Today we are celebrating Little C’s 3rd birthday!! One of her favorite things ever is crepes, so it was no surprise when I asked her what she wanted for her birthday breakfast she replied with, “CREPES!!!!” This little sweetheart has been such an added joy in our family. She is silly, funny, and has the best little imagination. She is always ready to tell us a new story. As many of you know, it was quite the adventure to get Little C into our family…
I can’t remember if I ever even shared my pregnancy story. I think I’ve shared bits and pieces. But here is a quick run down. When I get pregnant I suffer from Hyperemesis Gravidarum. It’s pretty much a fancy word for, I get really sick and live in the hospital. With our first I got really sick and did IV therapy, lost a lot of weight, developed insomnia etc, but it ended by 4 or 5 months. With our second I was throwing up before the pregnancy test even showed positive. Thankfully I had a new doctor who, unlike my first who refused to see me until 12 weeks even though I’d already lost 18 pounds, saw me immediately and tested to make sure I was pregnant and then got to work. Over the next 6 months I was in and out of the hospital, got down to a whopping 81 pounds, developed insomnia again and pretty much was done being pregnant.
It was definitely the hardest time in our lives. We had no choice but to rely on the people around us to take care of our little one while I was in the hospital. It’s so much harder than I imagined to just turn your child over to someone and feel like you’re failing as a mom because you’re never there. I couldn’t, and I knew that, but trust me you have to go through it to understand.
The vomiting (I know, gross) was horrid. There was nothing in me but I couldn’t stop. The air smelled horrible, water felt just as bad, and don’t even mention putting anything in my mouth, it was torture. We learned that HG gets worse with every pregnancy and we were living it. Above I’m pictured at 19 weeks. Just a few weeks after or specialist in the hospital told me that if I lost one more pound and this baby didn’t grow the only other option was to end the pregnancy because it was putting my life in danger. We believe in the power of prayer and the priesthood and we spent the evening praying and my sweet husband gave me a blessing. My steady decline in weight suddenly leveled off the next day and I had not lost even an ounce, and even more importantly our baby girl had grown a tiny smidgen. It was a miracle. Two days that I will never forget or deny the peace and comfort that I felt. We knew that under no circumstance were we going to end the pregnancy. We felt reassured that we were to endure this trial with the little bit of strength we had left, be faithful and that all would be well.
Months later I was feeling much better, only nauseous with occasional vomiting. We were so grateful to be carrying this sweet baby and could not wait to meet her. Our friend, Lisa took some prenatal pics for us and a few days later our Little C was here. She was 5.1 and 18″. I can hardly believe we are three years later already! She’s still a tiny little thing (most three year olds probably aren’t wearing 18 month clothing), and unfortunately that means we are headed to the doctor to find out if we need to begin testing at Primary Children’s Hospital. But, that’s for another day. Let’s celebrate today!
We are big time crepe eaters at our house. I wish I could say we have an awesome crepe pan like my friend, Savannah, but we are just sticking to the ol’ fry pan until we get a crepe pan. These Berries n’ cream crepes are hands down, 100% our new favorite filled crepe. The hubby and kids usually make this lemon crepe recipe (obviously without the lemon syrup) and fill them with nutella while I usually stick with a little sprinkle of sugar and fruit. Or if we are being a little more healthy we go for our fave protein crepes recipe.
I’ve gone back and forth about which part is my favorite about this breakfast, or dessert-let’s be honest here, the fact that this is all Cade’s doing and I didn’t have to lift a finger, the creamy, sweet cream cheese filling, or that brown sugar marrionberry strawberry syrup that makes your eyes roll back in your head. And I mean that in the best possible way. These are heaven. Pure berry heaven. I could swim in that syrup and wrap my whole body in those crepes. Things are getting crazy around here.
Are Crepes The Same As Pancakes?
The main difference between crepes and pancakes is that pancake batter has a raising agent in it, such as baking powder or baking soda, and crepe batter does not.
Therefore, pancakes are fluffy, and crepes are thin and flat.
Can You Make Crepes Ahead?
Crepes can be prepared ahead of time.
If not using immediately, stack cooked, cooled crepes with wax paper and refrigerate, up to 3 days.
How Do You Reheat Crepes?
Reheat in a microwave at HIGH for 15 seconds.
You can also reheat in a skillet.
Preheat a non-stick skillet on the stove over medium heat.
Brush the skillet lightly with butter or spray lightly with non-stick cooking spray.
Place crepes in skillet, and heat one at a time.
Berries N Cream Crepes
Berries N Cream Crepes
Description
Ingredients
For the Syrup
- 2 Cups Strawberries
- 2 Cups Marionberries, we used frozen
- 1 Cup Brown Sugar
- 1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla
For the Cream Filling
- 1 Package Light Cream Cheese, 8oz, softened
- 1/2 Cup Powdered Sugar
- Pinch of Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Lemon Juice
For the Crepes
- 2 Tablespoons Butter, melted
- 3/4 Cup All-Purpose Flour, plus 2 tablespoons
- 1/4 Cup Sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1 1/4 Cup Milk, (not skim)
- 3 Large Eggs
Instructions
For the Syrup
- Combine the berries in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth.
