Mindless Madness

Tomorrow we leave for our first big international vacation with both kids. Today I spent most of my day running around like a chicken with my head cut off to finish all loose ends (BTW, was my Mom the only one that over-used that saying, LOL?!).

After exhausting myself, I was delighted to arrive home to this nice little package on my doorstep. I was excited not only because making sure I have something fun for myself was at the bottom of my list (the part I never made it to) but because it will provide many hours of (interupt-able) entertainment on our journey! Thank you KR, you always know what a girl needs, really, THANK YOU!

Bon Voyage everyone! See you soon!

Friday Family Faves (FFF)

Yes, I know it is Monday, but let's just pretend it is Friday! ;-)

DD loves these soft rubber blocks. She can grab them, chew on them (a prerequisite for her toys) and they even make a squeak when you squeeze them. We received these as a gift from a coworker of DH's and they have been a BIG hit. I can also see how she will be able to grow with them since DS enjoys stacking them and pointing out the different letters and animals.

This is now on my gift-giving list for all new Mom's along with a plastic basket full of fruit & vegetables that DD played with (while wearing her Sparky the Sun Devil outfit) for over an hour at The C's house during the USC game. The simple things they enjoy, she was as happy as can be and she didn't even know that USC won!

Happy Monday!

A favorite song

I am driving along the 405 freeway the other day to my in-laws house (we go over there every Tuesday) listening to a favorite tune on the radio and I hear something that catches my ear. The sound of hard belly laughter.

I turn the radio off and sure enough, it is what I thought it was. I smile from ear to ear.

DS is playing peek-a-boo with his baby sister (car seat to car seat) and they are both laughing hysterically. I debated pulling out my camera right then and there but one can never to be too cautious when driving on the 405 freeway so I opted to just sit back, drive and smile ear to ear while listening to my favorite song (their laughter).

It wasn't too long ago that they barely noticed each other back there. Now their interactions not only entertain me, they make me completely joyful!

I love you just the way you are

My kids ... being themselves.

I love their individual personalities. I love the different moods they each express at different times. I love (them) just the way they are.



(in case you forgot an appropriate fun fact, our wedding song was Just the way you are by Billy Joel)



Hope you all enjoyed your weekend. Happy Monday!

Motivation

Why the new look? .... Just like getting a new pair of running shoes or Lululemon work out gear to motivate you to work-out the new Blog look is to help motivate me to Blog more.

Hope you enjoy!

And I should add, once again changing looks also means all your sweet and SO APPRECIATED comments are deleted. I hope that just means you have to leave more comments (because I can't tell you how much they mean to me, seriously, and thanks in advance!)

What's your sign?

We finally entered modern day technology when we moved here and purchased a DVR to go along with our generous house warming gift from the in-laws (a wonderful 42 inch flat screen television).

I remember, back in the day people used to ask, "what's your sign" with the intent of getting to learn a little bit about the person. In today's times I think "what's on your DVR (TiVo, etc.)" is more telling of a person now.

So you ask (or so you didn't, LOL), what's on our DVR?

TLC's What not to Wear and Jon & Kate plus Eight and Say Yes to the Dress

Bravo's Flipping Out and Project Runway. (BTW, as Jeff Lewis promised on Flipping Outs reunion, Zoila's picture is for sale and you can bid HERE!)

I did have MTV's Legally Blond Search until I completed the season and currently have the movie Mystic Pizza (an all-time fave that DH mentioned he hasn't seen yet).

And for DS, Super Why, Cars and Happy Feet. DH has several Nova shows and an occasional sporting event.

And FYI for all the old schoolers: Aquarius, Pisces, Leo and Cancer - that would be DS, DD, DH and I. :-)

So, what's on your DVR?

Back from the store

Last week I was on my laptop looking for new bedding for DS (we decided to move him into a big boy bed after a successful nap at his Omi and Opa's house) and DS walks up pulling his back-pack on wheels and says in his cute sing-song voice, "Mommy, I am back from the stooooorrre, I bought you something."

"Wow, how nice, what did you get me love bug?"

His reply, "lipgloss and coffee". Does my DS know me or what?! :-)

BTW, I did find adorable bedding to fit the theme we were trying to accomplish in his room per his interersts (transportation theme). But best of all, he is doing WONDERFUL in his big boy bed. Although, I am not too surprised he is sleeping so well in his new bed since Mommy spared no expense on his 440 thread count sheets. They are heavenly!

Nightmares

DH frantically turns on the computer, logs-in, sends himself an email, opens it, and hits print.

What just happened you ask?

DH had woken from a dream that he did not pass the Level III CFA Exam exactly one week after finding out that he did. And just in case his nightmare was reality he sent himself the confirmation email to his personal email account and printed a copy (all this after checking every day for the past week to once again see that 4 letter word) ... reality is: HE PASSED THE LEVEL III CFA EXAM and no one can change that!!! WOOHOO!!!

Congratulations sweetheart, we are so proud of you!

Mid-week Glee

I found DS's napkin completely used (independently with out prompting) after lunch today. All that nagging does pay off. :)

Mommy is gleeful, our walls are grateful!

The crazy things that can make a Mommy gleeful! Ha! Oh and if you are wondering why his napkin is pink, I am still trying to use up all the left-over napkins from DD's baptism! :)

Fun in the sun!

DS is in this week's Baby Zone photo contest. It has been quite awhile since I have entered any of my pictures (or for that matter, since I have taken any fantastic pictures, ugh, I keep promising myself to get out and photograph more!) If you have the time, please check it out HERE! You can vote once a day for the entire week. Thanks in advance!

Mr. Brown Bear; His Baby

Mr. Brown Bear is not just DS's lovey right now, it has also become his "baby".

Recently, I have overheard DS telling Mr. Brown Bear the following:

"time out Brown Bear"

"we are leaving in one minute Brown Bear"

"are you hungry Brown Bear?"

"do you have a poopy diaper, let me get a fresh one Brown Bear"

"be careful, that is dangerous Brown Bear"

"you ready for night-night Brown Bear"

"you want to go to Sea World Brown Bear"

"hello Brown Bear, how are you?"

and one of my favorites ...

"I missed you Brown Bear"

...and best of all, he wraps him up in a blanket and carries him around the house like his baby. I cherish this soft side because in a split second he is out the door and playing rough like a boy! I am sure going to miss this stage.

No Fender Bender

DH's Stratocaster Fender guitar arrived Sunday and DS's little hands have already been all over it. The guitar is gorgeous!

DH can plug earphones into his amplifier so he won't wake the kids in the evenings when he is practicing. I haven't quite decided if this is a benefit to my ears too. LOL!

Get Your Own Mom

Just wanted to share my big boy and his shirt, "Get Your Own Mom"!

Sunday's FFF

Yes, I am late for our FFF (Friday's Family Faves) ... but better late then never, right?

DD has started on baby food and the big winner so far (she has only tried two, LOL) is sweet potatoes. I think sweet potatoes are a favorite for many kids!

DS has been walking around all week carrying his anti-itch cream and asking if any of us need "itch-y cream" or if we have "itchies". LOL!!! Already obsessed with pharmaceuticals like his Daddy.

DH has still been obsessed over his Fender guitar and is anxiously waiting for it to arrive in the next two weeks.

And me, I indulged a little each day this past week on that delicious-sinfully-good trail mix from Trader Joe's. The one that is appropriately named Trader Joe's TEMPTATION Trail Mix. YUMMMM, it is a mix of peanuts, almonds, cashews, dried cranberries, chocolate chips and peanut butter chips. Definitely not good for my desire to be back (comfortably) in my old pre-pregnancy jeans before Germany.

And today's picture is just because I like it ... I took this picture yesterday for my Great-Aunt that sent this outfit for DD earlier this week.

Snails and puppy dog tails ...

... are what little boys are made of.

DS discovered snails a long time ago. But what he saw this past weekend was a first in his snail hunting adventures: a snail laying eggs in our yard. DH discovered it as the two of them were outside trying to "pretty up" the patio for company. Don't let me fool you though. First off, there is not much to our yard or pretty-ing up to be done. Secondly, most of their time is spent looking for snails, butterflies, flowers and playing with the garden hose not cleaning. But I must admit, I love seeing my boys out there in the dirt and wouldn't have it any other way.

After DH found the snail eggs DS quickly ran inside to tell me about it. I quickly ran outside to see because I was curious. You see, being a girl, any time spent in the dirt (& it was limited) was spent making mud-pies, cakes, and cookies not looking for creepy crawly things. Although, I did find it pretty cool and even grabbed my camera to catch a picture (see below).

I asked DH if he had ever seen something like that.

His reply, "of course, I am a boy. I spent most my time outdoors catching anything that moved so I could then put them in a box and try to make them fight."

Hmmmm. I walked away and asked myself, "is that normal?". If so, I sure have a lot in store for me.

