Who is the older one in this marriage ??? ...

I was cleaning out old emails today and came across this one. At Christmas time I asked DH to give me a list of some ideas of what he would like for Christmas. He emailed me this list, the subject line read "list":

Cigars
Scotch
Tie Case
Shoe Trees
Noise Canceling headphones
plasma TV
Gray pinstripe suit
Blazer
Overcoat
briefcase
exercise shorts
sunglasses
Rubber thongs, like the ones I lost
Books
Wall painting

So, how old do you think he is?? LOL!!! I just *adore* my DH, he makes me smile, always!

(BTW, the picture below of my sweet DH is from DS's 2 year appointment. They do bloodwork to test their iron & lead levels, as well as, cholestrol. DS got a "very healthy" report back (in only 3 minutes I should add - gotta love state of the art equipment). But isn't Daddy just the sweetest man ever?? He was kissing his head and whispering to him what the nurse was "about to do to his toe (take blood, blah blah blah)", the nurse finally let out a chuckle and said, "I already did it. I am already done.". DH and I got a good laugh. She gave us a nice compliment and said our family is a lot of fun & certainly had a great time even in the Doctor's office! Oh, and am I the only one that takes pictures while there??? heehee)

34 weeks and two days ... but who's counting?!?! :)

An opportunity to use my wireless remote today (the one DH got me for Christmas this year)!

Note to self: DS is more interested in the wireless remote then his baby sister in Mommy's "big tummy"! What am I getting into???

I felt brave today, maybe it is because DH is off for MLK tomorrow and I get another day to nap ... but what ever the reason, I finally took my first bare belly picture today:




And yes, I am short, but DS hasn't caught up to me that fast ... yet! I am kneeling on the floor in this picture.

Don't eat the Tempura!

DS is really into painting now. I am lucky if I can make it to 9:00am before he is asking every 5 minutes if we can paint. I actually don't mind and have been enjoying it myself!

A little tip I learned back in my Preschool teaching days ... add a little dish soap to the Tempura paint to help wash away the paint and alleviate staining. It is not a guarantee but certainly it does help. I did take the time to look it up on-line to verify that it does work since my Preschool teaching days were over 15 years ago, YIKES! Everything I read did verify that it is still a good practice to mix dish soap with Tempura paint to help prevent staining ... also, an additional suggestion, DS's Nina (Godmother) gave him little plastic containers with a paintbrush size hole to dip the brushes in (see picture) to help prevent spilling. They also come with handy lids to help prevent drying (you will still want to use the paint within the next day or so since one the benefits of Tempura paint is that it is dries fast so try your best not to over-pour the Tempura paint from the get-go).

Oh, and I know, my posts have been very kid focused this last month. I have been really focused on spending all my time with DS before his sister arrives soon. I plan on sharing other fun stuff soon!

I *heart* my new bounce flash!

Oh my gosh, I am in love ... after struggling for the past year to get a great indoor candid snap-shot of DS (because of lack of natural light in our ever-so-small-attached-on-two-sides townhome) we finally went and purchased a bounce flash! We got it late yesterday afternoon so my only time to play with it was after dinner and bath time but we got it for exactly what I used it for last night. That is, to get great candid snap-shots of DS doing his every day activities (coloring, reading, play-doeugh, painting, etc.). This was actually a snap-shot worthy moment as it was his first time brushing his teeth all on his own. We struggled with a crying, squirmmy boy for almost two years as we struggled to brush his teeth. We stayed consistent, often asked if he wanted to brush them himself, tried many recommendations from other parents and today was the first day he asked if he could brush his teeth ... first after lunch and then again yesterday evening. Let's hope this new trend continues, so far it has continued today. (I hope posting this doesn't jinx it!)

