the proof (as they say. . .)
Summer pudding, (thanks to my mother-in-law, who made this delectable dessert from Ina's recipe)
With the whipped cream.
Have you all heard of this dinner delivery thing as a way to help out families with new babies? A friend set this up for us. . . she e-mailed a list we gave her of friends and family about 6 weeks before baby was due, asking if they would be wiling to bring us dinner after baby comes. The e-mail had food info (like no meat, and nothing frozen, you can customize to your heart's content) and when to drop off (like between 3-6pm)
Then, after Lydia was born, she e-mailed out a list with dates, every other day, and people signed up next to a date and replied all. It was amazing! After a flurry of e-mails, within a 1/2 hour we had dinner scheduled every other night for over a month! (Reply all is key here.)
It's not just the Cuban black beans and rice, 3 lasagnas, pesto pasta salad, falafel with a quinoa salad, ginger tofu with veggies, French silk pie, this amazing lemon pasta dish (again from Ina), multiple ice cream cartons, heavenly salads, fruits and berries, Thai food from the best take-outs, brownies, raspberry tarts. . . that all has been amazing to eat (and eat and eat) but it's the visits and the effort that have meant to much to us.
Knowing that people were making dinner for us, for our family, and then coming over to hold Lydia and feed us-- it has been priceless. We have been so grateful and so moved by all this generous effort. Most visits don't even last 10 minutes, just a drive by and a kiss for our wee one, lots of times kids are waiting in the car. . . We have been totally speechless and it's hard to even know how to thank everyone.
I can't recommend this enough-especially for anyone with more than one child, in lieu of a baby shower. (We sure don't need more stuff!) It was so great when friends asked what they could do to help a few months back, and I could tell them about the dinner list. They felt happy they could help in a concrete way, and I felt so happy I could say "yes, actually you CAN help me." What a concept. Thank you friends and family, so much.
OH my goodness I think I am going to have to try my hand at that cake!! Looks mouth watering good.
Posted by: Christina | July 31, 2007 at 10:51 AM
Our church actually had something like this and it was such a nice thing. For about two weeks, I didn't have to cook after our third. That is worth more than any present ever! That cake is making me salivate. Ina, I miss watching her show!
Posted by: Jen | July 31, 2007 at 10:52 AM
Two friends of ours organized dinners for us via a Yahoo group. They sent out invitations to join to lots of our friends and coworkers. Then people signed up in the calendar area. The organizers sent out info posts with food preferences & drop-off instructions (they were very perceptive and asked people to drop off on our porch without knocking--this was welcome both because we have a barky dog and because we definitely over-did visits in the first few days). We could open up the Yahoo group calendar and instantly see if dinner was forthcoming. It was AMAZING. Along with the group of friends who went in on 3 months of diaper service for us, it was the best present ever. I can't recommend it strongly enough. Some people noted what they were bringing on their calendar entry--that way others could avoid a glut of, say, lasagna. Though honestly I could have cared less WHAT was brought--it all tasted delicious to me. I have vivid memories of each & every meal 2 years later--that's how utterly grateful I was.
Posted by: amy | July 31, 2007 at 11:03 AM
I think that is so amazing. What a wonderful gesture. This is really just the best kind of help you can get from your friends when you have a newborn at home.
Posted by: Nancy | July 31, 2007 at 11:19 AM
Amy, that sounds a lot like what we do in my local MOMS Club. I was just blogging about it a few days ago, actually: http://www.polkadotcreations.com/blog/?p=63
We actually were recipients of the same thoughtfulness during a less joyful occasion (we lost our baby at 12 weeks pregnant to a neural tube defect) and I can't even express how touched I was. You just don't realize how much support there is in something so small as a single meal. It really does warm your heart, no matter what the occasion. I tear up just thinking about it now, over 4 months later!
I delivered a meal to a friend last week and I included three bibs from your book - you're right, they are so fun to make! So thanks for that. I'm going to whip up a big batch of them to use any time I have a "new baby meal" to make :-)
Posted by: Lisa Clarke | July 31, 2007 at 11:50 AM
It is a great idea!