Luckily I have the The New York Times bestseller Dangerous Book for Boys in case DH ever forgets what it is like to be a boy. But really, what are the chances of that? After DS had long lost interest in the snail eggs DH stood there staring and playing with it .... wake up Dear Hubby ... And I am supposed to think they are outside cleaning the patio. Ha!

Friday Family Faves (FFF)

Thanks to CD, ever since I heard about being able to professionally print my Blog for a keepsake (don't worry, if you don't already know, I will do a seperate post for all you other bloggers out there) I have been wanting to blog more often. I just can't seem to keep up with their baby books and my journal. So, if all else fails, I will have these ramblings for them. :-)

Keeping with that goal I have decided to devote Fridays to each family member's current faves (which can be anything from fave song, fave food, fave word, fave shoes, etc.).

So, here I go, my attempt at my first FFF (Friday Family Faves):

DS: He actually asks every time we get in the car, "Mommy, play my favorite song.". He is referring to Read My Mind by The Killers (if you link here you can listen, there is a 5 second commercial before the music video starts). I am starting to wonder if my DD will be my R&B, Hip Hop, disco queen like her Mommy because this boy is all Rock and Roll! He even tells me, "louder, turn it up."!

DD: she loves her ever-so-popular and sought-after Sophie La Girafe. As Right Start even says on their site "the famous" Sophie La Girafe. And trust me, I was tempted not to buy it when I saw the price but OMG, yes, she LOVES it and worth the $19.99 plus it sure is fun when we got stopped and asked how we like "the giraffe". As far as newborn toys go, this is the only one that gives the winkle competition for top baby toy.

DH: his birthday present from us, his new Fender American Stratocaster Sunburst Guitar that hasn't even arrived yet because they start production after you order it. He already spends countless hours on-line admiring the pictures, researching amplifiers and talking about it. I just hope he loves it as much when he receives it (in late August) as he does now.

And me: I am loving my new Aqualumiere Chanel lipgloss. It is their new lipgloss and I like the consistency, applicator and color more then the Levres Scintillantes Chanel lipgloss I used to use.

A challenge to my 22 average readers per day (pretty impressive, huh?):

What are your FFF?

Taking the wind out of my sale ...

It has happened to me too. Once I became a mother I started (almost) exculsively shopping for my kids. I can still remember our long back to school shopping days with my Mom where we would return home with bags and bags of clothes but nothing for her - thanks Mom, if I knew then what I know now, I would have made sure we shopped for you too! If it makes you feel any better, I assure you, I am paying it forward to your wonderful Grandkids! :-)

I recently went to the infamous Nordstrom Anniversary sale (back in the day that meant a day off work - or at least a partial day off work - hey, I was in sales and it usually went unnoticed). This year, I bought for 5 people at the Nordstrom Anniversary sale. Out of those 5, none were me. In fact, I never made it past the men's and children's departments. When you have a husband, two kids and two godchildren who needs to shop for themselves?! I had more fun shopping for them. It only took 30 something years to get here. LOL!!!

Have you been yet, please share!? My favorite finds - these adorable jeans for DS and a great shirt for DH (not available on-line) that I plan on asking him wear to BC's birthday celebration in Laguna Beach next weekend .

He is ....

He is strong.

He is intelligent.

He is thoughtful.

He is handsome.

He is a fabulous Daddy.

He is funny.

He is a great cook.

He is a hardworker.

He is a good communicator.

He is a best friend.

He is my husband.



Happy 34th Birthday to my wonderful husband!



Love,

Your Adoring Wife



(we celebrated at home on Friday night, DD missed the picture, DS was in a mood and I wore my party hat the entire time. LOL!)

Walking on sunshine ...

... and don't it feel good!

I am thrilled with my new Nikkor 18-200 lens that my thoughtful DH got me for my birthday. The wider range of distance helps me stay out of DS's splash zone when I need to!

Happy 5 months old to my sweet girl!

Is there chocolate cake in there?

DS recently had his first taste of chocolate milk.

He took a sip, looked at me and smiled.

I asked, "what does it taste like?"

He responded, "chocolate (pause) milk (pause)".

I laughed at myself because I realized what a silly question that obviously was until soon after his second sip he got a puzzled look, lifted his sippy cup, pointed to it and said, "Mommy, is there chocolate cake in there?"

Yes, I know, I have said it before, but I will say it again, DS L-O-V-E-S chocolate!

Like father, like son.

Red tag alert.

