Here I chronicle the struggles, blessings, and daily life of our family.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Hospital Candids
Hubby took quite a few pics of our littlest arrival - here a few of the candids from our stay :)
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Back after Baby!
Introducing Baby #3!
Finally! She's here!
June 6, 2012 7:49pm 6lbs 3.6oz, 17.5"
At 41 weeks, the doctor decided to try an induction to avoid another c-section. So, at 7am, my husband and I went in to the hospital and started the process.
I have terrible veins....they just don't take IVs well at all. It's almost like my veins weren't MADE to have sharp objects stabbed into them.....
Anyway, before they started my IV, my doctor came in to say good morning before she started her surgeries and appointments for the day. My husband reminded her that I have difficult veins, and she went in search of the best nurse to put in the line. She came back with the nurse who was already assigned to our room. Nice to know we already had the best nurse! She put the line in on the first try, a first for me with an IV. I had never had a line put in with fewer than 4 sticks before, so I was feeling pretty good as we started the day.
I'll fast forward through most of the labor, saying only that Pitocin is really not fun! My levels were increased every 30 minutes and by lunchtime, I was in active labor and definitely feeling it. Soon the epidural came (which I wasn't really sure I wanted to do when I started, but would have happily shoved in my own spine by the time it got there!). It made me a little too numb down my right side and not really numb enough on my left side. I also had the same problems with shock that I had with my spinal block when I had LB, but even a little relief was welcome.
After 12 hours of constant contracting and increasing levels of drugs, it was time to welcome the little one into the world. After some minutes of pushing (my husband and I have differing views on how long....he thinks it was about 10 minutes, I thought it was about a year), we welcomed a healthy little girl into the world that evening. And I do mean little....at one week overdue, she was just over the 6lb mark!
She was really no worse for the extra cooking time, aside from a little merconium in the fluid. She scored a 9 and a 10 on the Apgar, so we were relieved that she hadn't suffered any ill effects with her long cooking time and all the concerns from low progesterone in the beginning of pregnancy to concerns that her growth was off at the end.
It took me about an hour to stop shaking and pull it together after baby was born and then a few family members stopped by to see her before bedtime.
She was born on a Wednesday and Friday afternoon we were on our way home. Hubby went back to work Monday and I was out and about picking up LB from camp Monday afternoon.
Being able to be active after having the baby has been such a blessing. I feel a little more back to normal and stronger every day. With a couple noticeable exceptions, baby is sleeping well at night and I've been appreciating that after two girls who didn't sleep for the better part of a year!
I'm doing pretty well with 2 little ones under a year, but having my mom friends dropping off meals has really been a lifesaver!
More pictures to follow - SB is making noises like naptime is over!
June 6, 2012 7:49pm 6lbs 3.6oz, 17.5"
At 41 weeks, the doctor decided to try an induction to avoid another c-section. So, at 7am, my husband and I went in to the hospital and started the process.
I have terrible veins....they just don't take IVs well at all. It's almost like my veins weren't MADE to have sharp objects stabbed into them.....
Anyway, before they started my IV, my doctor came in to say good morning before she started her surgeries and appointments for the day. My husband reminded her that I have difficult veins, and she went in search of the best nurse to put in the line. She came back with the nurse who was already assigned to our room. Nice to know we already had the best nurse! She put the line in on the first try, a first for me with an IV. I had never had a line put in with fewer than 4 sticks before, so I was feeling pretty good as we started the day.
I'll fast forward through most of the labor, saying only that Pitocin is really not fun! My levels were increased every 30 minutes and by lunchtime, I was in active labor and definitely feeling it. Soon the epidural came (which I wasn't really sure I wanted to do when I started, but would have happily shoved in my own spine by the time it got there!). It made me a little too numb down my right side and not really numb enough on my left side. I also had the same problems with shock that I had with my spinal block when I had LB, but even a little relief was welcome.
After 12 hours of constant contracting and increasing levels of drugs, it was time to welcome the little one into the world. After some minutes of pushing (my husband and I have differing views on how long....he thinks it was about 10 minutes, I thought it was about a year), we welcomed a healthy little girl into the world that evening. And I do mean little....at one week overdue, she was just over the 6lb mark!
She was really no worse for the extra cooking time, aside from a little merconium in the fluid. She scored a 9 and a 10 on the Apgar, so we were relieved that she hadn't suffered any ill effects with her long cooking time and all the concerns from low progesterone in the beginning of pregnancy to concerns that her growth was off at the end.
