Mr. & Mrs. OB

Happy Love Day

2012-02-14T09:40:00.000-08:00

I say this every year on this Hallmark holiday, not the biggest fan. But I am a huge LOVE fan and when I saw this on Jamie of All Trades I had to share it.

I hope you celebrate all the types of love in your life!

Daddy Daycare

2012-02-13T15:26:00.000-08:00

My new work schedule is Monday - Thursday most of the time. Last week, I had to work Friday and Saturday so the Little Miss spent the days with her daddy.

S loves her mornings snuggled up in our bed. Miss S

I love this little bundle. This was the first piece of clothing John bought when we found out we were preggers. Scarlett already knows how to work him over as she came home with another new outfit. :)

O'Brien Family Pics

2012-02-08T13:16:00.000-08:00

We had photos taken with the O'Brien side over Christmas. Loved doing this. Here are some of the un-edited shots. Thank you, Nan! Group shot - this was our last set of photos, meltdowns were beginning :)
Matt, Kieran, Brooke

Jack, Pat, Katie, Rory

Scarlett and meFamily shot - love her little face in this one

Daddy and his girl

Our baby girlThe girls - Kieran & ScarlettTrying to lean all of them together to prop themselves up :) Jack wasn't so interested in pics with the babies but standing on a chair behind them, thumbs up! :)

Thank you, Mary, for their adorable shirts!! We love them!

Thank you, Nan, for your incredible patience and beautiful pics!!

All photos via Nan B Photography

Her tummy

2012-02-07T16:16:00.000-08:00

Tummy time in her 1st month Finding her tummy cozy again

Moneyball Stars :)

2012-02-02T14:59:00.001-08:00

A few weeks ago we watched "Moneyball." I very much enjoyed the flick! My mother in-law, John and I were so excited to see Matt's name in the movie from his baseball playing days!

There he is -Left Hand Pitcher O'Brien, right above the flash! So cool! :)

John is in New York all week for work. Last night, he took some clients to The Daily Show (John interned there after college and his Uncle works for the show) and Brad Pitt was the guest! Oh the jealousy, 4 feet from my husband! Ahh! John reports he is tall unlike most Hollywood leading men and as handsome as he is on the big screen!

Via
Here he is last night leaving the show. He is in another long hair phase, not my fave. I thought you would enjoy this tidbit, Mariel! :)

Scarlett rolling

2012-02-01T16:06:00.000-08:00

Here is a video from last night of Scarlett doing her favorite thing: rolling. She has been slowly figuring out to roll herself back over from tummy to back - still not consistent enough to snag it on video! Feel free to turn your volume down so you don't have to listen to me!!

And the messes begin...

2012-01-30T12:26:00.000-08:00

Both of the grandmas had recommended feeding S rice cereal. This weekend we introduced it and a spoon to the Little Miss and she is loving it. Our little bird dives her mouth right into it.

John giving it a whirl Fingers in mouth have become a permament pose

S - I will get better at actually getting the food in your mouth

Missing her

2012-01-29T11:15:00.000-08:00

S is definitely missing her grandmas today after two weeks of love and snuggles!

Gigi, we miss you already. Thank you for everything - meals, two date nights, presents, coffee runs, and so much more. We love you!

Woo hoo it is the weekend!

2012-01-28T10:57:00.000-08:00

This week flew by - I was not looking forward to Saturday because it meant my mom was leaving. Thankfully though she had her ticket wrong, she doesn't leave until Sunday! Yea for one more day!!

Morning snuggles with the little miss are my favorite

My mom brought S into my office on Wednesday afternoon for a visit!

We visited the SF Flower Market with my co-worker Nicole on Thursday to pick up flowers for an event. S loved all the colors!

While I was away at work S had some convos with Gigi in her crib

Then played the roll over game

I had to work late on Thursday night in Santa Rosa - such a gorgeous spot for our event definitely helped being away from my girl for my longest period yet

My so thoughtful bestie, Kel, sent us these adorable mailboxes to make for a sweet Valentine's Day!

Via
We went on a date last night with our friends, Dave & Cat, to dinner where we used Savored to score 30% off our dinner then to see Fitz & The Tantrums - who were so fabulous! Absolutely loved walking out of the concert to hop in our ride waiting at the curb to escort us home via Uber - technology at its finest!

Grandmas

2012-01-25T09:53:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the lack of posts as of late - my transition back to work combined with the little miss not sleeping at night is leaving me feeling wiped. Seriously could not be any more grateful for these two. I cannot even fathom what these past two weeks would have been like without them. Pam - thank you thank you thank you for caring for our girl, all the meals, desserts and support! Scarlett misses her Nana!

