tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6990506698554528542024-03-13T19:34:56.343-07:00When Love Happenson life, love and the pursuit of happiness!Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00640536774915281089noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699050669855452854.post-8064962597577479342014-04-14T15:10:00.001-07:002014-04-14T15:10:18.763-07:00Easy Easter BasketsI seem to always end up being too busy to do something special for the kids in our lives for holidays so I tried to start early for Easter. However, shopping for Easter baskets coincided with my official resignation from my job and the realization that I have to be more budget conscious than ever. Here's what I can up with.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VdGBDVP9aAQ/U0sZTfVYGoI/AAAAAAAABvg/Jd9hZcm8xSg/s640/blogger-image--601657250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VdGBDVP9aAQ/U0sZTfVYGoI/AAAAAAAABvg/Jd9hZcm8xSg/s640/blogger-image--601657250.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-cxSBaAcXrW4/U0xcyYKqkwI/AAAAAAAABwY/kpcQmtJtdrA/s640/blogger-image-995106946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-cxSBaAcXrW4/U0xcyYKqkwI/AAAAAAAABwY/kpcQmtJtdrA/s640/blogger-image-995106946.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So here's the breakdown:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Animal bags - $1.50 // Daiso</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Pre-filled animal eggs - $6 per bag, 2 bags with leftovers we'll add to the Easter egg hunt // Target</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Story of Easter - $4.50 // Amazon</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Lamb beginner chopsticks - $1.50 // Daiso</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Set of 5 scented markers - $1.50 // Daiso</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Notebook - $1.50 // Daiso</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Annie's gummy bunnies - $4.99 for 12 pack // Target</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Annie's cheddar bunnies - $4.99 for 12 pack // Target</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So each came out to around $15 per bag including tax. When I first started looking, baskets at Target were $5 and then I had to FILL them and I knew they'd be way out if my budget. Thank goodness for Daiso!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Can't wait to share these with J's little buddies!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div>Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00640536774915281089noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699050669855452854.post-15775791908022441222013-11-24T22:29:00.001-08:002013-11-24T22:29:13.410-08:00Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ku41t5wCFkY/UpLt7PXAn4I/AAAAAAAABrc/POYNYLsMGz8/s640/blogger-image--1176571842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ku41t5wCFkY/UpLt7PXAn4I/AAAAAAAABrc/POYNYLsMGz8/s640/blogger-image--1176571842.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I know every baby is different and so some things will be easy for some babies and hard for others and vice versa. Sleep has always been hard for us. We went to Hawaii and our friends' kids adjusted to the time difference in 2 days. My Bub? He finally adjusted on day 9... The day after we got back home from LA. Some babies can be put down for a nap early or late and they'll still take a luscious nap. Homeboy? Put him down too early and he'll sleep for 20 minutes. Put him down late, he'll wake up after 30 minutes crying bloody murder. One year out, I've finally accepted that my Bub is a sensitive sleeper and God made him that way for a reason (to keep me humble?).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But for every hard thing, God has given us something easy. For example, homeboy began drinking out of a straw at 5 months. When it was time to start transitioning him over to cow's milk, he easily took cow's milk out of a straw cup on day one. We've been at it for a week and he takes all of his milk in a straw cup and we're about halfway done with weaning off formula. Hopefully the transition will finish as smoothly as it began. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I'm trusting that my Maker knew what he was doing when he made my beautiful</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> baby!</div>Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00640536774915281089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699050669855452854.post-24185248587021164812013-11-15T16:31:00.001-08:002013-11-15T16:31:55.532-08:00Blog? What blog?I have a blog? Oh yeah. But I also have a baby that has taken all of my energy and time which is why my blog has been totally neglected.<div><br></div><div>First off, Baby J is one. We made it to a year. Wait, how many years left? :)</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uiPcEdaSDKA/Uoa8-cQ06wI/AAAAAAAABqI/yMH2MxHnTSU/s640/blogger-image--201393638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uiPcEdaSDKA/Uoa8-cQ06wI/AAAAAAAABqI/yMH2MxHnTSU/s640/blogger-image--201393638.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>It's been a really hard year for me. My best friends are exhausted of listening me talk about our sleep woes. But after a full year, I've figured out that Boo Boo is just a very light sleeper (he gets it from Chris because I sleep like a log) which is why naps have been a real struggle for us. But this week, magically, we've had great naps. It's either his gift to me for carrying him for 9 months or a fluke or something has just clicked. I don't know but I love it.</div><div><br></div><div>He's also full of energy. At our 12 month we'll check, the doctor said, "wow! He is REALLY active!" It's hard for us to go out for long for this reason because he needs to crawl, stand, sit, climb and move!</div><div><br></div><div>He's hilarious. I don't know. I'm sure all mommies find their babies adorable and hilarious but this kid will hear music and begin bopping his head and moving his hips and sometimes he'll hold his hands up in the air (and wave them he just don't care). He makes me laugh.</div><div><br></div><div>So it's been a hard year but a very rewarding one. I love when he crawls up to me and comes in for an open mouth kiss. I love when he puts his head down on my shoulder and just melts into me. I love his big buck teeth when he smiles and when he does silly things like this!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-8304_GDzTA0/Uoa89NOJamI/AAAAAAAABqA/pDL5sI4Qre4/s640/blogger-image-1688352745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-8304_GDzTA0/Uoa89NOJamI/AAAAAAAABqA/pDL5sI4Qre4/s640/blogger-image-1688352745.