I liked to believe I’m a normal parent with a normal kid and a childproof house. Except walking till the neighbors house or outside to water the plants I’ve never left the house without Tiffany. She was in my sight almost all the time.
Our house was filled with her laughter. She loved to play and enjoyed every second.
A second … that’s all it took and our lives were completely changed.
The other day our paths led to the nearest emergency room.
Although she was put in the room immediately after we got there it took almost 2 hours until the doctor came and two more hours to prepare her surgery room.
We were trying to be as calm as possible, the last thing Tiffany needed was more stress coming from us.
I hold her little hand while they start the IV.Shortly after she fell asleep.
The surgery was done quick and we were whispering love words making sure she won’t be scared when she opens her eyes. 5 minutes passed, 10 long minutes passed and she wasn’t showing any signs of waking up.
“It’s close to her bed time, my husband said, maybe that’s why she’s not waking up.”
Another minute or two passed and the doctor came in to tell us she was overdosed and they can’t tell us how long is going to take until she wakes up.
I could see the doctor still talking but I couldn’t hear a thing. A medical error. I put my baby’s life in the hands of people I could never trust again. I felt my husband hand holding mine while the tears were washing my face.
In front of my eyes I could see the first 21 months of my daughter’s life. The first time I hold her in my arms, her first smile, the first time she held my finger, first tooth, first time she called me Mama, her willy nilly walk … So many mixed emotions. The love I was feeling for our baby and the fear she may not wake up.
I don’t think there’s greater love than the love someone feels for their child. She’s our everything and without hesitation we’d give our lives for her.
Despite the fear we knew we have to be strong. Tiffany needed us and our love more than ever. We continued to hold her little hands, talk to her, kiss her, caress her.
Three long hours passed, the longest three hours in our lives.
With her first more a little hope appeared. We felt her little hands holding tight to ours while trying to open her eyes. It took another two hours to have her completely awake.
Later that night, after a complete toxicology report we were able to come home.
Yesterday she slept most of the day. She’s still tired.
The doctor said she’s going to be alright, there have been more than 24 hours since the surgery and slowly her body is getting back to normal.
While she was sleeping I made these mac&cheese slices for her. I’ve made them before and she liked them very much.
I have the recipe from my grandma, who used to make some almost every Sunday afternoon or when she was short on rice to make rice pudding.
The Romanian style mac & cheese is way different from the American one. Ours is not savory. It’s a sort of dessert. No, don’t walk away, I promise you we’re not going to be sorry for giving it a try.
The slice is a sponge like pudding. Al dente pasta is mixed with cheese, dried fruits and eggs and baked until the mixture is set.
My grandma used to make it with homemade farmers cheese, but I’ve made it with both cottage cheese and ricotta cheese and works great!
This time I used tofu (it’s cholesterol free) and to everyone’s surprise it turned out amazing! It’s light, not too sweet, creamy and the dried fruits add just a little chewy bite to it.
The only not so good part about this slice is that it requires a couple of hours to cool before slicing. If you plan of having it for breakfast, like we did, i advice you to make it let it the evening before and rest over the night in the fridge.
Mac & Cheese Slice
Ingredients
8 oz dried pasta
1/2 cup sugar (you can add more or less depending on your sweet tooth)
3/4 cup cranberries (or your choice of dried fruits)
14 oz firm tofu (or the same amount of cottage/ricotta/farmers cheese)
1 tbsp vanilla extract
6 egg whites (you can use 3 eggs if your cholesterol is fine)
butter/oil for greasing the pan
Directions
Pregeat the oven at 375F. Cover in aluminum foil a 9X5 in loaf pan and grease it.
Cook the pasta al dente with a pinch of salt. Drain well and let it cool.
When cooled, mix all the ingredients in a big bowl and pour into the prepared loaf pan.
Bake for one hour.
Let it cool couple of hours before slicing it.
Take care of yourself and your loved ones.
Sending you lots of love,
Roxana
{ 67 comments… read them below or add one }
I ma glad your light angel is fine now. I must have been terrible for you!
Please take care of yourself and her. Will pray for her. Dont worry she will be her old self in no time.
Love the mac and cheese!
my best wishes & love to tiffany and hope she brings the house down with her infectious charm & laughter very soon – do take care roxana and yes it is killing to c the apple of our eyes down n out;
oh my, i can't even imagine what that is like…. hug and a prayer for you. you are so strong.
