halfway to baby.

These photos are from an early September midweek getaway to Martha's Vineyard. We took the Jeep out to Norton Point with a day pass purchased at the gatehouse (beach trail entrance). I was 14 weeks pregnant. As I type this I'm 20 weeks and really enjoying the whole experience so far. I'm feeling incredibly grateful for it. I'm content to be relaxing on the couch in the evenings because that's when the baby kicks up a storm! There is no better feeling than little baby kicks; they are the definition of life affirming joy. This weekend I took a couple long walks to enjoy the beautiful fall weather. I learned early on that running while pregnant is not for me, but I definitely feel my best making time for both rest and light exercise. 

Seeing the 18 week ultrasound was pretty incredible too - fully formed little bones, arms punching and legs moving about. We are not finding out the gender. Both our initial instincts sensed a boy, however, around week 17 I had some new instinctual feeling that it is a girl. Truly, this baby's gender will be a surprise!

I know it's going to be hard - harder than I can really imagine and I know we're not going to get any sleep (I know the things everyone tells you but NONE OF THE THINGS at the same time.) But, we are so excited to be parents!! 

Brighton Bodega

Here today with a compilation of dishes I've had at one of my favorite spots: Brighton Bodega. 

A wealth of variety is offered through globally inspired small plates which are filling and big on flavor. The beverage program is impeccable with 20 draft lines host to some of the best New England craft beers, a seasonally focused cocktail menu with house made sodas and syrups, and eclectic, boutique driven wines. 

in order (mostly!)

The Bohdi Tree - plymouth gin, matcha tea syrup, cucumber, lime + eucalyptus bitters, mint

goat cheese stuffed dates with almond za'atar and apricot honey 

smoked salmon carbonara

fresh, briny, perfectly shucked oysters

black truffle gnocchi mac n cheese (S U B L I M E)

fried burrata in San Marzano Marinara (H E A V E N)

warm fluffy bao stuffed to the brim with fried chicken, lettuce and pickles

Korean BBQ Kalbi short ribs 

more warm fluffy bao this time with crispy duck confit bathed in hoi-sin

spicy chicken drumettes

Located in Brighton Center, this spot has felt like a neighborhood godsend since it opened. 

Brighton Bodega

328 Washington St

Brighton, MA 02135