Friday Favorites // O The Wonder!

Babycakes has an obsession with bubbles. He is constantly saying "bubble" and loves it in bubble gum, bath time, and play time. Here the bubbles are raining down on him and he is in heaven. 

Oh the wonder!

The What If's

Josh and I are trying to get our house in order in preparation for The Little. We've been learning about things like wills, power of attorney, trusts, life insurance, etc. It's not that hard since we don't have that many assets but the process is a bit... unsettling. You have to really think through who you want your children to be raised by in the event you both pass away, and then have backups for those people in case they die. And then also thinking about my life with the Little should we lose Josh. It's almost too unbearable to contemplate.

So I've been unsettled in my heart these past few days thinking of the what if's and wondering if we made the right decisions for her.

Today's bible verse from my devotions reminded me who is in charge.

"He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord." Psalm 112:7

My heart is steadfast. I trust in the Lord.

Meet Mary-Kate and Ashley

Last night Josh and I took an Infant CPR class. The facilitator was knowledgeable, experienced, and gave just the right amount of information without giving too much information. Plus, I liked the small class and the close proximity to our home.



Meet our babies, whom I aptly named Mary-Kate and Ashley, who were quite amiable to our poking, prodding, and breathing.

Please close your mouths, children.

We were given lots of information beyond infant CPR which was quite helpful. Things like why a landline is so important in an emergency, what to pack in a first aid kit, and how to save a choking baby. Did you know you never stop compressions to check for a pulse? Or just because someone vomits after a drowning doesn't mean they have started breathing once you've administered compressions?

We also did group drills where we were given a scenario and then we'd all have to respond with our babies at the same time. I must say, I got a little worked up trying to save baby Ashley.

In the end, although we feel much more prepared in the event of a lifeless infant - 8 years of age or a choking youngster, we hope to never have to administer these skills.

One more thing on the list, check!

O Lord, you have searched me
and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O Lord.

You hem me in - behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.

Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.

Psalm 139

Isn't that comforting in the face of the uncertain? In the face of the things you fear?

You are never alone.

Grammy's

I like to watch the Grammy's because there's always one performance that wow's me and it is never someone I'd expect.

Also, this year there were some surprisingly classy red carpet arrivals. Who would have thunk?

The first performance that wow'ed me:



Her voice is so unique and so pure and she's just weird enough. She also has a very sustainable voice. The kind that can eventually do music for movies or commercials once she tires of the fame.

And the second performance that wow'ed me:



I rarely enjoy rap/band collaborations because they are too choppy but these two were able to blend their talents pretty seamlessly. Plus the sheer build up of power was impressive. It was also highly choreographed - usually white groups just get up there and play but these guys timed their drums, their simultaneous head banging, and worked well with Kendrick. It was well produced, integrated, and performed. I have to give them credit for such an unexpected 5:35.

It was fun to sit with the family and critique the performances and outfits over Chinese food. Felt like nothing has changed, like I was 25 again and Josh and I were just dating. :)

And some dancing celebrity gif's from the Grammy's if anyone needs some last amusement.

Back to the real world. Have a great week everyone!

Friday Favorites

Man, I feel like really fluffy, crispy edge, buttermilk pancakes and maple syrup AND a decadent homemade multi-layered chocolate cake with an equally rich chocolate frosting. My eyes are closed just thinking about it... mmmmmmmm..

*cough, okay - focused. I know everyone in the web world has seen this but I can't help but repost it. It may be my most coveted captured moment of Babycakes to date.

Aimee's caption: "This morning I told the little man, "Let's go to Target!" Next thing I knew he was by the door with all his essentials for the day."

Think he grabbed enough trucks?

I love this kid.

The Great Meat Escapades

One of the issues that I had to deal with during that two week stretch of pregnancy concerns was a low iron count. If you recall, the whole 'take an iron pill' thing turned out to be a disaster so my doc said just to add red meat to my diet.

This would be inconsequential to most people but I rarely eat red meat and if I do, it's usually just to taste what Josh is eating. It's not like I have something against red meat, it's just I feel fat and heavy afterwards so I generally steer clear.

But doctors orders are doctors orders.

Since then I've had my mil's meat stew (which I can only say, "hello flavor!") and some steak salads. But last week something strange came over me, like my body realized what it was getting and screamed for more. Josh and I were heading home and I heard myself say, "let's get a burger". He was game, of course, so we went to Hamburger Habit and I just got what he normally orders and found myself looking into a double cheeseburger...with chili fries!

Here's my proof for those of you that don't follow me on Instagram.

 As you meat eaters would assume, it was delicious and I devoured the whole thing. 

Since then I've really gone off the deep end. This past weekend I ordered the Steak BLT from Mendocino Farms (wowza) and last night I cooked Pioneer Woman's Pan Fried Rib Eye Steak.

