Truth be told, these are my favorite types of meal Truth be told, these are my favorite types of meals… platters where you can just pick at them while sipping wine and catching up with a friend. Chances are, if you come over for a meal, you’re getting an assortment of things to nosh on, maybe a mix of homemade appetizers… but just an array of deliciousness you can snack on whilst enjoying the evening. 

I’ve been wanting to make a lox platter for awhile now, so here we are. I sprinkled some Everything But the Bagel seasoning onto smoked lox and then added sliced cucumbers and radishes to the platter along with sliced bialys and crackers. Dipping items are a must so I included hummus and tzatziki. A fun platter just to nibble from, but a bialys sandwich with everything stuffed in it was pretty perfect too. Hope that gave you a little bit of inspo for something you can easily whip up too!
I had planned another type of post tonight, but in I had planned another type of post tonight, but in light of today’s news, it just doesn’t feel right. Some days it can be hard to find the sunshine, especially a day like today. I can’t make sense as to why things like today continue to happen while people spend copious amounts of energy worrying about banning books and drag shows. Make it make sense. Just make it fucking make sense. It doesn’t. You can’t. Until it does, use your voice. Show up to meetings. Sign the petitions. Text ACT to 644-33 to get involved (I did). Be so loud that you can’t be ignored, until things change. Thirteen school shootings this year. When is enough, enough?
Weekend photos in review, old school edition. Cont Weekend photos in review, old school edition.
Context: 1) Lola has zero chill in the car, 2) fulfilling request for Chicken Parm Penne with Vodka Sauce, 3) Sunday vibes 4) my favorite porchetta sandwich 5) from @butlerandtheboard 6) affirmations, 7) the sun was out today
Just like the moon, you’re whole no matter what Just like the moon, you’re whole no matter what phase you’re in. ✨ Got this one back in September and it’s one of my favorites. I sometimes forget it’s there until I get a random flash of it.
Happy #NationalPuppyDay to these two. I used to ca Happy #NationalPuppyDay to these two. I used to call Clifford an asshat, because he basically was. But there’s a new asshat in town… 🙄 Clifford is now a freaking rockstar. His tumor and age have slowed him down a LOT and he virtually never misbehaves, and we are seriously so proud of him. Lola, on the other hand, is still full blown PUPPY. Tonight I’m assembling a gate to replace the wooden one she ate through. 😂 Berners love wood and she is OBSESSED with being in the kitchen. So one new metal gate coming right up as soon as I can figure out how to put it together.
Last week when I met the owners of the new French Last week when I met the owners of the new French bakery in town, I told them how happy I was that they were opening … because now I had an endless source for gifts for my mom’s future birthdays and Christmases. She was born in Paris and we’ve grown up with a healthy appreciation for French things … starting with their pastries and baguettes, but so much more. My daughter took her first trip to Paris last year and thoroughly enjoyed the croissants there and she deemed the ones at @chocolatinenj just as perfect. No surprise there since the owner is a French pastry chef! If you’re local and haven’t been, do make a point to stop in and visit. They’re open Wednesday through Sunday and have a wide selection of sweet and savory items and a few French retail selections as well. We’ve tried the macarons, the Croque Monsieur, the croissants, the tomato tarts, the baguette … basically we’re working our way through their display case in due time. Don’t miss this one - enjoy!
People complain about how much time is spent on ph People complain about how much time is spent on phones sometimes, but if it wasn’t for phones. I wouldn’t have these awesome little snippets of them growing up. I only wish I had more. Appreciate and document the little mundane things, for they are the very fabric of your life.
happy Spring, friends! Y’all know how long I’v happy Spring, friends! Y’all know how long I’ve been waiting for the seasons to change and I’m so excited that Mother Nature was on board today! ☀️ There is nothing like the energy from the sun and it makes me happy. Hope you got some today!
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Sweetnicks

Food and Life

Introducing Madeline Olivia…

February 12, 2008 · Narrative

madeline

So I’ve been keeping this little secret for the past nine months or so, and trust me when I say it has been incredibly hard to do so. Please join me in welcoming the newest addition to the Sweetnicks family…

Madeline Olivia
Born 2/11/08
Weight 7 lbs, 11 oz
Length 20-1/2 inches

Nicholas is beyond thrilled to be a big brother and has been very excited for “our baby” to arrive.