I'd also like to add-
• Put the food in a container that you don't need returned.
• Include reheating instructions
(some people need it!)
• Try to send one entree that could be frozen.
• If you can't cook, but can bake- homemade muffins for sleep deprived parents are always appreciated!
And P.S.- That Lemon Fusilli looks amazing!
Posted by: Tina | July 31, 2007 at 11:53 AM
what a beautiful blessing, and i think you just did thank everyone, quite warmly too.
Posted by: heather | July 31, 2007 at 11:54 AM
that is truly one of the best ideas i have ever heard. i think that is the hardest part of having multiple children when a babe is born...there is no time to make dinner.
what a great way to shower a family with love.
enjoy every last bite! :)
Posted by: melissa deakin | July 31, 2007 at 12:15 PM
I know that people often bring dinners for parents of newborns, but this is the first I've heard of an organized dinner-delivery system. What a fabulous idea!
Do you still have the questionnaire you filled out? I'd love to see it. (E-mail it to me directly if you don't want to dedicate a post to it.) Thanks!
Posted by: Marsha | July 31, 2007 at 12:20 PM
I know that people often bring dinners for parents of newborns, but this is the first I've heard of an organized dinner-delivery system. What a fabulous idea!
Do you still have the questionnaire you filled out? I'd love to see it. (E-mail it to me directly if you don't want to dedicate a post to it.) Thanks!
Posted by: Marsha | July 31, 2007 at 12:21 PM
We do a similar thing in the moms group I belong to. We have a roster of moms who are willing to deliver a meal to another member's family. We also do it for other needs such as major illnesses, death in the family or moving. I've been on both the giving and receiving ends and it really is a wonderful thing.
Posted by: Christy | July 31, 2007 at 12:47 PM
That is a brilliant idea! Thanks so much for sharing :-)
Posted by: Melissa R. Garrett | July 31, 2007 at 01:03 PM
I do this every time someone has a baby or moves into a new house. I show up on the doorstep with my basket of goodies, enough for the meal and some leftovers for the next day. I only wish someone would do this for me on occasion. When I had my son, we had just moved to a new state and knew no one and for whatever reason, people don't seem to think of it when moving into a new home. Some friends of mine are relocating to CA next week and I will be there the day after the movers come with dinner (and Ina's amazing lemon bars, per their request).
Posted by: Lora | July 31, 2007 at 01:30 PM
It's wonderful to have such helpful friends. The cake looks yummy! Glad I'm headed out to dinner soon!
Posted by: Mary | July 31, 2007 at 01:54 PM
what a wonderful idea....the internet is doing good again!
Posted by: Marianne | July 31, 2007 at 02:04 PM
our playgroup has done this too. we've organized food trees for all the new mamas in the group and it's worked out wonderfully! so glad to see that you are a part of one too!
i've been on the giving end several times now, and it's always such a fun drop - see the new babe, hear the exciting birth story, drop off some yummy food, and feel some of that blissful new-baby vibe.
coming up in a few months, i'm lucky to be on the receiving end too - i can't wait!
Posted by: liz | July 31, 2007 at 02:05 PM
Oh yes! Besides the baby, of course, the friends bringing food was my very favorite part of having a new baby! For two straight months after each of three boys, we had meals. It was so nice too, for everyone to get to come by and meet the new baby. We felt so wrapped up in love. I can tell you that I cried over just about every food delivery!
Oh, and I second the comment about sending it in containers that you don't need back. It can get really overwhelming to return everything to their owners.
Enjoy!
Posted by: Stefani | July 31, 2007 at 02:10 PM
What a wonderful thing! And at least now I know part of the secret of how you've managed to be so bionic with a newborn in the house and a new book out!
Posted by: Ali | July 31, 2007 at 02:15 PM
That is awesome! At our church within our smaller Bible study groups we do this. Peoples generousity just amazes me and it really is great in lieu of a shower, especially once it's beyond the first child. I think I loved the short-but-sweet visits as much (if not more) as not having to cook for a whole month! So glad you have gotten to experience such wonderfulness! :)
Posted by: JaimeLeigh | July 31, 2007 at 02:23 PM
That is the best gift I could have gotten after having my 2nd child! What a fabulous idea and something I will keep in mind for friends in the future.
