a lunar new year round-up

Happy Lunar New Year!

A snapshot of the new year around here: This prescient lady’s comic series keeps popping up on my social media feeds and, as we’re heading into the last few weeks of B4’s residency in Casa Mama, I have to say she’s onto something. B2 has been doing even more around the house with Luke than usual, despite being busier than ever at work, and even with that, the difference between this point in my pregnancy with Luke and the current state of affairs is comical. Last time I was busy drizzling glazes on Bundt cakes and posing with platters of scones the few weeks before Luke made his appearance. This time around, we’ve all been felled with a bug he brought home from preschool, and pretty much all I am doing is my best imitation of a beached whale, lying on the couch buying Magic Beans and going fishing, and just managing to shuffle to the kitchen to make a 30-minute pot of shortcut dduk guk for the new year. I’m the inspiring stuff moms are made of.

Still! I think I have some leftover dumplings nestled somewhere in the freezer and I am pretty sure that there’s nothing in the rule books that say instant noodles are less long-life than any other noodles, so all is not lost for our new year’s celebration. All kidding aside, Lunar New Year has always been a holiday that embodies family for us, and the fact that it’s falling just before our little family is scheduled to grow by one does make it feel even more special than usual. Despite the fatigue and sniffles in our household lately, we’re cherishing every cuddle, (germy) kiss, and bedtime lullaby with Luke while it’s still just the three of us, even while we are also so excited for all the adventures in store when he becomes a big brother.

In the event you’re feeling more ambitious in the kitchen than me this week (and haven’t already squared away your plans for Lunar New Year), here’s a little collection of recipes for your consideration. You can also find a few words of mine on Lunar New Year here and here! Wishing everyone a happy, cozy Lunar New Year filled with friends, family, and food, and a prosperous Year of the Pig.