Oh gosh
poor Tiffany! Sending lots of love and good vibes her way… and lots more mac + cheese!
*kisses* HH
Best wishes to Tiffany! I'm so relieved to hear that everything is fine now. She will go back to playing and laughing in no time =) These mac and cheese sound so interesting! I bookmarked it and will let you know when I come around to making them!
My best wishes to Tiffany! Please give Tiffany a ((BIG HUGS)) for me
Love the mac & cheese!
Take care
Oh no Roxana, so sorry you had to go through that. Sending prayers your way. Nothing more painful than watching your child hurt. I'm sure this mac and cheese will put a smile on her face.
-Gina-
Sorry for what happen…poor baby!I hope that she will recover very soon. You should take care of yourself because you passed through many emotions.
I love your recipe and you photos are wonderful, like they always are!
This made me tear up. I can only imagine how awful that felt. I could barely breathe reading it. Sending you and your little one so much love xoxo
Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry this happened! I read this with my heart in my throat, trying to read every beautifully-written word before I just had to skip down to make sure she pulled through. I'm so thankful she did. Wow. I can't imagine what you've been through.
Amy @ A Little Nosh
I'm so sorry that you guys had to go through all that. And I'm so glad that your baby is safe now and starting to feel better. This mac and cheese would definitely perk up anyone's spirits on the road to recovery.
I'm so glad that your baby recovered well. I hope you never have to go through that again. What a nightmare!
Loved the recipe
My heart ached as I read your story. I'm so sorry this terrible thing happened to Tiffany and you. As a parent, I just can't imagine this happens at the hospital where you can only trust the doctors to do the right job. I'm glad Tiffany is okay. You and your husband might be traumatized. It's just not fair… My best wishes to your family.
All the things happens to our kids is terrible!! I understand you, Thanks God she is better, dear sorry you lived this, hope she will beabsolutely OK! soon!Send prayers and huggs To you, hubby and Tiffany!! gloria
Bless her sweet little heart! I'm so glad she's recovering- that was such a scare. Prayers for speedy healing coming her way. That macaroni looks like the ultimate comfort food to help her feel better soon!
Roxana…I am so happy that she is alright now. Gosh ,how much it worried the both of you and now it is all over and she is back to her normal though a bit tired. It is okay..in no time she will bounce back to her happy and cheerful little angel
Thanks for sharing such a delicious and healthy mac and cheese slices. I shall try it out when I have the cheese at hand.
Have a blessed day and hugs to you and Tiffany,
Elin
I literally cheered at the end of your story when she opened her eyes and her toxicology reports came back okay. I'm so deeply sorry your family had to go through that. May your sweet daughter have a speedy recovery.
Oh my gosh was a terrifying experience!!! I am so glad to hear your little one is recovering and she has such a good mom to give her lots of TLC and yummy mac and cheese – you are in my thoughts!
i don't understand how can doctors do such things! As a kid, I almost lost my brother because of strong dosage and wrong surgery. I am glad she is doing fine now and that dish you made will make her happy. She will be fine and will get better soon.. My prayers are with you !
I'm glad your daughter is ok now. It's hard to depend on people for your loved ones. Put your hopes in God. Prayers and hugs for the little angel
You and yours are in my prayers. God bless and take care of all of you as she gets better. *hugs*
I do not understand either when you get to the emrgency room you have to wait that long..I am pleased to hear that verything is ok now.I have two year old and know how we watch them and still they manage to hurt themselves:)
I cannot even imagine your experience. It sounds so sad and scary. I am happy everything is ok now.
In fact, I have already tasted pasta with cottage cheese and fruit (fresh) and know some people who love it with strawberries. Making it in a form of cake is completely new to me and looks really appealing.
That must have been hard on all of you… I'm so glad she's recovering well now. She will soon be great again enjoying this amazingly different mac&cheese. God bless you all!
Poor girl…
I have the same feeling with u when my second son hit by a car, at the er at that time my life ruin a part, thx God he recover so quickly
send my warm regard for ur little princess… send my prayer from here
quite honest, I'm a little bit "scare" when reading the ingredients, pasta with cranberry is ok, but with tofu?
well… that friend are for, to tell us when something "new" is great & worth to try
tq for sharing the recipe with us dear…
I'll it a try when I have chance since I'm a pasta lover – well… I must try!
