brownie_locks

25 Random Things About Me

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 22:39:56 GMT

I just did this little "exercise" on Facebook and thought it would be a good post for my journal. Have a great weekend, everyone!

1. I really never felt complete until I held my son, Gavin, in my arms.
2. My two children are the best things that have ever happened to me.
3. I consider myself to have the most supportive, easy-going, even-tempered, and awesome husband. He is my best friend and he can cook!
4. I can run a mile in 6 min. 15 sec. Right here, right now, 2 months after having a baby. Let's go!
5. I love the Coffee Bean. They have my "usual" order waiting for me before I get there.
6. My husband once gave me a nose-hair trimmer for a gift. I am happy to say he has moved on to better gifts. Could have been a deal breaker!
7. I had my blanket (bee bee) until I was 25 years old. I lost him in Maui one summer and was beyond devastated. My (now) in-laws thought I had lost my mind.
8. I graduated from UCLA with a 4.0. Why? Why did I put so much pressure on myself?
9. I had dreamed of taking a fancy vacation to NYC for years. When it finally happened, I spent 4 of the 7 days with the stomach flu. I puked for days in Trump Tower. I know how to vacation, don't I?
10. I love to shop. My husband would consider this a confession.
11. I adore my little sister, Megan. When we were little, I used to pretend that she was my baby. I would make her wear ridiculous things on her head like a bonnet and stuff her into a wicker basket that my mom used for decorative pillows and drag her around the house. Who needed a doll?
12. My mouth waters at the thought of a good pinot noir. Is that bad?
13. I am also a very gassy person. I can burp as loud as a truck-driver, and for twice as long. People often do double-takes to see if the sound really came from me. Yes, yes it did!
14. The best sound in the world is Gavin's belly laugh. He has the best personality of any human being I have ever met - young or old. And I get to spend every day with him.
15. I was an account executive for Car Craft and Hot Rod magazine...go figure! I don't know anything about cars.
16. One of my favorite childhood pastimes was putting on dance performances with my sister. We did it all: choreographed routines, matching outfits, songs on the tape player, hair and make-up. Then we would charge the "audience" (aka. Mom, Dad and anyone who could have been visiting) admission. My poor parents!
17. When I was young, I kept a journal of "favorite colors." I was obsessed with knowing this fact about everyone. In fact, I can still remember what colors most of my relatives chose as their favorite.
18. I am secretly thrilled that Gavin's favorite color is green - the same as mine. I don't know why, it just makes me happy.
19. I can't stand it if my toenails are not painted. I have to restrain myself from painting Gavin's toenails, too.
20. I have a belly button ring and still wear toe rings. Megan says both are passe, but I don't know. I can't get rid of them just yet.
21.  As an elementary school student I prided myself on getting 100% on each weekly spelling test. When I was in third grade, I misspelled the word "listen." I thought the world was going to end.
22.  My dad was in the Navy all through my childhood. When he was deployed, I slept with his senior year photo under my pillow.  It was my attempt at keeping him safe.
23. All through elementary school and junior high I would call my best friend, Rachel (pupsgirl!) each morning, to see what she was going to wear. I would plan my own outfit accordingly.
24. I love southern California. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else.
25. I recently went swimming with over 200 spinner dolphins. It was one of the biggest rushes of my life!

For the San Diego Gals

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 22:03:49 GMT

Hi ladies,

I am so sorry I wasn't able to meet up with you last night :-( I really wanted to. We were surprised by an impromptu visit from my grandma, aunt, and cousin (they live in Palm Springs), who wanted to see Gavin and meet Mila. Of course, everything always happens on the same day/ evening! I was happy to see them, but sad to miss out on an opportunity to meet you in person. Hopefully we can all get together again soon.

Happy Thursday!
Amanda

Home from Hawaii....

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 00:31:27 GMT

ALOHA!