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div>Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00640536774915281089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699050669855452854.post-21884119715138544762013-07-12T01:11:00.001-07:002013-07-12T01:11:48.277-07:00Post Partum InsomniaIt's incredible the different things that can happen to you after you give birth. Ive discovered so many different after effects in the post partum period either through personal experience or that of friends and family.<div><br></div><div>Currently, dealing with insomnia. I'll be exhausted, get into bed and I can literally lie there for hours before I finally can fall asleep. And even through Justin has been sleeping through the night for well over a month, I still wake up a couple times a night. </div><div><br></div><div>It's 1:10 am and my baby is going to wake up in 5 or 6 hours and I am still tossing and turning.</div><div><br></div><div>It's seriously a cruel joke. My baby is finally sleeping through the night, but I can't! Hope you aren't reading this at 1 am because it means that you might be suffering from insomnia too!</div>Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00640536774915281089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699050669855452854.post-9011223617865643382013-06-27T15:34:00.001-07:002013-06-27T15:34:26.546-07:00Major Handmade CutenessI love handmade things. So much love, creativity and thought goes into every handmade piece. However, handmade generally comes with a heftier price tag because of the time and effort that goes into each piece. I know this first hand as I use precious nap time to work on my goods. So, for now, we ooh and aah until this momma saves up enough to buy some of these handmade goodies for baby J.<br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/liztaylorhandmade" target="_blank">Liz Taylor Handmade Etsy Shop</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.liztaylorhandmade.com/" target="_blank">Liz Taylor Handmade Blog</a></div>
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Really? These are amazing. She also makes pandas and bunnies and owls and birds. And how ridiculously awesome is that chevron quilt? I think quilters are amazing people. </div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/154295150/smokey-black-grand-hearts-wonder-tent?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank">Such Great Heights</a></div>
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If I had emoticons on here, it would be that yellow happy face with hearts for eyes. I've seen a lot of different handmade teepee's, but this one probably is my favorite one. If our house were bigger, this would be in Baby J's room already. I wouldn't be opposed to putting a mat inside and letting him use this as his bed when he's older. </div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/114323699/knit-cloud-pillow-gray?ref=sr_gallery_35&ga_search_query=cloud+pillow&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=cloud+pillow" target="_blank">Kokokoshop</a></div>
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I don't know about Justin, but I need one of these on my bed and on the couch and maybe up on a shelf somewhere. This pillow is perfection.</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/juniperwilde?ref=top_trail" target="_blank">Juniper Wilde</a></div>
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Okay, I know I just said that handmade goods are expensive and so we're saving up, but I have to admit that I bought these when they went on sale. They're still pricey, but they're super soft organic cotton and the prints are to die for and even though I'm on a SAHM budget this year, I.could.not.resist. We have the goodnight pillow which Justin loves to chew on and that lightning blanket is so reminiscent of Harry Potter that I could not, would not resist it's awesomeness.</div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/154667294/mounted-crochet-freddy-the-fox?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank">Hookaway</a></div>
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I'm crafty, but crocheting and knitting were never my thing. I didn't have enough patience to practice and so when I see things like this, I am baffled ...and slightly jealous. I would love to add one (or many) of these to Baby J's wall. </div>
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Hope you're having a beautiful Thursday!</div>
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Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00640536774915281089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699050669855452854.post-2842954407833695572013-06-05T23:14:00.001-07:002013-06-05T23:15:45.534-07:00And all of a sudden...He's a week shy of 7 months. Where did the time go? When Bub was first born, I knew exactly how many weeks/days old he was. In my sleep deprivation, the time could not pass fast enough. Now that things are more settled and predictable, time seems to be moving at the speed of light. My little Boo is becoming his own little person and growing up so fast.<div><br></div><div>Sometimes I'm baffled by the idea that God is not bound by time. No schedules, no routines, no gotta-be-here-by-this-time. Such a foreign concept since my life ran on bells as a teacher and nowadays, I have to keep a schedule for Boo. I think we get glimpses of eternity. i sense it most when I want to cherish a moment forever. When I am holding the baby and he rests his head on my shoulder, feeling safe and content, I want to hold onto that moment, but memories, videos and photos only offer a glimpse and doun't fully capture the tangible and non-tangible details. It reminds me that this world is not our home. We were designed for another home where we are not bound by the limits of time. I can't wait to experience that freedom, but for now, I'll cherish each and every special moment I have with this guy.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LBcTy2gxwlg/UbAoql0n-lI/AAAAAAAABi0/lnHFv-yIIpM/s640/blogger-image-2011162524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LBcTy2gxwlg/UbAoql0n-lI/AAAAAAAABi0/lnHFv-yIIpM/s640/blogger-image-2011162524.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00640536774915281089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699050669855452854.post-45977643296624610232013-05-31T21:25:00.001-07:002013-05-31T21:25:16.547-07:00OverhaulWhen I had the baby, I knew I'd have to shut down my Etsy shop for a little while. I was sad take a hiatus, but at the same time, the baby was my first priority. What I thought was going to be a 2 month shut down, turned out to be 6 months as we battled (and are battling) with short naps. However, I reopened to shop thinking it'd be quiet for awhile and I could take some time to create some new sashes, rephotograph and just overall do a little overhaul of my little corner of the Internet. But on the day I reopened my shop, I started to get orders! This is happy news for a stay at home momma!<br />