- Pour into a medium saucepan and heat to low heat.
- Add the brown sugar and vanilla and bring to a simmer.
- Remove from heat and serve with crepes.
For the Cream Filling
- Using a bowl and hand mixer, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, salt and lemon.
- Set aside.
For the Crepes
- In a bowl, combine flour, sugar and salt.
- Whisk to combine and set aside.
- In another bowl, combine eggs and milk.
- Whisk to combine.
- Add the flour mixture into the egg mixture, add the butter and whisk until just smooth.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Spray with non stick spray or melt a little butter.
- Add a scant 1/3 cup of the batter, picking up the pan to swirl in a clockwise motion to coat the entire bottom.
- Let cook until just starting to brown and then using a rubber spatula carefully flip the crepe.
- Cook on the other side until just starting to turn golden.
- Serve with a thin layer of cream, roll to close and pour warm syrup over the top.
MamaToMany
I’m finding your site a bit late for the party! I’m sure your lil one is closer to 5 now? I felt such a bond reading about your story as my own little C, who is ironically 3, nearly didn’t make it- & my own pregnancies were spent on Zofran & home IV’s in the dark, praying to smell nothing 😉
I just wanted to thank you for your thoughtful sentiments about Priesthood & blessings in an honest, but not cheesy easy. I appreciateyour sincerity! Blessings upon your home!
Sweet Basil
Lindsey, thank you so much for your sweet words. Sometimes I start to envy those who think that feeling tired or a little nauseous make pregnancy unbearable. 😉 haha, so glad to know I’m not alone in this. Pregnancy and healthy babies are such a miracle. Xoxo!
Amber @ Dessert Now, Dinner Later!
This sounds & looks fabulous! And your family is adorable! Sorry to hear about your rough pregnancies. I can’t even imagine!
Sweet Basil
Amber, you’re so sweet. Thankfully that is done with and we can just enjoy our little family now.
Bessie
Hi, I do think this is a great site. I stumbledupon
it 😉 I am going to return once again since i have saved as a favorite it.
Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue to help
others.
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust
What an amazing story. She truly is a miracle!
Sweet Basil
Thank you. She is definitely a blessing.
Nutmeg Nanny
You are such a strong woman, she is an absolute angel! These crepes look amazing, I hope she enjoyed them 🙂
Jocelyn @ BruCrew Life
What an amazing person and mama you are!! I CAN NOT believe how thin you looked at 19 weeks! Good grief! But God is soooo good! You have 2 beautiful little girls that’s for sure. And these crepes, amazingly delish looking!!
Sweet Basil
Thanks sweet friend. Kind of a crazy time, but that was like the first pic I felt up to getting ready for and then bam, back in the hospital the next day. Oh well, she’s here and I feel so emotional and blessed this week that she’s with us.
Joanne @ Fifteen Spatulas
Oh my goodness Carrian, this is such a crazy story, what a blessing!!! I’m so glad that it has all turned out as a miracle and that both of you are with us today!
Trish – Mom On Timeout
Such a heartbreaking but beautiful story Carrian. You are an absolute warrior and I can’t even imagine what it felt like to be that sick and to be away from your little one. Though looking at the sweet picture of your two little girls makes me think it was absolutely worth it 🙂 Gorgeous crepes too! What a wonderful way to celebrate turning three!
Hayley @ The Domestic Rebel
Oh my gosh, Carrian! Reading this brought tears to my eyes! You are such an incredibly sweet and talented girl and I’m so sorry you had to go through what appeared to be hell and back just to have one baby, not to mention the entire ordeal with your littlest girl. You’re so strong and inspiring! And I’m glad that, despite all the scares and trouble and barf, something awesome came out of it. Because usually nothing awesome comes out of barf, just saying.
I don’t blame your little girl for loving crepes! These look fantastic!
Sweet Basil
mwah. Thank you for the sweet comment. Made my night.
Rachel Cooks
SO glad you shared this story. I was so thankful when you shared with me while I was pregnant. Thank God for your precious miracle. She’s so adorable. Will be praying for the upcoming doctor’s appoint for sweet little C. Love you!!!
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com
You are one tough mommy!! I’m sure your kids would be so proud to learn about your struggles and how you guys rode it all out, with such bravery 🙂
I need these crepes in my life!
Sweet Basil
Thank you so much for your kind words. mwah!
Karie H
Your girls are super cuties. Risking our lives…that’s what we do for our kiddos. Thanks for sharing.
Mel
I had no idea you have had such rough pregnancies – you are amazing, Carrian! What a miracle your two sweet little girls are. I have a 5-year old who would die for crepes on his birthday (it’s on Saturday!). Thanks for the idea. 🙂
Sweet Basil
I can’t remember if I replied, but thanks Mel. It gets a little cray cray for me huh? Glad she’s here… so, so glad
Camille
Carrian!!! Holy cow! I had no idea!!! Seriously, all moms go to heaven. 🙂 You are amazing and your family is beautiful. You are a rockstar for going through that twice. And . . . the crepes look delicious! 🙂
Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking
Wow, what an unbelievable ordeal, Carrian! Looks like it was all worth it for that precious little girl, though. She’s adorable, as is her big sister. Thank you so much for sharing your story, and these beautiful berry crepes!
