Autumn

In Southern California, fall consists of one last heat wave, Santa Ana winds followed by wild fires. While this may not sound appealing- it is one of my favorite seasons in Southern California. Wildfires aren't exactly a good thing but the hazy orange sunsets with a creepy red sun are unbelievable. Something about a strong burst of warm wind that almost knocks you off your feet is exhilarating (especially if you accidentally wear a skirt!)

Taken outside of our apartment in 2007

Now that I live in an area where we have an actual autumn season, I really love fall. Instead of wildfire coverage on the news, there is a leaf color report. And if you can find a hill to look over, it looks like the trees are ablaze.

Taken at the Landscape Arboretum of Minnesota


And what other time of the year do you get to take fun pumpkin pic's of your kids?

Ever wondered what they do with these pumpkins? Here's one idea...

 Or have you ever seen a corn pit? Yes, a pit full of corn (dried thanks goodness!)- I thought it was fun... don't think Jack felt the same way...

Fall is definitely my favorite season. Pulling out the sweaters and scarfs, brushing off the pumpkin bread recipes and enjoying the bug free weather is just what we need before a long winter.

Happy Fall everyone!

Apple Jack Party

Jack's turning one and we're doing it Minnesota style.

I have no idea where I got the idea for an Apple Jack party but as soon I heard it, it stuck. There is a huge apple harvest in Minnesota in September, perfect for my Johnny Appleseed.

The hunt for all things apples started in August, when we moved into our new house. Michael's had some super cute apple gear I scooped up at the dollar spot, including his invitations.

Here is the house all decked out for apple fun.


For the itty bitty ones, I made these little apple hats- yes they look like some sort of elementary school project but I couldn't help myself. Jack wasn't a fan...

We had an apple tasting station for guests to try the popular varietals of Minnesotan apples.

We used caramel apples for the favors with more of those darn cute stickers from Michaels.

Jack's highchair...

With my oven out of order, I had to go ahead and order Jack's cake last minute. I got this cake from Byerly's (similar to Bristol Farms for my CA friends). They gave us the round cake for free for his first birthday- Woohoo!

 

and the apple cake... yes it's cheesy- but I couldn't think of anything better to write :P

Jack's big present? A Radioflyer wagon which he enjoyed getting rides around the lawn in. His favorite gift? Tickle Me Elmo- he went CRAZY for it!

(whats cuter than a baby in a wagon? two! Jack and his buddy Jude)

Jack had a great time at his party. Full of smiles, laughter and a few steps too! Thanks to everyone who came to share this special day with our little guy.

A movie with Jack's cake demolition and Tickle Me Elmo fun will be posted on FB soon!

Here we go again

I'm pregnant... again.

On the third night of living under our new roof, it occurred to me - I had missed something... something that was now 2 weeks late. 2 weeks you might ask? Yes, 2 weeks of packing, cleaning, purging out all the junk one accumulates over time. 2 weeks that included not one, but TWO negative pregnancy tests. So while I was unpacking our bathroom and stumbled upon a pregnancy test and took it (always buy the multipack!). It turned positive instantly. In slight disbelief I went into the other room and told Ryan. His expression was priceless, he was so genuinely happy.

quite similar to this... The day Jack was born

I, on the other hand, had several different emotions and thoughts overcome me. Yes, of course I was excited, what a true blessing! But also shocked and a little scared. The thought of having 2 under 2 floored me. Two sizes of diapers, two carseats and double strollers filled my mind. It didn't seem real-I can't be pregnant can I? Then it all started to click, the 3 hour naps, that 3 pounds that just won't budge, the tears during an Oreo commercial, the random cravings for beans and rice... oh baby I'M PREGNANT

L

Look what I did!

At my first doctors appointment a week later, they did what I've heard is called a "bean-scan"- looking for the little bean of a baby- sure enough there it was, little heart beating like crazy. All my doubts and anxiety melted away instantly. There was my beautiful beanie baby!

source: (www.jellybelly.com)

Mostly, I've been feeling great- a little tired, a little moody- ok A LOT moody but hanging in there. And one of my favorite parts of pregnancy has already started, the cravings- from broccoli nachos (yes, chips, cheese, and the green stuff) to chocolate donuts to Olive Garden, I want it all! Good thing the doctor gave me to OK to continue exercising!

Baby #2 is due 4/1/11 so Jack and beanie baby will be 18 months apart. Someone told me it's good to have them so close together because they won't know life without eachother- I like that.

Advenutres of Captain Jack

Captain Jack has been very busy.

On Monday, he made an innocent teddy walk the plank...

He went exploring in uncharted territory, reaping havoc along the way.

Stopped to rest during his travels but not for long...

What will Jack be up to next? Stay tuned....

One small step for man....

Jack took three steps Monday! Mind you it was in about 1 foot of water... where my timid little Virgo can fall safely without getting hurt- but they were still steps! However, that was all of the unsupported walking he has done this week...

(completely unrelated picture, but they both are so cute!)

Will he be walking by his first birthday? You can contact Ryan with any bets.

Molé

Having a baby makes it easy to neglect the fury members of the family. Our poor Molé never saw it coming when we picked her up at the Agoura Hills animal shelter 3 years ago. We had stopped in "just to look" - something I'm sure that shelter hears a lot- and fell in love with a little runt of cat. She's been with us through all of our life changes, definitely not by choice.

"This place ain't big enough for the two of us"

Originally named Daisy, we decided this little kitty needed a name with attitude. It took us a week to decide on a name but it came to us driving home from a day at Olvera Street in Los Angeles. It sounded like a good name at the time but after moving to Minnesota, I think I may resort to calling her kitty- molé isn't exactly popular out here (google it or ask me to make it for you!) When we take her to the vet, they call out a few different words... mole, mole? molly? mule?  ummmm Ashley Young?

"Mole"

After going through a flight across country (on my lap, with one hand in the carrier, 8 months pregnant), a new baby brother and a Minnesota winter- dear Molé, your patience has been rewarded. You now have a new house with a big yard and a gentlemen caller across the way (whom we call Big Orange). I hope you are as happy as we are watching you enjoy your new territory.

FML OMG it's HFMD

Something has come over Jack and it ain't pretty. From cute cuddly little baby hitchin' a ride with Kermit...

To this, overnight, nonstop.

Jack has what's known as Hand Foot Mouth Disease, a very common enterovirus that- according to our pediatrician is spreading like wildfire this summer. The main diagnostic symptom are red bumps on- you guessed it- hands, feet and mouth area, here they are on Jack little drumsticks... It reminds me a lot of chicken pox.

(best I could do with a crappy camera and wiggly baby)

Accompanied by a slight fever, sore throat, and exhausted parents covered in drool and snot, HFMD is not for the faint of heart. This is Jack's first real illness, we've been through colds and coughs but nothing like this. It takes 3-5 days for the virus to run its course and we're only on day one. Our pediatrician instructed us to alternate Tylenol and Ibuprofen and make sure he gets plenty of fluids. I'm sure there's some sort of holistic alternative out there but we are DESPERATE- so Walgreen's it is, and it really really helps, and I mean really really.

All I can say is thank God Ryan is home this week or else I might have be mistaken as a psych patient by the end of the weekend. If your little one contracts this, God bless you. Get ready to do A LOT of laundry, make a lot of coffee, and spend even more time holding your munchkin than you thought possible.

For more information on HFMD click here