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I have a long to do list of things I want to do, but I am hoping to use a little more social media with my shop. Although people general have a separate Facebook page, I know a lot of people merge their personal and business Instagram accounts! So, I got to thinking... how would I merge a personal and business IG account? What would I call it? Just keep it as joanteng22? Change it to whenlovehappens? Or best yet... change it to when Joan happens?!<br />
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<br />Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00640536774915281089noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699050669855452854.post-234164744394182922013-05-31T21:17:00.001-07:002013-05-31T21:17:24.125-07:00Visit to the CityChris has the travel bug and will go anywhere I'm willing to go, but with baby in tow, traveling is more work than fun at times! I saw this in the cyberworld this week and it made me laugh.<br />
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But, we did plan a trip to San Francisco. It was hard and tiring, but lots of fun. Here are a few snapshots of the weekend.</div>
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Dinner with Michelle, Geoff and Tim at Le Colonial</div>
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The view of SF from our hotel on the 39th floor.</div>
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Guided tour of the top floor with a 360 degree view of the city.</div>
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Twin Peaks! Haven't been there since Frank and Kathy got engaged!</div>
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The Painted Ladies at Alamo Square. </div>
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What ever happened to predictability? The milk man, the paper boy, evening tv.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AQN8LLfFduk/Ual1CXwO-fI/AAAAAAAABf8/OUbIoB9VlU4/s1600/IMG_4198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AQN8LLfFduk/Ual1CXwO-fI/AAAAAAAABf8/OUbIoB9VlU4/s320/IMG_4198.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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And what happens when you ask your husband to put some sunblock on the baby.</div>
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Hope you had a beautiful Memorial Day weekend!</div>
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Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00640536774915281089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699050669855452854.post-62881943300146981572013-05-13T21:52:00.001-07:002013-05-15T06:34:54.962-07:00Mother's DayHappy belated Mother's Day to you all! It's my first Mother's Day and I wasn't expecting to really do much except our traditional lunch with my Mom and aunt and our families. After all, it's my privilege to be Boo Boo's Momma! <br>
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But Chris rose to the occasion and planned a staycation down in Huntington Beach. It was the perfect weekend with lots of sunshine and love!<br>
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The first order of business was a 90 minute full body massage while Chris watched Bub. We had a beautiful dinner at the Californian. We hung out at the pool with piƱa coladas (virgin of course! Just like our dating days!). Loved spending the weekend with my boys. <br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XlVqcNN40bs/UZHDDuj7VHI/AAAAAAAABeY/WaZvwMeKKGI/s640/blogger-image-307684232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XlVqcNN40bs/UZHDDuj7VHI/AAAAAAAABeY/WaZvwMeKKGI/s640/blogger-image-307684232.jpg"></a></div> <br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lOqxDSp0Pjc/UZHDHza6-AI/AAAAAAAABe4/uakz3OPbZWM/s640/blogger-image-630681370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lOqxDSp0Pjc/UZHDHza6-AI/AAAAAAAABe4/uakz3OPbZWM/s640/blogger-image-630681370.jpg"></a></div> <br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jRJApDhc0H8/UZHDEojPTQI/AAAAAAAABeg/yZRysgfw2F8/s640/blogger-image-615683385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jRJApDhc0H8/UZHDEojPTQI/AAAAAAAABeg/yZRysgfw2F8/s640/blogger-image-615683385.jpg"></a></div> <br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-uenUsQTAgoE/UZHDI3j0R0I/AAAAAAAABfA/0CRzReE9iBk/s640/blogger-image--34963448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-uenUsQTAgoE/UZHDI3j0R0I/AAAAAAAABfA/0CRzReE9iBk/s640/blogger-image--34963448.jpg"></a></div> <br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LNbivJEGMFQ/UZHDFtS2dGI/AAAAAAAABeo/LsqC06ZHORo/s640/blogger-image--199354755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LNbivJEGMFQ/UZHDFtS2dGI/AAAAAAAABeo/LsqC06ZHORo/s640/blogger-image--199354755.jpg"></a></div> <br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--qNKBcN1bAY/UZHDGqCKtdI/AAAAAAAABew/a4ftmnzz7SI/s640/blogger-image-2011943340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--qNKBcN1bAY/UZHDGqCKtdI/AAAAAAAABew/a4ftmnzz7SI/s640/blogger-image-2011943340.jpg"></a></div>Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00640536774915281089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699050669855452854.post-91854795630539585412013-04-12T22:59:00.001-07:002013-04-12T22:59:45.691-07:00Still AliveYes, we are still alive! I know you were worried, but we are here. Everyday is so busy and it's hard to find time to myself to do things like blog, craft or shower.<br />
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I used to shower twice a day. Once in the morning and once at night. But since I've had the baby, I've had to adjust to taking one shower a day. I know. First world problems.<br />
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Anyway, with J in our lives, it's been crazy, tiring, fun, frustrating and overwhelmingly beautiful. I'm head over heels for this little boy and it's just like they say, I don't know how I ever lived without him.<br />