So, am I the only one that gets excited when I see the little red clearence tags at Target? I often walk the back aisles just to browse the "red tag" sales. I usually am so excited to find a great red tag item that I miss that the sale price of $4.29 is only marked down from the original $4.99. Yes, they have me fooled with the bright glossy teeny tiny red tags! And please don't remind me that I really don't need another package of colorful paper napkins or pink stationary. A girl can never have enough of either of those in my book ... and they were on clearance you know!

So you can imagine my complete euphoria when I discovered a teeny tiny glossy red tag affixed to the corner of the beautiful Britax Marathon's ever-so-popular-Brooke-pattern at my local Target. But after recruiting a salesgirl to help me desperately locate one we discovered that not only did my Target not have one in stock but no Target in the western United States had one. So, alas, I drove home and ordered my Britax Marathon in the ever-so-popular and adorable Brooke pattern on-line for a premium price (because, as I told DH, this pattern isn't available just any where you know & Britax are the safest).

2 lessons learned:

#1. Yes, those glossy red tags are a marketing gimmick to get you to spend more! :)

#2. I want only the best (& cutest) for my DD! :)

**lowers head and walks away in shame**

Happy to be round!

We are currently renting after recently selling our townhome. There are many things I would change about the home we are currently living in but since we are not the home owners we have no option (or reason) to make those changes.


We did, however, get a new kitchen table that fits the space in this home much better (not necessarily the style of the home but at least the space). I have always been a big fan of round tables and I am thrilled with our new one for it's shape and style. In fact I often seek out restraurants that I know have round tables for large parties but not because of King Arthur's legend that there is no priviledged position at the table but because it is easier to see and socialize with everyone at the table rather then only the person to your left or right (& I know we have all been stuck at one time or another next to that one person that you really have nothing to say to ... or is it the person that you always have something to say to but were hoping to chat with someone you ususally don't get to see?! Well, a round table solves either!). Cheers!

T(w)O INDEPENDENCE!

Last year's picture here! Happy 4th of July 2008!!!

HIGH PROFILE

Keeping this fair skinned child protected from the sun is a full time job. We have countless numbers of sunscreen bottles (one upstairs, downstairs, in each stroller, the car and every beach bag I own). We are also trying to teach him to keep a hat on at all times and sunglasses. Neither of which are going well but when he does wear it, it looks quite cute!

I love his stare. He gets it from his Daddy. I love my boys.

There's a beetle crawling up her leg

There's a beetle on the ceiling.
It is crawling.
I am going to get it.
I need a ladder to get it.
A small ladder.
It is crawling.
(Daddy interjects: "what color is the beetle")
It is black and grey.
(He physically shows us by pointing to the ceiling in the kitchen and using his fingers to demostrate crawling & continues all the way over to the couch and up "baby sisters" leg where she "catches it")

I love watching his imagination. I love the make believe play. I had just begun creating our "dress up" bin with hats, costumes, and props - I couldn't have picked better timing.

Feeling the love

1 freshly brewed Coffee Bean Vanilla coffee
1 glass of wine
1 Cafe Frapuccino
1 bouquet of flowers
1 care package on my doorstep
1 large balloon
2 chocolate cakes
4 text messages
5 great friends at a nice lunch
7 facebook messages
7 hours sans kids (thanks for babysitting Mom!)
8 voice messages
8 candles on my cake (not sure why DH chose 8, does it have meaning?!)
11 email messages
Uncountable hugs, kisses, gifts and birthday wishes (I started losing track some where?!)

I am truly blessed to have each and every one of you in my life! Thank you!

Here Comes the Sun...

...and I say it's all right!







Their first summer time swim ...



(and if you are not sure what song I am referring to click here to listen -you have to push play first)

The. Little. Miss.

My cup runneth over.

Happy Father's Day

Happy (belated) Father's Day to the most wonderful husband. The kids are cleaner (thanks for always doing bath time), smarter (thanks for reading daily to them), and loved (thanks for always taking time for us) because of you!!! You are "our" Hero! xxoo

Beauty Secrets? No more!