It took me about an hour to stop shaking and pull it together after baby was born and then a few family members stopped by to see her before bedtime.
She was born on a Wednesday and Friday afternoon we were on our way home. Hubby went back to work Monday and I was out and about picking up LB from camp Monday afternoon.
Being able to be active after having the baby has been such a blessing. I feel a little more back to normal and stronger every day. With a couple noticeable exceptions, baby is sleeping well at night and I've been appreciating that after two girls who didn't sleep for the better part of a year!
I'm doing pretty well with 2 little ones under a year, but having my mom friends dropping off meals has really been a lifesaver!
More pictures to follow - SB is making noises like naptime is over!
Thursday, May 31, 2012
In the Garden....
I'm impatient. I also have a tendency to complain. A lot. This adds up as the perfect storm for some real whining when the baby you've tried for and have been waiting on for nearly six years stays in past her due date. I mean really, that extra five years of trying wasn't enough of a wait? But seriously, I've been thinking about my tendency to whine and how this could be a really miserable time right now. I will probably not be able to hold back all sarcastic, "you better get out of there baby" comments, but I am working to be a pleasant person this week as we wait on the LONG-awaited daughter.
The first conscious effort is trying to offer up this anxious waiting for all of those I know in need of prayer - for the woman fighting inoperable cancer, the family navigating the mental illness of a child, the friend with a very risky pregnancy, the couple desperately longing for a child.....for all of these people I can offer up my small amount of suffering.
Reflecting on how to offer up my waiting for others, it got me thinking about lots of examples of people who have had harder waits than mine. Maybe the most universally known is Jesus in the Garden. When I feel the temptation towards self-pity, I think about the vigil of Jesus....so desperate as to sweat blood and all alone as those he trusted the most and was closest to fell asleep around him. How blessed I am that I don't wait alone. While I might be the only one going through the labor part, so many stand beside me physically, spiritually and emotionally as I await this baby.
At 36 weeks, we started having some concerns about baby's growth. A couple weeks later, the fluid levels had dropped around baby and she still wasn't growing very fast. I reached out to my friends and family for prayer. Over the next couple of days, I physically felt the grace of those around me praying for us. I felt peace and surety in the midst of such uncertainty.
Last week, I had an ultrasound that showed fluid levels had stabilized and increased slightly, baby was growing well and the pregnancy could progress without an emergency c-section. This Wednesday marked 40 weeks. I feel her grow stronger and more responsive by the day. While I'm anxious to have her out, I realize the blessing that she was able to stay in and grow thus far.
Next Wednesday, we will try an induction. The doctor isn't going to force baby to be born, just going to give me low levels of hormone to try to get the party started. If it doesn't work, I'll go home, get some rest and try again in a few days. Of course, I hope that baby comes before we're on to synthetic starts, but I'm making my peace with the extra wait and hoping that the induction is successful the first time, should it go that far.
In addition to offering up my wait (when I'm able to stop feeling sorry for myself!), I'm making an active effort to soak up some time with my two girls that are at home right now. Lots of extra snuggles with SB and even a park day with LB. I used my new Mother's Day/birthday camera to take a few pictures. I can share the ones of LB, so here you go =D
I'll keep you posted and look forward to posting baby pics very soon! Prayers always welcome!
The first conscious effort is trying to offer up this anxious waiting for all of those I know in need of prayer - for the woman fighting inoperable cancer, the family navigating the mental illness of a child, the friend with a very risky pregnancy, the couple desperately longing for a child.....for all of these people I can offer up my small amount of suffering.
Reflecting on how to offer up my waiting for others, it got me thinking about lots of examples of people who have had harder waits than mine. Maybe the most universally known is Jesus in the Garden. When I feel the temptation towards self-pity, I think about the vigil of Jesus....so desperate as to sweat blood and all alone as those he trusted the most and was closest to fell asleep around him. How blessed I am that I don't wait alone. While I might be the only one going through the labor part, so many stand beside me physically, spiritually and emotionally as I await this baby.
At 36 weeks, we started having some concerns about baby's growth. A couple weeks later, the fluid levels had dropped around baby and she still wasn't growing very fast. I reached out to my friends and family for prayer. Over the next couple of days, I physically felt the grace of those around me praying for us. I felt peace and surety in the midst of such uncertainty.