Now I need to find that dessert recipe!
Posted by: Knitserland | July 31, 2007 at 02:35 PM
how cool. and I love that lemon fusilli. it is a regular in our house. I have left you comments before, but I don't think I've really ever said "hi." I'm enjoying your book. I don't even know if you've ever been to my blog, but stop by if you get a chance. Congrats on Sweet Lydia.
Posted by: Courtney | July 31, 2007 at 02:42 PM
how wonderful!
Posted by: erin | July 31, 2007 at 02:50 PM
gah! I'm so jealous. what a wonderful gift.
Posted by: hillary | July 31, 2007 at 03:04 PM
oh yes! our friends did the same for us when arlo was born and it was wonderful, way better than a third baby shower!
Posted by: hannah | July 31, 2007 at 03:43 PM
oh yes! our friends did the same for us when arlo was born and it was wonderful, way better than a third baby shower!
Posted by: hannah | July 31, 2007 at 03:46 PM
This system could work just as easily for those suffering from a loss as well. I'm certainly going to have to remember this! And I think one of the best aspects of this gift is that it applies to the whole family, not just mom or the newborn. Everyone benefits! Very cool. And drooling over that cake!
Posted by: madmommy | July 31, 2007 at 04:10 PM
what an absolutely BRILLIANT idea! so practical and heartwarming. thanks for sharing!
Posted by: shanna | July 31, 2007 at 04:54 PM
Wow - that summer pudding looks just like the one in the book! YUM.
Delivered meals are such a treat when you have a newborn. Our PEPS group and preschool plan dinner deliveries for expecting families. Dinner is tough with a baby & I can only imagine how hard it can be with a baby AND additional children!
Posted by: kelly | July 31, 2007 at 05:10 PM
After our daughter was born 6 weeks preemie whenever people asked if they could come by and meet her we said "Sure - if you bring food!" It started as a joke, but every one showed up with something! However, I think this is much nicer, and yo are more able to plan when you'll have to cook.
Posted by: heather s | July 31, 2007 at 05:57 PM
What a great idea. We had this from our church but it was only 3 nights. AND...it seemed as if the people who were doing it were a little burnt out because they do it for all new moms in our little church. SUCH A GREAT IDEA to put it in place of a baby shower, especially for folks with multiple children.
Posted by: Beth | July 31, 2007 at 06:25 PM
Friends did this for us when our daughter was born, and since then I've had the honor of setting this wonderful gift up for several friends. It's so simple, people are honored to make "The List", and it is such a blessing to the parents! (I can say that from experience.) It's a fantastic idea.
Posted by: Holly | July 31, 2007 at 06:48 PM
I know you said nothing frozen, but a friend of mine actually had a shower where instead of gifts, people brought a dish that could be frozen for after the baby was born. I guess you'd have to have a freezer and be fond of casseroles, though!
Our church brought us meals for about two weeks, and my mom came over and took care of me during the day with my second. Both things were wonderful!
Posted by: Jessica Keith | July 31, 2007 at 07:27 PM
We had meals delivered after our little (not so much anymore; he's almost 13 months!) bundle of joy arrived! I was so thankful! They came from our church, which is large enough that we don't know everyone. Complete strangers brought us meals! It was so nice to not have to worry about what to do for dinner!
And how was the summer pudding? I've always wanted to try that recipe! It looks awesome!
Posted by: Jennifer | July 31, 2007 at 07:36 PM
I have never heard of this, but what a wonderful idea. My sister-in-law just had a baby this week...it sounds like the perfect thing to set up for her!
Posted by: Chloe | July 31, 2007 at 09:13 PM
we got dinners delivered to us when Ian was born. Honestly, I was such a hormonal wreck that I felt like crying with happiness every time someone would pull in our driveway. It is such a gift! A couple of people even brought little gifts for Emma, like stickers, $1 toys. Since that time I always make a point to do this for families with new babies. It helped us so much. Enjoy it all, so nice to be surrounded by a nice network of friends.