Tq again! & get well soon Tiffany
Oh god, Roxana! I feel sick with horror just readiing this, I am ever so glad that Tiffany is recovering. I wish I was there to give you a big, big hug. Please let me know if there is ANYTHING you need!
What a scary ordeal for the whole family-I am so glad that Tiffany is home now, my thoughts are with you & your family.
Oh – my heart goes out to you and tiffany…as well as my prayers. I'm glad she's going to be okay. I can only imagine how hard that was for you…
Oh, Roxana, how scary!!! I'm glad your sweet Tiffany will be OK. And you're such a nice mama to make one of her favorite treats…it's a new recipe idea for me, but I know everything you make is fabulous. xo
You are both in my prayers…
These slices are so cool thank you for the idea. It is very creative
Oh my gosh…oh wow… I am SO GLAD AND SO HAPPY to hear that she is doing well!!! Oh my heart sunk …hugs and kisses for you both! ♥
Very scary! you never know when life can change in a blink of an eye. sending good vibes your way!
Love and hugs and prayers to you, Roxana, your husband and little Tiffany. I was crying while reading this, knowing I would be experiencing the same things if it were my son.
Oh my – how SCARY!!!! So glad everything turned out ok! But HATE that you or anyone would have to go through that!
Hugs to you and your little one.
Roxana, I'm so glad she's getting better. I almost choked on my water when I read they overdosed her..(insert string of not so nice words). In any event, your litle angel will soon be enjoying her Mama's amazing cooking/baking, including this awesme mac 'n cheese slice. Reminds me a lot of noodle kugel, the macaroni version
How scary! I just stumbled on this post, and could feel how terrified you must have been. As parents we trust doctors. I lost all faith in doctors years ago when my son almost passed away, very scary stuff. So glad she is doing better. This mac n cheese slice looks great!
Blessings to your sweet, sweet little Tiffany. I hope she is recovering well. I feel you pain & I hope you and her are doing OK. This loaf is creative, comforting and I bet very delicious. xo
Oh I am so sorry sweetie, you must have been terrified. I was so relieved to get to the part when she was doing better. Give yourself and Tiffany a big hug from me.
The cheese loaf looks wonderful and I am glad she got to enjoy it
oh Roxana, it breaks my heart to hear about Tiffany, thank God she is going to be alright. There is no worse feeling in this world than watching your child suffer and feeling helpless.
I'm sure Tiffany will love to have one of those mac and cheese slices after enduring hospital food, they do look delicious.
our love and prayers to you and your family
Dennis
I was so scared reading this post, thank god your little girl is going to be alright!
Having mac & cheese is weird but interesting
.
Oh My God..what happened??? I was so busy and didn't read this post before..I am so happy that she is better now! I can't even imagine what you guys went through! I felt so cold and shaky when I read it..ahh..
I hope your slices were just what she needed to get even better..it looks amazing!!!
Best wishes. Food looks good.
Wow, Roxana, my heart just dropped the second I began to read of the horror you and your family have gone through the past little while. Oh thanks goodness she is alright. I can't even imagine the fear that you had. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your sweet family.
Oh that must have been completely terrifying. I know only too well what it's like, with my daughter having spent three months in a hospital when she was born. I'm so glad your daughter is going to be alright.
The mac & cheese slice is very unique, should be very yummy for the little one.
Roxana, what an absolute horror story! I am so happy to hear that Tiffany is going to be okay! Sending much love to all of you.
Mandy
How lovely to prepare this great sounding mac and cheese for her.
Have a happy and safe weekend.
Oh,my heart drop, when I read your story.
And so glad that she's getting better now.Big hugs from me to you and Tiffany, take care.
Hello!
The blessings of Gd, the L-rd and mighty among men acted so that his life be long and happy.
Be Happy Baby Tiffany, With the grace of the Eternal Father.
sincerely,
Adelle Lehman B
I'm pretty sure I held my breath through this entire post. So happy to hear that she is awake and home! My daughter would love this recipe!
Oh, Roxana! I'm with Dee as I was holding my breath the whole time, too. I was actually afraid to keep reading. I am SSSOOOOOO relieved that she is home and doing better and that mom and dad are as well. Wonderful news!! Those times with our precious children can be the most terrifying we experience.