This pic was taken when we did a grandma swap on Saturday. One week with her Nana, now S is spending a week with her Gigi. Spoiled with love doesn't even begin to cover it! :) S is rolling constantly back to tummy and scooting. I will try to post some video.

Scarlett: 4 Months

2012-01-18T11:39:00.000-08:00

This one seems big to me, 4 months old! 1/3 of her first year of life - wow it has gone by in a blink. Scarlett is rapidly changing each day and constantly showcasing one of her new skills.

Her stats as of 1/12 were:

Weight - 13lbs. 14oz. (70%)

Height - 24 inches (70%)

Oh the many faces of our Little Miss - she definitely has her daddy's serious side but boy does she wake up with a smile. She is making us work harder for her giggles - she likes new material. S is a gabber, loves to talk and talk - her Nana even got her singing yesterday.

She definitely has faces for when she is unsure, inquisitive, and oh the face she made when John and I tried to give her formula! We wanted to give it a try - oh she was having none of it and gave us a look like "don't think you can pull a fast one on me."She is loving her newfound skills for moving. Our girl is rolling - being on the floor means she is flipping from her back to her tummy. Still not so sure about flipping back over to her back when she gets there but likes to repeat the move often. Being on her tummy has never been a favorite but last night after her bath she kept trying to roll over on her changing table so John helped her over. Boy did she love her tummy then - she looked at us with a look like "Hello, all I wanted was a little cushion for my belly and elbows stop putting me on the floor." It was classic.

Her arms and legs are in constant motion. She wants to sit up so bad. S is always doing what I refer to as the Pilates 100 - her little head/shoulders raised as high as she can along with her legs while laying down. Baby girl is working on her core! She still loves to be standing and pushing herself up from sitting to standing with our support. She is so enjoying her Johnny Jump - mainly just hanging so far.

Oh sleep, how I miss you! Our Christmas vacation really did a number on Scarlett's sleeping combined with what I am told was her 4 month sleep regression plus a growth spurt in height. Our little milk monster was up every 45 minutes eating or just needing some company for about 2 weeks. We are working on her learning how to put herself back to sleep after her intital 1/2 hour wakeup. I think crying it out is in our near future. Scarlett is sleeping for about four hours, three hours, two hours off and on.

Scarlett, I fall more in love with you everyday.

Back at work

2012-01-17T15:57:00.000-08:00

So I have made it through my 1st day back at work - not at hard as I thought it would be. Well considering I cried everyday leading up to it and a little on the way in, maybe it was the build up! A BIG reason for my ease it that the Little Miss is with her Nana at home. We are so lucky to have Nana/Pam here for my 1st week back! It made things so much easier this morning and then we continue our luck with my mom coming for next week! We are so incredibly blessed and I cannot thank the grandmas enough for helping me with this transition! I might not find leaving her with our nanny in two weeks quite so easy.I also have the best team in the world who greeted me with a beautiful sign on my door, tissue poms hanging, hugs, cards and flowers! I have missed them!
I also had to laugh when I went into the bathroom today, a bit different since my last photo in there!

Bedtime rituals...

2012-01-12T10:12:00.000-08:00

Are becoming my favorite time of day.

Photos from the weekend

2012-01-09T09:35:00.001-08:00

We had a sunshine filled weekend - great start to January!

S and I did a lot of clothes changing on Friday to see what currently fits her - could not get enough of her little leggies!

Let the Sophie obsession begin - equally obsessed with those little leggies in Baby Legs

We went for lovely long walk in Tiburon - we stopped at a bench to enjoy the views and some lifts from her daddy

We had a gorgeous sunset view on the way back

Baby Must Haves at 3 Months

2012-01-05T11:35:00.000-08:00

I forgot I wrote this post awhile ago but nothing has changed! There are definitely certain items we would be lost without! While some things were necessary at certain points, these items have been staples and are used everyday.

Soothies - it took a couple weeks to interest her in a pacifier but now these are amazing for her. I love them, my mom also made an adorable clip/strap to help them stay on.

Sleep Sheep/White Noise - we started with the sleep sheep which we still use every night putting her to bed. I downloaded a white noise app for my IPhone, so wonderful! I leave it on all night and during the day at times for her naps. Love that we can turn it on anywhere!

Aquaphor - on a rec from our pediatrician we started using this exclusively for her diaper rash at one week old, it is truly a miracle product for Scarlett.

Stroller - I looooove our stroller, everything about it. The huge basket underneath, how I can use one hand to steer it out a door, I cried when we took the bassinet off and put on the big kid seat. I love the carseat attachment once I learned which way was the front - we were so those parents outside a restaurant unable to get our carseat attached. :)

Ergo - another must have for us. We wore this everyday during weeks 3-5ish, it was the only way she would fall asleep at night or not cry during the witching hours. I also find it very easy to put on and comfortable.