Behind the scenes:

Fierce carpal tunnel that set in during month four, to the point where I still only have feeling in my two little fingers, the rest have been, and still are, completely numb.

Huge ankles that swelled up nightly to the size of an elephant’s. I kid you not. I could actually feel them puff up at the end of the day.

Feet that went from a size 10 (which was big enough, thankyouverymuch), to a size 11.5 starting around month 6 or so. Do you know how many shoes that are in size 11.5? Yeah, not many.

My first, and second, zit in my entire life. Uh yeah, and there was that little wart on my finger that she brought with her when she first arrived.

An instant and nine-month-long repulsion to sushi and ribs, even the mere mention of them… blech.

Her compulsion to sit her little baby butt on my ribcage during the day for hours on end.

But relatively speaking, an easy pregnancy, as it was with Nicholas, and every single second was absolutely worth it for this perfection. Our little Princess.

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Posted In: Narrative

Comments

  1. Sarah Caron says

    February 12, 2008 at 5:08 pm

    CONGRATULATIONS CATE!!!!

    She is beautiful.

    Reply
  2. Maddie says

    February 12, 2008 at 6:45 pm

    Congratulations Cate!!!!
    Just gorgeous, and those cheeks! Thank you for sharing this special moment :)

    Reply
  3. Kris says

    February 12, 2008 at 8:56 pm

    She’s beautiful! Congratulations to your family!

    Popular name for girls – my friend named their baby this – she was born in Dec.

    Reply
  4. Erika says

    February 12, 2008 at 9:10 pm

    Cate she is absolutely beautiful! Thank you so much for taking the time to post and share her a little bit. Congratulations and enjoy every minute!

    Reply
  5. Jancd says

    February 12, 2008 at 9:26 pm

    Kate, what a wonderful surprise. The name is beautiful. So glad you are both okay. Take care and take some time off from us and enjoy those kids. I’ll bet Nicholas is excited to be the big brother. Jancd

    Reply
  6. Josie says

    February 13, 2008 at 12:33 am

    Cate-
    She is beautiful!! Congratulations :) I hope you are getting pampered!!!

    Also, I love the site redesign :)

    Reply
  7. Val says

    February 13, 2008 at 12:38 am

    Congratulations, Cate and family! She’s just beautiful! Best wishes on your new bundle of joy! Are you going to be home in time for Valentine’s Day baking? (just kidding….;-)

    Reply
  8. krhm says

    February 13, 2008 at 1:14 am

    Congratulations…she’s gorgeous! Looking forward to watching her grow up on your blog too! :)

    Reply
  9. Tanya says

    February 13, 2008 at 1:29 am

    Wow! Congratulations!
    I can’t believe you managed to keep it quiet so long :)

    Reply
  10. Abby says

    February 13, 2008 at 3:02 am

    Congratulations on your new addition! She is beautiful! I can’t believe you have kept this a secret from us for 9 months! :-) Congratulations again!

    Reply
  11. Rachel says

    February 13, 2008 at 3:32 am

    She is beautiful! Nice job! I just had a baby girl, and she is the most wonderful thing! Enjoy your little bundle of joy!

    Reply
  12. sister says

    February 13, 2008 at 1:11 pm

    congratulations!! sophie is very excited to have a new little friend. also love the new site design – nice work!

    Reply
  13. Patsy says

    February 13, 2008 at 1:18 pm

    Cate & Family – congratulations! It must have been torture to keep from mentioning your pregnancy while blogging away all this time! I couldn’t see the picture yet (might be due to a work firewall or something), but I am sure she’s adorable.

    ps… love the new look of the site!