Sweet Basil
Definitely worth it. Love our sweet girls.
Julia @ hungryandconfused
What gorgeous little girls you have! I can’t even begin to imagine what you went through when you thought you were going to lose her, but I imagine it makes every day all the sweeter…even more so when there are crepes to celebrate with!!
Sweet Basil
Totally. She’s made our family so much more complete
Dina
the crepes look wonderful. you have a lovely family!
Sweet Basil
Thank you!
Emily
Those crepes are almost as awesome as the priesthood. 😉 xoxo
Sweet Basil
hahaha.
Miss @ Miss in the Kitchen
What an amazing story, children are such a blessing. The crepes look great and I hope y’all have a wonderful day celebrating your little cutie pie!
Sweet Basil
Thanks my darlin’!!
Lauren @ Climbing Grier Mountain
Carrian, you are the most amazing mom! Thank you for sharing such a beautiful story and I am so glad everything worked out. Your two love bugs are adorable! Can I come for crepes?
Sweet Basil
Oh, don’t even say that unless you really come!!!
Jeri Ann Guth
Thank you for sharing. I am a follower of your blog, and love your food recipes, but didn’t know we belong to the same church! I have one daughter, and went through the IV home health care until around 4 1/2 months. We were not blessed with more children, but are so thankful that we have her – she is so much our joy! If I may ask, are you RH negative? I was always told that this is why I was so sick, and almost lost her. You didn’t mention it, so I am just curious. Thank you, again, for sharing your story, and many blessings to you, your family, and your little one!
jeriann2@aol.com
Sweet Basil
I am, but I was told that it wasn’t linked. How weird! Thank you so much for commenting. I hope you will check in often, I’d love to hear from you!
Des @ Life’s Ambrosia
I had no idea about your birth story! How crazy! So happy that you’re both alright and she is just adorable 🙂 Oh and these crepes look amazing. I’ve always been a little intimidated by crepes but you make it look pretty easy.
Sweet Basil
Mmmm I love crepes. You can totes do it!
Carla @ Carlas Confections
Happy Birthday to Little C!!! 😀 Sounds like she is a true blessing!
Sweet Basil
and some days I have to remind myself based on the terrible 2’s we are coming out of. 😉
Annalise @ Completely Delicious
Wow, what a story! And thank goodness it has such a happy ending. Littles C and P are lucky to have such devoted parents who sacrificed so much for them!
By the way, these crepes look amazing, I love that it was C’s birthday request! 🙂
Sweet Basil
Totally her mother’s daughter! haha
Megan {Country Cleaver}
You’re a gem!!. Thanks so much for sharing your story with us! Those two little girls just SHINE!! I want to come over and eat crepes with those smiling faces!
Sweet Basil
We could eat a whole pile together! I’m hungry already!!
Meagan @ A Zesty Bite
I seriously just teared up reading this sweet post. I had no idea what you went through and I am so thankful and blessed for your family. Your girls are absolutely the cutest little things.
Sweet Basil
Oh, thank you! It was definitely a crazy time in our lives, but we grew so much as a family because of it.
Aimee @ ShugarySweets
Oh Carrian what a sweet love story! You and your girls are just beautiful. I can’t imagine going through all of that!!
And these crepes, YUM!!
Sweet Basil
Thanks, Aimee! It was for sure a major blessing that she was able to make it.
Becky
What an incredible miracle. God is soo good! Glad you both made it through and can celebrate what a miracle it all was.
Sweet Basil
So very blessed to have both of these girls in our life. Today is such a wonderful reminder of the growth and blessings we gained through that trial
Jenny @ BAKE
What gorgeous girls! these crepes look incredible!
Sweet Basil
Thanks, Jenny!
Jen @ Savory Simple
Your little girls are just precious!
Sweet Basil
Well, I certainly think so. 😉 Haha, thank you!!!
Liz @ The Lemon Bowl
Wow what an incredible story! You’ll be celebrating today, no doubt!
Rachel @ Baked by Rachel
Such a sweet girl! Happy birthday to her!!! I hope she has a fabulous day.
Sweet Basil
Thanks, Rachel!!
Karly
Your girls are so cute! I can’t even imagine how tough that pregnancy must have been on you and the rest of your family. But what a little sweetie you got at the end! 🙂
Happy Birthday to your girl!
Sweet Basil
thanks, Karly. It was a long road for sure. I felt like it would never end and now I find myself forgetting to be thankful for my food and being about to drink. I forgot too fast I guess
Sweet Basil
Thanks Karly!! Seriously, she was worth every moment of throwing up. 🙂
Tieghan
Your girls are so pretty and so cute! I can not believe your birth story though, that is so rough! You are one tough girl!
These crepes look awesome. Crepes are a HUGE favorite around here and we LOVE making them!
Sweet Basil
thanks my darlin!! You’re so sweet