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Tuesday, August 4, 2009

TWD: Banana Babycakes with Lemon Icing


Tuesdays with Dorie this week is brought to us by Mary, The Food Librarian, who chose the Classic Banana Bundt Cake. I was so happy when I saw this was her choice this week because I have been waiting, and waiting for someone to choose it! I made the bundt cake last year sometime and it was by far the best banana cake I've ever had. I loved the lemony icing on it as well.

This time I decided to make myself some banana babycakes and they were just as heavenly and good as I remember. This cake is moist, tender, light, fluffy and flavorful. It has a wonderful banana flavor and isn't too sweet. The tang of the lemon frosting is a really lovely accent.

As some of you already know, we have another reason around our house to think in baby sized portions - I am **surprise** pregnant again and expecting baby number 3. I'm due next March, which frankly, with my track record means who-in-the-heck-knows when I may have this baby. (Five days late the first time, 7 1/2 weeks early the second).


While we are both very happy about another addition to our family, it did come as quite a shock and surprise. We were 'preventing' another pregnancy and let's face it, I'm no fertile-myrtle (it took 2 years of trying to get pregnant with both other pregnancies). So, since I had my doctor's appointment to explore my permanent options all scheduled with my doctor, all we can think is that this was just meant to be and we have another little family member waiting to join us.

I won't lie and say that my initial reaction was positive. There. I said it. This is a very mixed up feeling. While this baby is very, very wanted... this pregnancy was not. I am sick. Ill. Exhausted. In short - a total train wreck. Sadly, this is the condition (only worsening) that I spend my entire pregnancies in. So, while most are giving us glad tidings, that was not my initial response. I absolutely freaked out. Complete and total panic. All I thought was - "I can't do this again!!" The thought of going through another pregnancy so sick, then having it end in another NICU experience due to HELLP's Syndrome (which I will more than likely have again) absolutely terrifies me. Completely. Most of the time I am keeping the panic in check... but not lately.

While I am trying to keep it together and keep life on an even keel, fate is not helping matters AT ALL. My short-lived zen was rudely destroyed this past Friday when I was also laid off from my job - basically the only job I had any hope of holding down (no pun with my sickness intended, but there you go) during this pregnancy and the long recovery that will come after it. (I was working from home doing marketing for a financial planning firm). Basically, the company I work for answers to another company above them who has decided to in effect create their own marketing department, tell the agents they must use that department, and therefore inadvertently obliterate my job. Awesome.

My point, my lovely friends is this. I don't know what the heck I'm going to do, but I'm not giving up on my happy place here. No matter what. I may not be posting as much since it is really tough to get in the kitchen right now, but I will be here as much as I can and don't want to lose this too. I may not be as happy or positive as I've tried hard to be in the past, but I don't think any of you will begrudge me that.

The outpouring of support I've received from this community already has been amazing and uplifting, so please, keep coming back. I love you all!

57 comments:

Nina said...

Congrats on the baby. Although I will be completely honest and say that I know nothing of how losing a job and having a baby is like, but I know that many of us are behind you all the way and my motto through life is to just be happy and bake =]. Things may get in the way, but never stop doing what you love.

Manggy said...

Oh Holly, you can always be yourself around us. Sorry to hear about your job: I'm not sure you'll be looking for another one till long after you've given birth, but I wish you luck and happiness.
Congratulations on the baby-- I'm not sure I'd say it's more than likely you'll get HELLP again, though it's more probable than normally. I hope from the bottom of my heart you will not and this pregnancy will go fantastically smoothly.

Rachelle S said...

Congrats on your pregnancy!! Your babycakes look great!

Engineer Baker said...

Oh goodness Holly, I'm so happy and sad and worried - yikes! Not the calmest time for you, is it? I hope things get better and you continue to find that happy place that is our lil food blogging world!

Snooky doodle said...

these cupcakes look delicious! I m happy for your pregnancy . Hope it won t be as tough this time. I was born at 6.5 months and hopefully I m fine :) so don t be overpanicked.

