...be the change...

I Want

2011-11-04T20:44:00.000-07:00

Citrine

2011-10-27T11:25:00.000-07:00

my birth stone on etsy

Holiday Dress

2011-10-17T11:49:00.000-07:00

I Want

2011-09-08T13:07:00.000-07:00

Sausage

2010-12-28T10:55:00.000-08:00

Is there anything more unattractive than full-paneled maternity pants? My belly looks like a cased sausage in them.
Not very pretty.
I am sticking to dresses.

A Year of Pregnancy - Could I Have Given Birth to an Elephant by Now?*

2010-12-19T17:07:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking a lot about the past year, as we tend do when a year comes to a close.

My main thoughts center around family, our sweet, wonderful Maya and the little boy growing in my belly. Reflecting on this on-going journey, from a surprise pregnancy when a new baby was nowhere near our radar, to a devastating loss at the end of 2009. Onto another pregnancy (planned this time) and another painful loss which left me empty, yet more at peace and ready to wait and heal physically and emotionally.

But as I should have known, there wasn't much time or healing because a very much wanted, but not quite ready to have planned it pregnancy was staring at us via a positive pregnancy test (still in disbelief I headed straight to my Doctor's office for confirmation - somehow peeing on their stick proved that yes indeed, it was true).

This journey has made me:

lose my innocence about pregnancy and left me unable to surrender to the many joys of pregnancy
appreciate this specific pregnancy at this specific time, even with its hiccups and set backs
more confident in my body - that it can handle all this and keep going, and going, and going
more appreciative of and more willing to accept the help of friends and family
more honest with myself about the idea of family and why we wanted another child in the first place
given me the ability to let go of some things and focus on what is really important
introduced me to an online community of amazingly strong and supportive women

*I just looked this up, and no, I could not have given birth to an elephant, they are pregnant for 22 months, I have a new-found respect for mama elephants!

Cheers to 2011!

Fluttering Obi

2010-12-14T15:43:00.000-08:00

(im)patiently waiting for this dress to go on sale

and this one, too.

Hello Santa

2010-12-02T09:28:00.000-08:00

...in the car this morning:
Mama can I call Santa?
Oh hello Santa. Are you bringing presents and a tree? What are you doing Santa? OK, you can come on Wednesday. I have to call Baba and Papi now. Bye.

Weather

2010-09-15T10:56:00.000-07:00

The sun is sunny all over the place
Maya's assessment of the weather this morning

enjoying the sunny sun @ Baby Beach this summer

Chocolate What?

2010-09-12T20:17:00.000-07:00

Chocolate Cheerios
Who knew?! I didn't until I tried them at Costco.
They are really good!

They make a great little crunchy, chocolaty snack!
Recipes, nutritional facts, and such...

I Want

2010-08-31T19:57:00.000-07:00

...but won't be getting at $248

Maya, Meet Maya

2010-08-19T10:11:00.000-07:00

This is a Go! Go! Sports Girls doll.
Her name is Maya and she does gymnastics, her favorite fruit is blueberries.
My Maya loves gymnastics and blueberries, too! Weird.

Some Things I Learned Today

2010-08-09T14:20:00.000-07:00

A few things I learned while watching daytime TV:

soap opera actresses have really good hair
the 12 o'clock news is the same news as the 9 o'clock news
there are far too many women who do not know who the father of their child is
the maximum claim for Small Claims Court is $5,000

Almost Lost in Translation

2010-07-27T20:56:00.000-07:00

I want to go on the alligator. I wanna go on the alligator. Pleaaaase! Let me go on the alligator.
Maya - 7PM @ Mission Viejo Mall

Alligator = escalator.
Thanks, Bret, for translating that one!

::

This shirt is so Maya. I love it.

This Big Much

2010-07-23T10:37:00.000-07:00

Maya: Mama, I love you THIS big much (arms stretched way out).
Me: *dying from the cutness*

What more do you need to start your day off on the right note? Nothing!

Hello Matryoshka

2010-07-15T17:33:00.000-07:00

I am noticing more and more matryoshka (nesting doll) inspired items lately. They are such a flashback to my Eastern European childhood where it was absolutely mandatory that you have at least one set of matryoshka dolls. I've seen matryoshka measuring cups at Anthropologie, matryoshka totes somewhere else, and these cups. Is it just me, or are they super-duper adorable. I have to get a set.

Like Starbucks, but Cheaper

2010-07-10T09:00:00.000-07:00

I copied the Egg White, Spinach & Feta Wrap from Starbucks, it's very tasty and super easy to make, I've had it for both breakfast and as a lunch.

You'll need:
two egg whites
handful of cooked spinach
crumbled feta (as much as you like, I tend to like more)
sun dried tomatoes
whole wheat lavash bread
::stack in the above order, wrap and put in a pan for 30-45 seconds on each side to get everything melty and fused together.

*this is the Starbucks version, my wrap job is not quite as tidy

Starbucks' nutritional content:
Calories 280
Total Fat 10g
Total Carbohydrate 33g
Dietary Fiber 6g

Mine is probably about the same (maybe a few more calories since I added more cheese), but I definitely don't have these weird ingredients in my egg whites like they do: [egg whites, whey powder, unmodified corn starch, salt, nonfat dry milk, butter flavor (sunflower oil, natural flavors, medium chain triglycerides, palm kernal oil].

Sorry, Mr. Lizard, for the Potential Brain Damage

2010-06-30T21:03:00.000-07:00

Mr. Lizard found himself inside our house this afternoon, and well, he probably wishes he hadn't...

Part I

Part II

In the Car

2010-06-29T11:56:00.000-07:00

Maya: Wow Mama you going super fast!
Me: I am sorry, did you get scared?
Maya: Yes. Go fast again. Again!!!

Maya and I have the best conversations during our morning commute.

Fun Gift

2010-06-26T12:02:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite and most fun wedding gifts we received was a hammock (and stand). After 7+ years of consistent use, the rope hammock broke so I replaced it with this comfy quilted one. The best part is that the three of us fit on it perfectly!

Now I am going to take a break from watching the US-Ghana game and hammock away in the sunshine....
(oh, and it was a steal of a deal @ $69, normally $149!)

Virtually Virtual

2010-06-21T18:28:00.000-07:00

Do you have virtual friends? Can someone you've never met be a friend?

For several months now I've been a part of an online community for women living through similar experiences. Some of the things we write in our posts have been shared with only the closest circle of friends and family, yet because of the relative anonymity and this virtual bond we somehow feel comfortable talking about the most personal of things. It's a strange sort of relationship, but at times it's truly a blessing to have.

Dreams

2010-06-18T07:44:00.000-07:00

Me: Maya, what did you dream about last night?
Maya: Kitties and elephants and pizza.

And Now I am Totally Hungry

2010-06-14T11:36:00.000-07:00

I came across some yummy recipes on my mid-morning blog-reading break, and wanted to share mine. I'll call it Big Bear Quinoa (we were in Big Bear when I "invented" it).

Big Bear Quinoa
quinoa
beans (black, kidney, pinto or whatever you like)
salsa (I like it Medium and chunky)
avocado (cut into cubes)
cheese (added it to Bret's serving only)
layer everything in the above order

It's so good and so quick, and it's a perfect lunch to take to work.

Now I am hungry, and it's not even close to my lunch break!

Happy, healthy eating...

Catch Up

2010-06-09T09:24:00.000-07:00

She may be small, but she knows stuff...
(and she most certainly does not pose for pictures)

Hello June! Where did April and May go??

Our little Maya is becoming a bit of a hoarder, a really cute one. The other day she insisted on taking a lemon to bed with her, she was so proud of that lemon, she picked it all by herself. And what do you do when your kid asks if she can take her prised lemon to bed with her? I said yes (and took it out after she was asleep).

We've also bought what we hope to be our last box of diapers. I thought potty training would be something like this: Maya you go peepee and poopoo in the potty, I would show her a few times and be done, but the pairs of wet PullUps and undies have proven otherwise. Maybe we'll get it down by summer. Actually, I am not too worried about it, I am sure she'll master it at some point, right?

I never mentioned that I got a fancy new sewing machine for Christmas (fancy to me, after using a 20-year old Singer all this time!). I have used it about 3 times since then, go figure. I did make a birthday outfit for Maya only to decide that the skirt was just a little too big about 10 minutes before her party started. Good thing I had a back up dress that had just arrived in the mail from Spain. Thanks Aunt Christine!

I bought this Kashi bar over the weekend, it's so good. It's more of a snack/dessert not a breakfast or health bar, half is just perfect to satisfy a sweet-tooth. Yum.

Sometimes I really love getting advise from almost complete strangers, really. I was told that I "shouldn't try to hurry the curry" and it made me laugh so hard, I told my stranger-friend that it was the best advise, and I wish I could follow it, but I am a hurry-the-curry kind of a girl sometimes and I can't help it.

I am really looking forward to summer and our vacation.

2010-06-06T20:56:00.000-07:00

Have a hoppy week...

This Mess is So Big and So Deep and So Tall....**

2010-05-27T09:47:00.000-07:00

I've been avoiding everything about the oil spill, I've tried to ignore it because I felt I didn't have the space in my heart to get emotionally involved in all that this spill entails. So I figured if I ignored it long enough, it would just go away.

But then I realized, I am involved. And so are YOU (you don't get a choice in the matter).

Scientists say the impact is worse than the Exxon Valdez spill (meanwhile the BP COO has stated that the environmental impact will be "minimal"). As of last night, the "top kill" procedure seems to be successful and after over a month, the flow of oil has been halted.*
*PB reports says that they won't know for sure the top kill is working until later today (5/28)
**I was away from TV and news for a few days -- the top kill did not work, there is a new "cut-and-cap" plan in the works now...

And now the real work of cleaning up begins...

I can't do much to help, but I can donate.
Maybe you could as well?

In & Out

2010-05-25T12:58:00.000-07:00

These shoes have been in and out of my "shopping cart" at least a dozen times in the last month.

In two days they will be out of a box and on my feet. Woohoo :)

p.s. this post is pretty ironic considering my post just below it. I am a bundle of contradictions sometimes, aren't I!?

Great Gift Idea - TisBest Philanthropy

2010-05-12T12:41:00.000-07:00

Bret and I have been getting each other gifts for quite a while. At this point, I think we've gotten ourselves and each other pretty much everything we need and/or want. This Valentine's Day we actually gifted the exact same thing - books and chocolate.

Then, for Mother's Day, Bret gave me a certificate for the sponsorship and conservation of the Sequoia Forests through Sierra Club and a handmade card by him and Maya. I told him it was my favorite gift ever. Going forward, we decided that for birthdays and such, we'll follow this spirit of giving and come up with different ways to give to organizations we support.

Today, a friend sent me a link to TisBest Philanthropy, check it out. I am going to use it for Father's Day.

I am not saying we're never buying gifts again, if "the perfect" gift presents itself, that's great!

A couple of other non-profit-type of sites I've used:
Kiva
Arbor Day Foundation
Materialism That Matters
Donnors Chose
LA Family Services

Graphic

2010-05-02T08:22:00.000-07:00

I am always amazed that our veggie meals cost much more than a meat meal for Bret.

Veggie chili costs more than meat chili
Salad more than a burger
Blueberries more than ground beef

It doesn't make sense to me, even though I have an idea why (major subsidies for corn/soy crops = main feed for farm animals. Picture a cow chomping on corn on the cob in the wild, yeah, cows don't eat corn, but that's a whole other story...)

Anyhow, I saw this today, I though it was interesting...

from Food subsidies, in graphic form , the Veg Blog

My (Maya) Joy

2010-04-30T15:03:00.000-07:00

Dear Maya,

Your 23-month"birthday" went by without a monthly update, I am sorry. We've been busy, the good kind of busy, happy busy together.

I am feeling emotional today, overrun with extra love, like my heart has opened up to an even deeper love for you. You are a big box full of presents and I get to pull out a new gift everyday - a new word, a new expression, a new adventure.

This morning we ate breakfast together, we chatted and shared scrambled eggs and Greek yogurt with honey. I couldn't imagine doing anything more perfect at that moment.