It is just fascinating to see DS pick up on everything around him. Not only the things I make it a point to explain to him but also the things he picks up just from observation. For example, the other day he was walking around the house with stickers on his nose. He kept saying, "Mommy, look, stickers on my nose.". I thought this was odd but also thought it was just him being silly (he does have quite a fun silly streak in him!). But later that night when I was doing my night time routine I put a Biore strip on my nose (my pores have seemed so clogged lately, even after my wonderful Epicuren facial recently) and he laughed and said, "Mommy has a sticker on her nose too." Yes, he has seen this before and yes, he is right, it does look like I am putting a sticker on my nose. Yikes, I can't believe my hygeine routines are no longer "beauty secrets" to stay in my own bathroom. This kid is either repeating my words or actions constantly. He has become my parrot. LOL!!!

smack smack

DD is already smacking her lips when we eat. She usually joins us for dinner (she sits on the table in her Bumbo) and I can already see her eyeing our food and licking her lips. I am not surprised since DH and I are both "foodies". It will not be long until she is starting solids. I started dusting off my "Super Baby Foods" book and visiting my favorite site http://www.wholesombabyfood.com/ in preperation of making her own baby food like I did with DS. (TIP: Those are the only two references anyone needs to make your own baby food!)

I am a little sad that she is growing up so fast but I also know that starting solids means nursing will become easier (at least it did with DS, fingers crossed!). Did someone say chips and salsa with a margarita please? That would be on the rocks with extra lime please!

Happy Friday!

Spring Fling; Summer Love

Once the weather starts warming up I enjoy lighter wines (& much cooler in temperature). This seems to be a common theme amongst all wine drinkers. The benefit, you can get a great bottle of wine for an inexpensive price!!! A recent find is the Montes Cherub Rose of Syrah. At only $14.99 it is a GREAT deal and the screw top makes it easy to take along to picnics and BBQ's! Even if you are not usually a Rose drinker you will love this 100% Syrah version.

Enjoy! DH found this at Costco and thought the label was fun, glad it also turned out to be delicious!

A lovey day!

DS still loves his lovey. Do you remember? Yes, this one. He needs it when he goes to sleep, when he has a bad fall or just when he needs a good friend (in good times and bad). My sister (who bought DS his "Mr. Brown Bear") also bought DD the pink lamb version. We are hoping she forms the same attachment to her lovey as DS has for his (despite the need to have it, wash it, not lose it, etc. - we still feel the benefits far out weigh the rare annoyances). We have been giving "pink lamb-ie" to her often but she is still too young to really hold it or have an attachment to it. Yesterday at her Dr. visit she was screaming and crying while she was tummy down on the table. DS sat in a near by chair with "Mr. Brown Bear" in his hands staring in discomfort while he watched the Dr. messing with her and making her cry (what that must seem like to a 2 year old watching). He jumped out of the chair where he was watching, grabbed her "pink lamb-ie" from my purse and gave it to her and stood next to her side while the Dr. finished checking her out. Is he the sweetest big brother ever?! It melted my heart. I just hope he always watches out for her like that.

A Grandpa's love

DS is still obsessed with all things with wheels. This includes trains, cars, trucks, tractors, buses, wagons and more! He recently told the sweet ladies at a local gift shop that the key chain with the Mercedes emblem on a display rack was a car (I think they were going to fall over in laughter and their giggles were followed by "only in Orange County would a toddler equate that emblem with a car). Then yesterday he was flipping through DH's New Yorker Magazine (don't ask me why, I think DH gets it just for the witty cartoons) and told me that an advertisement in the magazine was Miss KC's car in black (& he was absolutely correct, same model, same manufacturer, just a different color). I tell you, this kid is obsessed. He is already a "backseat" driver too. He is always telling me to "go faster", "turn around", "pass that car Mommy", and so on.

I think he gets this obsession from his Papa (my Dad). My Dad not only has owned a sports car my entire life, he also collects model cars. I just love that they share this passion. I like to think DS's obsession is inherited from my side of the family but I am not quite sure if a passion like this can actually be inherited or if they just share it, however, if you have ever seen DH's car you would be assured that it certainly didn't come from his side. (LOL!)

Oh, in case you were wondering why he was flipping through the New Yorker Magazine. He likes to "color" the pictures in the magazine. He thinks the black and white cartoons in the magazine are coloring book pages and will color them with his markers. I was thinking to myself, not a bad idea, probably is cheaper then a coloring book. I never understand why coloring books are priced the way they are?!

Ticket to Passing

If you remember this post, you may remember DH is taking the CFA Level III exam this year. It is next week. He is in crunch time and has been spending late evenings and weekends studying. If all goes well, this will be the last one (thank goodness).

Right now it isn't unusual to find these scrap pieces of paper with study notes around the house. This one is on the back of one of his plane tickets.

I love this man. I love how hard he works. I love how smart he is. I love his intensity. I love you sweetheart. Good Luck, we will be cheering for you!

THREE is CHARMING!