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<br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2-MuuPqFJe0/UWj0UMSR7XI/AAAAAAAABY0/w04EH3NRNRI/s640/blogger-image--484106989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2-MuuPqFJe0/UWj0UMSR7XI/AAAAAAAABY0/w04EH3NRNRI/s640/blogger-image--484106989.jpg" /></a></div>Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00640536774915281089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699050669855452854.post-2029595868000223882013-03-05T15:09:00.002-08:002013-03-05T15:09:40.619-08:00HonestyI love my little boy. I really do. Even when I have to carry him for all of his naps during the day so that he isn't cranky. Even when he wakes up a million times at night. Even when I have to clean up poop explosions.<br />
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But, to be honest, there are times I miss my old life. You know, the one where I could do whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. The one where I could stay out past 6 pm. The one that didn't revolve around a 3 hour schedule. I think that this is one of the biggest adjustments I've had to make (aside from not sleeping through the night). No more near daily trips to Target. No more leisurely shopping at the mall. No more driving out to visit friends for dinner. I miss hanging out with my friends whenever I want. I miss working on my Etsy shop. I feel selfish even saying it, but sometimes, I miss it. There are a few things that will hopefully happen in the next few months that will make things a little easier including teaching Baby J to sleep through the night, teaching Baby J how to nap on his own and just letting him have time to grow up a bit.<br />
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In the meantime, I'm trying to enjoy where we are...his fat little thighs, his soft skin, his little coos, the way he wraps his arms around me when I hold him, the way he's learning so much, so quickly. It's rough right now, but I know he's going to grow up so fast and then I'll miss how little he is now. Like Chris often says to Baby J before he leaves for work, "Don't grow up too fast. Okay buddy?"<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-722iLWYJ93Y/UTZ6-jxp5tI/AAAAAAAABYk/o7Gzt2vTb58/s1600/IMG_1796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-722iLWYJ93Y/UTZ6-jxp5tI/AAAAAAAABYk/o7Gzt2vTb58/s320/IMG_1796.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Baby J and his milk belly.</div>
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<br />Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00640536774915281089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699050669855452854.post-10675960723198403172013-02-13T13:13:00.003-08:002013-02-13T13:13:42.907-08:00My Favorite Month of the YearYes, February has arrived and it is my favorite month of the year! Two of my favorite big days are here -- Valentine's Day and my birthday (ha!). My husband is NOT a romantic, but he knows I love special occasions like this and he tries. He's been asking me everyday what I want for my birthday and Valentine's Day. So here it is -<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2MTCf65393E/URv1tS4migI/AAAAAAAABXY/XaTMKgjc27Q/s1600/imgres.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2MTCf65393E/URv1tS4migI/AAAAAAAABXY/XaTMKgjc27Q/s1600/imgres.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2MTCf65393E/URv1tS4migI/AAAAAAAABXY/XaTMKgjc27Q/s1600/imgres.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2MTCf65393E/URv1tS4migI/AAAAAAAABXY/XaTMKgjc27Q/s1600/imgres.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2MTCf65393E/URv1tS4migI/AAAAAAAABXY/XaTMKgjc27Q/s1600/imgres.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2MTCf65393E/URv1tS4migI/AAAAAAAABXY/XaTMKgjc27Q/s1600/imgres.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2MTCf65393E/URv1tS4migI/AAAAAAAABXY/XaTMKgjc27Q/s320/imgres.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A new Mom on leave of absence can <a href="http://www.louisvuitton.com/front/#/eng_US/Collections/Women/Handbags/products/Speedy-30-with-Strap-MONOGRAM-IDYLLE-M56703" target="_blank">dream</a> can't she?</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jJrVBHDj6SY/URv1ryfEi5I/AAAAAAAABXI/MRW5xn-2p0I/s1600/void(0).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jJrVBHDj6SY/URv1ryfEi5I/AAAAAAAABXI/MRW5xn-2p0I/s320/void(0).jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Because you can never have to many <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/shoes/ballets/PRDOVR~64408/64408.jsp" target="_blank">good black flats</a>!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--DBTUSakX0Q/URv1sNtfA-I/AAAAAAAABXQ/yyBdKX6LrYM/s1600/catbird+nyc+alphabet+rings.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--DBTUSakX0Q/URv1sNtfA-I/AAAAAAAABXQ/yyBdKX6LrYM/s320/catbird+nyc+alphabet+rings.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Remember these from my <a href="http://when-love-happens.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-wish-list-2012-edition.html" target="_blank">Christmas wishlist</a>?</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8ThMJ_RUeTw/URv35jhVRNI/AAAAAAAABXg/ce8uRmShpOs/s1600/void(0)-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8ThMJ_RUeTw/URv35jhVRNI/AAAAAAAABXg/ce8uRmShpOs/s320/void(0)-1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Perfect for our trip to <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/dresses/Day/PRDOVR~38936/38936.jsp" target="_blank">Maui!</a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QoLBomw6-3s/URv4TdMsaOI/AAAAAAAABXo/PxS9baKdbDU/s1600/cn5793396.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QoLBomw6-3s/URv4TdMsaOI/AAAAAAAABXo/PxS9baKdbDU/s320/cn5793396.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
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This really cute<a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=37894&vid=1&pid=249258012" target="_blank"> belt</a>!</div>
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Happy February!</div>
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<br />Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00640536774915281089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699050669855452854.post-32637147958041676602013-01-26T19:51:00.002-08:002013-01-26T19:52:54.034-08:00How Disneyland is Forever ChangedI love Disneyland. I still feel the magic when I walk through the gates and under the bridge to Main Street. Not to mention the killer churros. Chris and I went to Disneyland pretty frequently when we were dating and even spent our first New Year's Eve there. We went to Disneyworld for our honeymoon. Needless to say, we really enjoy spending the day at Disneyland together. We didn't imagine going to Disneyland with Justin in tow until he was much older, but when a couple of friends who work for Disney offered to take us for free, we had to jump at the opportunity. <br />
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I love Disneyland, but Disneyland is forever changed. With Justin in tow, we went on ONE ride in the 8 or 9 hours we were there. Most of the hours were spent feeding, burping and changing him. The leftover hours were spent buying him his first set of Mickey ears, lining up at guest relations for his 1st Visit pin and eating.<br />
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Disneyland is forever changed, but not necessarily for the worse...just different. Yes, we need to forgo Space Mountain and Matterhorn and spend our time instead at Carsland and Toon Town, but we couldn't imagine life without our new little guy. We can't wait till he's older and can love Disneyland as much as his Momma and Daddy do!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vfTWao32iL4/UQSkPBab1MI/AAAAAAAABWQ/Pqq02arw4cU/s1600/my_collage_by_Fuzel.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vfTWao32iL4/UQSkPBab1MI/AAAAAAAABWQ/Pqq02arw4cU/s400/my_collage_by_Fuzel.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00640536774915281089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699050669855452854.post-73561261235195331232012-12-18T00:14:00.002-08:002012-12-18T00:16:02.988-08:00The Wish List 2012 Edition<div>
When I start Christmas shopping for others, I end up finding lots of things that would be perfect for me! It's horrible. I know.<br />
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Please tell me I'm not the only one.</div>
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So, I'm trying to keep shopping for myself at a minimum and honestly, I don't need a single thing on this list, but since you were dying to know, here's my wish list for 2012.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tKKSWSgwkRM/UNAL1-j9eqI/AAAAAAAABVM/-XmNZTV9_9Y/s1600/Desktop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tKKSWSgwkRM/UNAL1-j9eqI/AAAAAAAABVM/-XmNZTV9_9Y/s640/Desktop.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/jewelry/necklaces/PRDOVR~95091/95091.jsp" target="_blank">{1}</a> - So luscious </div>
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<a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/clothes-blouse/26083360.jsp" target="_blank">{2}</a> - I <3 lace. </div>
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<a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/shoes/ballets/PRDOVR~98565/98565.jsp" target="_blank">{3}</a> - I promise I'll keep them clean! </div>
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<a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/pants/minnie/PRDOVR~18850/18850.jsp" target="_blank">{4}</a> - Because you can only have so many pairs of green pants before you move onto a new color. </div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/64817421/25mm-wide-hammered-band-ring-14k-gold" target="_blank">{5}</a> - I've got a crush on hammered gold. </div>
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<a href="http://riflepaperco.com/item/Antoinette_Social_Stationery_Set/287/c1" target="_blank">{6}</a> - One can never have too many boxes of stationery. </div>
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<a href="https://www.catbirdnyc.com/shop/product.php?productid=17037&cat=297&page=1" target="_blank">{7}</a> - I only need 5 of them - CJ&J<3 </div>
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<a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/shopdress-occassion/26033969.jsp" target="_blank">{8}</a> - A little holiday dress! </div>
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<a href="http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/kate-spade-new-york-wallet-mikas-pond-lacey?ID=611103&CategoryID=23562#fn=STYLE%3DWallets%20&%20Small%20Goods%26spp%3D1%26ppp%3D96%26sp%3D1%26rid%3D13" target="_blank">{9}</a> - Gold polka dots! It's all in the details. </div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/71804202/oui-ring-14k-gold-filled-with-cz" target="_blank">{10}</a> - Fun on your finger </div>
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<a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/denim/matchstick/PRDOVR~50520/50520.jsp" target="_blank">{11} </a>- Just 'cause </div>
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<a href="http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/tory-burch-tote-amanda-east-west?ID=627503&CategoryID=23557#fn=spp%3D82%26ppp%3D96%26sp%3D1%26rid%3D13" target="_blank">{12}</a> - I have big bag syndrome.</div>
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<iframe bordercolor="#000000" frameborder="0" height="200" hspace="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/adi/N7433.148119.BLOGGEREN/B6534889.1593;sz=200x200;ord=[timestamp]?;lid=41000613802463511;pid=279412;usg=AFHzDLvES9teqZLt-0qXB5KImm7K5sR8lQ;adurl=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.kohls.com%252Fupgrade%252Fwebstore%252Fproduct_page.jsp%253FPRODUCT%25253C%25253Eprd_id%253D845524886742053%2526pfx%253Dpfx_shopcompare%2526cid%253Dshopping3;pubid=584701;imgsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.kohls.com.edgesuite.net%2Fis%2Fimage%2Fkohls%2F279412%3Fwid%3D500%26hei%3D500%26op_sharpen%3D1;width=200;height=200" vspace="0" width="200"></iframe><br /></div>
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Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00640536774915281089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699050669855452854.post-36038066528837040452012-12-01T21:08:00.001-08:002012-12-01T21:08:30.030-08:00Just Sayin'Not much to post except that...<br />
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I love my husband.<br />
I love our baby.<br />
I love our family who has helped us tremendously.<br />
I love our friends who are a constant source of encouragement.<br />
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And...<br />
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I'm exhausted. <br />
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I promise I'm not a bad mommy. This is part of some diaper rash therapy prescribed by our good friend. Mommy was up way past her bedtime to keep an eye on this guy while he was on his tummy. <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8kw8Q_oh-zs/ULriTP7IkTI/AAAAAAAABUY/CJ3vrfV8ppk/s640/blogger-image-2065483202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8kw8Q_oh-zs/ULriTP7IkTI/AAAAAAAABUY/CJ3vrfV8ppk/s640/blogger-image-2065483202.jpg" /></a></div>Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00640536774915281089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699050669855452854.post-43278529268926250632012-11-22T11:19:00.001-08:002012-11-22T14:58:26.336-08:00ThankfulOne of the things that Chris and I always pray for is to be thankful for what we have. This Thanksgiving, I'm thankful for family and friends, especially those who have supported us during this crazy week with advice, prayers and helping us out at home. Between a newborn, jaundice and Chris out with the flu and then me, it's been a very insane week. Thanks to those of you who have been praying for us or caring for us in our home while all this has been happening.<br />