Kisses,
mama

Why Don't I Know Anything About This - Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution

2010-04-28T16:28:00.000-07:00

The Jamie Oliver Food Revolution Petition sounds like something I should know about...but I don't. I see it mentioned on TV, blogs, Facebook, etc., so I need to check out the website.

Have you signed the Petition?
(I haven't, yet)

Good Things and a Birthday

2010-04-23T10:28:00.000-07:00

Boy, have I neglected these Good Things posts. But that's not an indication of a lack of good things, I promise.

This "Good Things" is about one "thing."

BRET

And today is Bret's birthday! Happy Birthday, Husband (even though you don't read my blog).

We started the morning with a mini cake/large cupcake (couldn't decide which to call it), a gift, breakfast burritos, and goodies to take to school. Then this afternoon, off to the mountains for the last weekend of snow.

Bret doesn't get enough credit on this here blog, but he should. Have I mentioned that he does 99% of our laundry and dishwasher unloading. Good grief, what would our house look like if those things were left up to me?! He's the kind of dad who raises his kid, he doesn't "babysit" (how do you babysit your own kids). He lets me wallow in self pity on occasion but he's not not afraid to tell me to get up off my dupe (that's Bulgarian for butt) and get myself together. And he's pretty cute and funny, so that's nice too :) We're two very different peas in one pod and it works.

There's No Place Like Home

2010-04-22T09:17:00.000-07:00

Chocolate Art

2010-04-13T14:51:00.000-07:00

by Enric Rovira

Bread

2010-04-09T11:08:00.000-07:00

I love bread. Really love it. A lot.
I also love water. Bread and water.
I am so boring.

Anyhow, I am pretty serious about the bread I buy. For a long, long while I only bought Ezekiel Sprouted Whole Grain bread. Then Milton's Multi Grain (or the Trader Joe's version of it).

But I have a brand new favorite bread and I am sticking with this one forever and ever :)
Alvarado Street Essential Sprouted FlaxSeed Bread.

We’re pleased to introduce our NEW “Essential” Sprouted FlaxSeed Bread. This is our first new recipe in over 8 years, and one we’re very proud to offer. With all the healthy attributes flaxseed has to offer, it’s no wonder it’s already becoming one of our most popular breads. A great source of Omega 3 and 6! “Essential” is our lowest calorie bread, as well as lowest fat, lowest sodium and lowest carbs.

Plus Alvarado Street Bakery is an awesome company, so I am glad to support them and their tasty breads!

So Awesome

2010-04-06T12:13:00.000-07:00

I have written before about how I love this blog. But I have no words for how awesome this most recent post is. I am so jealous of these two kids. If our dogs weren't old and lazy (mostly lazy), I guarantee you Bret would be making this for Maya in no time.

image from http://www.sweet-juniper.com/

The Garden Collection

2010-03-31T16:16:00.000-07:00

It's true, I have resorted to retail therapy lately and even if I hate to admit it, it has made me feel a bit better these days.

I am not a big spender or a name-brand stickler, but if it is cute and practical and it fits me well, I'll probably buy it (that's a lot of and's) plus I still have Christmas gift cards and I got a teeny tiny bonus, so technically, this is free therapy.

Today's therapy session? A fun and happy tunic at H&M ($9.95!), made from organic cotton and part of their Garden Collection.

Pipe Cleaners and a Duckie

2010-03-28T15:53:00.000-07:00

Sometimes pure joy and silliness = pipe cleaners + a rubber duckie on a string (and $2 at the Dollar Tree)

22 Months

2010-03-21T11:59:00.000-07:00

My Sweet Maya,

a red berry you found on our walk this morning, along with a leaf in one pocket, a rock in the other, and a flower in your other hand. You are very busy collecting treasures on our walks.

Today, you are 22 months old. The highlight of last month was you saying "mama, you funny." First because, yes, you think I am funny, and second because I can point out to your Dad that I am the funny one, not him. Haha!

..helping Dad fix his surfboard

dancing with Ian @ Emma's ballett studio

this is what you do when I ask you to look at me so I can take a picture

...just being cute

You remind us not to take ourselves too seriously and your unconditional love and compassion soothes even our deepest hurts.

We love you Maya Joy,

M&D

Fun Little Things

2010-03-15T21:15:00.000-07:00

My friend and co-worker started selling Avon, I didn't need any cosmetics (or anything else, really) but of course I had to order something from her.

Little did I know all the fun things they sell.

Like these bubble bath body paints (totally not my type of thing, but I knew Maya would love them, and they smell so good!)

And this cool insulated tote for picnics and the beach

And this was just too cute not to buy

Munching on Mushrooms

2010-03-04T11:02:00.000-08:00

This is what Maya ate last night

Mushrooms!! Raw and cooked.
I am so proud :)

Do You Eat These Every Day?

2010-03-03T10:31:00.000-08:00

The 5 foods you should eat every day

#1 Leafy greens
Medical experts call them one of nature's miracle foods. Leafy greens like Swiss chard and kale are high in nutrients like folate and vitamins A and C that can lower your risk of cancer. Just one cup of dark, leafy greens a day could also prevent diabetes and high blood pressure.

#2 Nuts
Many nutritionists recommend nuts like almonds, cashews and walnuts because they're high in natural fiber. Fiber slows your digestive process, keeping hunger and unhealthy mid-afternoon snacks at bay. Goodbye vending machine runs!

#3 Onions
Studies show that consuming onions on a regular basis may reduce symptoms of asthma and the risk of developing stomach cancer. Add them to soups and stir-fry, and just remember -- the stronger the onion, the greater the health benefit.

#4 Whole grains
Refined grains, like white rice and pasta, have lost 90% of their nutritional value through the refining process. As if that weren't reason enough to choose whole grains like brown rice, quinoa and whole oats, a recent study showed that a diet rich in whole grains actually flattens your belly by reducing fat storage in your lower abdominal region.

#5 Yogurt
Making yogurt part of your daily eating routine can improve your digestion -- if you're buying the right stuff. Check that the label lists "active cultures" to make sure you're getting healthy probiotics, and pick a yogurt rich in vitamin D to prevent osteoporosis.

