Turtle cheesecake and memories of last Christmas

So last night I stayed up super late baking. I baked a turtle cheesecake to bring to my dr's office. No way can I keep that thing around here. Way too dangerous!!
I am going to share the recipe here:
Ingredients
Crust:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans
• 6 tablespoons cold butter, chopped

Filling:

• 4 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour, divided
• 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
• 1-1/2 teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract
• 4 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips, melted and cooled
• 1/4 cup caramel ice cream topping
• 1/3 cup chopped pecans

Ganache:

• 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons chopped pecans
• Optional garnish: pecan halves and additional caramel ice cream topping

Directions

• Place a greased 9-in. springform pan on a double thickness of heavy-duty foil (about 18 in. square). Securely wrap foil around pan.
• In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar and pecans; cut in butter until crumbly. Press onto the bottom of prepared pan. Place pan on a baking sheet. Bake at 325° for 12-15 minutes or until set. Cool on a wire rack.
• In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugars until smooth. Beat in 1/4 cup flour, cream and vanilla. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Remove 1 cup batter to a small bowl; stir in melted chocolate until blended. Spread over crust.
• Combine caramel topping and remaining flour; stir in pecans. Drop by tablespoonfuls over chocolate batter. Top with remaining batter. Place springform pan in a large baking pan; add 1 in. of hot water to larger pan.
• Bake at 325° for 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 hours or until center is just set and top appears dull. Remove springform pan from water bath. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight.
• Place chips in a small bowl. In a small saucepan, bring cream just to a boil. Pour over chips; whisk until smooth. Cool slightly, stirring occasionally. Spread over cheesecake. Sprinkle with chopped pecans. Refrigerate until set. Remove sides of pan. Garnish with pecan halves and additional caramel topping if desired

While baking my mind starts running sometimes. I was thinking back to this time last year. I was already baking for the holidays, like a mad woman. Little did I know that I was just weeks away from finding out about a sweet little surprise later to be named Isla :) 

On December 23rd 2009 I had my regular annual visit with my dr and to get an rx for birth control (haha). I actually did start the nuva ring that day. When I left there I just felt "off". My cycle wasn't late or even due yet but something just wasn't right. I went to the grocery store and got a box of 2 store brand tests, thinking I was just being crazy, didn't want to spend the big bucks on a better test. I went home took one and a very faint line appeared. NO WAY, I thought. So... being me, I took another. I was in disbelief. The lines were so faint they must be wrong....right? Plus I was 6 or so days away from even being due for my period. Here is a picture of that first test:

So they next day was Christmas eve. My mom was having a get together. Shaun was still at work. I went by my mom's and asked if I could leave the boys while I ran to the store for "some milk". I get there and the parking lot is CRAZY. After 15 minutes I decided I'd throw in the towel and come back another day. My friend called and said oh no you better find parking and go in there and get another test! I went around one more time and found a spot. Pushed past the crowds of crazy last minute shoppers. Grabbed a 2 pack of First response tests. I pay for them and went right to the bathroom. I took a test in the bathroom stall at the grocery store... how classy. I can still remember. It was the 2nd stall in and as soon I peed on that stick the 2nd line came up. I still remember the feeling of anxiety, panic AND excitement all at once. I called my friend immediately to get my "i told you so" from her. 

I wrapped a bow around the test. I went and picked Shaun up from work so we could head back over to my mom's. I handed him the test and I believe his exact words were "awwww damn" but what he REALLY meant was "what an awesome surprise", I'm sure of it ;)

We went back and finished the evening with family like nothing was going on but inside I was dying of excitement and nerves. Damon was only 13 months old! I tell ya, when God has a plan GOD HAS A PLAN!

We told our families within the next week with this picture:

Then if you know me... you know I had to take a few more tests to be SURE... this made it clear:

What an exciting time. That was the best Christmas present ever.I have been reminiscing about that a lot this week. So bittersweet since there will be no more babies here (I guess you never know though ;) )

 Now she's here. Safe and sound. Beautiful and sweet. We are certainly blessed.