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I'm especially thankful for my two boys. <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WkqSzNLYgLM/UK561BUJP5I/AAAAAAAABUA/w5cAuFk9rAs/s640/blogger-image-608544266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WkqSzNLYgLM/UK561BUJP5I/AAAAAAAABUA/w5cAuFk9rAs/s640/blogger-image-608544266.jpg" /></a></div>Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00640536774915281089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699050669855452854.post-60063530085663662442012-11-20T15:01:00.001-08:002012-11-20T15:06:14.392-08:00Let Me Introduce MyselfHello! I'm today's guest blogger, Baby Justin. I'm new around here so let me tell you a bit about myself. I'm 6. Yes, that's right, 6 days old. It's been a pretty crazy 6 days. The first few days I was at the hospital with my Mom and Dad, but the last 2 nights, Mom and I had roommates and man, was our roommate noisy! He cried all night so Mom and I had a really hard time sleeping. Then we moved into my new house and had lots of visitors. I met a lot of my aunties, uncles, grandmas, cousins and new friends. But on Sunday night, my Dad got food poisoning and it seemed like that was pretty rough on both Mom and Dad. I was okay though. I was still waking up every three hours to do my thing. The next day, I went for my first doctor's appointment and they said I was jaundiced. I'm not sure what that means, but it ended up being kind of cool because I got these new sunglasses and sat in a box with blue lights. I hope to get out of here today though because I am itching for a change of scenery.<br />
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Like I said, it's been a crazy 6 days. What can I say? I'm livin' the fast life. <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1F9X7buzRcQ/UKwLvcSZuYI/AAAAAAAABTY/GaaeuSZePsQ/s640/blogger-image--1830684795.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1F9X7buzRcQ/UKwLvcSZuYI/AAAAAAAABTY/GaaeuSZePsQ/s640/blogger-image--1830684795.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vm1-7JE7aFo/UKwLwc1vo_I/AAAAAAAABTg/BxOSWfWFZKs/s640/blogger-image-1734013691.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vm1-7JE7aFo/UKwLwc1vo_I/AAAAAAAABTg/BxOSWfWFZKs/s640/blogger-image-1734013691.jpg" /></a></div>Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00640536774915281089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699050669855452854.post-26745341641060594552012-11-13T09:25:00.002-08:002012-11-13T09:25:35.240-08:00GILT + Baby Gap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Okay, seriously, how cute is this?</div>
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I'm getting ready for my OB appointment right now and was looking through my e-mails and stumbled across one I thought I'd share with you. <a href="http://www.gilt.com/sale/children/full-price-sneak-peak/ss" target="_blank">GILT</a> released Baby Gap's new winter collection online today and is being sold in advance on GILT. I'm a sale kind of girl so I always wait for SOME type of markdown or discount before I ever buy anything from GAP, but I'm making mental notes of what I will buy when I'm ready!<br />
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<a href="http://cdn1.gilt.com/images/share/uploads/0000/0001/6611/166117516/420x560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="babyGap Newborn Fox Gift Set" border="0" class="photo" data-zoom-src="//cdn1.gilt.com/images/share/uploads/0000/0001/6611/166117516/lg.jpg" height="400" src="http://cdn1.gilt.com/images/share/uploads/0000/0001/6611/166117516/420x560.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="http://cdn2.gilt.com/images/share/uploads/0000/0001/6611/166117513/420x560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="babyGap Garter-Stitch Hoodie" border="0" class="photo" data-zoom-src="//cdn2.gilt.com/images/share/uploads/0000/0001/6611/166117513/lg.jpg" height="400" src="http://cdn2.gilt.com/images/share/uploads/0000/0001/6611/166117513/420x560.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="http://cdn1.gilt.com/images/share/uploads/0000/0001/6617/166178703/620x349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="slideshow-image" height="358" src="http://cdn1.gilt.com/images/share/uploads/0000/0001/6617/166178703/620x349.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="http://cdn2.gilt.com/images/share/uploads/0000/0001/6611/166117513/300x400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><img alt="babyGap Cashmere Hooded Sweater" class="photo" height="400" src="http://cdn1.gilt.com/images/share/uploads/0000/0001/6614/166144364/300x400.jpg" width="300" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><img alt="babyGap Dot Pants" class="photo" height="400" src="http://cdn2.gilt.com/images/share/uploads/0000/0001/6611/166117503/300x400.jpg" width="300" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><img alt="" class="slideshow-image" src="http://cdn1.gilt.com/images/share/uploads/0000/0001/6617/166178719/620x349.jpg" /></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;">Just a hat and his birthday suit. Love it.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><iframe bordercolor="#000000" frameborder="0" height="200" hspace="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/adi/N7433.148119.BLOGGEREN/B6696023.238;sz=200x200;ord=[timestamp]?;lid=41000613802463717;pid=53886BLK;usg=AFHzDLv2mWSO2ToZWYP7b88F-Qm7m5RDsw;adurl=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.campmor.com%252Fbaby-jogger-f-i-t-jogging-stroller.shtml;pubid=584701;imgsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.campmor.com%2Fwcsstore%2FCampmor%2Fstatic%2Fimages%2Facc%2F53886%2F53886_blk.jpg;width=185;height=200" vspace="0" width="200"></iframe><br /></span></span></div>
Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00640536774915281089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699050669855452854.post-63274591955150415072012-11-12T08:30:00.002-08:002012-11-12T15:11:52.667-08:00Thanksgiving PrepGrowing up in an immigrant family, holidays were never a huge deal for my family. We sent Christmas cards, but never had a tree. We had "Thanksgiving" dinner, but there was always a lot of roast duck, soy sauce chicken and char siu in place of turkey. It's just the way we grew up with Chinese parents navigating themselves in a new culture and family. However, when Chris and I got married, we decided that we'd be a little more traditional when it came to the holidays. For our first Thanksgiving, we were invited to my aunt's home for Thanksgiving. Our second year, we were planning on hosting at our home with a full on Thanksgiving dinner, but my nephew was sick in the hospital and we were spending a lot of time helping my brother's family my taking turns at the hospital that we were too exhausted to do anything. <br />
