Blackberry Crisp

3 cups blackberries

3 tbsp cornstarch

1/2 cup sugar

Mix and put into an 8x8 baking dish.

1 cup oats

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup flour

2/3 cup melted butter

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp vanilla

Mix and spread evenly over berries.  Tops with 1 tbsp sugar and 1 tbsp cinnamon mixed.  Bake at 375 for 30 minutes, or until topping is golden brown.

Blackberry Pie Filling

It's blackberry season and I'm taking full advantage of being home to try my hand at baking some things I've always wanted to try.  I made some blackberry pie filling, and then the pie.  It was so good, even if not the prettiest pie ever lol.  

Pie filling:
3 cups blackerries
1 cup sugar
juice of 1 lemon
3 tbsp cornstarch
2 tsp vanilla

Bake at 350 for 45 minutes to an hour.

Blackberry Simple Syrup

I love flavored iced teas and lemonades.   Maybe too much...  I started the search for a good berry syrup recipe so that I could make my own flavored iced tea at home and save some money.  This syrup hit the spot.  It's sweet, smooth, and easy to make.

3 cups blackberries

1 cup sugar

Place in saucepan on medium for 20-30 minutes, or until blackberries are soft.  Strain through cheesecloth or a fine mesh metal strainer.  Discard berries and keep the syrup. Serve with iced tea or lemonade.  

FYI, you can keep the berries to use for smoothies or pie filling!

A Day In Photos

Home.

Well we did it.  We brought our baby girl home.  Linus is totally in love with her.  He wants to be by her side at all times and make sure she's happy.  When she cries he coos "it's ok Lydia, it's no big deal." 😂😍  He tells her he loves her and is so excited that we are all home together.  From the mouths of babes.  Jon is more than a little smitten too.  Lydia is simply amazing and I'm so glad these two get to see her every day and experience her.  We traversed. the NICU and made it out on the other side.  I am so grateful to the nurses and doctors that cared for Lydia and made the last two months bareable. They are angels.  These next few months will be some of the hardest and busiest months we will face yet, but with each other, we will make it through.  My wonderful, crazy, beautiful family.  

Two Months Old. Aka this post was supposed to go up days ago but I forgot to publish it...

I'm Lydia Odette is two months old!  I can't believe it has already been two months.  Life flies in the NICU.  Lydia continues to make amazing progress and weighs 10 lb 13 oz and is 22 in long.  She is breathing entirely on her own and just needs to get oral feedings down.  

On an amazing note, we are slated to bring this little squish home...TOMORROW!!!!!!  I can't believe that we are coming back home at eight weeks old.  When I was pregnant, we were told we would be facing new a minimum stay of 4-6 months.  We are leaving after two.  This little girl is truly a warrior and has surpassed everyone's expectations.  I can't wait to get you home baby girl!  

Just another day

M