Last week, I had an ultrasound that showed fluid levels had stabilized and increased slightly, baby was growing well and the pregnancy could progress without an emergency c-section. This Wednesday marked 40 weeks. I feel her grow stronger and more responsive by the day. While I'm anxious to have her out, I realize the blessing that she was able to stay in and grow thus far.
Next Wednesday, we will try an induction. The doctor isn't going to force baby to be born, just going to give me low levels of hormone to try to get the party started. If it doesn't work, I'll go home, get some rest and try again in a few days. Of course, I hope that baby comes before we're on to synthetic starts, but I'm making my peace with the extra wait and hoping that the induction is successful the first time, should it go that far.
In addition to offering up my wait (when I'm able to stop feeling sorry for myself!), I'm making an active effort to soak up some time with my two girls that are at home right now. Lots of extra snuggles with SB and even a park day with LB. I used my new Mother's Day/birthday camera to take a few pictures. I can share the ones of LB, so here you go =D
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Holding my Breath...
This pregnancy has flown by for the most part. With the notable exceptions of waiting for my first ultrasound to confirm baby was not ectopic and that really long month of shots (thank heavens it wasn't longer!), the time has shot past me at lightning speed.
I just passed the 38 week mark last Wednesday. At the 36 week mark, I had an ultrasound that confirmed baby girl is indeed in the correct head-down position. This rejoicing lasted until the doctor's appointment where I found out baby is not thriving at the expected rate. The concern is IUGR, or intrauterine growth retardation. The little peanut was weighing about 5 1/2 lbs and was measuring 34.3 weeks at the 36 week mark.
All of this led to the start of non-stress tests twice a week. These tests are performed at labor and delivery and have taken anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the reactivity of baby. As I try to look for the bright lining within the worry about baby's health, I've been thinking about what the non-stress tests have given me:
I've also discovered from watching the monitors while I'm on my non-stress test that I can increase the effectiveness of a contraction by breathing through it....even those little ones seem to do a little more when I practiced my deep and relaxed breathing through them. A definite confidence builder.
This past week at the 38 week mark, I had another ultrasound to check baby's growth. They also checked the amniotic fluid levels. Baby girl gained just a few ounces in two weeks and slipped behind in expected growth by another week, now measuring 35.4 weeks at the 38 week mark. While the doctor said that baby's weight gain wasn't much, it was a weight gain, therefore, I could keep on keeping on if I was comfortable with it. However, there is some concern now over my fluid levels as well. I've dropped from having "great" levels to borderline low....as in I've got about another centimeter of fluid I can lose before they start to really worry....and if I lose 3 cm, I'm not leaving the hospital without delivering.
While I'm excited to meet our little girl SOON, the downside of having to deliver right away if my fluid levels drop is that it would most likely be a c-section. After months of hoping and praying that I'd be able to have a traditional delivery following Little Bean's c-section nearly 7 years ago, we were told at the 36 week mark that we could. Well, the complications that have arisen since then may change all that. If I don't start labor on my own, it would be too much stress on mom and baby to induce. So, if she needs out after the ultrasound next Wednesday and I haven't started dilating, I'm going to be sawed in half yet again.
I realize it's not the worst thing in the world to have a c-section (although I did have two pretty significant crying jags after doctor informed me that was a real likelihood), but I'd spent the last couple weeks so happy that I wouldn't have a c-section that it really took the wind out of my sails to think otherwise. I also worry about the increasing risks with additional pregnancies of repeated c-sections (I am an optimist in some senses I guess since I'm worrying about more babies after it took 5 years to get to this pregnancy!).
The doctor offered to put me on the schedule for a c-section this week. In fact, if I'd been insistent, I might be in the hospital right now with my newborn. She said based on my decreasing fluid levels and baby's minimal growth, if I felt uncomfortable waiting to see how things go, she would support either decision. Because she felt baby was safe for now, I opted to wait it out. If I didn't, I would always wonder if I could have. Should baby not look good enough to keep cooking on Wednesday and I have to stay for a c-section, I'll probably be a little frustrated that I didn't just go ahead and do it this week, but I'm praying and trusting that letting her grow a little more and keeping a close eye on her will keep her safe for now. Either inside or out, she's in God's hands.
But for now, it feels a little like I've been holding my breath for 2 weeks waiting for her safe arrival.