I can not believe the bounce flash works so well even with our two story high vaulted ceilings (I bounced the light off the ceiling in this one) but I am thrilled with the results - no over exposed eyes, washed out skin, etc. I did nothing to this picture but cropped out DH (LOL!). Watch out, next time you see me with my dear camera indoors you might have to look around to find me, DH says it is hysterical looking (quite large) and my dear camera now completely covers my face (wow, double use in one, great indoor pics and something to hide my bloated pregnant face that has already started! :)

Facing Fear

DS is afraid of heights, so is DH. I have always been a little afraid of heights too but not in the debilitating way I was when pregnant with him. I would even exit one off-ramp earlier to avoid an overpass near our home. It was crazy. Now I must admit I am not too uncomfortable with his fear. I love being able to sit at the park and not worry that my Toddler is going to run right to the top and tumble down one of the open spaces. I enjoy taking a sip of my water while I see other Mom's rushing to try to catch, stop, yell, yank on their brave toddlers before going over the edge.

However, I have been quite proud (& a bit surprised) at how brave and courageous he has gotten in the last couple weeks. 85% of the time he still asks, "Mommy come too" when venturing to the top (which is still much better then the "no, no, no" he used to say when I asked if he wanted to go up) and the other 15% of the time he will brave it with Mr. Brown Bear only (if you look closely you will see Mr. Brown Bear in his hand). I am one proud Mommy ... okay, so it takes a little to make Mommy proud! :)

My DH is so afraid of heights I think he even got a little nervous when I just showed him this picture but like Mommy, DH was also quite proud (& surprised) of our little guy facing his fear.

So ....

What do you think? Like the brown, pink and blue! Would love to hear from you all ... you can comment without using an URL or email!

Stay tuned ....

My new Blog "look" is coming soon ... some time this week it will be up for everyone to see!!! Keep checking back!!! Just a reminder, all previous comments on my Blog will no longer be available but you will be able to post comments again (and one of my favorite parts about blogging is getting the sweet comments from you all).

Happy Tuesday!

I hide Mommy!

DS is hiding behind the small tree, can you see him?!? LOL!!!

Happy rainy day to us!!!

Clutter Control Calling

I thought about asking our priest if you still have to make a New Year's resolution if you're pregnant? I mean, I don't have to fast, I get to eat meat on Fridays during lent ... so don't you think pregnant ladies should get a pass on having to make resolutions for the New Year?!?!

Okay, I think I am joking , I mean, at least only half-way joking! :) But at least I know I definitely don't have to include the obligatory resolution of losing 15 lbs. So this year I searched for the next best thing ... instead of losing weight, I will lose things. To be specific ... things creating clutter around me. I started this project a few days ago by first attacking my closet and have already made one drop off at The Goodwill but now that I am on a roll I am anxious to attack DH's closet next, DS's thereafter and of course there is the kitchen, desk, linen closet, nightstand drawers ... and do a dare say ... GARAGE!!! Actually, I think GARAGE should be on DH's resolution list. I think I will wait to mention that tomorrow though. He was sweet enough to let me take a nap today while he cleaned the kitchen, played with our DS and cooked dinner. Oh and he also reminded me that I got to start the New Year with breakfast in bed ... the best home-made pancakes I have ever had with real maple syrup, mmmmmmmmmmm!!! Happy New Year to me! I think he is just trying to butter me up (yes, pun intended) for the arrival of our new bun in the oven (yes, another pun intended!) ... he knows all too well that I am entering the no-sleep, no-rest zone very soon.

So, please share your New Year's resolutions!!! And I want to hear from all of you this time, I know you're reading, yes, I do have a site meter on here, so please, will you post in the New Year!!! Thanks in advance!

Oh and I do have other resolutions too but I much rather hear yours!

HAPPY NEW YEARS!!!

I can not believe how fast this year has gone ... 2008 is here!!! I hope you all enjoyed a safe and fun night ... if you are like us, you are enjoying football, food and relaxing today!!!

A recent fave of DS (I can't believe he is turning two at the end of this month, we are getting excited for his little sister to arrive!!!):

Still Christmas shopping ...

Sephora is at it again .... spend only $25 and get this darling metallic clutch for free. Perfect metallic clutch to go with your holiday attire and fun festive events!!! Apply coupon code METTALIC and you will get this free clutch PLUS 20% off, all you need to do is spend over $25!

Christmas cards are in the mail ...

