Just thought it was worth noting.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Picture Catch-up
The past 2 weeks have just flown by, we have been so busy just trying to keep up with everything. Spring has also sprung, so we've been spending more time outside and at the park, which is one of our favorite things to do. I have a quite a few favorite pictures that I've taken since we got back from Tahoe and I thought I'd just share them all at once, this gives you an idea of what we've been up to.
My mom came to visit for a night a few weeks ago, Gianna LOVES when she comes because she gets extra special attention, here they are 'working out'.
This is what Gianna wanted to do when we got out of the car after driving back from tahoe...push her stroller around while wearing her thermals, jacket, backpack and ladybug hat, she is such a weirdo.
How can one person simultaneously bring you the most joy and make you want to pull your hair out? I don't know how she does it, but she does.
Connor is now SMILING ALL THE TIME!!! I love it. He is at such a great age where he is happy to see you and will smile when you smile. He's old enough to be excited to see you, not old enough to manipulate you (yet).
This week (and last week) we've had 70+ degree weather, and we've been going to the park all the time. I even had to douse the kids in sunscreen and put on their big sun hats. Gianna actually wore hers because she has a smart Mommy who got her a hat with pictures of ice cream on it. And we all know that anything with ice cream must be awesome.
Connor was so excited about leprechauns all day on St. Patrick's day that he hardly napped at all, when it finally came time for dinner he couldn't even hold his eyes open. Here he is, asleep in his bumbo.
On Friday night we drove over to Berkeley to see Uncle Johnny before he left for New Orleans for a week to do reconstruction. We had yummy Cheese Board pizza, went to play on a big grassy area, and hung out in his apartment (oh and we helped him pack too). Of course Gianna always love it when he plays guitar and Connor is really starting to show an interest, too. I love Connor's expression in the second picture, he always has the best looks in pictures with Johnny. I think he's wondering where the wild animal that used to live on Uncle Johnny's head went (he donated it a few weeks ago).
On Saturday we went to Gianna's friend Luca's birthday party. Luca is also going to get a new baby brother soon, so she and Gianna share that in common. The first picture is of Luca blowing out the candle, and the second is of Gianna, Luca and their friend Jonathan.
On Saturday night I took Connor to a very fun, grown-up baby shower in the city, although I forgot to take pictures, when I get some from Mandy, I'll add them.
On Sunday Ooda and Poppy came to visit for Poppy's birthday. Gianna has always LOVED my Dad (probably more than she loves me). When she was about 2 months old and we were moving into our house he was the only one who could get her to sleep. It was special to spend the day with them, just hanging out at the house and having lunch, cake and icecream and giving Poppy 'pawence'. Here are the pictures from Sunday:
Okay, we should be all caught up, for now. Hope you enjoyed that little round-up!
My mom came to visit for a night a few weeks ago, Gianna LOVES when she comes because she gets extra special attention, here they are 'working out'.
This is what Gianna wanted to do when we got out of the car after driving back from tahoe...push her stroller around while wearing her thermals, jacket, backpack and ladybug hat, she is such a weirdo.
How can one person simultaneously bring you the most joy and make you want to pull your hair out? I don't know how she does it, but she does.
Connor is now SMILING ALL THE TIME!!! I love it. He is at such a great age where he is happy to see you and will smile when you smile. He's old enough to be excited to see you, not old enough to manipulate you (yet).
This week (and last week) we've had 70+ degree weather, and we've been going to the park all the time. I even had to douse the kids in sunscreen and put on their big sun hats. Gianna actually wore hers because she has a smart Mommy who got her a hat with pictures of ice cream on it. And we all know that anything with ice cream must be awesome.
Connor was so excited about leprechauns all day on St. Patrick's day that he hardly napped at all, when it finally came time for dinner he couldn't even hold his eyes open. Here he is, asleep in his bumbo.
On Friday night we drove over to Berkeley to see Uncle Johnny before he left for New Orleans for a week to do reconstruction. We had yummy Cheese Board pizza, went to play on a big grassy area, and hung out in his apartment (oh and we helped him pack too). Of course Gianna always love it when he plays guitar and Connor is really starting to show an interest, too. I love Connor's expression in the second picture, he always has the best looks in pictures with Johnny. I think he's wondering where the wild animal that used to live on Uncle Johnny's head went (he donated it a few weeks ago).