I have some updates to do, but first I want to check in and post an entry about our trip to Kona. Call us crazy, but Jamie and I took a five-week old and 3-year old to Hawaii. I had reservations at first about taking such a "new" baby on a plane, but Jamie convinced me that we all deserved a vacation and everything would be fine. I am so glad we went! The bonus: we had the help of Jamie's amazing parents for the week, so it was very enjoyable and relaxing vacation! Both Mila and Gavin were great travelers on the trip to and from Hawaii and with my in-laws there with us, I was able to spend some quality time with Gavin, Jamie, and myself!

The highlights of our week: building sandcastles, lots of pool time, swimming with Spinner dolphins (Gavin actually did this, too!), nice dinners with my husband, Mila's first smile, and a few good naps each day!

Here are a few photos from our trip. I will post more once I have perfected "behind the cut."

An afternoon exploring the Kohala Coast

Gavin, at the pool

"Snorkeling" with his glass-bottom boogie board

Sweet Baby turns six weeks old on vacation!

Happy New Year's Eve!

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 23:16:12 GMT

So, today is the last day of 2008. This new year is so bittersweet - I hate to say goodbye to the year that my daughter was born (even if she was born near the year's end!).

Before my two kids, I always had a hard time with change and been ever-reluctant to say "goodbye" to the passing years. As a young girl, I would cry each time the school year ended (I hated change); I would cry once the holidays were over (what would I have to look forward to once Christmas had passed?); I would dread the fall because it signaled another year coming to an end...I was a complicated little thing, as my mom always said!

My husband would use my boxes of "crap" i.e. old school papers (from 6th grade to law school!), grade school love-notes, nametags, airline tickets, cards from friends, and you-name-it-and-I-put-it-in-a-box as the #1 evidence of my relucance to move on from just about anything. Gavin's arrival helped to get me past this "keep everything, change nothing" mentality. With him in my arms, I jumped into motherhood with excitement for the new phases, new challenges, new days - new everything.

I no longer feel so sad when time passes and different periods of my life end because I have my children to bring their love and joy to each new phase and new year. Granted, I do take tons of photos and save important momentos (locks of his hair, first pair of shoes, artwork, and the like), but they are just momentos and don't bring me the kind of sadness for the past that they would have before I became a mother.

It is hard to explain....Gavin just changed the way I lived my life. I just completely trust that each day, each year will be better than the next with him (and now Mila) in it. My husband always half-jokes that he should have been this reason for change, but it was becoming a mom that made the difference in my out-look.

...So welcome 2009, and the health, love, happiness, and good things that it will bring!

Christmas in Las Vegas

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 23:32:36 GMT

We drove to Vegas late on Sunday night, after celebrating an early Christmas with my own family in San Diego. The drive with a 3- year old and a 3-week old went remarkably well and I even took a "nap." Any sleep these days is appreciated!

Speaking of which, Mila slept 5 hours last night! Jamie and I were so excited. So on top of help from my mother-in-law (she is awesome!), my sister-in-law (who likes getting her "baby fix" with Mila) and my 10 yr. old nephew and 8 yr. old niece (who are constant entertainment for Gavin), Mila is sleeping for longer stretches. I am so thankful! It is going to be a great week!

Tonight we are going to see Jersey Boys and have dinner, while my MIL watches the kids. We are looking forward to a night out.

I can't believe tomorrow is Christmas Eve. I remember how excited I used to be for Christmas Eve as a kid. It is even better re-living the excitement with your child. I love to see Gavin's enthusiasm for everything - from Christmas lights to carols and cookies - and everything in between. Gavin is so pumped for Santa's visit and insists he sleep on the couch so he can try to meet him/ talk to him. That may be tricky! We have been using this whole Santa thing to our advantage. I hate to admit it, but Jamie and I have been threatening him with "we are going to call Santa, etc." whenever he acts out. It is still working, so I guess we have one more day of guaranteed good behavior out of him ;-)

Here are a few pictures from our early Christmas celebration this weekend:

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!

Playing Beauty Shop

Sat, 20 Dec 2008 23:22:26 GMT

....so I still like to play "beauty shop." I started out using my younger sister and dad as my "subjects." My family gets a good laugh at the old photos of my dad, with barrettes in his hair and make up on! So in my adult years, I moved on to cutting boyfriends hair, then Jamie's and Gavin's (although I am no longer allowed to do either as a result of a bad "Gavin" haircut right before his preschool admission interview last Spring).