Michele said...

Your cupcakes look lovely. I hope this pregnancy is not as hard as your others. I'm sorry that you're having a tough time.

Amanda said...

Yiles Holly, quite a turn of events. Congratulations on your new family member in waiting, and I am so sorry to hear about your job as well as how difficult your pregnancies are. The cupcakes look WONDERFUL.

I think everything happens for a reason. I'm sure there's a reason you lost that job, it just hasn't reared its head yet. Things will work out!

We loved this cake and I will definitely be making it again. By request too!

Pamela said...

Holly, I seriously wish you nothing but the best! I hope that this pregnancy is not as rough as the others and look forward to meeting the littlest Phe-nom! Feel good and post when you can, we'll be here waiting!
I agree with Amanda in that everything happens for a reason. Hang in there!
Beautiful pictures, too. Who know a little cake sliced in half could look so absolutely stunning!

Barbara Bakes said...

Love your babycakes. I always like a higher icing to cake ratio!

I had a really difficult pregnacy with my twins, so I can definitely sympathize. Hang in there! It will be worth it in the end.

chocolatechic said...

Awwwhhh.....congratulations.

The Food Librarian said...

Holly, Congratulations on your soon-to-be new addition...and I wish you the best of luck. You have a strong spirit so I know you'll get through it. Know that we are all thinking of you!

Thanks for baking along with me this week. Your cupcakes are just too cute for words. - mary the food librarian

Jules Someone said...

Oh my. Hugs and hugs and hugs. Your cake looks yummy. I hope that it eased a bit of the illness.

Anonymous said...

Oh my, Holly... that's a lot of news! One step at a time, one foot in front of the other. And we'll be waiting in the kitchen for whenever you can make it by. :) ::hugs::

(PS - your babycakes look wonderful!)

Marie said...

Hooray! I'm so happy for you! I can't wait to meet the new little Hanks. I wish you the best in the world for your pregnancy and delivery. Hang in there!

kendahl a. said...

I'm sorry you feel not so great! I was hoping to see you at SSR but April told me you hadn't been feeling well. :(

Amy of Sing For Your Supper said...

Oh my goodness, Holly....my husband and I will surely be praying for you - I know a baby is a blessing (and definitely will be for your family!), but I understand your feelings....I'm so sorry you're so sick all the time. That totally sucks. And your job...I am so very sorry. Please know that you're in my thoughts. Keep baking and keep your chin up!


-Amy
www.singforyoursupperblog.com

Erin said...

Holly,
I've been lurking around your site for some time, and I'm always inspired by your creativity in the kitchen. I'm sorry to hear that you're a "total train wreck" right now, but from what I've seen on your blog, you'll be making lemonade out of these lemons in no time! I'm thinking about you! (And your babycakes look delicious!)

kristin maynes said...

You're pictures are sooooo YUMMY!!

Frieda Loves Bread said...

Congrats on your pregnancy and positive attitude! Do whatever makes you happy~

Sihan said...

The babycakes definitey suit the mood now. Congrats on the baby. And i sincerely hope you get well soon! *pats on the back*.

Kalyn Denny said...

Julie and Julia is playing at 1:10 on Friday August 7 at the Century 16 Theaters on 3300 South and State. You're invited to come and see the movie with us and then meet back at my house after for pot-luck snacks and a lot of good dishing about the movie. (I'll be writing a piece for BlogHer.com about how food bloggers like the movie, so you might also get a chance to get some exposure for your blog.)

Please e-mail me at kalynskitchen (at) comcast (dot) net if you can come and I'll write back and give you my home address. People can come to my house and drop off food before the show if you'd like, or just meet us at the theater about 12:45.

I probably won't get this message to everyone, so feel free to invite other Utah food bloggers.

NicoleD said...

Oh, goodness! Congrats and I hope things get better :) You and your blog are surely appreciated!