Brestfriend - I am using it less and less as we nurse on the go a lot but this was a life saver for my back in those early weeks. It also helps for those middle of the night feedings when I fall doze offwhile she is eating.

Burp clothes/blankets - you cannot have enough of either in my mind or maybe because we don't have a washer/dryer in our apartment. I have burp clothes in every room in the house. Scarlett is not a big spitter upper but it always happens when I am not prepared. For blankets, I love the Aden & Adonis muslin blankets for a lighter swaddle/keeping in the diaper bag, SwaddleMe for daytime swaddling now that it is colder, and her handmade blankets from both of her grandmas!

Halo Sleepsack and Summer Infant Swaddle Me - Scarlett is in this every night to go to sleep. She broke out of every blanket we tried to use at night. She used to fight the swaddle but now she recognizes it is time for sleep. I also love that I can unzip from the bottom to change her at night so I don't have to un-swaddle her.

Swing - we did not get this product until she was about 6 weeks but I use it every single day. She takes her longest nap of the day - usually 2-3 hours - in her swing every morning. I so appreciate that this swing plugs in vs. using a zillion batteries.

All images via Amazon.com

Bath Time

2012-01-04T16:10:00.000-08:00

Bath time is when I can really see how much our little miss is growing - happening so fast!!!

Christmas Day

2012-01-01T10:32:00.001-08:00

I have always loved Christmas but it is now amplified with Scarlett and will only continue to grow I am sure! We spent Christmas at my parents with the Donovans and Evans. Our Christmas movie this year was "We Bought a Zoo." We all loved it, highly recommend!! Huge thanks to my dad for babysitting S so I could go - even on crutches he could pull off taking care of her. :)

S taking it all in

Opening stockings with her daddy

Playing with Auntie C

Prints of boys playing in their fave place, Palm Desert

We were tuckered out after our big morning!

Kecks stopped by Christmas night

Family shot

Jake, Mon, Courty, Lynnlee

John took over carving duties for my dad while he played "Gordon Ramsey" on crutches

One of my favorites

Getting ready to say goodnight

The guys - Fully, Mike, John, Jim, Jake

Christmas Eve

2012-01-01T10:25:00.000-08:00

We all knew this was going to be such a special Christmas because of all of our amazing blessings and new arrivals. We spent Christmas Eve at Matt & Brooke's for lunch with the O'Brien side and then all our families came for dinner. What a special day!

There was a Clark W. Griswold theme to the festivities

O'Brien pic in front of their sock monkey themed tree!

Bill & Ann

The girls who are 2 weeks apart - Scarlett & Kieran

Jack & Nana opening presents

Kieran and her Bubs, Christie

The chef and delicious prime rib!

Fully, Bill, Jerry

Courty, S aka Mrs. Claus, Lynnlee

The girls and Rory, who is doing great and very unimpressed with the pajama photo shoot

Ready for Santa!

Santa Pictures & Brunch

2012-01-01T10:21:00.000-08:00

We went to downtown Nordies again this year to see Santa since Jack's wish last year was cousins!! He definitely got that plus a brother!

Scarlett was definitely uninterested in the man in red

Jack, however, was terrified and what I imagine the cousins will all be next year. Rory slept through the whole thing. :)

As we were told Santa only has two hands so Nana had to hop in the cousins picture. Pam/Nana got in line at 7:15a.m. so we were third in line and were able to have our pictures taken right when they opened. Amazing, Pam, thank you!

One of their grandchildren must have done something cute :)

Brothers enjoying breakfast at the WAC

Xmas Party

2012-01-01T10:17:00.000-08:00

Our annual Xmas party always kicks off the holiday festivities for me. We had a smaller group this year missing lots of kiddos (yes really adults but still the kids).

Mike, Fully, Rick, LL, Sue, Martha, Peg, Cork, Monica, Jim

Sue got some big time smiles from S

Fully, Monica, Oliver and some serious licking of Mon's fac - note my dad's crutches with cup attachment so he could carry a glass of egg nog during the festivities

The boys getting some serious laughs over previous years Xmas party group photos

The kids - John, Em, Casey, Mandy, Lauren, Johnny, John, Corky (We missed you Courty, Stacy, Jake, Alex, Millans, Odlands)

Scarlet: 3 Month

2011-12-29T14:38:00.001-08:00

So I am developing a trend of always writing these late but better late than never! Oh our little 3 month old, each day discovering something new.

Your next appointment isn't for a couple weeks but we think these are your current stats

Weight: 13.5lbs.

Height: 23 inches

Clothes - 3-6 months, some 6 month

Our darling baby girl...