I feel the prayers of those around me as a physical presence. Without the grace that has filled this last week, I can't imagine what a wreck I would be. If ever prayers could send a woman into labor, I'm confident if I'm able to have this baby naturally, it will be by the grace of God and the prayers of so many around me who love this baby and my family so much.
I will take your prayer intentions with me, through the anxiety of these last few weeks or days and into the operating room or the delivery room, wherever God has planned for this little one to join us.
Until then, every twinge and contraction will make me hold my breath....just for a little while until I remember to breathe through it and wait on God's faithfulness.
I just passed the 38 week mark last Wednesday. At the 36 week mark, I had an ultrasound that confirmed baby girl is indeed in the correct head-down position. This rejoicing lasted until the doctor's appointment where I found out baby is not thriving at the expected rate. The concern is IUGR, or intrauterine growth retardation. The little peanut was weighing about 5 1/2 lbs and was measuring 34.3 weeks at the 36 week mark.
All of this led to the start of non-stress tests twice a week. These tests are performed at labor and delivery and have taken anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the reactivity of baby. As I try to look for the bright lining within the worry about baby's health, I've been thinking about what the non-stress tests have given me:
- A knowledge of what the contraction I'm feeling looks like on the monitor to help me gauge intensity (most of my contractions are very mild at this point, but never having been in labor before, it's been nice to be able to match up the feeling with what's actually happening so I'll know when it's the real deal)
- A private tour of the labor and delivery rooms - complete with a nurse talking me through what I can expect in terms of mobility and monitoring as a VBAC
- A familiarity with the nursing staff (and the cleaning lady - she now asks me how I'm doing every time I come in)
- A measure of comfort and familiarity with the hospital surroundings where I'll be when baby girl arrives
I've also discovered from watching the monitors while I'm on my non-stress test that I can increase the effectiveness of a contraction by breathing through it....even those little ones seem to do a little more when I practiced my deep and relaxed breathing through them. A definite confidence builder.
This past week at the 38 week mark, I had another ultrasound to check baby's growth. They also checked the amniotic fluid levels. Baby girl gained just a few ounces in two weeks and slipped behind in expected growth by another week, now measuring 35.4 weeks at the 38 week mark. While the doctor said that baby's weight gain wasn't much, it was a weight gain, therefore, I could keep on keeping on if I was comfortable with it. However, there is some concern now over my fluid levels as well. I've dropped from having "great" levels to borderline low....as in I've got about another centimeter of fluid I can lose before they start to really worry....and if I lose 3 cm, I'm not leaving the hospital without delivering.
While I'm excited to meet our little girl SOON, the downside of having to deliver right away if my fluid levels drop is that it would most likely be a c-section. After months of hoping and praying that I'd be able to have a traditional delivery following Little Bean's c-section nearly 7 years ago, we were told at the 36 week mark that we could. Well, the complications that have arisen since then may change all that. If I don't start labor on my own, it would be too much stress on mom and baby to induce. So, if she needs out after the ultrasound next Wednesday and I haven't started dilating, I'm going to be sawed in half yet again.
I realize it's not the worst thing in the world to have a c-section (although I did have two pretty significant crying jags after doctor informed me that was a real likelihood), but I'd spent the last couple weeks so happy that I wouldn't have a c-section that it really took the wind out of my sails to think otherwise. I also worry about the increasing risks with additional pregnancies of repeated c-sections (I am an optimist in some senses I guess since I'm worrying about more babies after it took 5 years to get to this pregnancy!).
The doctor offered to put me on the schedule for a c-section this week. In fact, if I'd been insistent, I might be in the hospital right now with my newborn. She said based on my decreasing fluid levels and baby's minimal growth, if I felt uncomfortable waiting to see how things go, she would support either decision. Because she felt baby was safe for now, I opted to wait it out. If I didn't, I would always wonder if I could have. Should baby not look good enough to keep cooking on Wednesday and I have to stay for a c-section, I'll probably be a little frustrated that I didn't just go ahead and do it this week, but I'm praying and trusting that letting her grow a little more and keeping a close eye on her will keep her safe for now. Either inside or out, she's in God's hands.
But for now, it feels a little like I've been holding my breath for 2 weeks waiting for her safe arrival.
I feel the prayers of those around me as a physical presence. Without the grace that has filled this last week, I can't imagine what a wreck I would be. If ever prayers could send a woman into labor, I'm confident if I'm able to have this baby naturally, it will be by the grace of God and the prayers of so many around me who love this baby and my family so much.