What's for Supper? said...

Congratulations! Take it one day at a time. I hope that this is an easy, worryless pregnancy for you. As for the cake....the frosting looks fantastic. I think now that maybe I should have tried it.

Melanie said...

Holly - well, first, congratulations on your pregnancy. I know it is coming with mixed emotions but you are a fantastic mother and this little one is blessed to be coming to you. Secondly, I'm so sorry about your job. I am amazed at your positive outlook. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Isabelle said...

Your cupcakes look delicious!
Congratulations on the baby and I wish you the best of luck.

Hindy said...

Oh my. You've been handed the full dozen cupcakes, so to speak. I think if you stick to the adage that when life hands you brown bananas, make babycakes - you'll weather it just fine.
Remember, we're all out here - talkers and lurkers. You're in our thoughts.

k.a.r.e.n said...

Your baby cakes look amazing.

Bummer about your job but Congratulations on the pregnancy! I, too, freaked out & cried my brains out when I found out i was pregnant (BabyM is 21 months today). I love her to death but i was a miserable prego so i feel for you! But you will overcome all this.

Good luck with everything!

Gourmified said...

Holly, I love you and wish you all the best through this tough time. Good luck!

Your babycakes look yumm-o and I really LOVE the way you made your announcement. Way to go!

**Loves & Hugs**

Nancy/n.o.e said...

You've got quite the assortment of events and emotions right now, Holly - never a dull moment! Even with all the worries, I know that you will grab the little positive things (like yummy babycakes) and piece them together into a quilt of contentedness.

Flourchild said...

Great looking cake. The glaze looks over the top wonderfully good!

TeaLady said...

I am sooo happy for you, but I feel your pain. Being sick the whole time is the pits. But you know we are ALL there for you in spirit.

BTW love the Baby Cakes.

Jodie said...

Holly- I feel your pain, sister. I was 3 months pregnant when I got laid off from my job this past Feb. And pregnancy is no day at the beach for me, either! But we just had a healthy baby boy last week and you realize how blessed you are and that you'll be taken care of. Congrats on your pregnancy. Hang in there and know we're all here- faceless but supportive nonetheless! :)

Unknown said...

You certainly have a lot going on right now Holly. I wish you all the best and hope you know that we'll all be thinking of you! Your babycakes are gorgeous!

Kasha said...

Wow! Congrats on your pregnancy, but I feel your worry. I was very sick through my pregnancy and sometimes I hate myself for thinking maybe one child is enough. I of course will have more, but just know I have so much sympathy for you with all of your worries. You are super talented I hope your job loss can be a blessing in disguise and someone will recognize your gifts and hire you to blogging from home. Let me know if I can help!
Kasha

Tammy said...

congratulations on your pregnancy. I am too - due 4 Feb, this is my first and we are very excited. your cake looks wonderful too

margot said...

Holly, thanks for sharing so much with us; best wishes and positives thoughts for you and your family.

Marthe said...

OMG, this first picture has got me drooling behind my computer!!

Kayte said...

Since we have discussed and congratulated on Twitter about the baby (still thinking pink here), I will just comment on the little baby cakes today...so so cute. I love that drippy icing on them. Baby cakes, how cute, and how appropriate for announcing such wonderful news!

Anonymous said...

Your banana baby cakes looks great! I'm digging the icing. It looks fabulous!

steph- whisk/spoon said...

oh boy--that is a lot to have going on...good and bad news all mixed up together. you are a strong lady, so all be fine. xoxo.

oh, ps: love the babycakes! :)

Mary Ann said...

Congrats! What exciting news! I hope that the all day sickness doesn't last too long and that everything else goes smoothly.
The cakes look fab!

Cookin' Canuck said...

Holly, I'm sorry to hear about your job. How stressful! Congratulations on your pregnancy - I hope you start to feel better very soon. These babycakes look scrumptious and moist! I'm looking forward to meeting you tomorrow.

