New Look!

I know my little sister is probably SUPER annoyed with me for copying her, but hey, that's the best form of flattery, right!? Plus, this looks WAY cuter than the other layout. So I couldn't resist.

More posts soon!

No post today, just some favorite pics from the last few weeks...

My sick little girl and her Gigi...


The Two West Coast Heat Fans!


Lots of Love From Grammy & Grandpa!


My Big Girl


Being silly with the neighbors...

A Day Filled With Hope

As I stood this morning, holding my daughter and watching the first African American ever to take the oath of the highest office in our country, I was filled with emotion. I felt proud. I felt humbled. I felt nervous. I felt hopeful. I felt encouraged.

Every generation has their fears, but the unknown that we face now makes me hope that this historic day will make all the difference for our country. I don't believe that our 44th president can change everything, but I believe he has restored faith in our country for many Americans. Faith is what powers Patriotism. And Pride of Country is something that our younger generation has not yet had the opportunity to experience.

"We will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist..."

However you feel about President Obama, his election has made it certain that our children - no matter who they are or where they are from, can do anything they wish to do.... I am filled with optimism for my daughter and her generation. I hope this new era inspires all of us to do our part in making our country a better place.

God Bless America.

Elmo Comes To Town

Yesterday, Ashley went to her friend Cash's 1st Birthday party. It just so happened that Elmo was there too. Big. Huge. Furry. Elmo. I wondered what would happen...would Ashley be afraid of her favorite buddy? Oh no ... girlfriend was the first one at the party to walk up to Elmo. She greeted him with waves and kisses! I couldn't believe it! I mean, this Elmo kinda scared me!





Here's some great video of our cutest little girl. I can't believe how grown up she is already! (Especially when she is busy doing something and can't be bothered with Mommy's requests...)

Queen



Coloring



Showing Off

15 Months!

Ashley had her 15 month checkup today. Girlfriend weighed in at 24 pounds. Nice. I thought it was going to be 30. It sure feels like 30 when I try to set her down on the floor and she converts herself into complete deadweight and will not put her feet down to help me out! I guess sometimes you just want to be carried around! ...Diva!

The doctor said that at 15 months, babies should be able to say 3-6 words. Um, here are the words and sounds that our brilliant child has already mastered:

Bottle - Ba Ba
Mama
Dada
Up
Down
Ouch
Hot
Hat
Duck
Bird
Dog
Night Night
Bye
Hi
Blueberry - Booberry
Cracker - Cacka
No (she is very good at this one...)
All animal sounds (Moo, Bow, Meow, Ssss for snake, trumpet sound for elephant, bubble sound for fish...)
Shoes
Eyes
Nose
Mouth
This - Dis
Baby
Agua (Ah yes, she is also bilingual!)

3-6 words ... that's for sissies!

Happy New Year!

This year, my resolution is to find a better balance. A happy mom makes a happy family and I just need to figure out how to fit in a little more time to do the things that make me happy. Working and being a mom takes up almost every second... I need to figure out how to find some time for myself ... a yoga class, curling up with a new issue of Bon Appetite and a good cup of coffee, finding the time to have a good chat with one of my girlfriends without "girlfriend" chirping up in the background, having a night where I get to actually TALK to my husband about things that matter ...

This year, I really want to be a better mom, a better friend and a better wife.

*Addendum: It appears that I have already failed in the resolution department. I have just been reminded that I did not mention our annual trip to Carmel. Luckily, Grammy & Grandpa offered to babysit so that Chris and I could have an actual "vacation!" It really was wonderful. I love the drive up north and we always cut through to the coast on some obscure little road that takes us right through Steinbeck country. For a beach girl, I am always surprised how much I love to see the rolling hills, old trees and wide open spaces.

And since we are chronicling our every moment over the holidays, I also wanted to thank Papa, Gigi, Auntie Jen, Uncle Chris and Baby Chloe for taking care of Ashley when she was super sick and Chris and I escaped next door for a "Boxing Day" party. Poor things all got sick as a result - we are so sorry!