Now that our cards are on their way to your mailboxes I have to share my favorite "out-take" from our impromptu Christmas photo-session. I have to also mention that keeping my camera in my car really paid off this day, I was not planning on capturing his Christmas card photo that day but had 20 minutes before the store opened and grabbed my camera from the car while he was outside playing in front of Santa's house! Lesson learned, having your camera handy certainly helps! I can also honestly say we used a fun "snapshot" of our son playing rather then a posed planned shot (don't get me wrong, I LOVE those too!).

So here it is, my favorite "out-take", I *adore* his expression here:

Lighten your load while traveling with a little one!

I was recently talking to my long time and good friend AS about traveling with a little one. AS is my girlfriend that owns the amazing children's clothing line www.eight3one.com. Remember her? If not, you can LINK TO THIS POST to hear more.

Anyway, she was talking about the difficulty of traveling with a little one by yourself and how hard it is to manage all the items you need to take along with you such as, a stroller, car seat, highchair, etc. with out any help. I immediately remembered a new site that my knowledgable friend KR told me about. It is www.octraveltykes.com. In-the-know and ever so sweet KR sent me the information because I have been actively looking for a double stroller before our new little girl arrives (I have only 11 short weeks to figure it all out) and www.octraveltykes.com allows you "test drive" strollers. A wonderful feature for a gal like me that can never make up her mind even between the chocolate brown sweater or the cocoa brown sweater! LOL! I contacted them and got an immediate response (they also provide a great consultation service) and will be making an appointment in January to personally test the two strollers I have narrowed it down to: The Elite Urban Mountain Buggy or the Double version of the stroller we have now, the Valco Runabout Double.

But what I also noticed when I first went to the site was their first capture that read "Traveling to the OC? ... Don't pack it, we've got you covered!" How wonderful is that? They will deliver to most locations in Orange County, CA or you can pick it up after you arrive in Southern California. You can rent and use the items while on vacation and return them before you leave town. You can rent almost all large items you would need while traveling with your child(ren) including strollers, highchairs, playmats, pack-n-plays, etc. Even if you need a double stroller, they have you covered. The rental rates are also very reasonable. If you are not traveling to the OC soon, check out if the city you are planning to visit has the same type of service. In my limited research I did notice Tahoe, South Florida, and Martha's Vineyard. Less space needed for baby equipment means more space for your souviners!!!

I hope this helps "lighten" your holiday load!

I share, Daddy!

My DS is at the age where we are really trying to teach him about good manners. We are often reminding him about the big three (1) say please, (2) say thank you, (3) and share! He actually has been doing quite well with all 3 of them, especially for an active 22 month old boy.

Here is a picture of him sharing a cookie with Daddy at the wonderful St. Regis tree lighting ceremony after Thanksgiving (in Laguna Beach, CA).

Reader's Digest thought it was worthy of their top 10 Thanksgiving pictures and if you agree CLICK HERE to see and vote! (& boy, wouldn't a $100 come in handy during this holiday season!!!) :)

Halloween ... again!

My Darling Son (DS) is in the final November's photo contest on BabyZone.com. Please check it out and we thank you in advance for any votes (wink wink)!

Happy Friday, hope it is "GRRRRRRRRRRRRRR"eat!!!

LINK HERE to vote!!! You can vote once a day, every day, for the next 3 days (until December 3rd).

Two for you, one for me, two for you, one for ...

I am not sure if everyone else is like me ... but I have a very hard time Christmas shopping and not picking up one or two things for myself too! I always feel guilty about it and have also been known to come home and give it to DH and tell him to wrap it for me for Christmas because I feel guilty that I bought it for myself during the holidays. It is just so dang hard when you see a great sale or better yet, find the perfect shirt (jeans, stationary, candle, frame .... lol). Well, as I was Christmas shopping on line today while DS naps (gesh, what did our Mother's do during this season when internet shopping wasn't available?) I found a great way to satisfy both my gift giving spirit and the occasional self-buying trap I fall into ....

Sephora is offering a 13 sample product pack free when you spend only $25. WooHoo, a nice gift for that friend, sister, co-worker, Mom, Mother-in-law, etc. and a FREE packet of 13 fun beauty products for yourself (& trust me, I looked over the list first, these are the kind of samples you actually want). Enjoy! The pack even includes a sample of the Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer ... gotta love 2-steps in 1 when your a Mom!