Camille said...

A ray of sunshine will shine through these rainstorms for you soon. It has to! Congratulations on the little one coming. I hope the pregnancy woes ease up soon. And those of the job loss as well! :( In the meantime we as your readers will rejoice in the beauties of your baked items! Thanks for the sweet recipe.

Anonymous said...

Wow, Holly, you do have a lot going on. Congratulations on baby #3!! I hope you feel better soon. I'm very sorry to hear about your job situation, but just remember when one door closes another one opens. I know there's something amazing for you just around the corner. Stay positive, be patient, and pray. I know, easier said than done. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

Unknown said...

I adore you. I am happy for you. I completely understand the feeling of dread the comes with a pregnancy. Although the baby is wanted, the sickness is not. 9 months is a very long time to be sick, and not be yourself.

Love you!
If you wanna have a i'm-not-feeling-well party we can have one together! -k-

Evonne

Di said...

Hang in there, Holly! Congrats again, and I hope that things are going as well as they can right now.

Unknown said...

Congratulations...and know that I'll be pulling for you and the little one to have a safe and not-too-terrible-feeling pregnancy. Speaking from 2x experience, March is a fantastic time to have a baby - just think, by this time next year, you'll have a pair of little chunky thighs to haul around. And I know you'll find something great job-wise when the time is right - onwards and upwards!

And - gorgeous little baby cakes!

Leslie said...

(((Holly))) Sometimes good things have to be unwrapped a little at a time. This pregnancy obviously happened because it was meant to, and so you must know that it's something you can handle or it wouldn't have been given to you. We love you and your posts and fewer posts will only make them even sweeter to anticipate!

Love the baby cakes! Wish I had one right now.

Gabi said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Gabi said...

Oh Holly! Wowsers life has presented you with a lot to deal with right now.
Along with many prayers and blessings that life is opening a window for you as another door closes, I send you many good wishes for a healthy pregnancy. Please know that I am here if there is something I can do to help.
xo
P.S. I loved seeing you and the boys at Kalynn's on Friday- I'm so glad you came :)

La Cuisine d'Helene said...

This looks so good. I'll come back for more. Hope you have a great pregnancy. xoxo

Helene said...

Oh dear Holly....I can understand the mix of emotions going through your head. If I could have this baby for you, you know I would!!No one should ill of you for felling the way you do given your past pregnancies and your work situation. If they do, they are either saints themselves (and we know how often these come by) or have had things handed on a silver plater up until now.
Keeping you in my thoughts for better and easier days to come.

Helen McGinn said...

Hi, I am loving your blog and plan to read it from cover to cover. I just wanted to let you know that I'm mentioning schnecken on my blog...I made it for the first time today and I'm directing people to your blog to see how it should be done. Yours was so much more professional than mine but oh my goodness, how wonderful are they? I hope you don't mind but if you do, please let me know and i'll remove the link. Thanks!
Helen x

Katrina said...

Well, I was out of town last week and didn't get to as many TWD posts as I wanted. So after just commenting on your brownie buttons that I didn't know you were pregnant, I feel a little better knowing you just announced it last week. And I'm REALLY sorry about being sick. Maybe this one will surprise you and you'll feel better after the first trimester! ;)
Sorry about the job. My mom was just laid off her job of 12 years (public library) because they were told to cut back by picking someone full time with benefits. Crazy economy!!!
I'm sure things will work out best for you.
And I love your little banana cakes!!! I loved this recipe, too!

Aimée said...

First off, congratulations! I'm a third child myself, and I can tell you, they are special.

So sorry to hear you are feeling poorly. Rest up and contact everyone in your support system--don't be proud to ask for help!

Thought and prayers are with you. Keep us posted.

Unknown said...

Holly, Congratulations on your surprise! Hope all will be well with you and your family. I am a believer in -there are no mistakes! love your blog. Hope to meet in person sometime soon.

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