I got a great deal on sweet potatoes and asparagus today. I also bought 20 lbs. of potatoes to make dishes for some friends who have lost loved ones. While out buying the groceries, I heard a recommendation on The Splendid Table to serve mashed potatoes with browned onions and dill. Since we have an excess of all three of those ingredients, I decided we had to try it. The menu this week will be built around these main spring treats.

Have you been following the stories about the new rules set up for--or maybe against--bake sales in schools? Maybe you have an opinion. Or maybe you can think of more serious matters than how the local schools raise money for activities or football uniforms or whatever.

I had a two-fold reason for visiting Hoover's Essential Health, previously Economy Foods. I was looking for a cheaper grocery store in general, one that offered a larger variety of gluten- and dairy-free products given that more and more we're finding friends and family with such allergies. By visiting their website, I learned about their bakery and their deli for lunch. So then, I knew I just had to go so I could review dining there, too.

Just in case you've missed me the last couple of days, I have an explanation. Especially for my AWOL Sunday. The original tomato plant stand we had did not work for so many reasons. So, we rigged this tripod/teepee. It isn't quite as elegant as we had hoped for, but it likely will be successful in helping us fill the vacant gap of tomatoes in our household from the poor weather in Florida. Thank you, Paul, for spending your "lazy Sunday afternoon" putting it together. And thank you, Peter, for the engineering advice.

At the risk of sounding like I'm trying to convince myself, I repeat: I did not want to post my child all over my blog. However, it was evident today when it took me much longer to deal with the container garden than it should have that Nora will continue to be involved in every chore I do. And therefore will sneak into pictures here and there. I will just try to make sure they actually have a correlation to the story.

I was reading up on the qualities of spinach in The Full Plate Diet, when I learned that the term "a la Florentine" came from Catherine de Medici's love for spinach. This may not mean much to most people, but it hit a cool note with me as my brother- and sister-in-law met at an old Medici Villa, that has been turned into a college, where they both worked.

While Nora and I were outside enjoying the spring weather a couple days ago, I looked around sadly at our herb garden. I took a picture and decided I would share my desires and plans to improve our little urban garden. Mind you, this is not all of our garden, and I'm sorry to say, isn't the worst either. (The rocket is more depressing.) Fortunately, the rosemary on the front porch is considerably happier, which makes me not feel as bad.

I always said I wouldn't post my child all over the internet, but sometimes you just can't help it!

We're very excited to have my Aunt, Uncle and Cousin in town seeing Nora for the first time. So, all dinner plans are subject to quick change based on what the rest of the family is doing. However, it never hurts to have a plan just in case.

Paul and I are sorry the photograph leaves a lot to be desired, and I promise it does not do the recipe justice.

During my last trimester, I think I did some pretty good shopping. One thing I crazily purchased (but Paul agreed to buy it!) was Organic Quinoa at Costco. Naturally, I can't find the receipt to tell you how much the giant bag cost, but aside from it taking up a good deal of space in the pantry, I've decided it's well worth it.

Both Paul's folks and the December 2009 Delta magazine recommended this little gelato shop for its quality and unique flavors.

It was very cold, and slightly sprinkling. I'm not sure what we were thinking. But, it was kind of close; so, we went ahead and hiked to the location. We were saddened to learn that the window of the stand faced outside. There was no way of going inside to eat our ice cream in the heat. We were going to have to walk and eat to stay warm.

My unplanned last full week at work, a new Jimmy John's about a mile from one of our offices brought us free samples of their subs. Jennifer, our front desk queen, remembered that I was a vegetarian and selected a sample for me. When I was done with patients, I trekked on back to our kitchenette, and despite the depressing looks of the sandwich, pregnancy had me hungry enough to taste it anyway.

The weather has been mostly lovely in Orlando. And that's been quite appreciated as we have needed to get out and get fresh air. Sometimes, we get out and exercise. Other times, we bundle up a tad and sit by the pool and nap. However, yesterday I was too excited about my latest foodie mag, and Paul and Nora slept while I read it cover-to-cover.

Still catching up on posts from two months ago. Here's a picture of some divine looking juice at a grocery store in Chelsea Market in Manhattan, New York. We almost picked some up, but it wasn't pasteurized, and I was a bit nervous drinking it during pregnancy. It really did look tempting. I would invite someone to try it and tell us what they think. Just watch out for the expiration date. Look for the freshest dates. Watch because the juice expires quicker without pasteurization.

After our post nearly three weeks ago about our amazing trip to Paxia, our friends and photographers, Jim and Garrett, went to Paxia the next day (Friday). They had the same server we did and had the same incredible experience.

Times are tough. Many people are in need. We're blessed to both still have our jobs. However, in an effort to keep us both from being exceptionally stressed over money while I'm out on matrnity leave, I've tried to be as cheap as possible--especially looking for diapers on sale.

In case you've been wondering where I've been for the last week or so, I think the picture answers all questions. After some tough labor and complications, but with help of some amazing nurses and a very good physician, Nora came into the world and is now the highlight of our lives. We are so blessed and thankful to God for our little bundle of joy. Feel free to browse our MANY other photos on Paul's Flickr account. Simply click on the photo above, and it will take you to his page.

We dined at Infusion Tea tonight even though it wasn't as early as I had planned. Even at 5 and 6 o'clock, there was a nice stream of diners at the restaurant, which is always encouraging. Generally a full restaurant suggests a good restaurant.

Our first night eating local started off pleasantly in at a great little restaurant on Orange Ave. in downtown Orlando. Virgin Olive Market used to be on Clay, and I think the change in location surely must have increased its exposure. There was a nice, steady stream of customers during our entire dining experience. Virgin Olive makes the grade in a couple of areas. First, it is a fast, very friendly, and significantly cheaper restaurant than the two restaurants it's sandwiched in between.

Last night was our first baby shower. Paul couldn't attend because he was sick. The girls at my office did an amazing job of decorating and supplying me with some baby necessities. I'm so spoiled.

Notice what I looked like only three weeks ago. I'm four weeks away and although I generally move well, I lack much energy.