Posted by: Blair | July 31, 2007 at 10:23 PM
What a great idea!!!!!! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Linz | July 31, 2007 at 11:23 PM
this is a wonderful idea. i think many people really do want to help out their friends when they have newborns but don't quite know how to do it.
i like that this helps your friends feel like they're helping you, and you don't feel like you're asking too much or imposing on them. Plus, it benefits the whole family - fantastic!
Posted by: mary | July 31, 2007 at 11:28 PM
What a loving and helpful gesture! Much better for you to be able to spend your time snuggling children (and resting!) than trying to rummage up supper.
Lisa
Posted by: Red Zinnia | August 01, 2007 at 02:41 AM
what an awesome idea... I will be trying this one out next time
luv Abby
Posted by: luv Abby | August 01, 2007 at 03:36 AM
fantastic idea! So inspiring. Just need to find a reason other than baby (since there are none in the works yet!) to get my friends to bring me dinner :)
Posted by: amy | August 01, 2007 at 04:33 AM
Hello. I love reading your blog - though haven't commented (yet, I don't think?!). Wish I'd have thought of the dinner thing with my 2nd baby - she's now almost 6 mths old. This made me remember when my mum died (more than 4yrs ago) - people brought us dinners and food. Life and death - feeding the body as well as the soul. Eating and spending time with loved ones. Enjoy!
Posted by: Ellie | August 01, 2007 at 05:15 AM
My yoga mama's group organized the same and it was a blessing!
Posted by: Diana | August 01, 2007 at 06:01 AM
My youngest was born in the month of May and our neighbors across the street did something wonderful that I never would have thought of. While we were at the hospital he mowed our yard! I never would have thought to do that but it really helped us so much. I've vowed to remember to do that the next time someone I know delivers. Also, another neighbor stocked us up on paper plates and bowls and stuff. Normally I don't use the stuff, but it was really useful for the first couple of weeks. The lawn-mowing neighbor also dropped dinner off at our house the day we came home from the hospital. We really appreciated everything and I've vowed to pass it forward.
Posted by: Becky | August 01, 2007 at 06:07 AM
This is a marvelous idea. One I will have to remember. I remember after my daughter was born I was in no shape to do anything. I was also extremely fortunate in that my mother stayed with me for a bit and my husband does all the cooking. Yep. He not only does all the cooking he also does all the food shopping. He enjoys it and is extremely good at it.
Posted by: susan | August 01, 2007 at 07:35 AM
My playgroup does this every time someone has a baby / has a kid in hospital etc.. My husband LOVED the food we got after my 2nd child's birth (he's not a big fan of my cooking). He even suggested the other day that we should have another kid, just to get some great meals...
I would like to stress that I do not think that my cooking is THAT bad.
Posted by: DML | August 01, 2007 at 07:40 AM
That's a brilliant idea! (and the pudding looks scrumptious!)
Posted by: Scribbles & Bits | August 01, 2007 at 08:23 AM
The pudding looks divine!
The ladies from my mother's church did something similar for her after she had surgery. It was a really nice gesture. Mom knew that my Dad and brother would not have to fend for themselves at dinner, so she could concentrate on healing. I think this is lovely.
Posted by: Stephanie | August 01, 2007 at 11:49 AM
our group of friends do dinner sign-ups via e-mail for expectant parents, too. anyone who wants to participate signs up ahead of time (or after the fact) and then if the baby arrives sooner or later, the start date is adjusted. drop-off times & food preferences were definitely an important part of the process!
Posted by: tracy | August 01, 2007 at 12:07 PM
Amy,
I was licking the screen. my god. I have all of her cookbooks and I must find this. Thank you!
Btw, I just got the Martha Stewart Baking Book and I nearly passed out. AMAZING.
Cheers, f.
Posted by: felicia | August 01, 2007 at 12:54 PM
That is a brilliant way of doing dinners for families with new arrivals! Our church tries to organize a few meals, but I know its often not that organized (with my last, we only ended up getting one dinner brought in). And that is truly one of the best gifts anyone could offer--I know I still struggle getting dinner on the table and my baby is now 9 months!
Posted by: Kim | August 01, 2007 at 01:43 PM