Chestita Baba Marta

2010-03-01T09:17:00.000-08:00

Martenitza

2010-02-26T08:10:00.000-08:00

Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds

2010-02-23T10:07:00.000-08:00

There is a car in the parking lot at work which has "Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds" written on its license place holder. I look at it all the time thinking: OK, today will be all about good thoughts, good words and good deeds...but usually by the time I reach the 11th floor, I have completely forgotten all about my good intentions.

This morning, I heard a story on the radio which set the right tone for my day; it's so great to see people still have kindness in their hearts for complete strangers:

"Back in October 2008, Mr. and Mrs. Gregory from South Africa were enjoying a cruise on the magnificent Queen Mary 2, making photos of their vessel passing alongside the famous QE2.

When taking their photos, the camera accidentally fell overboard into the Atlantic off the coast of Ireland. Usually, dropping a camera into the ocean means the end of the camera, and the photos stored on it.
To the couples amazement, their camera and memory card were returned to them this week after a Spanish fisherman caught it in one of his nets.
Apparently, Benito Estevez found the camera, and was able to track down where the photos were taken, contacted the cruise line, and managed to reunite the couple with their photos.
Of course, the camera was damaged beyond repair, but the memory card was still in excellent condition, as were the photos stored on it.
Peter Shanks, the CEO of Cunard obviously took good advantage of this fantastic event, and had the following to say:
"In all my years in the travel industry I have never heard of such a heart-warming stroke of luck and we at Cunard are delighted that Mr. and Mrs. Gregory have been reunited with their photos. The images are even more poignant as they depict the last transatlantic crossing of the great QE2 and can never be taken again."
Kudos to everyone involved - I'm guessing that most fishermen would just throw trash like that away, but to go to this much effort to reunite someone with their photos is a breath of fresh air." story from here

21 Months on the 21st

2010-02-21T19:11:00.000-08:00

Happy 21 Months to My Happy and Sweet Girl,

What a great day we had - cuddles and laughs, breakfast and play with cousins, visit with neighborhood friends and a sweet nap, reading and home-made muffins, coloring and jumping, and even some ice cream.

You fill our hearts with exactly what we need,
Mama & Daddy

Fishies & Kisses

2010-02-19T09:05:00.000-08:00

I recently came across these OMEGA-3/DHA chews. I am not typically into supplements, but given that Maya is less than an enthusiastic and adventurous eater, I thought I'd give them a try. The fish oil is from tested and safe sources (no mercury or other toxins). I tried one, and they are very tasty. Maya thinks they are a treat, so I try to pack one with her lunch or give as 'dessert' after dinner.

Also, this is such a sweet book

Free Shipping + 20% Off = Yipee

2010-02-17T13:18:00.000-08:00

I "went" online shopping on my lunch break today.

Look at the fun things I found ... all on sale!!

<< in black

Do you care to guess how much?

$182.66 for all four

jcrew.com

Happy

2010-02-12T12:11:00.000-08:00

A long weekend in a quiet place -- time for much needed husband-wife bonding and talking and little girl tickling and playing. That it happens to be Valentine's Day weekend is a nice after thought.

"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."

"Food Rules"

2010-02-06T09:51:00.000-08:00

Eating what stands on one foot (murshrooms, plant foods), is better than eating what stands on two feet (fowl), which is better than eating what stands on four feet (cow, pig, and other mammals).
Chinese Proverb

Earth Hour 2010 - 3/27 @ 8:30 Local Time

2010-02-02T11:09:00.000-08:00

It's almost that time again - Earth Hour 2010 is 53 days away.

Click here for all the ways you can participate and support.

This is a symbolic hour, but there is something we can do each and every day to lead a healthier life, which is directly correlated to a healthier planet.

I Want

2010-01-31T16:32:00.000-08:00

I want this outfit and somewhere fun to wear it.

Don't Tell My Mom

2010-01-25T16:00:00.000-08:00

Don't tell my mom I bought nail polish for Maya (because I would totally get in trouble!)
I couldn't help myself.

And it's all non-toxic, and safe and all that good stuff.

It's Not Even February Yet

2010-01-24T20:07:00.000-08:00

So what?!
Happy Valentine's Day .... a few weeks early

Image from here

20 Months: 19 Month Recap

2010-01-21T17:47:00.000-08:00

Dear Maya:

Last month was my favorite month yet, I think I've said that about other months, but this one really was the best.

You are funny, energetic and sweet.

20 months - Thurs, Dec 21st (today)

Some highlights:

Your wub you morphed into luv you and it melts my heart every time I hear you say it.
You ate a carrot. A carrot!! Several carrots, actually, and some carrot juice. You couldn't even look at a carrot before without screaming NO.
After 6 months, you finally grew more teeth; your upper two canines are coming in very nicely
You pooped in the toilet (twice!) per your own request:
You: "Mamma poopoo" pointing to the bathroom
Me: "In the big potty?!?"
You: "Yesss. Poopoo"
If and when you feel like it, and are in the mood to be quizzed, you will:
count to 10
say what your name is when asked
say you are 1 when we ask how old you are

We love you so much, more and more every day,

Mama & Daddy

Adorable DIY Before & After

2010-01-07T16:50:00.000-08:00

I've been casually looking at Goodwill for quite some time in search of something that inspires me to turn in into a play kitchen for Maya.

I came across this 'make over' on design*sponge (I love browsing through the before & afters).

Now I would have never seen that ugly night stand and through I could turn it into something so cute, and so there lays a big part of my creative problem...the lacking creativity part.

Anyway, here are the pictures, I love the results.

Bye 2009

2009-12-30T10:24:00.000-08:00

I am done, done, done with 2009. It wasn't all bad by any means, in fact, most of it was wonderful, but the parts that weren't wonderful were/are so emotionally draining that the idea of a fresh, new year seems quite promising.

So bye 2009.

And Blog, I'll see you again in 2010 - we've been together for three years now - can you believe it, this was my first post in 2006.

Yay or Nay?

