Things I’ve Noticed Since on Maternity Leave (that may or may not have anything to do with cooking)

Maternity leave, at least in the first four weeks, has been a blur of feeding Neva, changing Neva, hugging and kissing Neva, trying to clean the house, shop, and keep some sort of adult relationship going with the man.  Not as easy as I thought.  I have even let some things go by the wayside.  Toy left in the middle of the room?  I’ll pick it up later.  I now only sweep twice a day as opposed to my vigorous 3-4 times a day (I know, a bit much).  And my bleach fetish has come down a notch.  A small notch.

So I have noticed I’ve lightened up a bit,  figuratively speaking, but not really in my “figure”.  We shall touch on this later.

I’ve noticed certain things like:

• in the grocery store they sell bags of pre-mashed and buttered potatoes that just need to be  microwaved.  Tempting, but I’m not THAT far behind the eight ball yet.  And who is?  Who can’t find the time to boil, mash, and butter a potato? 

• I’ve noticed that I LIKE Major League Baseball after all, and that I may harbour a small crush on that long-haired San Fran Giants pitcher Tim Lincecum.  Perhaps a bit nerdy, but when you have tenderloin every night, sometimes you need a hanger steak to spice things up.

• I’ve noticed that gas has gone up, WAY up in price since I’ve given birth and had to fill The Subaru up for the first time in four weeks.  Is there an oil embargo that I’ve missed  while cooped up here on The Bench for the last 6 weeks?

• I’ve noticed young people drive like maniacs.  Yes I’ve said it.  I have officially reached the old and cynical age.
• I’ve noticed I weigh less then BEFORE getting pregnant, but that my pants can’t get over this new lovely curve of my hips that has taken place.  I’ve noticed this and have labeled it : UNFAIR.
• On a happy note I’ve noticed the HandMade Market has some really cool vendors, and I’m looking forward to some Christmas shopping.  Locally.  With some really cool artists.

• But best of all I’ve noticed a new little girl in my life who has finally noticed me.  She keeps her eye on me when feeding, and smiles at me in the morning.  Yes it’s a bona fide smile and not gas.  I know this because she smiles differently when she’s looking at the checkered pillow on the couch.  She smiles with her “eyes” when she looks at me 🙂

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Fresh from the oven!

For anyone who is an “earthling” or a regular at the winery patio, you will be delighted to hear that our eccentric and beloved Chef Isa DiIorio Mottiar and her handsome husband Shiraz have welcomed a lovely raven haired beauty into their lives.  On Saturday, September 18th, winemaker daddy was called away from the sorting table at Malivoire winery to assist in another important event. 

Isa with her new daughter Neva

Just after 8 in the evening little Neva Marie entered this world at a delicate 6 lbs and 9 ounces — petite and perfect!  No one other than our ever-photogenic Isa could look this good after 18 hours of labour!  Everyone is as happy as can be and doing well. 

Chef Isa has been out to The Good Earth to show off her little bundle of joy.  The day she visited, little Neva was in the thick of the chili being prepared by Chef Michael Pasto and proud “zio” Patrick Engel.  Showing her inborn culinary roots, she wrinkled her little nose with what we will interpret as delight and continued to slumber away.

By all accounts, little Neva is being a well behaved little girl.  We will try and persuade Chef Isa to pop out to our delecTable Harvest celebration so that our earthlings may have a chance to see Isa’s most creative effort to date.  Who knows, she may dilvulge her secret recipe to eager momma’s to be!

Welcome to our world, Neva!  Congratulations Isa & Shiraz!

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