Your current loves are your hands - they fascinate you and are constantly in your mouth. You are becoming quite the talker - you love to have conversations with people and have them repeat your jabber. You will talk to yourself at length but don't love to talk in front of a lot of people. You love to be standing, you would like to just bypass the sitting and go straight to the standing position. You look so proud of yourself when you are standing up.

If you are hungry or tired, you can get fussy other than that you are such an easygoing baby. You jut out your bottom lip and burst out a wail when you get scared or have a little stranger anxiety. You take two great long naps each day in the a.m. and p.m. usually with some shorter ones throughout. You love your baths still and go down pretty easy at bedtime - staying asleep has become an issue as of late and getting up more frequently. I know you will sleep through the night when you are ready but your mama is hoping this improves before heading back to work!

We love you so much Scar, Sweetness, Button, Munch, Scarlydo, Baby Girl, Little Miss

xoxo

Oh how I cannot wait to see these pics...

2011-12-29T09:00:00.001-08:00

We did an O'Brien side photo shoot with a high school friend of John & Matt, Nan Brotherton. We did some cousin only shots, individual families, grandparents and a big group shot. I only wish we would have snapped a photo of all of us trying to catch the attention of these four little ones - singing and making noises!

Thank you Mary for the adorable onsies with their names!!

Scarlett traveling the city

2011-12-28T13:02:00.001-08:00

Being away from our Seattle friends and families meant Scarlett had some very important people to meet - Aunt Brooke, Uncle Pat, Cousin Rory & Cousin Kieran, family and friends! She was a busy girl!

Annual Girls Brunch - Erica & Savannah, Mac & Ellie, Charlie, Scarlett & I, Courtney & Carter

Scarlett

(3 months), Savannah (4 1/2 months), Carter (11 months) and Ellie (16 m

onths)

We did a Happy Birthday visit to Marci to see her and Miss Anna!

Anna and Scarlett

Kelsey came over for a visit and to "watch" the 49er's game!

Meeting her Auntie Mariel

With Kelsey & Sean

Pam's sister, Mary, and her son, Nicholas came down from Canada for a visit

She got to see her Auntie Steph mutliple times!

S loves visits with her Auntie Kel

Lilly Rae is an awesome bff/baby sitter :)

2 month professional pics

2011-12-19T16:02:00.000-08:00

I never got it together to coordinate Scarlett's newborn pics. So when the photographer I wanted had a last minute opening for a holiday mini shoot, I jumped on it! We met at a park in Livermore on an early Sunday morning - Scarlett was barely two months and did great! Thank you Lori for capturing our family of 3!

All photos via Images by Lori

Meeting Rory

2011-12-18T19:25:00.001-08:00

My mom and I snuck over from the surgery center to the Hopps house for a visit and to meet Rory!

Rory is doing so much better! He is our Christmas miracle!

Jack, Nana, and Scarlett

Scarlett reuniting with her Aunt Katie

New Hip

2011-12-18T18:58:00.000-08:00

My dad has his hip replaced last Friday. He is doing amazing and coming home today! Thank you so much to our family for calling him and all the friends who stopped to visit him and bring treats. Even if there was a hidden agenda to see Scarlett, he felt very loved!

Reviewing his exercises with mom aka Nurse Nancy for the next 6 weeks!
Nana Pam walked over from work on Friday to see her Scarlett!

Cork came for mutliple visits - this day after he finished his surgeries!

Ricky brought my dad Paseo's and an array of treats!

Mike and Peggy stopped by too - they brought S this adorable hat!

Lisa and Tom came for a visit

She just might have been his favorite daily visitor!

Ready for Christmas

2011-12-18T09:00:00.000-08:00

I meant to post this awhile ago but the days just get away from me! I absolutely love Christmas decor and cannot wait to get mine up! I also put it up pretty early on since we are in Seattle for the holidays.We had a great 1st flight to Seattle last Thursday! Scarlett slept through security till halfway through the flight!

Loved this Christmas vignette in my room that my mom did - including a letter from my little self to Santa!My mom also bought coasters with each of our initials on it to use as gift tags this year - they look so cute!

The little miss checking out her bumbo for the first time which has been living at my parents since my shower!

Rory Update & Our Weekend

2011-12-12T12:54:00.001-08:00

Our nephew is Rory is doing so much better! Yesterday, he moved out of the ICU to his own room in Acute Care!! They are hoping he will be able to go home tomorrow. Thank you so much for all of the care and concern. Seattle Children's Hospital is the most amazing place with such incredible nurses and doctors - so thankful! We have so much to celebrate this Christmas with lots of hand washing!! :)

This little one is so happy her cousin is feeling better and is counting down the days till she gets to meet him!

John's company holiday party was on Friday night so we had our 1st babysitter (besides my mom). Meghan and John used to work together - we can't thank her enough for taking such good care of our girl! Scarlett definitely had the prettiest and coolest babysitter in SF!