I still dye my mother-in-law's hair, my hair, and my sister's on occasion. So today, to take a break from some of the holiday hub-bub, I dyed my friend Cathy's hair. We had so much fun and her hair went from red to chocolate brown. I didn't dare pick up the scissors (although I wanted to), but I was still able to act out my salon/stylist fantasy.

Cathy and the "audience"

"It's the holidays...."

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 21:33:02 GMT

Today, while giving me a hard time about getting ready for swimming lessons, I threatened Gavin with the proverbial “time out.” It was raining, we were soaked, he was messing with his umbrella, and Mila was screaming. Gavin looked at me in all seriousness from his carseat and said, “Hey man, it’s the holidays!” Where do they come up with these things? I couldn't even hold in the laughter!

We had a busy, fun-filled weekend. Jamie and I decided to make the weekend all about Gavin, since we have both been feeling guilty about our divided attention and lack of patience (no doubt due to our lack of sleep).

We spent Saturday making Christmas cookies, we went to Gavin's favorite bowling alley on Sunday, and Monday he made gingerbread houses with his friends. He has been so good about his new sister, it felt good to shower him with attention and fun.

He is so excited about preschool tomorrow - it is pajama day!   Mila is good, too. She is three weeks old already! How did that happen?

Santa photos

Sat, 13 Dec 2008 01:50:05 GMT

We went to visit Santa today...it was our third attempt! And even though we were there at 9:30 AM, wouldn't it be our luck to have 45 preschoolers in front of us? Nevertheless, Gavin, Mila and I were bound and determined not to leave the mall without chatting with ole Saint Nick. Plus, Gavin looked so cute in his Christmas sweater, I didn't want to make a (4th) return trip!

Tonight I am leaving Jamie at home with the two kids to go to my mom's group holiday party. I am excited to get out of the house and catch up with some of my friends. I am really excited to have some wine, too! I am sure Jamie will be just fine...Have a great weekend, everyone!

Two weeks old!

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 01:08:31 GMT

Mila is two weeks old today! It's funny because all of a sudden, I can't remember my life without her and it's only been two weeks...

Gavin is adjusting beautifully - his positive attitude and love for Mila is more than I could have hoped for. At preschool last Thursday, Gavin shared pictures of his sister at circle time.  Both of his teachers told me how proud he was of the photos of the two of them and loved talking to his classmates about how little her feet and hands were. It was really special for me to hear them say all of this, as I worried so much during the pregnancy about what having another baby would do to my little boy.

He is just so sweet and thoughtful! When I was pregnant and complaining of various aches and pains, he would offer to rub my back for me. He is three! And if that wasn't enough, he would wake up the next morning and be sure to ask, "does your back still hurt, momma?" He did ask on the 2nd day of Mila's homecoming if she could go BACK into my tummy.  He hasn't asked since and I don't know if he was just curious about how things worked or if he was ready to have me to himself again.  I am sure we will have set-backs, but so far, so good!  Knock on wood...

However, as if to remind me that he is three, the little bugger did tell me today that "I" was getting on "his" nerves!  Can you believe that?!?! That is myself speaking, I know.  He does a good job of holding that little "mirror" up to me and Jamie.  I felt horrible and told him that "Mommy should never say those things to you or Daddy, etc." But it was pretty darn funny and I had to laugh in spite of myself. I have been pregnant for the last 9 months after all! Things and people were bound to get on my nerves!

Mila is swinging away in her swing. She loves it (Gavin hated the swing!). She is so much calmer than Gavin was, even in these early days. She loves the pacifier, which Gavin never took, and doesn't mind not being held 24/7. In fact, I really think she enjoys "alone" time, which Gavin never did. I don't think we put him down at all the first few months...It just goes to show you that each baby comes out so unique and with their own personalities - from the get-go! Her cry is more like a little squeak and I just can't stop kissing her and smelling her sweet little smell. I think she is perfect ;-)  Of course I do!


kisses for our baby                      big 'ol yawn                      two weeks old today!

It's love!

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 23:20:48 GMT

Sweet Little Mila is ten days old. I am a walking zombie on the exterior, but I have never been more happy or content. Who needs sleep anyway?

Today - a huge milestone: I took both kids to Gavin's thrice-weekly swimming lessons and managed to stop for a coffee on the way - all by myself! We made it through the half-hour lesson, showered and dressed Gavin, socialized with other moms and kids (and of course, showed off our new baby), and then made it to a play date with one of Gavin's friends. I was feeling pretty good about myself until Mila had a major melt-down on the way home and Gavin fought his nap for a record 2 1/2 hours once we got back. However, both kids are sleeping now...unfortunately my poor dog, Sugar, is ready to go outside to walk and relieve herself, but I have no idea how to manage this with 2 sleeping kids....poor Sug!

On another note: Mila is so lucky to have Gavin as a big brother! He is so sweet and loving towards her. I know this adjustment has been hard on him, but so far, he has yet to blame his sister for her imposition upon his perfect little world. He proudly introduces her to everyone and anyone we come across, loves to kiss her and marvels at her tiny features and overall existence as much as I do. Today he asked me, "Momma, can you believe that my sister was in your tummy?"

No, Gavin, I cannot believe it. She truly is a miracle, just like you!

A big kiss for Mila

How did I get so lucky?

She's Here!

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 02:21:41 GMT

Our little angel is a week old today!

Mila (Mee-lah) James was born on Tuesday 11/25 at 2:58 pm.
She weighed 7.5 pounds and was 20 inches long.

We had an incredible labor and delivery and are both doing great. I want to do it all over again! Mila is so sweet and tiny - I forgot how little newborns are and how tired I was during those first precious days. We have managed to make it through the first week, though. Here are a few photos....bare with me, this is the first time I have uploaded and posted photos (thanks for your help, Rach!).

I hope you all had a fantastic week...

Gavin and his new baby sister

In the hospital

This is my sister! He is so proud of her.

Thankful for Gavin

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:01:00 GMT

I am thankful for my son, Gavin. He just ran up and wrapped his little arms around me and gave me the biggest hug, saying "Momma!" He is so sweet and loving and SO excited to meet his little sister. I can't remember what life was like without him - what did we do before the arrival of our love bug three years ago? I can't imagine how we existed without his joy, love, and excitement.

Which brings me to tomorrow....the birth of my daughter. I am anxious (to be induced) and excited (to finally hold this baby in my arms and lay eyes on her in "real person," as Gavin says). It is definitely a Thanksgiving of blessings and thanks!

I am so thankful!

Twilight (by Stephenie Meyers)

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 21:05:59 GMT

I can't stop reading this book...I have so much to do (laundry, baby prep, Gavin just brought out all of his play-doh and it's everywhere!, the house is a mess...), but I don't care! I just want to finish so I can move on to the others in the series. I really recommend it. Hope everyone is having a great day.

Looking for cool 3 year old gift ideas...

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 18:58:58 GMT

Happy Sunday!

With the holiday season fast approaching, we are looking for some cool gift ideas for our three year old son. I would appreciate any ideas, including your kids' favorite toys, activities, etc. I am getting burnt out on Thomas the Train ;-) Thank you so much!

If you are in the baking mood...Pumpkin muffins/bread

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 16:33:02 GMT

Gavin and I made these recently and he gobbled them up!

(Makes one loaf or 48 mini muffins)
Ingredients:
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 1/3 cups white sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups and 1 TBSP all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt (I use 1/4 tsp, though)
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground cloves

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour your loaf pan or muffin
tins.
2. In a large bowl, stir together the pumpkin, oil, sugar, and eggs. Combine
the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in
another bowl; stir into the pumpkin mixture until well blended. Divide the
batter evenly between the prepared pans.
3. Bake loaf for 45 minutes to 1 hour; Bake mini-muffins for 14 or 15 minutes).
The top of the loaf should spring back when lightly pressed, and a toothpick
should come out clean.

****Try adding mini-chocolate chips to this recipe....it's the best!

From turkey pine cones...to our upcoming arrival

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 16:50:37 GMT

I am a horrible LJ friend...It has been 26 weeks since my last post! I am so embarrassed and I am very sorry (especially to you, Rach, since I joined in large measure to keep in touch with you on a daily basis!). I have been meaning to post an entry for some time, but it is funny, I get overwhelmed at where to start so I just don't do it. So I decided just to start with today:

Gavin is off to school, thanks to my husband, Jamie.  Gavin loves preschool and is doing well with the separation from his momma.  I, on the other hand, have my days.   I just miss him.  He is my little shadow and sidekick, so I often find myself wondering what he is doing at school during the time that he is gone.   We made turkey pine cones yesterday for the thanksgiving "favors/ name cards." My mom is actually hosting it this year, although my in-laws are cooking (my mom is not the best cook!).   What a wild batch of turkeys they turned out to be - all glittery, gluey, and feathers everywhere! I let Gavin take charge of the project and I can still see glue and glitter on the counters and on his little table. They are still headless - which makes them look even crazier, but I haven't figured out what to do about the heads. Every on-line craft site suggests an acorn, but acorns are not easy to come by in San Diego!

I have my OB appointment for the week today. I actually had it on Tuesday, but I totally forgot about it. I am blaming it on the Veteran's holiday and Gavin was home from school. Instead of being at the dr., we went to Java Mama, this playhouse/ coffeehouse in La Mesa.  Of course, Gavin got hurt (pinched his finger in the tubular jungle gym), so I would have been better off at the dr.'s, but I just didn't remember about the appointment. So they are squeezing me in today with a nurse.

A little recap from 26 weeks (yikes! again, I am sorry) ago: We are going to have a little girl any time now. If I don't have her on my own in the next week, they will induce me (not thrilled about the idea of being induced, but I have this horrible varicose vein in my private area and groin - a whole different post for another day: let's just say we call it "The Worm!" It is so painful and I have so much pelvic pressure that I feel as though this baby is going to fall out when I walk (although my OB assured me that this won't happen).  She isn't going to make me suffer past the 40 week mark, so thus, the induction day.  I am not a nervous pregnant woman (I still drink caffeine, sneak bites of Gavin's "hot dog on a stick,"etc.), but I am so nervous these days...I am sure this is normal, but it isn't me and it's making me and everyone around me a bit crazy. I just can't wait to meet her....

I hope you all have an amazing day!

Happy Mother's Day to Moms!

Mon, 12 May 2008 02:45:37 GMT

Happy Mother's Day to all you fabulous moms out there! You are appreciated and loved!

A very busy week...and now I am going to take a nap!

Sun, 06 Apr 2008 21:33:46 GMT

Monday - Gavin started swimming lessons today! He is going 3 x a week through the summer. It is intense and I dread driving over to Pacific Beach 3 times a week, but I really want him to be a good swimmer - or at least to know what to do if he falls in the pool. He seems to like it...we will see how it goes!

Tuesday - THE WIGGLES concert !!!!! I guess only a parent would understand how a grown woman (and man; yes, my husband even got excited) could be star struck when Anthony, Sam (the new Greg), Murray, and Jeff take the stage. I swear, my heart skipped a beat! We had amazing seats (third row) and Gavin even got high-fives. I was devastated when I forgot my camera, but we had a great time. Jamie and I know all of the words and I think Anthony is hot. He is the blue one! Gavin danced the whole night and acted like a true fan, rocking out to all of the songs!

Wednesday - our typical morning My Gym class was followed by an afternoon at the W Hotel in San Diego. They have a Mommy Playdate every month in the spring and summer at their Beach Bar (along with tons of sand, 15 minute massages, 1/2 prices appetizers, drinks, and even wine-tasting). The whole roof top bar is covered in sand, cushy chairs and lounges and lots of sand toys. Gavin had a blast and I managed to mingle with some moms and work on my tan ;) We ended the day with swimming and dinner at my parents'.

Thursday - SEA WORLD!!! We have passes to Sea World and the Zoo, but I swear, I still get chills every time "Shamu" jumps through the air.

Friday - Just a trip to Target and Costco...although a trip to both of these places with a 2 1/2 year old made me more tired than any of the previous activities. And more swim class, of course...

Saturday - Gavin, my mom, and I went up to Costa Mesa to meet my sister; Gavin calls her Annie M. We spent the day shopping, chatting, and catching up like old times. It is rare that the three of us girls (and now, Gavin) get to spend the day together. South Coast Plaza, a mecca for all you shoppers out there, is unreal. The Nordstrom even has a 4th floor - the Nordstrom Spa. It also boasts my favorite store in the world, INTERMIX. I first went there in NYC and was thrilled to learn there was one about an hour from my house.... I got a great new maxi dress for summer by Julie Brown. I spent my whole months' allowance on it, but I do like to live on the edge! Where will my coffee money come from now? I even dug around for change in the car this morning, hoping for some change (and it is only the 6th!!) South Coast even has a carousel - much to Gavin's delight! See, something for everyone!

Sunday - I ran at the beach for 90 minutes. My 57 year old dad and I are running the La Jolla 1/2 Marathon on April 27th. Because I am always pressed for time in the mornings, all of my training has been done on the treadmill. Have you guys ever ran 10 miles on the treadmill? It is a bit boring! Well, I ran outside today and it was AWESOME! I am sometimes utterly amazed at what one's body can do - I mean I had a baby and I can run so far! I am so proud of my progress and am SO ready to kick my dad's butt! (He is very competitive and always has been!)....maybe I will get him this time!

That was our busy week. I promise (yes, you, pupsgirl) that I will post more regularly! I need to figure out how to add photos...

Kool-Aid Play Dough

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 23:27:43 GMT

I survived the Toddler St. Patrick's Day Play date, although I need a nap (or a glass of wine!)!

I tried out several recipes for this craft and I thought I would share with you the kids' and my personal favorite. It was by far the easiest to do with little helpers. It also turned out to be the easiest to roll with a rolling pin and most malleable for snakes, trains, hot dogs...and all of their other creations.

Kool-Aid Play Dough
2 1/2 cups flour
1 cup salt
3 Tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cups boiling water
2 packages of unsweetened Kool-Aid (I added green food coloring to the Lemonade Kool-Aid because I couldn't find Lime).

It smells awesome and did not stain my fingers, or theirs! I let the kids pour and mix all of the ingredients in a big bowl and then added the boiling water. Once I mixed it a bit with a wooden spoon, I added the green food coloring and mixed it a bit more. Then I put the whole clump on their table and let their little fingers do the kneading. It will be slightly warm, but they didn't mind. It was lots of fun!

My first journal entry

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 04:33:50 GMT

I am getting ready to head to bed, but I finally signed up for Live Journal - mostly in an effort to communicate daily with my oldest and dearest friend who lives in NYC.

My husband, Jamie, has made great fun of me trying to pick out a user name. He vetoed most of my options. For example, "Golden Girl" reminded him of the 80s sitcom and he thought made me sound like an 80 year old. But who didn't love the Golden Girls - with that slutty Blanche, funny Sophia, wise-crack Dorothy, and naive Rose?? At any rate, I thought the name would make me sound tan! He liked "Microwave Momma" because he says I am Queen of Microwaving. I will admit that I am not much of a cook. However, I vetoed this name as I thought it highlighted my so-called imperfections and not my many qualities. Let's celebrate the positives!

So, after some deliberation, he helped me come up with Brownie Locks. Although he calls me Tozy...long story!

Anyway....Tomorrow Gavin and I are celebrating St. Patrick's Day with lots of GREEN! We have invited over some of his little friends to make green play dough (yes, I have made 2 test batches of it today and I think I love the smell - is that weird?), to share all green snacks (like green grapes, apples, avocado, green rice krispies, green m&ms....) and lots of fun. The best part is how excited he is about it and being the host to his friends.

I don't know what has come over me, but I have been very "craft-y" lately. Gavin likes it and Jamie thinks I am nuts!