Who am I?!?

As if my body is telling me this is how life really should be, when I went to weight myself at my doctor's appointment this morning I hadn't gained a pound since my last appointment, even though The Little had gotten bigger.

Maybe this whole thing is meant to be... who knows! But in the meantime, The Great Meat Escapades continue!

Counting Our Blessings

If our daughter was born a month ago, this would be her.

The 30 Week Pregnancy Checklist

16 weeks ago the concept of reaching 30 weeks seemed like a long way off and yet here we are. Every week that passes we thank the Lord she is still growing and seemingly healthy. We keep telling her to stay in there and enjoy it as long as possible.

Things we have done:

• Finished our registry
• Set up most of our nursery furniture
• Interviewed pediatricians
• Scheduled remaining baby classes
• Read books on parenting

Things we still have to do:

• Pick a name
• Pick a pediatrician
• Decide on Cord Blood Banking (anyone have thoughts on this?)
• Install the carseat
• Become experts on Infant CPR 
• Finish the nursery

It's an odd time because although I am looking forward to not being pregnant, I'm also not sure I'm prepared to be a mom. I struggle with feelings of inadequacy and have a healthy concern how I will handle all the unknowns. Do I have what it takes?

I mentioned this off hand at the shower and my Auntie Ruth so poignantly responded that is why we have God. Who has everything they need to be the perfect person, mother, friend, spouse, daughter, son? No one. And isn't that the whole point? In our failings, God's perfection shines through, his grace is sufficient, and his love covers a multitude of imperfections.

As we begin these last 10 weeks, this is what I cling to.

Hope you had a wonderful MLK weekend. See you tomorrow!

Friday Favorites

After the shower last Saturday Babycakes was testing out our new stroller.

He's always up for our games. :p

Have a wonderful weekend!

We live on the cusp of a very wealthy neighborhood. The perks include plenty of parking, wide streets, quiet neighbors, and the most amazing neighborhood to walk around. I took these on my walk today.  

Also, if anyone is looking to buy a house I saw this one for sale. 

Josh and I were thinking of buying it but we figured why would we want a home completely upgraded on the best street in L.A. when we could hold out for a 1 bedroom fixer upper in a low income area? :p

But if you're looking for that sort of thing, and have $3.9 million, let me know and I'll send you the listing. 

Happy hump day!

Sochi 2014

Have you seen this commercial? Proctor and Gamble, "Pick Them Back Up"
 I'm not huge on the Winter Olympics but this sparked my curiosity a bit. Sochi 2014!

In My Wildest Dreams

On Saturday I walked into the most beautiful baby shower. No kidding it looked like something you would see in a Martha Stewart magazine. Those really classy beautiful ones that you always tear out to save and then dream of how it could be for you. Except this time it wasn't in a magazine and it was actually for me.

Leah, Melissa, and Aimee put their brains, money, and creative talents together and what came out was nothing short of amazing! They decided to do a brunch. Leah asked me which food was my favorite, and no joke, every single thing was so delicious (although Josh got some leftovers after the party and he liked the quiche). Melissa concocted a special fruit beverage, Leah made the most specialist favors, and Aimee handled the decor like a DIY pro. I could go on and on, but you can see for yourself.

It wasn't just pretty, it was lovely. Intimate and fun. Lots of laughing and jolly jokes and not stuffy like beautiful parties seem they might be. It was so nice. Almost too nice. I felt undeserving and subsequently couldn't look Aimee in the eye for most of the party for fear that I wouldn't be able to hold it together. 

I know putting together a most special baby shower is just the beginning of what these three girls would do for this little girl and that makes my heart soar and my thankfulness overflow. I hear it takes a village to raise a child and this weekend I saw the woman of our little girl's village come together in celebration. In my wildest dreams I wouldn't have hoped for such a special shower and in my wildest dreams I couldn't have asked for a better village. 

Our little home is brimming with baby stuff now. There's a stroller in my car trunk, a car seat in my living room, and a crib in the office. Our lives are changing before our eyes and we can't wait.

Friday Favorites / / Winning the Lottery

Today is my favorite person's birthday. Because of that I'm posting a HUGE photo of him. If I had funds at my discretion I'd put his face up on a billboard and #joshbirthday to see how many people instagram it. Then we'd drive by again and again until he noticed. He would either be mortified, amused, or tell me the other ways we could have spent that money...maybe all three.

Every year I am more and more convinced that I won the husband lottery and anyone who is close to us would agree with me. I'm excited for his year. This year he will become a dad. And just like every other job he has taken on I know he will tackle it quietly, thoroughly, and selflessly.

This weekend we celebrate him. Hope you are celebrating something too!

Nursery Inspiration from Pinterest

Our crib arrived today. Some inspiration.

I'm sensing a theme...white, wood, and a fluffy rug? Apparently so. here, here, here, here. 