We got the best surprise visit from Mike this weekend! He flew in on Saturday morning to meet the little miss and leaves tonight. So hoping we can get out to D.C. sometime this year to visit! Scarlett was loving her Uncle Mike!

We also had another great visit with John's Uncle Tim & Aunt Patti in town from Atlanta! They were in town for Tim's holiday party - Scarlett was quite taken with Patti and her fabulous Boston/Southern accent.

Best mail ever! Can't wait to stand my beautiful girl's side in May!!

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John was also promoted on Thursday!! Wahoooo, way to go JPO!!!

Our little man Rory

2011-12-09T14:11:00.000-08:00

Our nephew, Rory, needs your prayers and good thoughts sent his way. He is in the NICU at Seattle Children's Hospital with a respiratory virus called RSV. He is such a strong little guy at 3 weeks of age - such a fighter and has been able to get more rest but breathing is still a challenge. Please add another little prayer for his mama and daddy.

Starbucks' Banana Walnut Loaf

2011-12-06T12:55:00.000-08:00

I went crazy for Starbucks' Banana Walnut Loaf after Scarlett was born eating it pretty much everyday! I wanted to make it at home and was thrilled to find they released the recipe for it a few years ago. It tastes exactly the same, my last batch was even better and more fresh!

Via

This blog has a great step by step recipe. My oven seems to take way longer and I use a smaller bread pan because that is what I have - my cook time is about 1 hour 20 mins. I cover the loaf with foil for the last 20 or so to prevent the top from burning.

Merry December!

2011-12-05T11:59:00.000-08:00

This holiday season seems to have just an extra bit of sparkle thanks to our baby girl! My mom has given Scarlett Christmasy outfits for pretty much each day in December!

She was festive for a visit to my office!

These two are quite smitten with each other.

Love her smiles!

We went for a walk in the Presidio and I could not get over the hydrangeas in bloom on December 2nd!

I decorate for Xmas before we go to Palm Desert to enjoy it that much longer so we have a fake tree since we are in Seattle for Xmas - I always miss the smell so we get a real wreath and garland. Loved the Guardsman tree lot at Fort Mason - free wine and indoors - so SF.

We were so happy to have a visit from Christine & Justin on Sunday!

Cougar Pride!!!

2011-12-03T09:51:00.000-08:00

So excited about our new WSU Football Coach Mike Leach! You can tell Coug fans already are feeling the new energy and ready for a fresh start! Four Coug flags on ESPN College Game Day - Go Cougs!!

2011 Thanksgiving

2011-11-30T12:18:00.001-08:00

We had a wonderful vacation and Thanksgiving in Palm Desert with absolutely gorgeous weather. Scarlett also got to meet some of our favorite people! We missed our O'Brien family though - only a few more weeks till we are all together!!

The "Monet inspired" guest bedroom wallpaper was Scarlett's obsession! She could not stop staring at it and would talk to the wall. If she ever got upset, we would say you want to go see your Monet??

Grandpa Fully babysat one night so my mom, Courty and I could go see Twilight while John was out for a bit. I only checked in once. :) Looooved the movie, yes it was cheesy but the movie is about vampires, a vampire baby and werewolves so I expected cheese!

Auntie C did a couple trips to the desert because she started a new job and was moving into a new apartment in Hermosa Beach - wahoo!

We had brunch with this adorable family of three! Lilly Rae giving Scarlett some kisses!

The "John's" and Scarlett ready for a dip

Scarlett with her Aunt Marth & Uncle Cork

A bazillion kisses from her Gigi

Swimming with her daddy

She loved naps outside in the warm weather - in the shade of course

Obsessed with Grandpa Fully blowing bubbles in the pool

Watching Apple Cup with Kelly

Scarlett snoozing with her Uncle PP and Aunt Kelly

The boys loving on Scarlett - oh if their college selves could see them coo at a baby!

Scarlett: 2 Months

2011-11-30T11:54:00.000-08:00

I think I have been procrastinating on writing Scarlett's 2 month post because I cannot believe how fast time is going by. I am so thankful for how much our baby girl is growing and thriving but I just wish I could hit pause sometimes. Each day she seems to discover something new and change just a little bit more.

Her 2 Month Stats (as of 11/16):

Weight - 11lb. 7oz. (80th percentile)

Height - 22.25 inches (50th percentile)

Clothes - 0-3 months, 3 months

The smile - John and I both say making her smile is the greatest part of our day. There is no feeling like it, this little girl has our hearts. Scarlett has definitely discovered a love for talking - such a shocker considering I am her mama. She brings me to tears as she concentrates on making sounds - her eyes water and the tip of her nose turns red, ahhh and I blubber with pride. She loves to have the noises she makes said back to her in conversation.

