Always something new?!

The juggle of baby, work, life and now a move continues!

Lo makes me smile a 1,000 times on a daily basis.

Whether she's laughing or performing a new trick, I seriously just can't get enough of her.

As I've already blogged, we started our food journey with solids.

A combinations of laziness, exhaustion and the dauntingness of opening the box to my Baby Brezza, had Lo eating rice cereal and mashed bananas for a few weeks.

BUT one day, I finally opened it and it's seriously the easiest, most genius machine I've ever used in the kitchen.

Wash, peal, chop, add it to the machine, select food type, press a button and it steams and purees the food into a perfect mush!

First Adventure- Sweet Potatoes...

Baby Brezza is from William Sonoma.

Buy yours here.

 

25 minutes later my masterpiece was ready.

 Bought these little gems at the Pump Station.

Perfect little portions for freezing.

 Lo approved!

Obsessed with her new little tongue out funny face!

In other news:

She's getting so big, we had to move her from the infant tub.

This inflatable tub is awesome!

She loves it!

Buy here.

Sitting up, a little skeptical about it, but getting better and better at it each day.

Pink basket in the front of this pic is her favorite toy at the moment.

Grandma Bon Bon does research and buys her the BEST toys.

Buy here.

I was worried she wasn't getting enough liquid with just breast milk and wanted to be sure she wasn't dehydrated now that she's having solids.

She refuses anything out of a bottle besides BM, so someone recommended one of these sippy cups with the soft spout.

She can hold it herself and LOVES it.

Bought it at the Pump Station as well.

We frequent there, as you can see.

That's what's new here.

Looking forward to a move next month and ALL the holidays this Fall. 

Lo makes life complete!

XO,

S



Rolling over, starting solids and so much more!

It's been a busy busy fun summer watching Lo grow!

Each day brings something new.

Whether it's discovering her voice and making all kinds of sounds, trying out rice cereal or rolling over, we are always on our toes with what's next?

Trying to keep up and not miss anything while enjoying every minute is a tough business for mommy and dada.

 First stop with solids Earth's Best Rice Cereal:
Verdict- Lo Approved
 

Before                                                    After

 

She went on her first plane ride to Seattle to meet her 2nd cousins and went to her 1st wedding.

 

 

We are blessed with a baby that has an incredible disposition. 

London is content staring up at trees, playing with her feet or being played with.

She goes to others with ease.

For the most part, she soothes herself to sleep and sleeps well.

(minus a few week stint of keeping mommy up all night while she was going through a growth spurt and developmental burst). 

Our sleeping beauty seems to be back on track. 

THANK GOODNESS!

 

Next stop on the solid food train: Veggies.

Will they be Lo approved?

Can't believe our baby is almost 5 months. 

 

XO,

S

 

39 Weeks?!

Photo taken a few days shy of 38 weeks.

Time has flown and I can hardly believe I'm a week away from my due date.

I remember finding out I was pregnant and thinking this day was so far away.

With that said, I'm very ready to meet this baby girl!

I've had lots of pregnant friends and remember their want/need for the baby to come at this point and I always wondered if that would happen to me?

First of all, I'm pretty terrified of birth and all things involving hospitals and needles, so I thought I'd just want to avoid the end, but the day came about a week ago and I was DONE, like stick a fork in me, I don't care about pain, birth or huge needles, just get this baby out of me!

For multiple reasons I thought she was coming early, now I don't know so much.

I've been doing yoga, walking the whole country club again (despite the pain) and today I'm off to get this infamous salad that brings on labor. 

Click here to check it out!

Here's to hoping she makes her debut later this week or at least by her due date. 

Till then, it's sweet dreams of meeting our little one and lots of complaining. 

Sorry hubs, I was good most of my pregnancy.

In other news, last weekend, we had the plea sure of watching sweet baby Jax! 

It was a great test run and he was amazing.

I can hardly wait till our next babysitting adventure with him.

We took him to farmers market and he loved it.

Finally a place to store our produce, heehee.

Not going to lie, the looks at my big ol belly with this small baby were pretty priceless.

Whatever judgers, Tori Spelling did it!

My favorite part of the day was watching Shane interact with him.

XO,

S

Cravings...

Although the weather has decided to turn winter all the sudden, I must share my favorite new place on the West side- Brian's Shave Ice. I've been several times since I was turned onto it and can't wait to go back again.  It's like a little piece of island right in my very own backyard!  The ice is shaved finely, they have a plethora of flavors and even play Hawaiian tunes.

Still can't get enough Sour Patch Kids, especially liking their new Berry flavor variety, no more green and orange! Since we are talking about SPK, here's a sneak peek at a shot from our Maternity Shoot with Jillian Rose Photography!

Can't wait to see the rest!

It's hard to believe we are due in less than 4 weeks!  So ready to meet our little love!

XO,
S

Capo, Infant CPR, 34 weeks...

Follow up to date night at Capo!
Capo is the real deal, definitely among the finer dinning experiences I've had in my life! 

However, it will be reserved for VERY special occasions in the future.

(don't get me wrong, taking advantage of not having a bambino yet IS special, but not quite Capo Special)

Had to snap a shot of the $275 Russian Golden Beluga on the menu.

So despite the fact that I could have bought a piece of furniture for the price of our dinner, I have to say the food, service, environment and company all get an A+!

I wish I had pics of the food (but this is like a nice, no cell phones allowed kinda establishment), since I don't, here's a recap on the delicious food!

We started with fresh veggies and burrata and mushroom porcini soup (oh me, oh my)

Followed by a half order of their corn raviolis (the waiter said life changing and he wasn't kidding).

I ordered the Salmon Special which was grilled to perfection on this amazing stove they have.

(it was only $60, no biggie)

Shane ordered the Lobster Risotto, super rich but delish!

For dessert we had a blackberry crisp with their homemade vanilla ice cream.

Lastly, we received a complimentary plate of goodies from the pastry chef (hello, this could have been dessert). 

A miniature array of cookies, chocolates and biscotti. 
I couldn't eat another bite, but I didn't hesitate to ask for a doggie bag for the treats!

Ate them the next day and they were unbelievable. 

My love and I waiting for valet! 
My Target dress (not maternity and found in the juniors section) for under $20 was a BIG hit.
Would have just looked cheap and trashy if I weren't pregs, but for some reason a cotton tight striped dress looks rather cute with a belly (at least I think so).
Buy here.

We spent the rest of the weekend laying low. 

Sunday was our Infant CPR class.

Teacher was great, here's his website.

So glad we took it, but could have watched a tutorial online and probably learned just as much. 
Don't get me wrong, it's all VERY important and I appreciate the knowledge and ideas for emergency lists... but the actual infant CPR has been so simplified over the years.

In short, if victim is not responsive or breathing?

Begin chest compressions with two fingers. 

These compressions are at the point on the breast bone, at the nipple line.

Do 30 pushes (1/3 of chest depth)

If no response, lift victims chin and give two easy breaths (breaths have been omitted for adults).

Continue to do this until victim responds or help arrives. 

Glad Shane and I will be prepared in the event any little ones need us.

Hoping that will NEVER be the case!

Hard at work, practicing my technique.

XO,
S

31 weeks and we've been showered with LOVE!

31 weeks- me and my O'douls, ready for Tessa's Super Bowl Party!

The 3rd trimester is definitely upon us! 

 I am needing to slow down whether I like it or not. 

We've had 3 amazing baby showers and feel so very loved and fortunate.

Little one's nursery is coming along and I can't wait to post when it's finished.

Our 1st Baby Shower was in Nor Cal at Shane's Dad's house. 

Hosted by Shane's mom (G'Ma), Susie and Dad (D3).

The weather and day were perfect!

Shane and Dad Q-ing it up!

Shane's all ready with his Diaper Dude Bag!

Our youngest guest, Baby Lucia and mommy Amy.

Reading our card from G'Ma... the entire box is filled with outfits for baby!

Wonderful friends both old and new! 

Our next shower was in LA and hosted by my amazing girlfriends and Mom!

We couldn't be more blessed with a more loving group of women in our lives.

They went above and beyond.

Here's some photos shot by another dear friend Jillian Rose of Jillian Rose Photography.

Kelly did a beautiful job on the flowers.

She's got such a green thumb.

Delicious cake!

Banner By friend Rachel Golden at *Golden* Sew Cute

Awesome guest book idea- everyone wrote a little note on a heart and they will be framed along with hearts made of vintage books.  PERFECT to hang as a keepsake in the nursery.

Buy here

<3 this handmade pillow gift from Megan!

Buy here

Grandma Bon Bon knitted almost all the items strung on the darling clothesline.

Yummy food from Layla's Mediterranean Restaurant where the shower took place.

My friend Amy sent this darling shower gift/activity down, since she couldn't be there. 

It's a scrap book that everyone fills out a page of wishes for the baby.

Last, but not least the hubby showed up with a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a necklace that has our baby's name engraved on it.

Can't wait to wear it once she's born!

Such an incredible day with friends from all different times in our lives. 

To top it all off, my mom, her sisters and childhood girlfriends hosted another lovely shower this past weekend at Emilio's.

I don't have the pictures from this one yet, but here are a couple instagram photos I took of the sweet decor.

Onsie Cupcake

Mini Diaper Cake

Party favors. 

Now it's time to write A LOT of thank you notes and finish up the nursery.

My last business trip to Florida is this week, then I'll be working from home and getting ready for BABY!

Count down is on.

Cannot wait to hold our baby girl.

XO,

S

Happy New Year, Recipes and More!

I can hardly believe it's 2012! 

Where did 2011 go?

With that said, I'm super excited for this year for obvious reasons. 

We've been busy doing lots around the house getting ready for baby.

We stayed local for the holidays and went to Mammoth for New Years with dear friends!

 

A fun group shot of us in front of a snow cat we took up the mountain for dinner.

Pretty cool, click here for info on where to call to schedule your adventure.

Grandma Bon Bon made us all beanies for the trip. 

Here's Peysie and Mase Face modeling them before they go out for walk.

<3 these lil peanuts to death! 

I've been trying to cook again, now that I'm back to liking all sorts of foods!

Two recipes I made recently were delicious and worth sharing.

White Bean and Hominy Chili

What's hominy?  I didn't know either, but you can find it near the Mexican food specialty items at your favorite grocery store!

Click here for recipe.

Gotta love Cooking Light Mag!

Shrimp, Avocado & Grapefruit Salad

Click here for recipe.

You know it's a good salad when Shane considers it a meal and not a side!

This was so easy, tasty, light and healthy!

Current project-operation nursery.

Our awesome neighbor/friend Dan is helping me paint the room.

26 weeks

Me in front of a paint swatch on the nursery wall.

Getting a decent pic of the belly is no easy task.

Luckily I have a patient/loving photographer (thanks boos!).

More to come on the nursery, painting tips, pics and more!

I think that's all for now.  Still having spurts of insomnia and last night was a dozy, so hopefully this blog post makes some sense!

XO,

S

Megan's Pulled Pork

These little suckers were goooooood!

Great/EASY recipe for parties. 

We served these up for the USC domination of UCLA this past Saturday!

Ingredients:

1 Pork Shoulder (3-5 lbs)

Liquid Smoke (tbl. per lb.)

1 Head of Chopped Cabbage

Soy Sauce (to taste)

Start with the pork shoulder and cut off the fat (this job screamed Shane, I need you!).  Once the fat is trimmed, put it in the crock pot on high with the liquid smoke.  You'll want to add a tablespoon of liquid smoke per pound of meat.  Let it cook on high for 8 hours.  After 8 hours, you'll want to drain the juice into a bowl and set aside.  At this point, your pork will be VERY stinky (good stinky, but stinky) and easy to shred.  Shred the pork and add chopped cabbage. Add back in a few ladles of juice and some soy sauce and let cook for 1 hour.  Serve it up on some Kings Hawaiian rolls.

Enjoy!
And thanks Megan for the wonderful recipe.  

XO, 

S

$1 Oatmeal at Jamba on Wednesdays!

Not sure how long this goes for, but I can't wait for Hump Day this week!
My fav is with blueberry and blackberries.
For what it's worth, I also think it's better than Starbucks and Coffee Bean's.  

XO,

S