Do you know nice people?

I mean really nice people? People who are so nice it breaks your heart when anything doesn't work out perfectly for them? Well I know people like that. D is a really nice person. She is giving, kind, and loving. Her and her husband had been trying to have a child for a while, but had a very difficult time. When she finally got pregnant we were so happy for her. Happy because you can't think of a person who deserves happiness more.

Last week, she went in for her 6 month checkup and the doctors ordered an emergency C-section. She had her baby at 28 weeks. Her son was 1 1/2 lbs. He's connected to tubes and needles. It breaks your heart because, as I said before, no one deserves happiness more than D.

Today a couple of us went to visit her and bring stuff for the baby and food for D and her husband. Because the baby came so early, D didn't have anything ready, including clothes and toys. Kim and I made food to give D and her husband a break, since they're so exhausted. Kim made a ginormous lasagna, and since she knows I would take credit, she was smart enough to include a card from her. I made minestrone soup, Shawnda's bbq pulled pork, and manicotti.

D was of course, in great spirits and appreciated our visit. She regaled us with stories about how her son already has the nickname "Dennis the Menace" in NICU because he is so active and doesn't want to lie still. He pulls at his tubes and is already responding to light and sound. He sounds like a fighter to me! It was really good to see D and pictures of D's baby. She's such a positive person, and having a baby hasn't turned her into one of those crazy over-reactive mothers. I know the baby will continue to grow and get stronger, and with parents like D and her husband, I know he's in store for a lifetime of love.

Maternity Minestrone Soup
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable broth
3 red potatoes, chopped
2 zucchini, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
8 cherry tomatoes, quartered
1 cup grilled corn
oregeno
creole seasonings
ground pepper
salt
1 can kidney beans
1/2 cup rotini



1) heat oil in pot on medium high heat
2) Add onions and garlic, saute until onions are tender
3) Add vegetable broth
4) Add veggies
5) Season to taste
6) Bring to boil. Lower heat and simmer 5 minutes.
7) Add kidney beans and rotini, cook for additional 5 minutes, or until noodles are tender