2009-12-24T21:13:00.000-08:00

I need fashion help.

I can't decide if I love or hate this jacket I just bought (it's a fine line sometimes, isn't it?).

After dinner tonight, I asked my sister to come up to my room and check it out - I tried it on over a dress and with jeans.

She said it looked like left a really fancy burp cloth on my jacket. Yet, she still sort of loved it. Or maybe she hated it, she wasn't sure.

What do you think?

Should I keep it or return it??

19 Months

2009-12-21T18:59:00.000-08:00

My girl, all 19 months of you.

Daddy is taking you to Big Bear today, which means tonight will be the very first night I have ever spent away from you. You'll have a blast playing with your friend Chloe, but I will be a ball of nerves.

The Stats @ 18 Months

2009-12-16T16:02:00.000-08:00

Maya, you had your18-month check up today (three weeks late)

Stats
Head is 19 inches = 94th percentile
Weight is 26 lbs = 75th percentile
Height is 34 inches = 97th percentile

Shots
First HepA and follow up Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap)
I deferred the scheduled N1H1 and seasonal flu shots at least until you recover from these shots.

You're right in line with the number of words and tasks you should be able to perform at your age.

You did great, and didn't cry or fuss at all. What a good girl!!

p.s. I have to say that "things" are not set up to accommodate working parents very well. The latest well check up is 3PM so I had to take you on my lunch break, and even with no waiting, it still took an hour and a half to pick you up, take you to the appointment, drop you back off, and head back to work. And it's no better with community activities and even local kid museums. It's disappointing and it makes me a little mad (and sad).

I Could Have Done This Blindfolded!

2009-12-08T10:16:00.000-08:00

If there was ever an athletic event for me, this was it ...
the Stiletto Run in Stockholm

The winner got a 10,000 euro shopping spree!

Lost

2009-12-03T15:31:00.000-08:00

A few days before Halloween we got the sweetest surprise in the form of a positive pregnancy test. A month later, the happiness turned into an excruciating cycle of waiting, hoping, crying, despairing, hoping, hurting, crying, and finally, after an exhausting week…an end. A very sad end.

I remember reading this woman's post while newly pregnant with Maya and feeling sad (for her) and scared (for me). I re-read it now, two years later, and it’s not my exact experience, but it’s close…

Love and Notes and Pillows

2009-11-25T11:13:00.000-08:00

I love leaving and getting notes. Sometimes Bret leaves a little note in my car, and it makes my whole day.

I think this love letter pillow is such a great idea!

Maya is too young for notes, but I think I can come up with other fun things to leave in a "love letter pillow" for her. I can't wait until she is old enough to leave notes for me. I remember getting such a thrill from writing and hiding notes for my parents when I was little. Even more special is seeing that my mom saved so many of these notes; being able to see them now is priceless.

Looking Pretty in the Kitchen

2009-11-25T08:33:00.000-08:00

How adorable are these mother-daughter aprons.

One and a Half: 17 Month Recap

2009-11-22T09:42:00.000-08:00

Good Morning Sunshine:

As I am writing, you've dragged two chairs from your playroom into the living room. You've set them up next to each other, and are taking turns sitting in each one. You also have a play phone and a kitchen timer.

We had a great month and we are starting to communicate so much better. Yesterday you said "Mama peese (please)" and I think you could have asked me for a petting zoo in our backyard and I would have said yes. You're also quite familiar with the word "NO" and use it (a lot!).

You are as strong-willed as ever, but you are also more affectionate and loving and like to play games and be funny. You and Ian are becoming great play buddies, he calls you MaMa. You adore the doggies, and one the first questions in the morning is "Where Ry-Ry" I can't say they share the same love, but they do appreciate all the extra snacks that have been coming their way via your high chair. If you get an ouchie, you come to me to show me where it is, and wait for a kiss or two to make it all better. You will occasionally sit down on the couch for a few minutes and watch Sesame Street or a surf video with Dad.

This month has been the month of stickers. I can't begin to tell you how much joy you get out of peeling and sticking stickers. You are very generous with them, too generous, a good portion of my clothes, car, floor and windows bear your sticker presents.

One of our favorite things to do on early weekend mornings when your dad is surfing is to go to the local Petsmart and Adoption Center followed by a visit to Barnes and Noble. Neither one of us gets bored looking at the animals and books.

Your eating habits are a lot like mine, which is very frustrating for your Baba. You eat great at breakfast but by dinner time you could care less about eating anything. I've stopped trying to force you to eat dinner, and let you eat a little from what we eat. You seem to be growing just fine, so I am trying to just let you be.

We have some exciting times ahead of us; each month when I write this, I look forward to what next month will bring...

Love,
Mama

Isn't She Lovely, Isn't She Wonderful...

2009-11-21T09:36:00.000-08:00

I think I've mentioned a time or two or ten how awesome and talented my sister is. How does she do these things, with two kids, no less. I'll never know.

Look at what she drew for me ... 30 purses to celebrate my 30th birthday! And one of the drawings is the actual purse/clutch she bought me. So creative!

Vely, will I be getting the other 29 purses over the next 29 years? :)

Happy 30th Birthday Eva!

2009-11-20T00:39:00.000-08:00

(Vely the 'guest blogger' here)

Happy 30th Birthday my beautiful and wonderful baby sister!
Wow, thirty years ago today! Unbelievable! That day is burnt in my memory, it is still so crystal clear to me. I tried so hard not to fall asleep that night in expectation of the phone call to let us know you have arrived. I’ll never forget the amazing feeling of getting woken up and being told you were finally here, and that, yes! you were a girl. The fact that we hadn't known your gender created quite the struggle in my little 7-yr old brain. Yes, I had had an imaginary sister for quite some time before you came into the world. She was really cool and all but I think that whole thing may have eventually progressed badly in my life, who knows…But I have to say, you exceeded all imaginary and non-imaginary expectations I had of what a sister should be. You are such a kind, sweet, genuine, carrying, funny, selfless, beautiful and loving individual! But most importantly, you became my best friend!! And, oh my god, now there’s that tiny little spastic and so very adorable sweetheart of yours that is starting to remind me sooo much of you! I always have to hug her twice, you know, once for her and once for the little Eva.
I love you my little Eva!
I wish you all the happiness in the universe! And I hope all of your dreams come true!
(They say people's dreams are most likely to come true in their thirties. And I do think it's potentially the awesomest decade of one's life.)
HAPPY 30!
Vely

(p.s. you were born six minutes from now)

It's the Shoes!

