A Wonderful Surprise

On Friday, August 24, I had a doctor’s appointment. Well, we did.

I was nervous, emotional, cranky, and anxious. Everything went away, though, when the doctor said, “You are definitely pregnant…and having twins!” Although I’m only 8 weeks and a few days along, I already can’t help but feel completely blessed to be a mom again. It’s been a tough road getting to this point.

Here are a few shots of our happy day. One that will always be treasured.

A Little Bit of This

Lately, my days have been filled with…

1. Chatting (or I guess Listening):

B has been talking up a storm and we are enjoying every minute of it. Things like, “Momma/Dada, sun down, moon up?” Or when we are driving and I tell him, “Okay we are close. The park is only a little bit away.” He will reply, “Momma, park closed?” He also loves to point out who people are in pictures, especially his Grandma Jeanne (Gamma Jeeeeeeen).

2. Baking and wanting to cook more:

I just made these little cupcakes for a work baby shower. They were a hit! Simple, white cake with white frosting. I also got an email that had Mama DePandi’s Bucatini Pomodoro recipe inside and can’t wait to try it! Doesn’t it look good?

3. Shopping:

I’ve been eye-balling a side cross necklace for awhile but some of these other pieces from Bip and Bop are pretty cute. Loving the skinniness of the bangles.

4. Partying:

It was cousin Tommy’s 3rd Birthday last weekend and we had SO much fun–water balloons, B’s first attempt at a pinata, pizza, fake tattoos that B wanted then wanted to scrub away once they were on, lounging in the pool, and cake pops. Pictures in a few days. Still need to download.

5. Planning:

Summer may be over but we still have one more vacation planned near the end of September with my family. Then M’s out of town… umm Tahoe and then Hawaii for work… SO tough! :) Birthdays. Changes. Tons of fun, new things to blog about!

Hope all is well with you,

J

OC Fair

Fried everything. Sugary lemonade. Loud. Farm animals. Shady rides. Photo booths.

Yep. We went to the Orange County Fair. We go every year and this time around was just as fun. Once we hit the kiddie ride area, B went crazy. We took him out of the stroller and he couldn’t decide what to do first. Games? Roller coasters? The largest jungle gym/play house thing? Oh yeah. There are a few pictures below of him (and M) going across the not-so-stable bridge. And another one of them at the end of the ride where they shoot out a pretty high slide. They went on this one twice.

Blake also won his very own prize for the first time. He had to throw a bean bag at the balloon and pop it. Winner! He chose the green lobster. Another first was the little piggy races. Mike thought it would be fun–and he was 100% right. Blakey loved it. We cheered for piggies with names like “Black Swine” and “Sloppy Joe” and boo’d when our guy lost.

A memory I soon won’t forget.

Happy Birthday Jamie!

My younger sister is turning another year older today. It amazes me how great she is. She has this outgoing personality that makes people want to be around her. She always has cute, new clothes and matching accessories. She’s silly. She is one fun aunt to little Blakey. She’s a hard worker and rarely a complainer. She treats her mother-in-law well (I think that says a lot). She listens and cares. When times are tough, she’s the one who will be there. She will stay up all night, every night, in New York for some true sister bonding. She’s a best friend.

We don’t talk everyday but, Jamie (B), you’re everything to me. Thank you for being such a fun, loving person in my life, and to all of those around you. We truly are the lucky ones. Happy Birthday! I love you!


River Rats

Last weekend, my Dad invited us on a family trip to the “River house” outside of Laughlin, NV. It was fun, a little tiring with a sick Blakey, and a memory we will treasure. It was B’s first time on a wave runner (those pics are on Mal’s camera but, believe me, he had fun).

Highlights included: Our first real road trip with Blakey who was AMAZING and didn’t get cranky at all; a highly enjoyable meal of carne asada, thanks to Jay; watching two little cousins play and swim together (sharing is still a struggle but I know that will pass); the gun show (see pic below); swimming in the pool; watching video of Mal take Fearless Blake down the huge water slide; and spending time with family.

Here are a few shots to share:

Design: Barkskin

So, I have a little love for interior design. No, my house does not look like it should be on the cover of Elle Decor. But, because I’m the creative-type, I love when I stumble upon something that I love for the house and actually want to buy and then put up.

The other day I was watching the The Nate Berkus Show and he did a small bit about Barkskin. I’m still deciding on where this would go in our house but the texture and imperfectness makes me excited. In the picture below, the wall is painted the pale green/blue and the Barkskin is hanging/applied over it!

What do you think? When I do finally buy this, I’ll take a pic and share!

Image c/o: Barkskin Pinterest

Family Ties

This week has shown me how truly important family is. I come from a family where the aunts, uncles, and cousins are just as important as your mom, dad, and sister. We are close. This is one of the huge reasons I want to have a large family.

M’s family has shifted a little (with members moving out of state and relationships changing) but the constant in his life has always been his mother and father. When his mother passed away, it was like a huge chunk of our lives went missing. I, even as a daughter-in-law, looked to her as a mother and treasured each moment I had with her. His father has shown me how proud a father can be of his son and grandson. It consumes him–and it shows.

To our parents and grandparents (and uncles/aunts/cousins), without you we wouldn’t be who or where we are today. Thank you for being a part of our lives. We are so lucky!

xoxo,

J



Pink-ing of You

I’ve been trying really hard to eat right and exercise. Going on power walks to the park with B. Hiking steep trails. And eating a lot of vegetables. It’s been nice, surprisingly.

A few things that have been keeping me going:

1. Trader’s Joe Lowfat Granola with Almonds
(it’s tasty with blueberries)

2. OPI “Pink-ing of You” nail polish
(this website is kinda neat!)

3. 2012 Olympic Trials (is anyone else excited?)

Have a great week!

Overcast and Overjoyed

I feel like I live a pretty great life. I get to work from home. I get to see my child grow and learn and eat candy “watches” for the first time. I get to enjoy a lunch break at the beach when it’s humid and overcast. I get to be creative in the kitchen by trying out new recipes. I get to laugh more. I get to rest in the late afternoon because M lets me have a break.

Yes, I wake up very early and go to bed sometimes very late but it’s all worth it. I can’t think of a recent time that I felt so content with life.

Happy Friday!

J

First Day of Preschool

Last Monday, July 2, B started school. We packed up his lunch (grilled cheese, crackers, fruit snacks, sippy cup, a napkin with ‘a cat dressed up as Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean’ on it, and a yogurt) and headed off down the street.

B didn’t let me down at all…although a little hesitant, he was excited to play with the trains in the main room. The best part was…he didn’t cry…well, until Friday when I dropped him off again.

It’s official–M is the best at dropping him off (without any tears) and my little boy is growing up!

Here are a few pictures from that day: