True Love

People told me this would happen. Of course you will love a second child as much as your first. I knew I would love him, but I had no idea that it was possible to love a second little person so much. He is pure joy. 6 lbs, 12 oz, 19 inches of perfection. Born on November 12th, 2011 at 10pm. Yes, we are in love with our new little man.

One Chapter Closes

Dear Knute and Ellie,

Soon our little family of three will become a family of four. I wish words could express the joy both of you have given me. We have had so many fond and wonderful memories as a family of three. I know that things are going to be different moving forward, but our love is about to be multiplied even more. It's hard to even believe, but I know that it's possible. I love you both with all my heart. Thank you for making me a wife and mother. I can't imagine a more precious or perfect gift in the world.

October Makes me Happy

This is the first day it feels like fall to me. The 10 day weather forecast is very exciting. In celebration, I put on some super cozy pants that I may never take off and made red beans and rice for dinner. The Halloween decorations aren't looking quite as silly. It's hard to get in the spirit when it's climbing over 90 degrees outside. We also went to the Disney Store today in a third attempt to get Ellie a Halloween costume. She is going to dress up as Tinker Bell and seems to be pretty content with that for now. It doesn't really matter because I'm not returning another costume. She has a wand, but won't wear a crown. My two year old is VERY opinionated these days. Sometimes it's entertaining, but at other times I want to pull my hair out in frustration. On a bad day, we go through three or four outfit changes. The pink sparkle shoes that I thought were once cute have seen better days. That's because she refuses to wear anything else. I even got the same pair in purple (smart, right?), but that was a no go. They've sat untouched in her closet amongst other pretty shoes that have never been worn. I am trying to pick my battles wisely.

In other Ellie news, she is adjusting well to preschool. Today she came home with her first "boo boo" report for tripping and bumping her head along with a letter that someone in the school has been diagnosed with a case of head lice. Great news! However, I think the benefits of having her there six hours a week far outweigh a little lice (hopefully).

Here are a few recent pictures of Ellie enjoying her favorite part of any birthday party (the cupcakes, of course) and the obligatory pumpkin patch pix:

*I didn't take these pictures, but I thought they were kind of cool.

Life Goes On

It's been quite a month. I turned 30, celebrated a 4 year Wedding Anniversary with a trip to Carmel, and was "sprinkled" by wonderful family and friends to celebrate a little boy who is expected to arrive in about 4 short weeks. In a nutshell, I feel very loved.

I thought I might be emotional about saying goodbye to my twenties, but I think the raging hormones that come with pregnancy may have overshadowed this "monumental" year. Is it so monumental? The truth is that I feel 30. I remember well, but almost have a hard time recognizing the girl I was at 20, 21, 22. There were a lot of life changes crammed into the past ten years. I am in a happy place at age 30. What else is there to say? Well, probably a lot more, but I would like to refrain from becoming a blubbering, emotional wreck. I mean that in the best of ways.

Checking In

I have no earth shattering news (do I ever?). We have little happenings to report. They are always big and important to us though (especially when they involve Ellie).

The Ellie Update:

She moved into a big girl bed. It was horrible at first, but now things are going fine. I say fine because she's never been a great sleeper. Sometimes she wakes up wanting milk, or water, or a back rub, or just to be cuddled and know that we're there. I don't know where she gets off being so high maintenance! In other Ellie news, she started preschool two days a week for a total of 6 hours. I was anticipating this to be a rough transition, but so far everything has gone pretty smoothly. If anything, I am the one who has a harder time. I constantly worry if she's okay when I'm not there. What if there's a kid who's mean to her or tries to hit her? What if she's hungry, thirsty, or needs to be changed? Does she think I've abandoned her? But every time I come back I'm greeted with the sweetest smile. I know it's a good break for both of us.

Pregnancy Update:

I am 31 weeks along now and exactly 2 months away from my due date. Overall, I feel great. I have a few minor complaints, but I won't bore anyone with the details (except for maybe my husband and mom who never hear the end of my complaining). I'm excited to meet the new little person who's coming into our lives. I wonder what he looks like, what his personality is going to be, how Ellie is going to react to him, etc. I also get really nervous about being the mother of two. The whole newborn phase seems kind of far removed from my life (even if it really wasn't that long ago). I remember it involves a lot of dirty diapers, a lot of crying, fuzzy headed sleep deprivation, endless hours spent feeding, soothing, rocking, etc. And I'm supposed to do all this with a toddler who's still in diapers? That sounds kind of hard, right? But nothing beats that sweet newborn smell, the perfect little fingers and toes, and the whole innocence of such a new, tiny person. It's the best part.

That's all my thoughts for now. Of course I have a few pictures of some fun and happy times over the last month. So long summer! We had a good run, but it is always so nice to greet September.

The new bed

Roasting marshmallow during a last family getaway to Angel's Camp.

Who doesn't love a good mud bath every once in a while?

Ellie and Cameron over Labor Day Weekend in Rio Vista.

Celebrating Knute's 32nd Birthday. Yes, I said 32.

There is nothing like wearing an orange dress with big, pink polka dots on the first day of school.

Summer Lovin Continues

I always find myself wishing August by. The novelty of the park, pool, etc. have worn off just a little bit. I know I will be kicking myself for saying that come February. I realize that I talk about the calendar year a lot, but my mood is very effected by it and always has been. I like a nice, round four seasons, which can be difficult here in the East Bay. Last Monday I took a trip out to the city to meet Celeste for lunch and was pleased to find so many people dressed in boots, light sweaters, etc. It made for a nice break, not to mention that I ate the best grilled chicken sandwich and sweet potato fries I've ever had at Taylor's Refresher in the Ferry Building. I "shared" an order of the sweet potato fries with Celeste, but I think I inhaled them before she could get her hands on too many (and I wonder why I've gained more weight with this pregnancy?).

Anyways, we have managed to have some fun-filled August weekends, including a visit from my cousins, and a trip with the Maddox family up to Angel's Camp. Visits with my cousins always send me into huge laughing fits, the kind that make your stomach hurt and your eyes water. We enjoyed going to the city to visit Dane's new apartment (have I mentioned that my brother moved here?). He lives with his girlfriend in an incredible place right on Lombard Street, in the middle of pretty much everything. On Sunday we took a day trip to Sonoma where everyone delighted in a little wine tasting as I sipped on sparkling water and played designated driver. I really can't complain. I will camp out at Gloria Ferrer, enjoy the views, and eat all the little seasoned almonds they bring to your table any day.

As for camping, I know I've mentioned before that I have a little love/hate relationship with it. Well, we managed to have a really great time. Some people thought we had fallen off our rockers being that our company was made up of two pregnant women, a one year old, and a two year old, but everyone knows I'm always a great sport and up for anything (insert sarcastic laugh here). In all seriousness, it's kind of impossible not to have a fabulous time with the Maddox family. Also, I think it made things a little easier this year (for us at least) now that Ellie is older. No matter what kind of experiences our trips to Angel's Camp brings, they will always make for wonderful memories.

As it turns out, Roman was a great boat driver.

A little relaxing with "Yo Gabba Gabba"

Obviously my computer skills need work (I can't figure out how to delete this one).

Out Went July!

I wish I had some fabulous and exciting vacation to talk about, but our life recently has been an uncomplicated one. Most days involve swimming, park play dates, and spending a lot of time in the yard. We've been eating dinner on the back patio almost every night and watching Ellie tire herself out before settling her hot, sticky self into a bath and then bed. Sometimes we take long evening walks after dinner. The weekends usually involve the Farmer's Market (we love the peaches, heirloom tomatoes, and Brentwood corn), dinner out, pool picnics, and some sort of "field trip" (the Zoo, a lake, or maybe a cold, windy beach). Yes, I definitely get envious at times of friends' tropical vacations, fun adventures, or wine tasting trips, but that's not my life right now. I am trying to embrace this simple, slow-paced summer before the chaos hits again, because I know it's only a matter of time. Is this starting to sound like a country song? Alas, a few pictures of July:

24 weeks pregnant. Baby boy has made quite an appearance at this point.

We love spending time with sweet Kaden!

Ellie asked me to leave after taking this picture. She wanted to read the Sunday paper alone with Daddy.

Shawn came to California for a quick weekend visit! Remember Shawn? She's one of my favorite people.

Ellie has been insistent on putting on her own shoes. It takes a lot of patience (especially when we are in a rush), but she feels a huge sense of accomplishment!

An afternoon at Lake Anza with Uncle Dane

Woodlands 4th of July Parade

A very cold picnic at Baker Beach

A Little Late...

My dear, brown-eyed, girl turned two almost a month ago to the day (June 24th) and I feel the need to document it properly. Unfortunately, there really are no words to describe this very special age. She is an absolute joy that gets cuter and more challenging by the day. I am amazed with how fast she is learning new things. In a way it's easier because she is so much better at communicating what she wants, but she is also becoming extremely opinionated. She is a good listener, but can also throw a mean tantrum when she doesn't get her way. She is very sweet natured, nurturing, clingy, shy, and silly. Ellie loves to look at books and be read to (Little Miss Spider is her favorite), swing (for hours if we'd let her), swim, play with her dolls (Little Suzie and Megan), color, blow bubbles, dance, sing, and watch Sesame Street. Ellie is a good helper and likes to set the table, unload the dishwasher, do laundry, water the garden and flowers, and sweep (but only at her convenience). She loves her dog and likes to bother him and boss him around (she then gets frustrated because he never listens). She hates bugs, is obsessed with chocolate (See's candies and M&M's are among her favorites), and gets very excited on trash day (we have to stand in the front yard and wave when the trucks go by). She only likes to wear her Crocs and tennis shoes (absolutely no sandals or cute, dress shoes), yet she doesn't like getting dirty or playing in sand. Her favorite thing to sleep with is "Mope," a pink blanket that has to go everywhere with us. Mac and Cheese is her favorite food followed by any kind of buttered noodles, corn on the cob, bagels and cream cheese, quesadillas, waffles, and pancakes (or any other sort of high fattening or sugary carb). Our bed is her favorite hangout spot, where she likes to cuddle, read books, try on all my jewelry, eat cereal, drink juice, watch TV, and play with Rudy (our bed is always a mess).

It's really quite impossible to sum up Ellie without going on for hours. She is a very unique little person with a lot of personality. Mostly, she is very gentle and loving, which I think are characteristics that will make a great big sister. I can't wait to see the changes that this new year brings, yet I kind of want to freeze her at this age forever. She is one well loved little girl!

Think Blue

This is a 3D picture of the little guy. You can see part of his face, neck, and chest. Unfortunately, he is partly obstructed by the placenta. Is that weird to say? He is a bit gaunt looking, but I'm sure he will fatten up these last few months.

I mentioned I was pregnant, right? This poor, little fetus gets no blog love. Well, this one is of a different species then my first...the male kind. We are very excited to be expecting a baby boy! He looked great from our ultrasound. He looked like a boy should. I wasn't too shocked since previous ultrasounds seemed to indicate that it was a boy, but Knute refused to believe it until he saw the official "boy" shot.

No, we don't have a name yet. Yes, we are open to suggestions, but please don't be offended if I tell you your idea is just plain stupid. I'm only kidding of course (sort of). Knute and I are currently at a stand still when it comes to names. He likes traditional. I used to like traditional names, but have veered away from them recently. I'm sure we will eventually come up with something we both love and agree on. Either I will go back to traditional again or vs. versa. This is where someone is supposed to comment that I should be able to choose the name after carrying the child for nine months, right? After enduring the sleepless nights, the morning sickness, the swollen ankles, the excess weight, the ongoing feeling of general discomfort, the moodiness, the gross unmentionables, etc. The pain of labor....OH THE PAIN!!!! To top all this off, I don't even get to drink wine!!! Don't you think, after having been through all this, I should be able to pick out a name?

Anyways, I have other updates, but I will save them for a later time. Someone absolutely wonderful and special to me turned two years old, but for one entry I had to let her brother have his moment to shine. After all, she'll have to get used to not always being in the spotlight.