2009-11-19T09:36:00.000-08:00

This is why I love having a little girl:

Although, my little girl isn't so little anymore, and none of these shoes or boots would actually fit her (I am a little sad about that). My little girl already has a preference as to which shoes she should put on in the morning, and lately it has been all about her booos (boots).

Cool Cuisine

2009-11-16T10:09:00.000-08:00

Blog: ...Cool Cuisine is a new blog looking at the connections between food, environment and cooking...
Book: Cool Cuisine: Taking a Bite out of Global Warming
Authors: Laura Stec / Eugene Cordero Ph.D.

2009-11-12T18:35:00.000-08:00

Loving...

2009-11-05T16:27:00.000-08:00

...her hair

....my Aveda Personal Blend Pure-Fume
I love Aveda for many reasons, now I love them even more because they use Bulgarian rose and lavender in their products.

Rose Oil Fun Facts:

A few drops of our high quality Rose Oil (Rose Otto) will - Enliven: romance, auras, chakras, love, libido, sensuality, happiness. Enhance: inner vision, angelic connection, clairvoyance, relationships, meditation, devotion. Assist with: skin care, easing grief, encouraging contentment, dissipating guilt, liver detoxing, opening the heart, balancing the female reproduction system, healing. Ease: menstrual tension, frigidity, hangovers, depression, symptoms of menopause. Bring: harmony, comfort, calmness, purity, patience, luck and joy. Used in many parfumes like Jean Paul Gautier, Channel, YSL, Bulgari... http://www.roseotto.com/

Halloween 2009

2009-11-02T20:53:00.000-08:00

What a fun Halloween weekend it was!

Pebbles & storybook Princess (not Disney Princess,
there is a difference, I am told)

Pebbles & the kids (You loved Trick or Treating).

Little Red Riding Hood - Halloween 2008 (so little!)

Fred & Wilma*

Rubbles & Flintstones going out for a little pre-historic fun

Maya & Whitney enjoying a beautiful day at the beach

Always running...

* Flintstone costumes made by me :)

Scratching My Head...

2009-10-29T11:50:00.000-07:00

I just saw this (here).
Is this wrong, or is it just me?

A cute little bald baby girl with a toupee on her head? Why?

17 Months Old: 16-Month Recap

2009-10-24T08:50:00.000-07:00

Dear Not-So-Little Maya:

This week you turned 17 months old. One month away from being one and a half, and one month away from not giving your age in months anymore.

Last month, there was a lot of talking and laughing and adventuring (and some picky eating, too). You are quite the comedienne and energizer bunny – always keeping us on our toes. You really like helping us with whatever we might be doing. If you spill milk out of your sippy, you insist that it’s cleaned up right away; you stand over it with a pointed finger saying “Oh-oh” until we either clean it up or give you a towel to clean it. This behavior has your Dad wondering if you really are my daughter. It’s got me a little puzzled, too, to be honest. I’ve taught you a lot of things, but I can’t say cleaning has been one of them. I think it's Baba's doing!

bird and rock watching

Some Things You Love

going on walks and hikes

books

stuffed animals

anything that looks like a turtle

playing with other kids
cuddling with doggies and stuffed animals
using chalk and crayons

what a long, exhausing hike it was...

Some Things You Say (but you understand so much more)

dog

duck

apple

rice

milk

egg

Emma

pkkun = pumpkin

where it gooooo? (where did it go, with hands in the air)
ay-plane = airplane

nana = banana
cay-cay = pancake
tsh-tuk = trash truck
baa = bath
shuss = shoes

Love You,
Mama & Dada

Quickie Crafts

2009-10-23T08:52:00.000-07:00

Ten-minute crafts for Maya:
Little bag for the toy stroller to store all her treasures. Yesterday, she had a half-eaten apple in there, I guess she was saving it for later.

Since Maya already wants to wear my jewelry, especially necklaces and bracelets, we made this little necklace out of braided fabric scraps. She loved it ... for about 15 minutes. Now I wear it as a headband around the house. Hey, that just gave me an idea, I think I am going to make one for Emma with a flower on the side!

TURTLE! Maya loves turtles right now. You might say she’s obsessed. So I thought I'd attempt to make her one. This is the practice turtle as it didn't turn out exactly how I envisioned. The turtle did take more than ten minutes, but mainly because I was having a bobbin malfunction, which I have now fixed!

(not quite finished in this pic)

Also just found out in chatting with my neighbor that she is a quilter and seamstress, has 6 machines (none under $1000) and has a home studio with an open invite for me to go and learn. SCORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now, could someone just tell me how to get a few extra hours in the day?

If You Want to Keep Your Health Insurance, Try Not to Get Sexually Assaulted

2009-10-22T12:41:00.000-07:00

No need for health care reform? I beg to differ.

Rape Victim's Choice: Risk AIDS or Health Insurance?
Christina Turner feared that she might have been sexually assaulted after two men slipped her a knockout drug. She thought she was taking proper precautions when her doctor prescribed a month's worth of anti-AIDS medicine. Only later did she learn that she had made herself all but uninsurable.

Turner had let the men buy her drinks at a bar in Fort Lauderdale. The next thing she knew, she said, she was lying on a roadside with cuts and bruises that indicated she had been raped. She never developed an HIV infection. But months later, when she lost her health insurance and sought new coverage, she ran into a problem.

Turner, 45, who used to be a health insurance underwriter herself, said the insurance companies examined her health records. Even after she explained the assault, the insurers would not sell her a policy because the HIV medication raised too many health questions. They told her they might reconsider in three or more years if she could prove that she was still AIDS-free.
READ FULL ARTICLE

I Want, Want, Want...