The 3rd Annual Christmas Card Contest

Without further ado, here are my favorite Christmas Cards of 2013.

#5 "Happy Holidays" from Jeff, Carrie and Kyrie - the colors matched so well and the picture was so darn cute (and professional). Plus their faces are ah-door-a-ble. If I was doing categories, I'd use Best All Around.

#4 "Wishing You A Merry Christmas" by Eric, Anita, and Maddie - Modern, simple, and obvi baby's first Christmas. I'm sure the entire year was about that beautiful little girl and that translated in their card. Perfection.

#3 "O Holy Night" from Christine - Girl nailed it. The script is a reflection of her personal style and as a bonus the envelope was addressed in her beautiful writing and the whole shebang was closed with some washi tape. Artfully presented and executed. I also loved that she sent one as a single person. Quite a standout - her and the card.

#2 ""O Come Let Us Adore Him" Chris, Joan, and Justin - I loved the way the colors from the photo seamlessly bled into the text. The words themselves and the white polka dots also stuck out to me. Plus I love that the photo was styled for a Christmas card. Beautiful. Joan made an effort to support handmade artisans and found this delight on Etsy.

#1 And my all time favorite of the season (I gasped when I opened it) goes to "Merry Christmas" by Nozomu, Mifumi, Leigha, and Eli - It's handmade but looks like it was professionally done. The hand tied bow, the double layer with raised dots, the colors, the fun photo, and the personalized note on the back. Sheesh. Gorgeous and I can only imagine how time consuming. Josh jokingly (I think) asked Mifumi if she would make ours FOR THE REST OF OUR LIVES.

For everyone who put time and effort into their cards, thank you. :) I cherish each one. 

/ / Past Christmas Card Awards / /
2012
2011

Travelogue: Mississippi and NOLA

We had a great time visiting family in Mississippi and touring New Orleans at the end of the year. It was Josh and Blane's first time in the South. We knew they were in for a culture shock (seeing as my mom hails from a town where the population hovers under 2000, like the town in Friday Nights Lights except smaller) and sure enough, they were. A few notable differences:

• Everyone has guns. In fact, the guys got to shoot big guns and ride an ATV around the family tree farm. 
• The people are friendly. Everyone greets you and gives hugs. They are also very helpful.
• We went to Walmart several times for necessities. You don't know Walmart till you have been to one in a rural area. They are the biggest stores I have ever seen and you can no doubt find what you're looking for (unless you seek Gucci and Louie's). 
• The houses are made with brick. They are also cheap (like $200,000 for a nice house and an acre of land).
• Mississippi is known as the fattest state in the U.S. and I think it kinda shocked them. More to love baby!
• The amount of camo worn was exponentially higher than most places.
• There aren't a lot of mexicans or asians, or any other race actually. Mostly white and black. Also, there seems to still be a racial divide. I speak in generalities here, but it appears neither race wants to hang out with each other. 
• Josh loved the food - chicken and dumplings, butter mashed potatoes, giblet gravy, shrimp po poys, juicy fried chicken, slow cooked brisket, many casseroles, stuffings, and so on. He has been working out regularly since we got back to rectify his vacation eating. :)
• When they say there's going to be "traffic" they mean you might have to slow down to 30 on the interstate. Lucky dogs. 

The Food - Josh's favorite meal was from May's (center photo) an old family restaurant in Tylertown. We walked in and there was someone smoking inside (wearing camo, of course) but the food was downright delicious.

The Family - We spent a day in New Orleans (NOLA) with our cousins and their spouses. It was fun getting to know them as adults and seeing the town.

We paid $3 for the all day pass to ride the trolley down to the Garden District to eat and see the beautiful homes. 

And some of us also took the buggy ride through the heart of NOLA for a history lesson.

We grabbed some beignets at the infamous Cafe Du Monde. 

Tylertown, Mississippi - We also spent time in mom's hometown. Here's my gram with her great grandchildren. This is also the restaurant where Josh ate his favorite meal of the trip. 

My cousin Luke teaching the guys how to shoot in the backyard.

They also went on an ATV ride through part of the family tree farm.

These are all the guys (minus Jacob and Josiah) at my Auntie's house.

And here are just some of the girls a few moments later.

Just the Four of Us - We had a blast traveling with Blane and Aimee. We always do. We spent our last day in NOLA at the Garden District enjoying the architecture, food, and sights. 

Traveling - With the exception of one 20 minute meltdown during our descent into New Orleans, Babycakes was an excellent traveler and I can honestly say we were successful traveling together as a family. 

Here he is post meltdown at 11:00pm at the rental car place. 

Every trip brings new life memories and experiences, doesn't it? I am grateful.

With baby arrivals happening next month and the month after that I'm not sure when we will be traveling next. But until then the sweet memories from this trip can hold us over.