I will take your prayer intentions with me, through the anxiety of these last few weeks or days and into the operating room or the delivery room, wherever God has planned for this little one to join us.
Until then, every twinge and contraction will make me hold my breath....just for a little while until I remember to breathe through it and wait on God's faithfulness.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Growing Baby
Life has continued at the frenetic pace for much of this month. Today marks the 37 week mark for my pregnancy - otherwise known as full-term.
Since Little Bean was frank breech (not coming out, no way, no how), I had an ultrasound at 36 weeks to confirm this little one's positioning. The ultrasound confirmed that she was indeed head down and ready for action, but it also showed that she was measuring about a week and a half behind, with an especially small stomach.
As a result of the developmental delay, I've started having non-stress tests twice a week. My husband has not tired of telling me not to "stress" during my test every time I mention them. I think it's a sign of the grace from all the people praying for the baby and I that I haven't shown him the true lack of humor I find in that comment.....yet.
The non-stress tests have looked good so far. My next one is scheduled for this Friday, with an ultrasound and a non-stress test on Tuesday. Wednesday I'll go back to the doctor for her to interpret the results. As she put it at today's appointment, "I don't want to induce you for a VBAC, but I will if I have to". It is my ardent prayer that baby makes a move before an induction becomes necessary.
Last Friday, I sent a prayer request out to my homeschool community asking for prayers for baby and the hope to avoid an induction. Today the doctor said I seem to be measuring larger and I've been having an increase in "warm-up exercises" in the form of contractions since Saturday afternoon. I'd say the prayers are in effect. Please keep the prayers coming. I believe in miracles....and this pregnancy has exhibited quite a few :)
And now, a few pictures from last month....because it seems I am perpetually behind!
In other important news, LB is graduating to the big gym in gymnastics. For the last two years, she's been in the beginner's gym, but she is moving on up this summer! Monday will mark her last day in the little gym. She is VERY excited and we're looking forward to more heart-stopping tricks being learned next year :)
I am also looking forward to Mother's Day this weekend....and my younger brother's graduation from college. It's going to be an exciting weekend! Not the least of which is me REALLY hoping I'm getting the new camera I asked for as a combined Mother's Day/birthday present :)
Since Little Bean was frank breech (not coming out, no way, no how), I had an ultrasound at 36 weeks to confirm this little one's positioning. The ultrasound confirmed that she was indeed head down and ready for action, but it also showed that she was measuring about a week and a half behind, with an especially small stomach.
As a result of the developmental delay, I've started having non-stress tests twice a week. My husband has not tired of telling me not to "stress" during my test every time I mention them. I think it's a sign of the grace from all the people praying for the baby and I that I haven't shown him the true lack of humor I find in that comment.....yet.
The non-stress tests have looked good so far. My next one is scheduled for this Friday, with an ultrasound and a non-stress test on Tuesday. Wednesday I'll go back to the doctor for her to interpret the results. As she put it at today's appointment, "I don't want to induce you for a VBAC, but I will if I have to". It is my ardent prayer that baby makes a move before an induction becomes necessary.
Last Friday, I sent a prayer request out to my homeschool community asking for prayers for baby and the hope to avoid an induction. Today the doctor said I seem to be measuring larger and I've been having an increase in "warm-up exercises" in the form of contractions since Saturday afternoon. I'd say the prayers are in effect. Please keep the prayers coming. I believe in miracles....and this pregnancy has exhibited quite a few :)
And now, a few pictures from last month....because it seems I am perpetually behind!
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| SB's Easter basket |
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| LB happy with a bunny |
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| Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Easter morning |
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| An early morning hunt at our house |
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| Searching for eggs at Grandma's |
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| With her prize |
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| LB and me |
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| The fam |
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| "Tombs" |
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| Both girls' baskets |
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| LB's basket |
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| Practicing on the uneven bars |
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Zoo Hunt and Jar Painting
We live near a really great zoo. As members, we got to participate in an Easter Egg the day before Easter. We made a day of it and had a great time at the zoo. Our adventure in picture-form:
Another recent development in our house is LB's allowance. We've done the allowance thing on and off in the past, but this time we're trying to be consistent and get chores done.
She's getting $4/week if she gets 10 checks on her chore chart. Her chores include; helping with little sis, vacuuming, cleaning her room and taking down laundry.
