Newborn = New Life

Hello everyone! I am proud to announce that Samantha Nevya M. Cook was born on February 5th, at approximately 12:15 P.M. in Aurora, IL. I am so extremely glad this pregnancy is over and I can start my new life. And about this new life...

I must say that I am a lot more anxious about having to juggle a career, and raising 3 kids (and a husband ;P) much more than when I only had 2 kids running around. First off, it's more expensive. Second, the time management aspect of it all has just got me pinned to the wall. Can I really do this? Work full time? Be a mom and wife full time? Have time for myself? Have time with friends? Have time to cook and clean? The list is long and tedious and I just don't know. Everyone is telling me, "You're just going to make it happen." Am I really? I know for sure that I'm not the only woman having to do EVERYTHING, and I do find comfort in knowing that so many have done it successfully before me. But, can I?

I pride myself in making great food for my friends and family. I also take pride in knowing that great food doesn't mean it always has to be fancy-schmancy and out of the pages of a magazine. This is one area where I can show my loved ones how much I care and love them by putting the love in the food I make. Sounds cheesy, I know. But anyone can tell, even when eating in a restaurant, when the food was just slapped on the plate and brought to you to eat. There's just a certain something that makes the food taste better, simple or elegant, cheap or expensive, when there's thought and care put into it. So, you all can imagine how useless I've felt over the past couple of weeks being stuck in bed recovering and unable to cook for my beloved. I know, I know, I shouldn't beat myself up for it, I was recovering from delivering a baby for crying out loud! However, there is just something personally satisfying in knowing that I am feeding my family, that we're gathering together at the dinner table and sharing quality time together that many families (and even friends) are lacking these days. This is probably the reason why I love doing what I do and have made working in a restaurant a career. I love the idea that something so simple as food is something that is so incredibly necessary in everyday lives and brings people together, gives good health, and brings immediate and lasting satisfaction.

Over these next couple of months, I am very interested how my cooking style will change with this new life of mine. I am eager to share more experiences and recipes with you all soon.