2009-10-21T10:36:00.000-07:00

I wanted the Kindle for my birthday last year sooo bad, but rationalized that if I waited a year the price would go way down like most new technology. And it did (okay, it didn't go way, way down, but still, it's less...).

Now, there are more choices on the market. The Sony Pocket Reader, the Barnes and Noble Nook (coming soon) and the Kindle 2

Sometimes more choices just suck. I don't have time to do research. I just want to have one. Soon.

Do you have one?

Any suggestions or recommendations??

A Dress ... for Less

2009-10-19T14:23:00.000-07:00

Target $24.99

I bought it to wear with boots and a cardigan because when I bought it (last week) it was fall. I am wearing it with heels today because apparently fall is over and it's sunny and warm again.

p.s. I love Target @ the Spectrum more than any other Target. I have no idea if it has the best selection, but it makes me feel so darn productive to go there on my lunch break and check things off my to-do list!

"Shoes"

2009-10-16T09:01:00.000-07:00

In the 10 years Bret and I have been together, Bret has bought me exactly one pair of shoes. They were snowshoes. I have to admit, they are a lot more fun than one might think. We used them in our Annual Snowshoe Races ... we would make up a course in the back country and make complete goofballs out of ourselves by racing, jumping and mostly falling.

Yesterday Bret bought Maya a pair of shoes. Hers are snow boots. Not just any snow boots, oh no, they are steam sealed, waterproof, removable thermal lining, recyclable snow boots. And to think, I almost got her a pair at Target.

She wore them all night last night. So cute.

Perfection

2009-10-15T15:46:00.000-07:00

Really enjoying this

I Love These Stories

2009-10-13T09:09:00.000-07:00

The orangutan was in a rescue and not doing well. This old hound wandered in absolutely emaciated and the orangutan snapped to, like his buddy had arrived. He stayed with the hound night and day until the dog was well and in the whole scenario, found a reason to live. They are now inseparable. Oh, the lessons we can learn from Suryia and Roscoe.

Quiet

2009-10-09T09:52:00.000-07:00

You know when your kid is quiet something is going on.

Some of Maya's quiet moments (it's 9:50AM, if you're wondering)

quietly attempting to eat a huge Whopper
quietly trying to unravel 100 yards of of thread
quietly feeding a box of dog treats to the doggies
quietly took 6 candles out of their holders

And it just makes me laugh, this kid is so awesome, how can I be mad at her :)

Fall

2009-10-06T12:29:00.000-07:00

Have you ever noticed how beautiful Aspen trees are. Their leaves are the most perfect shape, and in the fall, they turn a shimmery golden hue. It's nice to get lost in nature.

It's also nice that there are creative people who make these earrings so I can wear them this fall :)

My Blog's Name Day

2009-10-02T11:40:00.000-07:00

Today is Mohandas K. Gandhi's birthday. The title of my blog is in reference to his quote "you must be the change you wish to see in the world." So I decided that today would be a perfect day to christen my blog with a name day.

Other Quotes
Wikipedia Page

What Did We Do Before Blogs?

2009-09-24T11:13:00.000-07:00

Don't you love it when you remember a great blog that you had forgotten about for a while? The juicy pleasure of catching up on good reading, which is absolutely excellent when you are as unmotivated about working as I am right now.

A bonus ... this particular blog has some amazing recipes!

I have no idea what's for dinner* tonight, but this will be our dessert:

*Dinner was veggie burger for me, regular burger for Bret. We used two yellow peaches and four strawberries in sparkling wine with 1 teaspoon of raw sugar. Delicious!

Chilled Peaches in White Wine

8 ripe peaches (white or yellow, or a mixture), washed well and rubbed dry

4 Tbsp. sugar, or more to taste

1 bottle (750 ml) dry white wine

Slice the peaches thinly. (I get about 16 slices per peach.) Combine the peaches and sugar, and toss gently to mix. Add the wine, and toss gently again. Taste, and adjust sugar as needed. Cover, and refrigerate for several hours - or up to a few days, if you want.

Serve the peaches cold, in a glass or shallow bowl, with a small ladleful of their liquid. Eat the peaches with a fork and then drink the liquid left in the glass.

16-Month Skirt

2009-09-21T21:57:00.000-07:00

Maya

Today you turned 16 months old! My head hurts too much to write you tonight, so instead I made you an autumn skirt (this was last year's skirt).

I love you sweet pea!

p.s. sorry for the crummy picture and presentation*
*see headache excuse above
p.p.s. first time working with tulle, and wow, you need a lot more than what you might think!
**I unstitched and re-did the tulle, I just didn't like how little I used and how flat it laid. Now there is about three times the amount of tulle and it's nicelly gathered and full. Much better! When I find my camera, I'll take a picture of you wearing the skirt. LOVE

Why I Ate Half a Cantaloupe for Lunch Today

2009-09-17T16:38:00.000-07:00

This is why:

The box sold me. It sounded great.
Portabella Marsala Pasta.
Nine-grain mafalda pasta topped with slices of rich crimini mushrooms tossed with a savory marsala wine sauce and topped with rich fontina cheese. All natural ingredients. No preservatives.

I bought it without looking at the actual ingredients, I should have known better! Good thing I did look before eating it...lurking toward the bottom on the ingredients list: CHICKEN STOCK, CHICKEN MEAT WITH NATURAL JUICES.

Healthy Choice, I am a little bit upset, you didn't mention "chicken" anywhere in the name.

Thankfully, my impromptu lunch was sweet and delicious.

Gotta go pee...

The Only Constant is Change

2009-09-17T09:48:00.000-07:00

A lesson I re-learned recently: change is hard.
Even change for the better is hard.
Sometimes we resist the idea of change and not the actual idea.

Maya's New Lamp

2009-09-13T18:25:00.000-07:00

I wanted this lamp, but the price tag was pretty hefty, so I made this one:

GoodWill for the lamp ($3)
Michael's for the flowers ($2.15 x 5)
HomeDepot for the paint ($4.99)

The small night stand was an old one of Bret's, we (Bret) sanded and painted it and we added new drawer pulls. We did this a while ago, but I think it looks like it matches the lamp.

*bummed I didn't take "before & after" pictures. Next time...

