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I Love Surprises

There are two kinds of surprises. The ones you anticipate…and the ones you don’t. I love both kinds of surprises and a few weeks ago, I received one of each. My husband, Eric, and I just recently had our third child. We are in the minority of couples these days that do not find out the sex of our children before they’re born. After going 6 days overdue with much anticipation, a few false signs of labor, and more than our fair share of gender guesses, we welcomed another baby into our lives and our home. Surprise #1 — It’s a boy!! Logan Thomas has dark hair, alert blue eyes, and a bit of a temper when he’s not getting what he wants (which isn’t often). All of which are welcomed surprises in the Mai Family Household.

Our other two children were born in Kansas City, MO - much closer to family and many of our friends. One friend of mine surprised me in the hospital after the birth of Hayden and Derek with a fabulous, decadent dessert from McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant…the infamous Chocolate Bag. It must have made an impression on me because anytime we discuss their birth stories, I mention this delicious treat. With Logan being born in Oswego, NY, my friend still residing in KCMO, and no McCormick & Schmick’s around, I knew my “Chocolate Bag Tradition” ended with baby #2…or did it??

The day after Logan was born, Eric was able to slip away from the out-of-town guests, the kids, and the household duties to spend a few quiet hours with me and Logan in the hospital. He walked in and greeted us with a kiss and a devilish smile. He then began to unpack the mysterious grocery sack that he brought in with him. Surprise #2 — I was about to be treated to a homemade version of my favorite chocolate bag!! Yes, HOMEMADE. My amazing husband planned and created this beautifully delicious treat just for me. The original dessert is a chocolate shell, which looks like a small brown paper sack. It’s filled with custard and fresh berries. Eric took artistic liberties and melted the chocolate and poured it into a flat pan lined with wax paper. After it set, he cut it into pieces that he assembled into a “bag-like” structure right before my teary eyes. Instead of custard, he substituted chocolate pudding and stuffed the chocolate bag with fresh raspberries, blueberries and strawberries. To top it off, he added some whipped topping.

Maybe it was the surprise element, or the love, thoughtfulness and planning that Eric put into every detail, but I thought this homemade bag was much better than the inspiration dessert of my dreams — made by the man of my dreams!

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