.

Meanwhile... cook 1 cup of quinoa.

When that is done, mix it all up together and eat.

Yum.

Art!

Dear Hannah,

We finally hung Max's art up in the nursery. Of course, he has the best art in the house. The only thing missing is a Hannah McDonald original!
Love,
Ellen

BUZZ

Dear Ellen,

I went to the barber shop
I hopped up in the chair
I asked him for a buzz
and he shaved off all my hair!

That's right.  Little man wanted one and I said yes.

Dear Ellen, I just couldn't pass up this ducks in a row pic.  How's it?

MAX

Dear Ellen, You had a baby. Also, you sent the MOTHER of all birthday messages today: a movie of Max, held by Matthew, with your voice singing to me in the background. Oh. My. Word. And I have to say...he's really really cute. I love his little face. Can't wait to see more pics on here. I realize these things take time. You just get as much rest as you can. xo Hannah

Don't worry, Ellen, you'll have a bouncing baby soon. You will. xo Hannah

Baby Shower

Dear Hannah,

I still remember your baby shower with such fondness. Bowls of chili, copious amounts of lager (which I could drink!), good friends, and GAMES! Of course, Matthew and I dominated! My favorite was identifying the candy bars melted in the tiny diapers - yep that's right - guess the poop was my favorite. Mostly I remember you and Ben being so content with life - the life you had at that exact moment and with the little life growing inside you. I'm trying to channel that feeling right now. Can you believe that was more than four years ago?

 Well, my sisters were able to capture the same feel as your shower and put their own twist on it. The evening was beautiful. From the baby themed play list to the pictures all over the place of Matthew and me when we were babies, to the delicious food and cocktails to the company - it all made us feel so content with life.Thank you Allison and Erica!

Wish you could have been there!
Love,
Ellen