On Saturday we went to Gianna's friend Luca's birthday party. Luca is also going to get a new baby brother soon, so she and Gianna share that in common. The first picture is of Luca blowing out the candle, and the second is of Gianna, Luca and their friend Jonathan.
On Saturday night I took Connor to a very fun, grown-up baby shower in the city, although I forgot to take pictures, when I get some from Mandy, I'll add them.On Sunday Ooda and Poppy came to visit for Poppy's birthday. Gianna has always LOVED my Dad (probably more than she loves me). When she was about 2 months old and we were moving into our house he was the only one who could get her to sleep. It was special to spend the day with them, just hanging out at the house and having lunch, cake and icecream and giving Poppy 'pawence'. Here are the pictures from Sunday:
Okay, we should be all caught up, for now. Hope you enjoyed that little round-up!
Sledding with Mommy
I like to Ski, fast. But since I haven't done it in years, I was happy to take the kids sledding on a real sledding hill just before we headed home from Tahoe.Gianna hated the cold and hated the clothes and wanted to hate sledding, but she just couldn't.
Here she is pretending that she hates sledding and throwing a real fit:
But when we'd climb up the hill, I'd ask, should we start here, and she'd whisper to me "Up, high." Meaning she wanted me to keep going further up the hill.
Here are some videos of us sledding, in one of them you can see how excited Jack is by our sledding (and playing in the snow), in one you can hear Gianna say "Fast" if you listen carefully, and in one of them you can hear Sophia's concern that her friend is doing this over and over.Gianna's first time sledding
The house we rented was completely surrounded by snow (it was at about 6000 feet). We took advantage of this and let Gianna have a mellow first sledding adventure shortly after we arrived in Tahoe.
Tahoe!
Last weekend (the 13-15) we took a trip up to Tahoe for the weekend with our friends, Steve, Jenny, Sophia and Jack. We rented a great house (we highly recommend it to anyone traveling to Tahoe, played in the snow, the guys skiied, the girls (and Connor) played and window shopped, and we all stayed up way too late playing games. I now know how to play Texas Hold 'em, although I think Jenny, Steve and Justin agree that my poker face needs work.Our favorite parts of the weekend were:
Connor Seeing the Snow for the first time:
Playing in the snow outside the house shortly after we arrived:
Building a Snowman outside the house:
Letting the Girls play in the great park we found in Tahoe City while enjoying the gorgeous view:
Sightseeing in Tahoe City:
Sophia and Gianna playing so well all weekend and the kids all having a blast together:
Gianna finally passing out on the way home (she wanted to wear Daddy's hat):
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
I have yet to post the pictures from the weekend, but I wanted to post these today since it's St. Patrick's Day.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Should I join a 12-step program?
What makes an addict an addict? Does it matter what they are addicted to? Is addiction necessarily a bad thing? Lets go over some indicators of an addiction (and whether or not they apply to my situation):
Does the "user" seem to surround herself by her particular addiction: Yes
Does the "user" surround herself by other users: Yes
Does the "user" think about her addiction while she is using it, and even more when she isn't: Yes
Does the "user" spend lots of time and energy thinking about how to fulfill her addiction: Yes
Does the "user" suffer withdrawals when use is interrupted: One might say so.
Okay are you curious about my addiction yet?
No, I'm not on drugs or anything crazy like that.
It's not shoes.
It's not money.
It's not bags.
Or even diaper bags.
It's....
STROLLERS!
Are you laughing yet?
Okay, let me explain...
During a conversation with another mother of 2 last Friday, I was shocked to learn that she has ONLY ONE STROLLER! How does one survive this way? Granted, her older child is 4, but still... How did she survive 4 years without buying a backup, or a jogger, or a travel stroller or... I could go on, but let me get back to the story. So I'm talking to my friend, and she replies, "Why, how many do you have?". I do a quick mental count, and reply, " Seven," which I thought, up until this point was a lot, but not too many. Well, our group seemed to think that's a bit much considering we only have 2 kids and the kids are 2 and under. Okay, so maybe I have a bit of a problem, but let me try to justify my actions (like a true addict would).
