A Week into Parenthood

It's hard to believe that we are already a week into parenthood.

I feel like we are on a crash learning course and every day brings a new experience and a new lesson that no amount of reading, interviewing other parents or watching Oprah could prepare us for.

I think I can sum it up in one word: Love

The day that Nash was born I felt like the Grinch who's heart grew 3 times the size that day!

I knew that I loved Isaac and that he would always make a wonderful father. What I didn't know is that having a child together would give him the opportunity to win my heart all over again. I am amazed at how natural this whole thing is for him and the bond he has with his son is adorable. What woman wouldn't fall for that? But what makes him irresistible is how much he has raised the bar in husbandhood. A man that says you have never looked more beautiful than the moment after giving birth, that just isn't something you can train. He was the rock of our little family that day and everyday since and I can't believe I snagged such a great guy. (He was a bit of a diamond in the rough, thank God I have always had an eye for things that sparkle.)

I had no idea I could love something so tiny so much. Even though I have heard it said many times that there is no greater love than from a parent to a child; I couldn't truly grasp this concept until Nash came into the world last week and looked up at me with those goopy eyes that said "Hello, there is nothing else on Earth that you will love as much as me."

I think I even love Tia more because she is handling the transition so well. She is super protective of Nash and has accepted him as part of our pack. She sits next to him and guards him like he is her puppy.

Today I read Nash a book that was a childhood favorite "Love You Forever" and cried massive tears of happiness, clarity and wisdom because I now understand what that book is all about.

Crying is a big thing for the Gerke family as of late. Any time I think about Isaac, Nash, the birth or anything else I cry because everything has purpose and intention now. When the Bible says the fruit of the womb is a reward, He isn't kidding. There is so much reward and knowledge in parenthood and we are just beginning.

So the big lesson this week is love. Oh, and I need to buy stock in Kleenex.

Obsession

Hello, my name is Lia Gerke and I am a kitchen appliances addict.

I am completely addicted to kitchenware. Not just appliances (although they are my true love) but all kitchenware in general.

I believe my obsession began when I was 19 and had just moved out of my parents house into my own apartment. My mom bought me my first Crockpot along with some fab recipes (I will have to post some of those later) and thus began the love affair.

I quickly began asking for all kinds of kitchen appliances for birthdays, Christmas, etc. When I got married I received a few really great gadgets, and as I explored those, something happened.

I realized that not only did a whole world of these fantastic kitchen toys exist, BUT there were bigger, better, and name brand kitchen appliances that were just waiting for me to take a hold of all of their glory to bake and cook like a pro!!

Every year for my birthday or Christmas I receive at least one kitchen appliance that I have begged for. Thankfully, my loving husband and family, don't judge me for my food gadget fetish, they indulge me in it!

It's true that I own nearly every kitchen appliance known to man, but I do have a few favorites that I just have to write a little love note to.

My Beloved KitchenAid Commercial Grade Mixer,

You entered into my life on a Christmas morning as a lovely present. It was love at first spin. I couldn't believe how much batter you could hold in your commercial size bowl and how the arm lowers and lifts so that I can fill your bowl with ease. You whip up such delights and you never fail me. I am amazed by you.

Darling, newest member KitchenAid Blender,

When you entered into my life on my birthday this year, it was if I had been waiting for you my whole life. The way you puree the fruit and spinach in my smoothies is a work of art and I never tire of watching you create. I can honestly say that I am head over heels in love with you and it's only been 3 weeks.

My one and only CuisinArt Food Processor (well that's not true, you have a little brother for small jobs like chopping onions and mincing garlic)

You can do more for me than almost any other food gadget. You chop, shred, even make bread dough and today you literally made my dreams come true.

I had a dream that I made the most delicious scones for my co-workers and we were all happily eating them in sales meeting. I found a recipe using your all powerful chopping blade and did indeed make the most wonderful homemade scones that everyone delighted in. You are the reason for this blog post and I never miss a day that I don't thank God you came into my life. I love you, now and forever.

For those of you who just don't understand this love affair I have with my kitchen appliances, I am so sorry you will never know true joy in your kitchen.

For those of you who do understand, let us take a moment to just relish in how blessed we are to own these incredible pieces of kitchenware.

Here's to excellent cooking and baking in all of our future.