DD is no longer a newborn (snif snif). She had her 3rd month birthday last week and is now considered just a baby. I love watching her change daily - she can now roll tummy to back, grasp objects, smile, laugh, and coo.

Best of all - a wonderful relationship is unfolding before my eyes as DD and DS have really noticed each other more lately. She lights up and stares at him when he is in the room and DS has become extremely gentle and nurturing towards her. DS will ask where she is if he does not see her immediately upon entering a room, "where baby sister Mommy?". Once he has located her he goes back to his business (which is usually a truck, car, bulldozer, etc.). I love it - already keeping a protective eye on his little sister!

Now that she is out of the newborn phase, does this mean my babymoon is now over?! Oh, I am still nursing, thank goodness. Speaking of nursing ... my recent bra shopping excursion was quite the event. The bra fitting started before feeding time and actually trying on the bras ended after feeding time ... and just about a cup size smaller. LOL! WOW, how much is this girl eating is all I could say?! I think the salesgirl was more embarrassed then I was. If you agreed with my review on Hanky Panky panties, you will definitely agree that Chantelle makes the best bras ever and worth every penny (& this is coming from a former Wacoal fan!). When the salesgirl at Nordstrom gave me my total I drowned out DH's voice in my head ("you spent how much on bras, are you crazy?) with Stacy and Clinton's voice instead, "a good bra makes all the difference.". That would be the Stacy and Clinton from TLC's What not to Wear. Wouldn't you just love to have those two go through your closet and then hand over a MasterCard for a new wardrobe ...

I want to eat canyon Mommy, please!

DS's age is unbelievable ... everyday he is learning something new. He just amazes me. He already can name correctly every planet in the Solar system, correctly recognizes his uppercase letters 100% accuracy, he is starting to learn his lower case letters and just recently read his first word. (Okay, okay, it was sight recognition only but it still amazes me ... he stated each letter first H-O-M-E and then said "HOME"). The word is in the last page of one of his favorite books. :)

**and yes, I know this is a bit of a brag but just can't help myself, I could also include that DD rolled over for the first time yesterday at 2 months, 3 1/2 weeks old but I will leave that for another post, LOL!!!**

Okay, back on topic ... But then there are plenty of moments that remind me of just how little & young he really is, like yesterday. It was unbelievably hot here but on Monday's I still need my coffee despite the weather. So after getting my coffee I decided to stay in the air conditioned car and drive down Laguna Canyon and give him a narrated tour of our surroundings and make a quick stop at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center to see the elephant seals. As I am drinking my warm coffee in my cool car I tell him we are driving down Laguna Canyon Road. I say, "look to your right there are hills (he looks), look to your left there are hills (he looks) and we are driving in the middle, that is called a canyon.". I see his little mind working and he looks at me in the rear view mirror and says, "I want to eat it Mommy. (& then he continues since there is a long pause by me as I wonder what in the heck he is talking about) I want to eat Canyon Mommy, please.".

After about 2 minutes of trying desperately to relate to toddler talk it comes to me (I think). He must be thinking CANDY not CANYON. So I ask, "Do you mean you want to eat candy?". I continue, "Mommy said canyon not candy. You don't eat canyon.". I think I lost him at that point since he remained silent and my narrated tour down Laguna Canyon Road was useless until our stop at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center where he enjoyed visiting the rescued elephant seals.

A coffee break

I still have a love affair with coffee. You would have thought pregnancy and nursing would be enough to keep me away from my daily cup of java but it doesn't. Coffee house coffee is even better but I don't always like to pay for it (for what ever reason coffee in a cardboard cup with a plastic lid always seems to taste better, why is that?).

Lucky me, I have been able to enjoy my last few trips to Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf absolutely FREE. Thanks to the below picture. I won 3rd place in the Irvine World News section of the Orange County Register & they sent me a gift card to my favorite local Coffee shop.

That would be "a Regular flavored coffee, double cup, no sleeve, please!". (a Regular would be a Grande to you Starbucks folks!)

One minute, thirty-eight seconds ...

... is the average time a viewer stays on my blog. I find all these averages quite fascinating but even more interesting are all the viewers that find my Blog through a google search. I always get a good laugh when I click to find out what they actually entered into their google search to come upon my Blog. Are you interested too???

Most common search criteria: "female sous chef"

Man, how they must be disappointed when the click on my blog. LOL!!!

Second most common search criteria: "Jesus loves me lyrics". Remember this post?!

Yes, I am watching, yes, it is fun knowing that you're reading! Please leave a comment. You don't know how nice it is to have something to read when you are breastfeeding a baby at 3:00am!