It all started wit
h a travel system (carseat that attaches to a matching stroller), now for those of you who don't have kids this is the quintessential first time mom must-have. And when we found out we were pregnant, I had to have one, so we immediately started testing them out. Forget internet research, we wanted to test-drive. We decided on a Baby Trend, the car seat is #1 safety rated and the stroller seemed great. We also loved the triangle handle on the car seat, easier for carrying. Well, that turned out to be a huge mistake. For a little less than $200, the thing was a piece of junk! The axle on it actually broke! Anyway, Justin and I found a way to eventually return it and were fortunate enough to get a used carseat from his cousin and we began a search for a stroller that was just made to be an awesome stroller (not a really cute but junky car seat holder). I started reading reviews and asking mom's club friends for help. This is how I met my friend, and fellow stroller-researh junkie, Kris. She turned me on to the double we have now, but at the time we were looking for a single. We knew a few features we wanted and after driving to San Jose, Oakland and many other places to test them out, we settled on the Chicco Trevi, the MOST AWESOME SINGLE stroller of all time! 
Although, in the meantime we had to have something to use while we made a decision and waited for our stroller to arrive (we ordered it from baby center, which I would reccommend because of their amazing return policy, but I think they are going out of business), so we used a cheapie umbrella stroller. 
We still use the umbrella stroller all the time for walks around the neighborhood, so it definitely worth the $10, plus it has a sun shade!
Alright, so you think that would be enough for now, right? But no, I wanted to get back in shape so I asked for a Jogger for Christmas, so a lot of research later I decided on a double.
I had read a lot about them being a lot more maneuverable and tipping over less than single joggers, plus we knew we'd have more kids some day, so this just seemed like the best option. I decided on the Schwinn Free Runner, which I love!
For the time being, my addiction was satisfied, calmed if you will...Then we found out we were pregnant again and instantly I got the need for a "fix"...I started researching double strollers. Luckily, my friend Kris had told us about the Kolcraft Contours Options Double when we were looking for strollers before.
Now, for me this is the perfect stroller, it has reversible seats, a universal carseat adaptor and is amazingly manuverable. I was originally going to buy the single version when were were looking for a new single, but it was a little pricy for a single. Even now, 3 months later I haven't a single complaint! I love this stroller. 
We also picked out a side-by side double that I love so far too (and ironically enough, my friend Kris bought this one too and we never even discussed it!). It is the Joovy Groove 2, and we ordered it from Baby Universe, which I completely recommend since they have free shipping and NO SALES TAX!!! Of course, in the course of getting ready for Connor's arrival there were other double stroller aquisitions: A sit-n-stand
and a Graco Duo Glider.
Both are decent strollers, but not for us. Of course, like a true addict (and pack rat), even though we aren't using them, I have to hang on to them "just in case" because what if another stroller breaks or what if I need a second stroller?!
Anyway, the conversation with my friend asking me, "Wait, didn't you just put an ad up that you are looking for a snap-n-go," I replied, "yes." Because it didn't phase me that eight strollers might be too many.
Oh and we have one of those push around buggies and a wagon too. I think all together we can transport nearly 20 kids if we need to (but we'd need more people to push!).
And just in case you are worried that I am driving Justin and I into the poor house with my little "problem." Due to the generosity of others, looking for good deals, and donations from family members we have spent no more than $50 on the acquisition of all of these strollers (including tax)!
The best news is: my friend emailed me today saying that she found a free snap-n-go for me!
Do you think I need to join a program?
Does the "user" seem to surround herself by her particular addiction: Yes
Does the "user" surround herself by other users: Yes
Does the "user" think about her addiction while she is using it, and even more when she isn't: Yes
Does the "user" spend lots of time and energy thinking about how to fulfill her addiction: Yes
Does the "user" suffer withdrawals when use is interrupted: One might say so.
Okay are you curious about my addiction yet?
No, I'm not on drugs or anything crazy like that.
It's not shoes.
It's not money.
It's not bags.
Or even diaper bags.
It's....
STROLLERS!
Are you laughing yet?
Okay, let me explain...
During a conversation with another mother of 2 last Friday, I was shocked to learn that she has ONLY ONE STROLLER! How does one survive this way? Granted, her older child is 4, but still... How did she survive 4 years without buying a backup, or a jogger, or a travel stroller or... I could go on, but let me get back to the story. So I'm talking to my friend, and she replies, "Why, how many do you have?". I do a quick mental count, and reply, " Seven," which I thought, up until this point was a lot, but not too many. Well, our group seemed to think that's a bit much considering we only have 2 kids and the kids are 2 and under. Okay, so maybe I have a bit of a problem, but let me try to justify my actions (like a true addict would).