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So, this is the year...except that our baby is due and we may have JUST gotten out of the hospital when Thanksgiving rolls around. We're going to try our best and although it won't be a perfectly homemade Thanksgiving, it'll be the closest thing to it with a newborn. This is the reason why our mantle is also already decorated for Christmas. I do NOT do well when I'm sleep-deprived so I had to start all the holidays early so that we have SOME Thanksgiving and Christmas to celebrate. </div>
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Anyhoo, here are some yummy recipes we've collected over the years for Thanksgiving!</div>
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<img alt="REE_4141" class="width_630 frame-img" height="266" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3201/3467460174_a52bb93fec_o.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/04/creamed-spinach-to-die-for/" target="_blank">Creamed Spinach</a></div>
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<img height="300" src="http://img.foodnetwork.com/FOOD/2007/10/08/IG0910_Mashed_Potatoes_lg.jpg" style="-webkit-user-select: none;" width="400" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/buttermilk-mashed-potatoes-recipe2/index.html" target="_blank">Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes</a></div>
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<img alt="Monkey Bread I Recipe" class="rec-image rec-shadow hero-image marb10 photo" height="400" id="imgPhoto" itemprop="image" src="http://images.media-allrecipes.com/userphotos/250x250/00/13/51/135170.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; height: 250px; width: 250px;" title="Monkey Bread I Recipe" width="400" /></div>
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<a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/monkey-bread-i/" target="_blank">Monkey Bread</a></div>
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<img alt="Williams-Sonoma Pumpkin Dessert Squares. Photo by the_amynator" class="smallPageImage photo" height="266" itemprop="image" src="http://food.sndimg.com/img/recipes/26/30/86/large/picWLsZS9.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; position: static;" title="Williams-Sonoma Pumpkin Dessert Squares. Photo by the_amynator" width="400" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/williams-sonoma-pumpkin-dessert-squares-263086" target="_blank">Pumpkin Squares</a></div>
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Mmm, I'm getting hungry!</div>
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<iframe bordercolor="#000000" frameborder="0" height="200" hspace="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/adi/N7433.148119.BLOGGEREN/B6664937.264;sz=200x200;ord=[timestamp]?;lid=41000613802464013;pid=826398;usg=AFHzDLvVkGjT1aEQBlU4ZsX7SlBI9E5Xqw;adurl=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.lenox.com%252Fcat%252Findex.cfm%253Ffuseaction%253Dprod%2526pid%253D38082%2526Code%253D96206%2526cm_mmc%253DChannelAdvisor-_-ComparisonShoppingEngine-_-Google-_-Generic;pubid=584701;imgsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fs7ondemand1.scene7.com%2Fis%2Fimage%2FLenox%2F826398_wsHR%3F%24sm%24;width=200;height=200" vspace="0" width="200"></iframe><br /></div>
Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00640536774915281089noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699050669855452854.post-34987753760015908242012-11-08T17:55:00.001-08:002012-11-08T17:55:49.173-08:00Week 38 - CHECK!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Just saying hello today. 38 weeks down and we're heading into week 39. I had some false labor the other night, but it just means that my body is getting ready for the big day. Thank goodness for the Internet and free wifi at Target. Of course I'd be the one to go into labor at Target right? :) Photo credit to Charissa!</div>
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While I was looking up info about contractions, besties Charissa and Mel were trying on super cute Target clothes. I can't wait to shop again!<br />
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<iframe bordercolor="#000000" frameborder="0" height="200" hspace="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/adi/N7433.148119.BLOGGEREN/B7085993.5605;sz=200x200;ord=[timestamp]?;lid=41000613802463648;pid=1589;usg=AFHzDLsw-9Zj-reT8XcPHkynnWFhZb57ow;adurl=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.threadless.com%252Fproduct%252F1589%252FFriday_I_m_In_Love%253Futm_content%253Dproduct-1589;pubid=584701;imgsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.threadless.com%2Fimgs%2Fproducts%2F1589%2F636x460design_01.jpg;width=200;height=144" vspace="0" width="200"></iframe><br /></div>
Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00640536774915281089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699050669855452854.post-25943555820152714902012-11-08T10:09:00.001-08:002012-11-08T10:09:11.981-08:00The NurseryThe baby's room is done! Just in time too (no pun intended...for those of you who get my little joke! :))! <br />
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Here are a few photos of the finished room. I managed to forget to snap a photo of our zig zag rug, but that's going to have to wait because this mama is exhausted and ready for a catnap.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tPQcfVH1SCY/UJv0TUZn-eI/AAAAAAAABSA/bDrOkbKaigo/s1600/nursery3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tPQcfVH1SCY/UJv0TUZn-eI/AAAAAAAABSA/bDrOkbKaigo/s640/nursery3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now, we just need a baby and it'll be complete! :)</div>
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<iframe bordercolor="#000000" frameborder="0" height="200" hspace="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/adi/N7433.148119.BLOGGEREN/B6696025.919;sz=200x200;ord=[timestamp]?;lid=41000613802463973;pid=sku7264494;usg=AFHzDLtxyZxjK89KwrjBUuiNpanR_jTMOg;adurl=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.samsclub.com%252Fsams%252Fdavinci-jayden-4-in-1-crib-white%252Fprod6710503.ip%253Fpid%253D_DoubleClick_Affiliates%2526ci_src%253D15781033%2526ci_sku%253Dsku7264494;pubid=584701;imgsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fs7d2.scene7.com%2Fis%2Fimage%2Fsamsclub%2Fs7product%2F0004851780493_A.jpg;width=200;height=200" vspace="0" width="200"></iframe><br /></div>