To start the process off with a bang, I gave her mason jars to paint for sorting her allowance. It gets divided into Spend, Save and Donate jars - with $1 in Save, $1 in Donate and $2 in Spend each week.
Her first Spend purchase was a PS3 game called "Fat Princess" (it involves feeding a princess cake and is something like Capture the Flag) that she was able to get with a combination of Easter $ and allowance.
We'll see how the process goes :)
Five more weeks and I'll be at my due date. I'm hoping to make it until at least the 19th, but after that I'll probably start to get impatient. Please let me know of any prayer intentions you have that I can use as offerings during labor.
She's getting $4/week if she gets 10 checks on her chore chart. Her chores include; helping with little sis, vacuuming, cleaning her room and taking down laundry.
To start the process off with a bang, I gave her mason jars to paint for sorting her allowance. It gets divided into Spend, Save and Donate jars - with $1 in Save, $1 in Donate and $2 in Spend each week.
Her first Spend purchase was a PS3 game called "Fat Princess" (it involves feeding a princess cake and is something like Capture the Flag) that she was able to get with a combination of Easter $ and allowance.
We'll see how the process goes :)
Five more weeks and I'll be at my due date. I'm hoping to make it until at least the 19th, but after that I'll probably start to get impatient. Please let me know of any prayer intentions you have that I can use as offerings during labor.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Happy 34th Hubby :)
My husband turned 34 on March 28th....and I'm just getting around to this blog.....
Anyway, I think the birthday was a big hit. The birthday boy's request was for the most chocolately cake I could come up with. Well, I took this challenge to heart.
After posting some pics on fb - I got requests for the recipe. Here's what I did:
2 8" rounds of chocolate cake (box mix - made according to package directions)
1 8" round of flourless chocolate cake (not because it was flourless - just because it tastes like a cross between fudge and brownies)
1 tub cool whip
2 large Heath bars
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
1/4 cup mini m&m's
2 large Kit-Kats
1 can chocolate frosting
milk chocolate for shavings on top
The recipe for the flourless chocolate cake comes from Epicurious.com.
I added the 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the top of the flourless chocolate cake before baking.
After baking and cooling the cakes, I stacked them alternating regular and flourless. In hindsight, I'd recommend putting the flourless chocolate cake on the bottom because it'll make the cake easier to cut.
So, first cake round on the cake plate, then I topped with cool whip (could use whipped cream, but my hubby is lactose intolerant). I put a couple crushed candy bars on, then topped with the next layer. I did this again and once the third layer was on, I covered the entire cake in chocolate frosting, added m&m's to the sides and chocolate shavings to the top.
Since it has cool whip, it needs to be refrigerated. This makes the flourless chocolate cake layer very fudgy-thick, which is why I would recommend it as the bottom layer.
Add or subtract amounts and change up candy bars until it's the right mix for you. Be forewarned, it's SUPER rich....but oh so delicious!
Anyway, I think the birthday was a big hit. The birthday boy's request was for the most chocolately cake I could come up with. Well, I took this challenge to heart.
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| A view from the side |
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| A view from the top |
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| Up close with the m&m's |
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| Finally got all the candles on! |
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| Call the fire department! |
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| The excitement builds.... |
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| Blow!!!! |
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| The carnage |
2 8" rounds of chocolate cake (box mix - made according to package directions)
1 8" round of flourless chocolate cake (not because it was flourless - just because it tastes like a cross between fudge and brownies)
1 tub cool whip
2 large Heath bars
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
1/4 cup mini m&m's
2 large Kit-Kats
1 can chocolate frosting
milk chocolate for shavings on top
The recipe for the flourless chocolate cake comes from Epicurious.com.
I added the 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the top of the flourless chocolate cake before baking.
After baking and cooling the cakes, I stacked them alternating regular and flourless. In hindsight, I'd recommend putting the flourless chocolate cake on the bottom because it'll make the cake easier to cut.
So, first cake round on the cake plate, then I topped with cool whip (could use whipped cream, but my hubby is lactose intolerant). I put a couple crushed candy bars on, then topped with the next layer. I did this again and once the third layer was on, I covered the entire cake in chocolate frosting, added m&m's to the sides and chocolate shavings to the top.
Since it has cool whip, it needs to be refrigerated. This makes the flourless chocolate cake layer very fudgy-thick, which is why I would recommend it as the bottom layer.
Add or subtract amounts and change up candy bars until it's the right mix for you. Be forewarned, it's SUPER rich....but oh so delicious!
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