    Reply
  14. chris says

    February 13, 2008 at 1:19 pm

    im so happy for all of you. i cant wait to meet her. im tearing up just thinking about it.
    love to all of you
    chris

    Reply
  15. The Neighbor Husband says

    February 13, 2008 at 1:42 pm

    She is beautiful. Sunday dinner’s will have a new twist. Keeping Nicholas and the girlfriend quiet :)

    The neighbor husband

    Reply
  16. RecipeGirl says

    February 13, 2008 at 2:15 pm

    Congratulations! What a wonderful surprise. She’s beautiful :)

    Reply
  17. Sandy says

    February 13, 2008 at 5:55 pm

    Oh my, what a doll! Enjoy your little Valentine.
    Best,
    Sandy

    Reply
  18. Alisha says

    February 13, 2008 at 6:22 pm

    Congratulations! I’m impressed you kept it a secret. :) She’s beautiful and I’m sure Nicholas will make an awesome big brother!

    Love the new look of the blog too .. you have been busy!

    Reply
  19. Snarkmeister says

    February 13, 2008 at 10:44 pm

    Congratulations to the Sweetnicks family! That’s a heck of a secret to keep for nine months. And I am even more impressed that you kept up with cooking and blogging so diligently during the pregnancy….wow! What a superwoman!

    Madeline is gorgeous, and I really love the name choice. Congratulations again on your lovely new bundle of joy. :-D

    Reply
  20. The Sister In-Law says

    February 14, 2008 at 1:27 am

    Congratulations… she is absolutely adorable. I was having a Martini in Vegas when the Brother sent her picture. Of course I teared up.

    SIL

    Reply
  21. claire says

    February 14, 2008 at 3:51 am

    Congratulations, Cate and family! I thought your surprise might be that you’re pregnant…I did not expect a baby already! You did a fantastic job at keeping your secret. I’m sure Nicholas will be a wonderful big brother…I always wanted a big brother!

    Love the new site…I didn’t realize you were a .com! I’m a little behind here! Oh, I love her name, too. So sweet. Enjoy your little babe and get some rest.

    Reply
  22. Kalyn says

    February 14, 2008 at 3:53 am

    How on earth did you keep a secret like this for nine months! I don’t know why, but when you said you were taking a week or so off and when you came back you had a surprise, the idea of a new baby popped into my mind! (See, I’m psychic.)

    She is just beautiful and I think Nicholas will be a great big brother.

    The site looks great too. Congratulations.

    Reply
  23. Dani says

    February 14, 2008 at 4:44 am

    I knew you were pregnant and I knew you would be due anytime soon… I have no clue how I knew about your pregnancy but I have to say Madeline Olive is adorable!

    Congratulations – Mr. Sweetnicks and you did an awesome job ;)

    Reply
  24. Abbey says

    February 14, 2008 at 4:49 am

    CONGRATS CATE AND THE WHOLE SWEETNICKS CLAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    I was wondering why you had been so quiet in the blogosphere lately. : )

    She is beautiful!! And Madeline & Olivia are, honest to goodness, two of my all time fave names!!

    Congrats again!!

    Reply
  25. Melanie says

    February 14, 2008 at 5:39 am

    I have been a reader for a while but haven’t commented until now – how could I not comment to a post like this??? I’m so impressed (and shocked!) you kept this sweet secret for so long. She is precious and as a mother of three little ones it always makes for a tender moment to welcome a little baby into the world. Have a wonderful time getting to know your new little baby girl.

    Reply
  26. Judy says

    February 14, 2008 at 11:59 am

    Congratulations…your very own pink sous chef!! I am delighted for you and your family…there is nothing better than a newborn tucked under your chin…may all of her coming years be as wonderous as this first moments on earth!!!
    Your new site design is beautiful as is your daughter.
    I myself have a daughter and I am wishing for you to enjoy a special friendship with her as I have with my daughter. I have a son as well, although he is 37 now he is still Momma’s boy and will freely admit it.
    Congrats,
    Judy

    Reply
  27. Karen says

    February 14, 2008 at 1:50 pm

    oh my goodness. Congrats. I so excited and she is so beautiful.

    Reply
  28. Betsy says

    February 14, 2008 at 2:37 pm

    I had been reading your blogspot blog through my reader…I had know idea!!! Congrats about everything!!

    Reply
  29. Mansi says

    February 14, 2008 at 7:25 pm

    wow! that’s awesome Cate! CONGRATULATIONS!! this is fabulous, and I’m so happy for all of you!:)

    Reply
  30. Lisa Stokes says

    February 14, 2008 at 7:36 pm

    Congratulations on your beautiful baby girl!! I read your blog faithfully & had a feeling when you mentioned an announcement! Best of wishes to all of you!