Hugs to you all!
Oh Roxana this breaks my heart. Hope you stay strong and I'm relieved Tiffany is ok now. I can imagine the feeling and what you had to go through. Best wishes to your family.
The mac & cheese slice looks delicious and very comforting!
Healing hug to Tiffany (and mommy and daddy too)! I felt your angst, it is so hard for us to see our children hurt in any way. Mmm! to your mac and cheese recipe, sounds delish.
Sending lots of love and prayers for Tiffany and your family. I am so so glad that she's getting better. ((Hugs))
Your recipe is as beautiful as always!
sending my love, from your current post I know she is doing well..I am so glad. children are our greatest gift!!
Hi Roxana…It is so sad to see that photo of little Tiffany and read your story. You must've been petrified. I'm so happy she is doing better now. She must've been so happy to have her Mommy's delicious food.sending you many hugs. xxoo
Roxana-I'm so sorry I have not known about Tiffany, until just now. Lora called me from North Carolina, where they are vacationing, and I'm once again house/dog sitting…going back and forth to my place as well for my kitties.
Just kind of "lost in space here" trying to keep up with things.
Seeing the photo of your little angel had me in "tears" …feeling the sudden rush of sadness, but thank God now, to find out she is doing better now, and will be able to eat mommie's delicious mac and cheese treat. You just never know, how in a split second something could happen, and will forever change your life.
I hope and pray that she will be coming to a full recovery. You are a beautiful, loving, and caring mommie. You are blessed with your beautiful Tiffany, and these are just "scary" moments that come into your life, but does not mean that things will not be all right.
You have a lot of friends who care, and I am one of them that care, and love you, and your sweet little Tiffany, as well!
Lots of hugs, and well wishes to your sweet little angel!
Hello,
Passing through from A Twitter RT. I came in here thinking I was going to read piece on food. Anyways, I just want to say I am so happy to read your precious baby is OK.I was reminded when my daughter went to the ER when she tripped over an object and busted her face on the edge of a coffee table. She did this with me IN FRONT of her! We took her in and she got stitched up. She was fine! Anyways, just saying, accidents happen all the time and in a blink of an eye, so I know how you feel! So glad to read your baby is well!
Yummy sandwich by the way!
What a week to catch up on my delinquent blog post reading…so many people have been faced with tragedy and hard things over the past few weeks. May what's left of you summer be incident free and full of love.
What a terrifying experience. When my kids were put under anesthesia it was always frightening, so I can only imagine how scared you must have been. Thank God she came out of it fine and hope she has a blessed recovery. She has a mom who obviously loves her so much.
Oh my goodness, that's so scary. I'm so happy everything worked out fairly-ok and that she is now safe. Be well. Sorry I missed this one now, just catching up.
Oh I'm so glad your little girl is doing better! It is very hard to stay strong while you feel so helpless. I hope she continues to do better.
Oh Roxanna, I am so sorry your family has had to go through that. I am glad to hear your little girl will be okay, that is just so darn scarey! The mac and cheese slice looks wonderful, I will save that one for the next mac and cheese night.
Roxana,
I'm so glad that your little angel will be all right and is on the road to recovery. How scary for you and your husband. Give her hugs and kisses and Mac n'cheese slices.
Oh my goodness I am so glad she is going to be ok. Sounds like a terrifying ordeal- you must be so happy to be home. ps The mac and cheese slice reminds me of Jewish noodle kugel, which I love…
Roxana, I am SO glad little Tiffany is doing okay now… I can't imagine how you must have felt waiting for her to wake up… God bless you & your lovely family… The mac and cheese loaf sounds so good! I would love a slice… I think my Aimee would love it too! Thanks for sharing
Best wishes to your little angel. Im so glad to hear that she is doing better now. I can only imagine how hard of an ordeal it must have all been.
You mac and cheese loaf sounds wonderful. Sort of like the noodle pudding I make for Rosh Hashanah but with fruit in it! Maybe I will add fruit to mine this year!
She’s such a beautiful little angel! I’m so happy she’s doing better. There is nothing greater than the love of a parent for a child. As a parent, I’ve had my share of scary experiences. My son is 30 and daughter 26. I wish you many happy, happy years to come with your sweet darling.