Thanks in advance! :)

Appreciation Day!

As usual, DH did a fantastic job making my Mother's Day special! I must say my DH is a true renaissance man. He showered me with 2 dozen roses, wine (usually it is champagne but this year two very special meaningful bottles of wine) and chocolates. I love that he works hard and is a manly man but always manages to show his romantic side on special occasions. But really, the best gift of all this year was DH having our 26 month old greet me in the morning with a "Happy Mother's Day Mommy" with a kiss and hug!

I hope you all had a wonderful day too!

Who is skinny?

Not me. Since I am a Mom to a newborn I have decided that sleep deprivation is a good enough reason not to exercise yet. Please don't get me wrong - I do consider strolling around the neighborhood, carrying two kids up the stairs many times a day, changing an average of 15 diapers a day, etc. all exercise. It just isn't the type of exercise I need to burn off this extra baby weight. I keep telling myself that the time after giving birth should be the new definition of "babymoon". While I think the new addition into 2007's Webster's Dictionary of "babymoon" is quite important I still think I prefer my definition better.

It would read something like this:

babymoon: the time immediately after which you have given birth but before you starve yourself to try to fit your moon (bum) into the designer jeans you once owned, in other words, the time immediately following child birth when you believe nursing is a good enough reason not to diet and enjoying every minute of your scone each morning instead.

Okay, so back to my question, who is skinny? (Boy, it is quite easy to get off topic isn't it???) I am talking about the Skinny Marinky Dinky Doo! Anyone know who skinny is? Skinny Marinky is the catchy preschool rhyme (yes, DS and I have graduated from nursery rhymes to preschool rhymes). This catchy preschool ryhme even has this hop-hop loving Mommy (me) humming her way to sleep each night (um, humming during her sleepless nights is more like it).

So, I looked it up (gotta love Google!). It is from a Canadian children's television show "Sharon, Lois & Bram's Elephant Show".

The show is no longer is on TV but I am not going to hold it against the Canadian's for no longer producing the wonderful TV show since the new Canadian television series "Super Why" is DS's favorite show on television!!!

If you aren't quite sure what song I am talking about link here to hear Skinny Marinky Dinky Doo . It is Track #7 and #25. And hey, not feeling like such an old housewife now. If you notice, I found the song and lyrics on MTV.com. WooHoo! Or does that just mean that MTV.com is for *old* housewives now?! Ugh, can't seem to keep up with these kids now-a-days!

So if you take the time to link to the Silly Songs Album Track please tell me which Preschool rhyme is your favorite? Do your ears hang low? There's a hole in the bucket? Awwwwwwwwww, the joys of Motherhood and I thought crazy lyrics were no longer in my life when I stopped going to the clubs! LOL!!!

Don't it make your brown eyes blue?

I swear this girl was born with brown eyes. It brought a big smile to my face that we would have a blue-eyed boy like his Daddy and a brown-eyed girl like her Mommy. One week later her eyes appeared blue ... 7 weeks later they still appear blue. I do know that a baby's eye color can change at any time but in the meantime her once brown eyes are now bright blue! What makes me giggle even more is that I too am one of those parents that talks about what color they once were ... seems like there is an entire population of parents that like to always comment on their child's eye color at birth. When DS was born it was pretty obvious what color his eyes were and what color they would be and I always kinda chuckled at the silly ways parents talked about their child's eye color at birth (only because I didn't have the same experience of it changing colors) ... and now here I am, not just talking about it but even blogging about it! LOL!!! I guess there is no escaping certain parental habits ... what's next, sounding just like your parents?! Ha!



(The picture is from last night's bath time with Daddy. DH is continuing the tradition of his special time with the kiddos and gives her a bath each night (after giving DS a bath, reading to him and putting him down for bed). I adore that my DH loves this tradition. There is nothing better then seeing your husband and kids having fun together).

Moving on ...

It is fitting that we have sold our townhome and moved into our new home during Springtime. The time of the year of rebirth and good-byes. I feel truly happy and blessed to be in a new home with more room and a small yard but can't help to feel the loss of a place that holds so many dear memories to us.

The process of unpacking is long and hard but I find enjoyment in some it. In between all the boxes of neccesities and household items I need to unpack I am getting side-tracked by all the wonderful memories I am stumbling upon, such as, my sororitiy composites, plastic boxes of coins from my travels, big-hair pictures from the '80's, old letters/cards, etc. And if the memories aren't enough, there are those objects that make you wonder - why on earth have I been holding onto Political Science lecture notes from 1991? or a faded .99 cent frisbee? Are they attached to a memory I can no longer recall? Or was it just an over-sight during my past moves? Aw, the joys of moving! Ha!