It all started wit
h a travel system (carseat that attaches to a matching stroller), now for those of you who don't have kids this is the quintessential first time mom must-have. And when we found out we were pregnant, I had to have one, so we immediately started testing them out. Forget internet research, we wanted to test-drive. We decided on a Baby Trend, the car seat is #1 safety rated and the stroller seemed great. We also loved the triangle handle on the car seat, easier for carrying. Well, that turned out to be a huge mistake. For a little less than $200, the thing was a piece of junk! The axle on it actually broke! Anyway, Justin and I found a way to eventually return it and were fortunate enough to get a used carseat from his cousin and we began a search for a stroller that was just made to be an awesome stroller (not a really cute but junky car seat holder). I started reading reviews and asking mom's club friends for help. This is how I met my friend, and fellow stroller-researh junkie, Kris. She turned me on to the double we have now, but at the time we were looking for a single. We knew a few features we wanted and after driving to San Jose, Oakland and many other places to test them out, we settled on the Chicco Trevi, the MOST AWESOME SINGLE stroller of all time! 
Although, in the meantime we had to have something to use while we made a decision and waited for our stroller to arrive (we ordered it from baby center, which I would reccommend because of their amazing return policy, but I think they are going out of business), so we used a cheapie umbrella stroller. 
We still use the umbrella stroller all the time for walks around the neighborhood, so it definitely worth the $10, plus it has a sun shade!Alright, so you think that would be enough for now, right? But no, I wanted to get back in shape so I asked for a Jogger for Christmas, so a lot of research later I decided on a double.
I had read a lot about them being a lot more maneuverable and tipping over less than single joggers, plus we knew we'd have more kids some day, so this just seemed like the best option. I decided on the Schwinn Free Runner, which I love!For the time being, my addiction was satisfied, calmed if you will...Then we found out we were pregnant again and instantly I got the need for a "fix"...I started researching double strollers. Luckily, my friend Kris had told us about the Kolcraft Contours Options Double when we were looking for strollers before.
Now, for me this is the perfect stroller, it has reversible seats, a universal carseat adaptor and is amazingly manuverable. I was originally going to buy the single version when were were looking for a new single, but it was a little pricy for a single. Even now, 3 months later I haven't a single complaint! I love this stroller. 
We also picked out a side-by side double that I love so far too (and ironically enough, my friend Kris bought this one too and we never even discussed it!). It is the Joovy Groove 2, and we ordered it from Baby Universe, which I completely recommend since they have free shipping and NO SALES TAX!!! Of course, in the course of getting ready for Connor's arrival there were other double stroller aquisitions: A sit-n-stand
and a Graco Duo Glider.
Both are decent strollers, but not for us. Of course, like a true addict (and pack rat), even though we aren't using them, I have to hang on to them "just in case" because what if another stroller breaks or what if I need a second stroller?!Anyway, the conversation with my friend asking me, "Wait, didn't you just put an ad up that you are looking for a snap-n-go," I replied, "yes." Because it didn't phase me that eight strollers might be too many.
Oh and we have one of those push around buggies and a wagon too. I think all together we can transport nearly 20 kids if we need to (but we'd need more people to push!).
And just in case you are worried that I am driving Justin and I into the poor house with my little "problem." Due to the generosity of others, looking for good deals, and donations from family members we have spent no more than $50 on the acquisition of all of these strollers (including tax)!
The best news is: my friend emailed me today saying that she found a free snap-n-go for me!
Do you think I need to join a program?
The Beach for Ooda's birthday.
If we can count on anything, it's that Ooda will want to spend her birthday at Disneyland or the beach. Since we weren't in LA (and we went to Disneyland last year), we took a trip to the beach on Sunday for Mom's birthday. We made a stop at Wildflour for some of the most amazing bread (try the Fougasse, it's different every time). And headed to a beach just North of Marshall's Gulch. We like going here because instead of white sand, it has the tiniest pebbles (not the kids that hurt your feet). It's awesome because we don't get sand all over the car and in our eyes and food etc. Anyway, here are some photos from the day (thanks to Johnny for the pictures)Family photo on the beach:
Connor on the beach:
Gianna's sand car:
A Starfish:
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