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<br />Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00640536774915281089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699050669855452854.post-18068538139442203402012-11-05T20:36:00.001-08:002012-11-06T21:39:38.710-08:00Election DayI'm sitting here watching election results with my husband and eating patriotic jello as the baby wriggles inside me with excitement at what the next four years might bring. Well, it's either that or the sugar.<br />
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I've been voting by mail since I reached voting age (I'm just too practical), but am always jealous that I don't get an "I voted" sticker. Can't I get an "I voted by mail" sticker? Just sayin'!<br />
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<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ly6EuKmHA5M/UJn0GbsSwTI/AAAAAAAABQ0/dC9AAjgGr9s/s640/blogger-image-483130028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ly6EuKmHA5M/UJn0GbsSwTI/AAAAAAAABQ0/dC9AAjgGr9s/s640/blogger-image-483130028.jpg" /></a></div>Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00640536774915281089noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699050669855452854.post-62344017243716369652012-11-05T16:35:00.002-08:002012-11-05T16:35:50.285-08:00Birthday Boy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This weekend was Chris' birthday and it was a chance for him to eat all the high cholesterol foods I haven't been letting him eat the past couple of months. He's been really disciplined about it so I figured that he could cheat on his birthday.</div>
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Instead of oatmeal, we went to<a href="http://www.plumscafe.com/catering.htm" target="_blank"> Plum's</a> for brunch. We've been meaning to go try it for awhile now, but we never could find a good excuse to get our butts out of bed on a Saturday morning and drive down to Costa Mesa for breakfast. But a birthday did it! Chris got BACON and EGGS and POTATOES. He was a happy camper. I had the Northwestern waffle which really just a waffle and berries, but the clincher was the homemade whip cream. Nothing beats homemade whip cream. </div>
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For dinner, we went to Chris' favorite restaurant, <a href="http://www.lawrysonline.com/" target="_blank">Lawry's</a>. We actually considered having our wedding reception here because Chris loves the hunky beefiness so much, but I didn't want to get up 4 am to get married since they only offer lunchtime receptions. </div>
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Anyway, here we are. I was able to snap a photo before Chris sunk his teeth into a big piece of BEEF. Another food he hasn't had much of lately. For his birthday, I bought him a shirt from J.Crew that he'd been eyeing and a new work bag from the Tumi Dror collection since his was stolen back in August. </div>
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Happy birthday, love! Hope you enjoyed all the cholesterol. Back to oatmeal and whole grains, your favorite!</div>
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Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00640536774915281089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699050669855452854.post-53609866828989254722012-10-31T20:34:00.001-07:002012-11-01T07:49:43.324-07:00Type AHello! My apologies for a very late post this week. It's nearing the end of week 37 here and it's been super busy around. I know most women go through a nesting stage, but my nesting is less out of preparation for the baby and more out of fear that I won't want to do anything around the house when I am a sleep deprived zombie. I am REALLY grumpy when I am sleep deprived... REALLY, REALLY GRUMPY. <br />
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Aside from exhaustion, discomfort, irritability and being extra emotional (doesn't this make you want to spend a day with me?), I have been nesting and getting everything under the sun done. My type A personality thrives on lists and crossing things off my lists. Then recopying my lists so that they're neat again. Here's my newly updated weekly list on the right and my daily to do list on the left. I know I'm nuts, but now you know too and we can all move on. :)<br />
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<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Jdm2EFyorg8/UJH79YuTTHI/AAAAAAAABOo/P9DlJvkEsns/s640/blogger-image--1660599082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Jdm2EFyorg8/UJH79YuTTHI/AAAAAAAABOo/P9DlJvkEsns/s640/blogger-image--1660599082.jpg" /></a></div>Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00640536774915281089noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699050669855452854.post-10337360576495032522012-10-23T21:32:00.000-07:002012-10-23T21:32:19.390-07:00Operation Christmas ChildEvery year, our church has something called <a href="http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/" target="_blank">Operation Christmas Child</a> through Samaritan's Purse. I'm sure many of you have heard of it or even participated in it. All you do is fill a shoebox full of goodies, toys, gifts and daily necessities. These boxes are sent all over the world to needy children.<br />
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I used to make a box every year before I was married. Since Chris and I were married, we began making it a yearly tradition to make two boxes. One for a boy and one for a girl. When we have our baby, we'll probably add a third box to our yearly contribution. It's a lot of fun shopping for goodies to put in this box and praying for and wondering who the recipient will be.<br />
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Usually, you never find out because you turn the box into church and it gets shipped off to Samaritan's Purse where they sort and send the boxes off to where they are most needed. But, I found out this Sunday that if you pay for your shipping online, you can follow your box and see where it goes! How exciting is that? No, I probably won't get to see the child's face, but I will know which part of the world our box was shipped to. That's kind of neat!<br />
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So, here are our boxes, ready to be shipped off. I can't wait to see where these end up!<br />
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<br />Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00640536774915281089noreply@blogger.com0