Happy Springtime, Welcome Change!

The day the Lord created hope was probably the same day he created Spring. ~Bern Williams

Toddler Talk

My DS is now at the age where he can hold complete conversations with me.

Yesterday he went out on the patio and set up two chairs facing each other. He asked (or demanded), "Mommy, come out here." "Sit right there" (pointing to the chair directly across from him). And we just chatted. About what?! Mostly, sitting on the chairs "Mommy sits there", "L sits here", "Mommy and L" yada yada. It was so adorable that I ran back inside to grab my camera ... and to my surprise, he remained seated, waited for me to return and then continued the conversation right where he left off. LOL!!!!

This isn't the most creative shot or the best quality ... but it is one of those pictures that will forever capture a memory for me. Just as we were, DS in just his diaper after nap time, sitting on the patio on a sunny spring day and just "chatting" about nothing. Awwwwwwwwww, how I adore my little boy!!!

Just a tip and reminder to parents ... don't forget to capture the little every day happenings too!!!

Welcome Spring everyone!

Picture Perfect

We had a wonderful visit from Miss Joleen a couple days ago. She is the wonderful photographer behind Love, Joleen Photography (darling company name too, huh?). She was kind enough to stop in after a local session she had in Orange County to photograph our newest family addition (we have had the pleasure of working with her before when DS was 14 months old). I have only had a sneak peek at a few photos but so far I am loving all of them (& so is DH!).

I have chosen only one to share for now since I must keep the others private as they may find their way into gifts very soon (Mother's Day is only around the corner!).

If you are local you must check her out (she does maternity, newborn, children, & family photography). Her style is fun, upbeat, creative and fashion forward. You will get wonderful pictures you will cherish plus an opportunity to work with a WONDERFUL person. Joleen is pleasant, sweet, patient and a natural with children.

Thanks Miss Joleen, just wish our DS had been awake for some sibling pictures too! :)

Decent Exposure

Two years later and I am once again trying to nurse a baby while keeping up with daily activities, chores and events. This time around I have found something that makes it so much easier to nurse in public then using the dreaded blanket-over-the-shoulder-trick that just never seems to work the way you want it to.

First off I must admit, I am not a big fan of public breastfeeding. It just makes me uncomfortable and more importantly makes a lot of other people uncomfortable. I still choose the most private area available but now that I have an active toddler to keep an eye on it becomes more challenging .... so that is why I am thrilled to introduce the Hooter Hider! Okay, I know, I know, it isn't the most conservative name but it does do the trick, that is, keep your hooter's hiding. And funny enough, they too must have realized that the name may not attract all the buyers so they offer the SAME EXACT nursing cover under the name Bebe Aulait (& there is absolutely NO DIFFERENCE from the Hooter Hider, even stated on their website!) LOL!

I got the adorable spring pattern Cream Soda but there are so many cute patterns to choose from, look here and here for examples of the patterns you can choose from.

So, you may be asking, what makes theirs more unique then other nursing covers (or even the blanket-over-the-shoulder trick), I asked that question too because I am always looking to save a dime or two with two kids, one income and nice taste (LOL!). Well, to answer that question, it has an adjustable strap to wear around your neck so you don't have to keep re-adjusting or tucking in your blanket and it also has a patent-pending rigid neckline that allows Mom to see baby and baby to see Mom (this is my favorite feature on the Hooter Hider - sorry guys, too funny not to use Hooter Hider, makes me giggle much more then the classy, chic name of Bebe Au lait ... and not that you wouldn't have guessed it any way but the name Hooter Hiders came from a male friend of company owner's Ronnie and Claire.

You must check out their website. They also carry burp cloths and fun gift packages for nursing Mom's!!! And for those of you in Southern California, I purchased mine from Hush Baby in Ladera Ranch (also available at the Tustin and Aliso Viejo locations) or click here for their nationwide store locator.

I am happy to say that without my Hooter Hider we would not have been able to enjoy the long visit to the beach today. DS and DH played in the ocean and sand while DD (Darling Daughter) got to eat (privately).

Sorry for the lack of posts ....

But this little princess and her big brother have been taking up a lot of my time and I am loving every minute of it!!!

Born on 2/22, she is such an amazing, sweet, cuddly baby and big brother is quite fond of her too!