    Reply
  31. Ana says

    February 14, 2008 at 8:30 pm

    Ohhh, Congratulations, she is the cutest little girl!!!
    Ana

    Reply
  32. Merry says

    February 14, 2008 at 11:03 pm

    Congratulations!!!! I would NEVER be able to keep a secret that long! :) She is beautiful.

    Reply
  33. rhoda says

    February 15, 2008 at 1:00 am

    congratulations! And what a beautiful name you gave her–I had to do a double take as I have always liked both names and had thought about naming my own child (whenever I had one!) that. :)

    Reply
  34. Kristen says

    February 15, 2008 at 4:09 am

    She is absolutely precious. Congrats to your family! Hope you are doing well.

    Oh an dPS – love the new look!

    Reply
  35. Kristen says

    February 15, 2008 at 4:11 am

    Oh – and btw… I wore a size 10 shoe. When I was pregnant with my third, I broke my right foot. Now, I wear a size ten on one side, size 11 on the other. How lovely is that?

    Reply
  36. Farmgirl Susan says

    February 15, 2008 at 11:56 am

    CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!

    I love her name. And I love the Sweetnicks redesign! Well done, you! And here’s hoping your fingers and ankles go back to normal soon. ; )

    xoxoxoxo

    Reply
  37. charise says

    February 15, 2008 at 6:27 pm

    Holy cow! What a secret – I would have a really hard time keeping quiet about it for 9 months! Congratulations!

    And I also had no idea of this blogspot-free site – love it!

    Reply
  38. Hélène says

    February 15, 2008 at 7:26 pm

    Congratulations! What a cutie.

    Reply
  39. Susan at Sticky,Gooey,Creamy,Chewy says

    February 16, 2008 at 4:24 am

    Congratulations Cate! She is gorgeous! You must be so thrilled. I have a Madeline too. You’re going to love picking out all of the beautiful, frilly, girly things for her!

    Reply
  40. nika says

    February 16, 2008 at 10:15 pm

    woo hoo!!!

    Millions of congrats!!

    Reply
  41. The Husband says

    February 16, 2008 at 11:17 pm

    First i would like to thank all of you sweetnick fans and readers for the nice wishes and comments i am touched by all. Now to my wife thank you for everything for the son you gave me my pride and joy and now for my little princess who is so beautiful just like you..Thank you my love for giving me the two best gift any man can get are my kids i live for them and you

    Reply
  42. Sarah says

    February 20, 2008 at 11:25 pm

    OMG!!!! Congrats to the nth degree Cate!!! Such a cutie!!

    Reply

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Truth be told, these are my favorite types of meal Truth be told, these are my favorite types of meals… platters where you can just pick at them while sipping wine and catching up with a friend. Chances are, if you come over for a meal, you’re getting an assortment of things to nosh on, maybe a mix of homemade appetizers… but just an array of deliciousness you can snack on whilst enjoying the evening. 

I’ve been wanting to make a lox platter for awhile now, so here we are. I sprinkled some Everything But the Bagel seasoning onto smoked lox and then added sliced cucumbers and radishes to the platter along with sliced bialys and crackers. Dipping items are a must so I included hummus and tzatziki. A fun platter just to nibble from, but a bialys sandwich with everything stuffed in it was pretty perfect too. Hope that gave you a little bit of inspo for something you can easily whip up too!
I had planned another type of post tonight, but in I had planned another type of post tonight, but in light of today’s news, it just doesn’t feel right. Some days it can be hard to find the sunshine, especially a day like today. I can’t make sense as to why things like today continue to happen while people spend copious amounts of energy worrying about banning books and drag shows. Make it make sense. Just make it fucking make sense. It doesn’t. You can’t. Until it does, use your voice. Show up to meetings. Sign the petitions. Text ACT to 644-33 to get involved (I did). Be so loud that you can’t be ignored, until things change. Thirteen school shootings this year. When is enough, enough?
Weekend photos in review, old school edition. Cont Weekend photos in review, old school edition.
Context: 1) Lola has zero chill in the car, 2) fulfilling request for Chicken Parm Penne with Vodka Sauce, 3) Sunday vibes 4) my favorite porchetta sandwich 5) from @butlerandtheboard 6) affirmations, 7) the sun was out today
Just like the moon, you’re whole no matter what Just like the moon, you’re whole no matter what phase you’re in. ✨ Got this one back in September and it’s one of my favorites. I sometimes forget it’s there until I get a random flash of it.