Fun Book

2009-09-12T12:09:00.001-07:00

I walked into a used book store today, which happens to be across the street from "The Get-away" in Big Bear.The first book I see is Sewing Made Easy....maybe I can finally learn some proper sewing techniques during Sewing Month!

Earth Hour, Again

2009-09-10T21:22:00.001-07:00

I think it's time for another Earth Hour. Why not?

Maybe this weekend.

There is a "Month" for Everything

2009-09-10T20:55:00.000-07:00

September is National Sewing Month. How fun!
I have at least three things to work on for an upcoming holiday. Yabba-Dabba-Doo....

http://www.nationalsewingmonth.org/
There is a Reuse, Remake, Restyle contest.

Happy Sewing!

Early Birthday Gift?!

2009-09-01T19:59:00.000-07:00

Yes, please!!!

Why Didn't I Think of This?

2009-09-01T16:28:00.000-07:00

Horizon's Little Blends, it's yogurt with a blend of fruits and veggies. I discovered these while on vacation and got the strawberry / carrot blend for Maya. Normally, she won't even look at a carrot, but she loved these and I loved that she got a vegetable with her breakfast!

I already make her fruit yogurt (okay, I don't make the yogurt, I just blend fruit and plain yogurt... technicalities ;)). I am definitely making the fruit/veggie blends, too.

Yum

2009-08-27T09:10:00.000-07:00

I stopped at Trader Joe's on my way from an appointment, the second I walked in, I knew they were cooking and handing out samples, so of course, I made my way over there.

It was cornbread over turkey chili, so I couldn't try it, but I knew Bret would love it.

I picked up a box of the cornbread mix and sour cream, I already had veggie chili at home. I added sausage and cheese to Bret's half and grilled onions to all of it.

it looked something like this, with sour cream on top

It was a perfect dinner for a busy weeknight and it makes more than enough for lunch the next day.

15 Months: 14 Month Recap

2009-08-21T11:13:00.000-07:00

Good Morning Sunshine:

Today you are 15 months old. Pre-you, I thought it was silly when parents referred to their baby in exact months, now I understand why. Each month you grow so much, you are quite different today at 15 months than you were at 13 months.

I feel like food is still a large part of our days, and sometimes a struggle. I can't believe that I was nursing you a little over two months ago and last night I watched in amazement as you fed yourself yogurt, you are very coordinated with your utensils. Sure you dripped and some got in your hair, but you were so focused and the vast majority did go in your mouth. You have very little interest in milk and I have come to terms that I am still feeding you milk from a bottle in the mornings, otherwise you'd be getting no milk at all. Cheerios (Joe's O's) still reign supreme, and I have to say, I've been packing them as a snack for myself and they really are good. Over the last two days you've probably eaten 20 prunes, I am not sure what made you love them so much all of a sudden. When I was little, my Grandma always had a bag full of prunes in her pantry and I loved eating them. Prunes make me think of my Baba. I miss her, like last night when I came across a note she had written.

Feeding yourself @ Baba's house

You love it when Dad and I chase you around the house and if we're not loud enough, you look back to make sure we're still in pursuit. You like to hold the dog leash when we're walking the doggies so we have a little stuffed animal on a leash for you because, obviously, you can't handle 70lb dogs. You also really like to draw, and of course, I think you are a gifted artist.

You seem to understand a lot of what we say to you. The other day I told you to go get your shoes and sit down so I can put them on, I was just talking, I wasn't expecting you to actually go get your shoes and then sit down so I could put them on! You know your daily routine well. If you're ready for bed, you put your head down on the floor and say "bye." I think part of it has to do with knowing that you get the pacifier in your crib. You absolutely love that pacifier and we're down to using it in the crib and on rare occasion in the car, but I don't know how we're going to wean you off of it for bed time, I guess we'll deal with that in a few months.

reading

with the Ortiz family at the Spectrum and I got to see you on my break!!

waking up from a nap @ Baba & Papi's house

Zoo with Dylan

Love you big girl!

Kisses,

Mom & Dad

Always or Never

2009-08-17T09:42:00.000-07:00

If "what you've always wanted" is always changing, does that mean you're always getting what you always wanted ...or never getting what you always wanted?

(John, I expect a deep and profound comment from you ;))

August

2009-08-13T20:18:00.000-07:00

I like August, this August marks...

~ten years since Bret and I met and started dating
~two years since I've eaten meat
~the month I got pregnant
~half way through chemo therapy for my Dad
~five years since we adopted Whitney & Riley

What will next August hold? I can't wait to find out!

All or Nothing

2009-08-10T10:13:00.000-07:00

"You cannot do all the good the world needs, but the world needs all the good you can do."

I don't believe that you must give 100% every time and to every thing. It's not realistic and it almost sets you up for failure, i.e., if you can't give 100% you might as well not take on the task at hand.

This quote reminded me that every little bit of good you do helps....

H-O-T, Part II

2009-08-05T20:56:00.000-07:00

I totally remember writing this, about how H-O-T it was; it was so hot, I felt like the world was melting, it was so hot that it was worthy of blogging.

Today, I was really, really hot again (and I have this claustrophobic thing about closing all the windows, so the AC is not usually an option in our house for that reason and others).

So, I've been thinking about this heat...

How come we live in sunny California and don't use the sun to power more of our "stuff?"

The new Prius has a solar powered venting system. That's so awesome, and I am jealous that mine does not. But doesn't it just make sense?

And then I was thinking about something that's so darn easy to do, it saves energy and it's free -- drying your clothes outside. I know, it's not really an O.C. thing to do, but Bret does 90% of our laundry and he is a convert. And if you've ever dried your clothes in the sun, you know nothing beats the fresh, crisp sun smell (dryer sheets don't even come close ... plus dryer sheets make me itchy).

We use an IKEA drying rack that works great and folds flat for storage. My "expert" tips: shake out the wrinkles well before hanging, , some clothes need to be put in the dryer for 5 minutes when they are almost dry to reshape, and if you try to air dry velour-ish pants, they will end up looking like crushed velvet, so go ahead and throw those in the dryer ;)

Here is a load of Maya's laundry: