Holy Blog Hiatus Batman!

So 6 months pretty much came and went faster than I could blink.  

Our teeny tiny baby is turning into a little girl before our very eyes. 

At times she seems so much older than 6 months to me. 
So curious and interested in every little thing.
She claps her feet and now her hands and entertains us with her cute emerging personality!

Since I last wrote, we went on vacation to Kauai where Lo turned 6 months. 

She loved Hawaii, almost as much as her daddy does. 

The island breeze, swimming every day, long walks with plenty of trees and flowers, constant attention from Mama, Dada, Bon Bon and Papa BoBo. 

She was in heaven!

Here are a few of my favorite photos from the trip.

 

 

 

She isn't happy enough, we're going to have to spank her more!  heehee

 

Since Hawaii, we've been home and BUSY. 

Baby showers, meeting babies, traveling for Mama's work, saying "Mamamamamama" (first word?), dressing up for Lo's first Halloween, attending our first USC tailgate, moving into a house...

 Celebrating Thanksgiving with our mommy and baby friend's and their families. 

 

 Lo's first Halloween!

 

 

Class pumpkin!
Seriously can't get over Scarlett Spaghetti. Her momma gets an award for making that epic costume!

 

 

Cutest cowgirl in town!

 

Lo's first USC Homecoming

 

 

Still Fighting On, despite the not so great season!

 

 Welcome to the world Hudson Leland Armstrong! 

We love you so much already.

 

Grateful for my family, friends, health, happiness and our daughter who lights up our life everyday! 

Looking forward to the holidays.

Hope to blog about some holiday gifts I'm making...

Happy Early Thanksgiving!

 

XO,

S





3 MONTHS OLD and a Swimsuit for Mommy!

I sound like I'm on repeat, but holy warp speed batman, time is a flyin. Little London is growing and changing so fast, I can't even handle.  I'd say let's stop the clock, but every day brings something new and wonderful.  I miss that teeny tiny newborn stage, but love the cute little baby girl she's becoming. 

We recently had our friend Geena from Colors + Things Photography take some current photos. 

 I was told to have photos taken often because babies change the most in their first year of life.  Geena was a pleasure to work with and Franklin Canyon was a beyond beautiful location.

Geena has a great eye behind the lens and can really capture gorgeous light. 

Here's some of my favorites from our shoot!

Head is getting stronger and stronger, making tummy time less and less torturous!

STREEEETCH!  (this is one of my favorite things that she does)

 

That face, I just can't get enough!

 

Cute, even when she cries!

 My favorite headband from Snugars.

My material girl!

The love of our life!

One cool family!

In other news....
I recently bought my first one piece (aka. mommy suit), since my teenage years.
I know you don't have to be a mom to wear a one piece. 
In fact, they are quite popular these days, but it took me having a baby to hop on the bandwagon.
Here it is!

Hoping it looks cute and I feel a little more comfortable tending to baby in it. 
It's one thing to lose the baby weight, it's another to get back your tone...

In due time. 

You can buy here.

 

Still hoping to blog more.  So much to write about and NO time to do so.

 

TTFN!

XO,
S

ALS Walk

At the beginning of this year, we found out our dear family friend, Paul Jolly was diagnosed with ALS, commonly known as Lou Gherig's disease.  You can read more about it here.  With Paul in my often thoughts, I saw a sign about an upcoming ALS Walk in Ventura County and thought it would be nice for my family, Rick (Paul's partner) and I to walk and raise money in honor of Paul.  We signed up without hesitation and began our mini crusade.   Little did we know, that we'd rise to the occasion and raise the most money of any team walking. Collectively, we raised $14, 627 and the number is still rising.   I couldn't be more proud of our team.   

Yesterday was a beautiful day for the walk in Ventura.  Our team, The Jolly Walkers grew from the original 5 to 14, including Paul! We were honored at the event and Paul and Barney spoke on behalf of the team.  Those buggers brought me to tears with their heartfelt words.  What a great feeling it is, to do something for someone we love and a very worthy cause. 
Paul is now in a clinical trial and we are hoping and praying that the treatments help slow the progress of this awful disease.  Meanwhile, we'll continue to be there for him and give him lots to live for.  

We are still collecting donations. 

Click here to help!

XO,
S

Being patient... (a post written before our vaca!)

...not my forte!

I don't usually get very personal on here, but let's face it Shane and I don't only eat and have fun.  We also have real life challenges that I don't blog about. But why?  I don't know, why not start?? 

I've been MIA from the blogging world, but thought blogging might be a cathartic way to mourn/vent.  See several weeks ago, I found out I was finally pregnant.  I/We were more than excited, that after months of trying, we were pregnant!  Unfortunately on 4th of July I had a miscarriage at a little over 8 weeks.  I know this is very common (60 % of first pregnancies end this way), but it doesn't make the experience any easier, especially when you don't already have a child to look at and say, I know this is possible.  Luckily, I'm a pretty positive person (even been called Silver Lining Sam by some) and know it wasn't meant to be and we will have our dream baby when the time is right.

Things I already knew have been reconfirmed over the last few months!  In no particular order.... Things happen when the time is right.  Patience pays off!  Nothing is guaranteed and not to get excited prematurely about certain things. Good friends are even more amazing at times like these.  Mom's can really carry some of your sorrow and comfort you even when you're feeling hopeless.  A good husband rises to the occasion and develops new skills (such as cleaning, just teasing boos) when you need them.  Yeah, my sense of humor seems to returning.  What doesn't break you only makes you closer, I feel closer to my Shaner than ever before.  The right doctor can really reassure you that things will be okay and work out. And lastly pregnancies are a funny thing, there is no right and wrong time to tell people and everyone thinks they know everything about your pregnancy.  Whether I wanted people to find out early or not, they did and some of the kind words and support we've received during this event have been so incredible. Knowing these things next time, I will try not to stress as much when people find out, my friends know me and I'm a crumby liar and that's that.    

Finally, I'm so grateful that we have this built in system of miscarriage when something is not right with the baby, so less babies are born unhealthy...  As sad as I am that I lost this baby, I have all the hope in the world that my next pregnancy will be different and that I will have a happy and healthy baby which was ultimately all I ever wanted.  I look forward to sharing that journey when it does indeed happen.  

Meanwhile, I'm looking forward to leaving on a vacation with my amazing hubby!  This trip couldn't have been any more perfectly timed.  Anguilla here we come!  Going here... So grateful that we have dear friends that invite us to travel with them.

XO,
S

P.S.  We are BAAAACK!! I have over 430 pics to upload, along with stories to share.  BUT first, I must free up some space on my computer, so it will except the massive upload! :)

 Happy to be back to blogging! 

So much to discuss...

Happy belated Mother's Day to the most AMAZING woman I know!

I love that you are MINE! 

I was generic and unoriginal with this year's mother's day gift.  I went with perfume - Chloe Love

It smells wonderful and sweet, just like mi momma! 

And I just have to say, I LOVE NORDSTOM and their unmatched customer service! 

I wish I was rich and could shop their weekly, monthly, even bi-monthly... just more than I do now!

In other news, the verdict is out on Bottega Louie! While I understand the draw to this restaurant, it was definitely way too ZOOish for Shane and I.  Luckily we got a corner booth, so we were out of the chaos for the most part.  The service was fantastic, however for us the food left something to be desired.  I think it would be a better place to go with a group or while you are pregnant (lots of cute bellies around the place), so you can try more of a variety of food.  With just the two of us, we couldn't order much of a variety.  The scallops and our salad were good, but the seafood manicotti was overcooked and just sorta blah! Mas Malo across the street had a cool bar downstairs where we had a great time celebrating our dear friend's bday!  Happy 35th Nick! 

All in all the NEW Downtown LA is pretty cool, but I'm still a fan of the Westside (aka. the BEST side).  Staycations are the best! When it's time to go home, you're only 20 minutes away.  

Last night we watched Fair Game, definitely a great rental!  Starring Naomi Watts (love her) and a very old looking Sean Penn (I cannot believe Scarlett is dating him, eweee).  

Anyhooie Happy belated Mother's Day to all the mommies and mommy to be's in my life!

XO, 

S

Sevienne Rose Tacher has made her debut!

P.E.R.F.E.C.T.I.O.N.

 

  Rhodes is BIG brother!

She will be called Sevi for short. 

And I cannot wait to meet her!

XO,

S

Tragedy that can't escape my mind

As many of you close to me know it's been more than a rough and trying couple of weeks.  Some friends in my life, that I consider family at this point (I've known them so long) have been hit with horrible tragedies that I can't begin to explain or imagine.  I've known Kristi Kaplon since I was a very young girl.  We met at my cousin's Bat Mitzvah and became even closer friends when our paths crossed again in junior high at the North Valley Jewish Community Center.  Through Jr. High and High School there was a group of us that spent all our time together.  College came, and took us our separate ways, but I ended up getting to see Kristi quite often once again because she met and fell in love with Brian Kaplon in Santa Barbara where Brian and I attended UCSB.
Brian was the kindest man I've ever known, he had an incredibly large heart and loved Kristi with every ounce of it.  They had known one another since preschool and their bond was unmatched.  They dated and went on to marry and have a beautiful daughter Chloe with twins (a boy and a girl) on the way in just one short month!
You could say their life was a fairytale, until Brian's life was taken in an unspeakable tragedy that I can't even begin to explain. 
I'm left with love for Kristi and her growing family in my heart and not a whole lot financially that I can do myself.  My mother and I are brainstorming another fundraiser, but for now, here are the sites on a fundraiser next week and how you can help immediately. 

http://levinsonfamily.blogspot.com/2011/04/kaplon-family-fundraiser-at-fresh.html

https://sites.google.com/site/kristikaplon/home?pli=1

 Please watch the video on the first link. 

Hug your loved ones a little tighter tonight. 

XO, 

S

A string of events worth praying for...

I'm not a religious person, but in times like these, I wish I was.  I take a more spiritual approach and hope that the prayers I say are heard and answered.
In the recent weeks, I've learned of illness in loved ones and a tragedy taking a dear childhood friend's husband, leaving behind her, a two year old baby girl and twins on the way. 
I wish my blog had thousands of followers, so I could truly spread the word for those in need. Instead I'm circulating the ways to help through every medium I know. Two incredible websites have been set up and are a great start to making life just a little easier for my friend and babies that lost their husband and daddy. 

The first website is called Take Them A Meal, and while I don't think just anyone should sign up for this, it's probably best to keep it to friends, family and coworkers, it's a site I wanted to share because it's absolutely BRILLIANT.  It creates organized meal plans, so that everyone can bring meals to the family or person in need.

Here's the site:

http://www.takethemameal.com/

The next is a way anyone and everyone can help Kristi, Chloe and the twins on the way, immediately and even years from now.  An account has been set up at diapers.com and she will received gift certificates that are good for thousands of necessary baby products that never expire.

Please go here for simple instructions on how to help the Kaplons!

https://sites.google.com/site/kristikaplon/

Please help spread the word!

Lots of love and prayers to Kristi, Chloe, the babies and their families!

Hold your loved ones close tonight and always!

XO,

S

Lots of catching up to do!

Happy 60th Birthday to G'Anne, Mom, MIL!

Last weekend we celebrated with a little pampering, a surprise party and finally by taking her to the Magic Castle for her actual birthday dinner!

 They've really improved their food, at least I thought so and the shows were great as always.  

Although I highly recommend going on the weekends because more areas are open and there's magic in every nook and cranny. 

A friendly game of LCR at the surprise party.  

Our new favorite party game.  

Click here to buy yours!

Okay, now for some real informative blogging. 

At the risk of throwing my husband under the bus, I'm going to tell you about his latest purchase and my new best friend and savior. 

Ta-da

Does your husband snore?  Wake you up at night with his snoring?  Forcing you to put in earplugs that fall out, roll around grumpy and finally move to another room or onto the couch for some rest?
Well loose sleep NO MORE! 
These work! 
At least they have for the last two nights and I've been able to sleep in our bed with my boos and wake up feeling oh so rested.  

I will let you know if it's a fluke or if this streak continues. 

With that said, snoring and all, I really do have the best husband.  I was feeling sicky and he went and bought out CVS.  Some Zinc, Echinacea, Ziacom and no more house guests and I feel like new.  Looking forward to a very relaxing weekend at home together! 

Happy Friday!

XO,
S

Ho-Ho-Holiday Highlights!

 Meeting Cooper...

and seeing Kether and JJ! (of course)

 Bloody Mary's at the Ritz in Half Moon Bay.

The start to lots of tasty beverages along the way!

 The Creedons. 

I love them ('nough said)!

Oysters at Willi's in Healdsburg! 

A must go to restaurant.

Our sweet, sweet Bed n' Breakfast.

 The Grape Leaf Inn is such a treat.  

Each room unique, with steam showers and soaking tubs, wine tasting in their cellar daily, homemade breakfast with every last detail.

 The Chiurcos.

Another amazing couple we don't get to see nearly enough.  :(

The kids/family!

Seeing Susie getting better each day! 

And watching Steve (Dad/D3) be the incredible husband and dad we all know and love!

Holidays 2010 complete! 

Now for New Years and 2011.

XO, 

S

We're BACK! Phew!

Our Cali Tour has ended and we are back home! 

Hip hip hooray! 

Half Moon Bay
San Francisco

Novato

Santa Rosa

Healdsburg

Petaluma

Back to Novato

Can't wait to post pics from my fabulous new camera (thanks to my loving husband).

We had a wonderful time visiting friends along the way and seeing Shane's family.

We were spoiled with good food and great hosts!

One car full of presents, wine, way too much junk food

(breaky burrito, laffy taffy, sour gummies, soy lattes, sunflower seeds, Cheetos, Twix to be exact)

tummy aches, 8 hours of driving and then needing to stop at Best Buy for more gifts for Shane's staff and we were home last night! 
I'd say, NEVER again, but I know come next  year I'll be ready to do it all over again.  

Hope everyone had a Happy Holidays!
I am feeling very blessed and thankful for mine. 

Looking forward to ringing in the New Year with the Peykoffs!

XO, 

S

P.S. The cookbooks were a HUGE hit.  I highly recommend this gift.  www.blurb.com

Chasing Ellie

Full of energy and life.

Here are a few more fun shots from the weekend!

Rhodes and his puppy Ellie.

XO, 

S

My lil Ro Ro

I just got home from visiting my family in Palm Desert!  

Lacey and Rhodes were escaping the Seattle gloom and rain for some Cali sun!
I decided to have a little fun with the camera!
As you can see Rhodes is an adorable subject!

(wearing Aunt Bon Bon's knits)

Rhodes will be 3 in January.

Can't wait to meet his new little brother or sister this May!

XO,
S