Christmas photo disasters!

DH and I took some time this weekend to try to get a good snap-shot of DS for our Christmas cards. Oh my, what a disaster ... when he wanted to laugh and smile I was either not ready or he was standing in front of the wrong back-drop. I hope the rest of you are having better luck then we are but I must say, we all are fully enjoying the process and have had many laughs while trying. I really think the Christmas card photo is yet another fun festive family tradition each year. I can only try to imagine how difficult it gets as your family grows. Once we confirm a picture we want to use I am going to post some of our funny out-takes ... and I would love to see yours too.

Happy belated Thanksgiving everyone ... and as DS would say, "Gobble Gobble!"

Fall time fun!

Since I haven't shared many recent pictures of my DS recently I thought I would post DS with his favorite person in the world at the pumpkin patch yesterday ... his cousin Kay-ya (his pronounciation of his cousins name, MA). He absolutely adores her.

Loving my new curve(s)!

First off, sorry for the lack of posts. Pregnant while caring for an active toddler keeps me pretty busy. I am happy to say though, I am feeling better and better every day.

Secondly, yes, my Blog is still getting a face-lift. All I can say is that two pregnant women caring for toddlers makes for a lengthy process for design, edits, approvals, etc. But I have seen a sneak peek and it is going to be FABULOUS. So, please, stay tuned. I am hoping my face-lift gives me that boost to start blogging more. I really miss hearing my self ramble! :)

Lastly, I love me new curve(s). Yes, pregnancy is hard and really does a number on your body but .... oops, NO, I am not talking about those curves (not sure you can even call the extra fat curves), I am talking about my new Blackberry Curve. Please tell me you are not wondering why a SAHM needs a Blackberry?! Come on, we have just as many dates, times, events, contact numbers and the such to keep organized. I feel like I am failing every day with my Mommy organization but if I do forget my handy dandy sexy Blackberry Curve is by my side so I can "look it up"! I also couldn't help getting the newest addition to the Blackberry Curve family ... the RED one. Now that is certainly something I would have felt uncomfortable carrying in my "professional" life but now I just adore it! I had no idea just how new and sought after the red one was when the salesman offered it to me. I didn't see any out in the store and he had to say he "might have one in back if I was interested". I think it must have been my just-let-out-of-a-cage uncontrollable desire to chat with another adult that I found the need to go into great details about my past career in wireless dating all the way back to L.A. Cellular. Or do you think he thought I was a secret shopper? :) Did you know the new Blackberry Curve has full GPS? So even though my car is 10 years old I can now say "I too have GPS in my car"! Oh yea, and just in case I forget my dear camera it has a 2mp built in camera, woohoo, more pics of my DS!!! :)

Anyway, loving the new curve(s) and while I debated the iPhone I ultimately decided that I was a Blackberry kind of girl!

Summertime find for under $15!

Great hostess LG hosted our monthly Wine Club last month and the theme was "Summertime Wines". At first I was a little apprehensive about this theme since she specifically asked us to bring a "white" summertime wine and since I usually don't prefer "white" I thought I would be attending to just enjoy the wonderful company and yummy food. Boy was I surprised, EVERY SINGLE WHITE WINE was DELICIOUS! My intention was to post every single one but since my DH (although, Dear doesn't seem so appropriate right now) threw my notes away so I can only share mine.

It was a perfectly balanced white Savignon Blanc. It wasn't too sweet yet not oak-y and buttery either. Bacchus Wine Cellars recommended this wine but ultimately I chose it for the 90 point Wine Spectator rating (any wine under $15 with that type of rating is definitely worth trying).

If you are looking for a wonderful wine to help wind down the summer to:

Babich, Marlborough, Savignon Blanc 2005 for $13.99

Cheers! Oh, and by the way, the wonderful company and food was still the highlight of the night ... LG can make a darn good Cobb Pasta Salad, YUMMY!!!

(I would love to hear comments about your favorite summertime wines or beverages ... please share!)