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Truth be told, these are my favorite types of meal Truth be told, these are my favorite types of meals… platters where you can just pick at them while sipping wine and catching up with a friend. Chances are, if you come over for a meal, you’re getting an assortment of things to nosh on, maybe a mix of homemade appetizers… but just an array of deliciousness you can snack on whilst enjoying the evening. 

I’ve been wanting to make a lox platter for awhile now, so here we are. I sprinkled some Everything But the Bagel seasoning onto smoked lox and then added sliced cucumbers and radishes to the platter along with sliced bialys and crackers. Dipping items are a must so I included hummus and tzatziki. A fun platter just to nibble from, but a bialys sandwich with everything stuffed in it was pretty perfect too. Hope that gave you a little bit of inspo for something you can easily whip up too!
I had planned another type of post tonight, but in I had planned another type of post tonight, but in light of today’s news, it just doesn’t feel right. Some days it can be hard to find the sunshine, especially a day like today. I can’t make sense as to why things like today continue to happen while people spend copious amounts of energy worrying about banning books and drag shows. Make it make sense. Just make it fucking make sense. It doesn’t. You can’t. Until it does, use your voice. Show up to meetings. Sign the petitions. Text ACT to 644-33 to get involved (I did). Be so loud that you can’t be ignored, until things change. Thirteen school shootings this year. When is enough, enough?
Weekend photos in review, old school edition. Cont Weekend photos in review, old school edition.
Context: 1) Lola has zero chill in the car, 2) fulfilling request for Chicken Parm Penne with Vodka Sauce, 3) Sunday vibes 4) my favorite porchetta sandwich 5) from @butlerandtheboard 6) affirmations, 7) the sun was out today
Just like the moon, you’re whole no matter what Just like the moon, you’re whole no matter what phase you’re in. ✨ Got this one back in September and it’s one of my favorites. I sometimes forget it’s there until I get a random flash of it.
Happy #NationalPuppyDay to these two. I used to ca Happy #NationalPuppyDay to these two. I used to call Clifford an asshat, because he basically was. But there’s a new asshat in town… 🙄 Clifford is now a freaking rockstar. His tumor and age have slowed him down a LOT and he virtually never misbehaves, and we are seriously so proud of him. Lola, on the other hand, is still full blown PUPPY. Tonight I’m assembling a gate to replace the wooden one she ate through. 😂 Berners love wood and she is OBSESSED with being in the kitchen. So one new metal gate coming right up as soon as I can figure out how to put it together.
Last week when I met the owners of the new French Last week when I met the owners of the new French bakery in town, I told them how happy I was that they were opening … because now I had an endless source for gifts for my mom’s future birthdays and Christmases. She was born in Paris and we’ve grown up with a healthy appreciation for French things … starting with their pastries and baguettes, but so much more. My daughter took her first trip to Paris last year and thoroughly enjoyed the croissants there and she deemed the ones at @chocolatinenj just as perfect. No surprise there since the owner is a French pastry chef! If you’re local and haven’t been, do make a point to stop in and visit. They’re open Wednesday through Sunday and have a wide selection of sweet and savory items and a few French retail selections as well. We’ve tried the macarons, the Croque Monsieur, the croissants, the tomato tarts, the baguette … basically we’re working our way through their display case in due time. Don’t miss this one - enjoy!
People complain about how much time is spent on ph People complain about how much time is spent on phones sometimes, but if it wasn’t for phones. I wouldn’t have these awesome little snippets of them growing up. I only wish I had more. Appreciate and document the little mundane things, for they are the very fabric of your life.
happy Spring, friends! Y’all know how long I’v happy Spring, friends! Y’all know how long I’ve been waiting for the seasons to change and I’m so excited that Mother Nature was on board today! ☀️ There is nothing like the energy from the sun and it makes me happy. Hope you got some today!

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