She was such a perfect angel for the drive to/from Palm Desert. Our baby girl loves to be on the move, on the go, busy. She loves her carseat, car rides, walks especially in the Ergo, is a dream on shopping trips and eating out. As long as she is fed, she is happy to go anywhere. :)

Baths are still a favorite time for John and her. She also discovered a love for the swimming pool in Palm Desert. I think she will be a little fish like her mama - right John?!

Oh our little Miss Scarlett, Sweetness, Scarlydo, Scarly, baby girl, lil bug/button, Slo, - you make everything better, brighter and more special. You have even made your daddy a morning person! Watching you discover your world a little more each day is the greatest blessing. I love you oodles and boodles!

Hello there!

2011-11-29T09:40:00.000-08:00

We are back from a wonderful week in Palm Desert! I promise more pics and updates to come plus Scarlett's very delayed 2 month post!

Nephew #2 has arrived!!!

2011-11-17T14:36:00.001-08:00

Rory Michael Hopps

Born today at 7:58a.m.

7lbs. 11oz.

Baby brother to Jack

Amazing new addition to our family that I can't wait to squeeze! So much love and hugs to Katie & Pat and big brother Jack! XOXO

Also Happy Birthday to my Aunt Annie!!

Latest Obsessions

2011-11-15T15:39:00.000-08:00

I mean we are obsessed with her - loving all the new faces she is making daily

Finally went to our Umami Burger in our neighborhood - delicious!

Had our picture taken on Sunday - can't wait to see them

-----

I try to go to bed when Scarlett goes down since it is still a gamble as to when she wakes up but these two shows totally suck me into staying up till 11!

Via

Homeland on Showtime is the best new show! Claire Danes is so fantastic on this show as is the entire cast. Love this show!

Via

This season of Sons is so ridiculously good. I cannot wait for tonight's episode, fingers crossed Scarlett sleeps till 2am! :)

Oh so close...

2011-11-15T09:10:00.000-08:00

To seeing this movie!! So looking forward to it!

Our Week in Pics

2011-11-10T16:12:00.000-08:00

Reaching her hands up high is a fave move

She looked like such a big girl in jeans - I hated it, she is getting so big! Changed her pants. :)

Went for our weekly walk with Jen - she was enjoying the bay breeze

The walk adventure tuckered her out - I thought I could sneak in a grocery store visit, oh boy did she let me know that was a bad idea :)

John says - "Although not always accurate...best alarm clock ever"

Cheers to the Weekend

2011-11-07T10:34:00.001-08:00

The temps have cooled and it feels like Fall has finally arrived in SF! So happy! We had a great time getting together with Cougs - which made up for the abismal game! We celebrated Jake & Bethany at their engagement party. Scarlett had a big day! We also enjoyed dinner with our friends Dave & Cat on Sunday night before John and Dave went to see Weird Al Yankovik in Oakland. They said it was an awesome show.

The little miss was all Coug'd out!

This is now how I double fist - pacifier, baby and beer

Family photo with Butch

I was so excited to see these AGD ladies! Laura, Carrie, Lyndsy, Lindsay, Lisa and Kris - thank you for taking the pic Erin, somehow we didn't get a pic together, looking at pics of Raleigh instead! :)

The little miss loved all the attention at the pre game rally

CAL's stadium is being remodeled so they are playing at AT&T Park - it was neat to see the setup.

She was the most bundled fan at the game!

We also got to see 2 of the Bouza sisters - Jordan and Alex! Made my heart happy :)

Scarlett attended her 1st party at Jake & Bethany's to celebrate their engagement - she also got to meet most of the Millan family!

She was loving you, Cath!

White Chicken Chili

2011-11-03T21:54:00.000-07:00

I am all about easy meals right now! Something I can throw together fast or that I can cook in one pot. I love chili for Halloween and wanted to try a new recipe this year. Of course, I never took a pic (even after eating it two nights)! This was delicious and John said will be making another appearance at our house!

White Chicken Chili
Recipe courtesy The Neelys

Serves 4-6

2 (14.5-ounce) cans white beans
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 medium jalapeno pepper, minced
2 medium poblano peppers, chopped - My store didn't have these so I used canned green chilis
1 large onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon ancho chili powder
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 limes, juiced, plus lime wedges, for serving
1 rotisserie chicken, skin removed and meat shredded
1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves
Sour cream, for topping
Tortilla chips, coarsely crushed, for topping - I left these out

Directions
Drain and rinse the canned white beans. In a medium bowl, mash half of the beans with a potato masher until chunky. Reserve the beans until needed.

Add the canola oil to a large Dutch oven and heat it over medium-high heat. Add the peppers, onions, and garlic and saute until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Season the vegetables with salt, and pepper, to taste. Add the cumin, coriander, and chili powder and continue to saute for 1 more minute to toast the spices. Stir in the chicken stock, and lime juice and bring to a simmer. Add the beans and continue to simmer for 20 more minutes.

After 20 minutes of simmering, taste for seasoning, and adjust if necessary. Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken and cilantro and simmer until heated through, about 5 more minutes. Serve the chili in individual bowls topped with a dollop of sour cream, crushed tortilla chips, and lime wedges.

Scarlett's 1st Halloween

2011-11-01T10:03:00.000-07:00

We definitely loved Scarlett in her little costume - we didn't want to take it off she looked so cute! My mom had swooped on this at Costco before she was even born to match her buddy Hobie. The next street over goes all out for Halloween. They move all the cars, create parties in their garages, shut down the streets to traffic so the kids can run everywhere. Here are some pics of our kitty!

Our kitty cats

Obligatory "why are you torturing me in the outfit" pic

The stress of getting into the costume/photos tuckered her out

One of the decorated homes

John taking Scarlett for her 1st Trick or Treat

One of the decorated homes

1st Trick or Treat earnings!

Blurry pic - hundreds of people on these three blocks

She woke up to take it all in.

Then gave us a big yawn to let us know she was over it!

Halloween morning

2011-10-31T12:19:00.000-07:00

Good Morning and Happy Halloween

We met Jen for an a.m. walk

Crazy fog along Chrissy Field - the Golden Gate Bridge is somewhere in there :)

Visit from Ian

2011-10-31T12:13:00.001-07:00

Our good friend, Ian, came for a visit this weekend to meet Scarlett and attend the Downtown Showdown snowboarding event with John.

Brunch at Presidio Social Club with 3 of my favorites

Scarlett was so excited her Uncle Ian was here she woke up almost every hour on Friday night but some Saturday morning snuggles totally made up for it. :)

John snapped this shot - she is catching up to Hobster's size!

Cuddles and football with her Uncle Ian! Thank you for coming! We love you!

A few moments from this week...

2011-10-28T13:14:00.000-07:00

Just saying hi during her nap

All dressed and ready to take her daddy to work - I just love that John rides in the backseat with her when we drop him at the office for those few extra minutes with her

She loves to stretch out

She found her love of the pacifier

Morning snuggles with her daddy

Enjoying a walk through Fort Mason

Tummy time

The Hobster

2011-10-24T09:00:00.000-07:00

Hobie has been relatively uninterested in Scarlett thus far. This past week, he was more annoyed as to why John wasn't home everyday now. He has started waking up with me for the middle of of the night feedings and sitting outside her room to wait for me. The other night though, he could not have been cuter. I had to wake John.

He hopped up on the bed and cuddled right up in my breast feeding pillow to wait for us.

Our Week in Pics

2011-10-22T18:49:00.000-07:00

We had a great first week on our own. We visited LLS so Scarlett could meet my co-workers and attended her first business meeting while we were there to provide cuddle time! I also joined a new parent group at a fabulous place here in SF, Day One, that I will be going to once a week. So enjoyed meeting other moms with babies close in age and sharing our similar experiences.

My side profile has changed some!

One of Little Miss' new fave sleeping spots

We attended the San Francisco Light The Night Walk at Union Square on Thursday night. So wonderful to see my team and help celebrate their amazing success! They truly are amazing - 3 walks in one week and raising more money than ever. I miss them!

So excited to introduce Scarlett to one the best mamas I know - my coworker, Tiffany

On Friday, we went to John's office to meet all of his co-workers. She also sat in our first conference call with her daddy, she obviously was super impressed!

John's fabulous CEO, Alex, enjoying some cuddle time

This morning, Scarlett and I had a wonderful visit with the newly engaged, Jen, who was in town from Seattle! We enjoyed the sunshine and walking to the ferry building. I used to nanny Jen and her sisters - Jen was in 7th grade when I started and now she is engaged! Could not be more excited for my little bride to be! XOXO

Scarlett: 1 Month

2011-10-18T21:32:00.000-07:00

Our baby girl is 1 month old today - the fastest, challenging and most wonderful month of our lives. September 18th will forever be the most precious day of my life. Scarlett and the love we feel for her is more than either of us could have ever imagined.

Her 1 Month Stats:

Weight - 9lbs. 11oz. (70th percentile)

Height - 21.5 inches (70th percentile)

Head Circumference - 38.3cm (80th percentile)

Clothes - almost out of Newborn clothes (some already don't fit), 0-3 months

Diaper Size - after we run out of Newborn dipes, moving into 1's

Clearly I have no experience trying to photograph a one month old and need to pick a better time of day for her - I'll get better!

Little Miss loves - her Wubbanub pacifier, being carried in the Ergo, bath time, sleeping on any one's chest in a little ball, being upright, being held, as of late riding in the car, tummy time

Little Miss dislikes - being swaddled, the witching hours can happen anytime from 6:00p.m. - 11:00p.m., going to bed, when she is done with something she has no problem using her voice, sometimes diaper changes, and getting dressed when clothes have to go over her head

Things we want to remember - her many faces, all the noises she makes, she loves to snuggle, her cheeks, she is such a good eater, the dimple she gets in her forehead when she gets all worked up, she is losing her baby hair and has a George Costanza look going on, how amazing it is to watch the people you love so much love on your baby, Week 3 was rough with some colic and her digestive system giving her probs. We got through it with my mom's help, Gripe Water and working on her burping more!

Current nicknames: her daddy calls her Sweetness and it melts my heart every time, The Little Miss, little bug, little bird, grunts, Scar, SLO, babykins

Boo-hoo

2011-10-17T20:08:00.000-07:00

This morning was a boo-hoo fest for my mom and me, Scarlett too. :) My parents left today. What a gift it was to have my mom here for a month and my dad for two weeks.

Thank you Mom for all of the support, consoling our little one during her tummy troubles, bringing Starbucks every morning, helping her like bath time, all of the meals, being a mama to me and of course just loving our little girl so much. John was joking with my mom saying my dad was going to get two hours out of town and then hear Scarlett in the backseat!

John also headed back to work today after his month of paternity leave. So baby girl it is you and me!

Visitors!

2011-10-16T18:21:00.001-07:00

We have been lucky to have some wonderful friends stop by over the past few days to meet Scarlett!

Mary drove down from Sacramento for lunch and gifted us with another one of her amazing creations for the little Miss. Thank you, Mary!!

Miss Jen came over for a visit - Scarlett definitely noticed wow someone who doesn't have dark hair! :)

Thanks for the headband, Mari!

The newly engaged, Jake & Bethany, came for brunch today! Congratulations you two!!

My dad is also back in SF to drive back to Seattle with my mom tomorrow - sob!!!! Pretty sure if he didn't come to get her, she would never leave and I would never let her!!

Happy Anni Steorge!

2011-10-16T13:54:00.000-07:00

Sending love to Steph & George today and remembering their perfect day 1 year ago!

Watch these!

2011-10-13T11:05:00.000-07:00

My mom and I have been watching Ellen if we are home in the afternoon and I am so glad we caught yesterdays episode! These two girls from England are the cutest and their excitement is just joyful! You don't need to know who Nicki Minaj is or the song to enjoy this!

Our week in photos

2011-10-12T16:00:00.000-07:00

We have been enjoying our last week with my mom here and John on paternity leave! John and I snuck away last night to see Ides of March - huge disappointment Clooney and Gosling! I usually love a political thriller but this one really stunk and never really had a point.

She loves her "Emmy" chick, Peg!

Bath time is getting much better and easier!

Love all the little rolls that are starting to show up on our baby girl

We headed to Half Moon Bay yesterday to visit the pumpkin patch - so nice to miss all the crazy crowds! (Don't worry Scarlett was only in the sunshine for the 5 seconds it took to take this photo)

Being a daddy really looks good on him!

SF is having "summer" so we had a picnic today at the Palace of the Fine Arts.

Family shot

Happy Weekend

2011-10-08T11:20:00.000-07:00

We had our first days on our own with Scarlett this week while my mom was in Sacramento visiting Mary. Since our little miss is not loving the evenings/sleeping at night too much, we were thrilled to have grandma back yesterday! John and I headed out for a date night at our favorite sushi place - I had been looking forward to it for 9 months! :) Of course, grandma is the baby whisperer so she slept the whole time and woke up just in time for mom and dad!

Our girl loves to sleep on her side

Scarlett loves tummy time - all snuggly

Love anything on a little baby rump!

It is Fleet Week in SF - we strolled down to see the festivities yesterday. We weren't there for the super loud planes, we went home which isn't much of a difference in noise level. Blue Angels don't even phase her which is a good thing because we have two more days of fly bys!

She also attended her first Marina rooftop party for fleet week with her daddy! John's co-worker is our neighbor so some of his Outcast co-workers were over for the festivities.

Uly also came by for the Blue Angels and for a quick snuggle! Dave was here too but I didn't get a pic!

Product Rave: Clarisonic Mia

2011-10-07T10:03:00.000-07:00

Shock of shocks a non-baby post! :) Don't worry fam - I will post a pic of her today!

Prior to checking into the hospital, my mom gifted me with a beauty package for the mom-to-be. My most favorite item was the Clarisonic Mia!

Via

My mom and sis had both been raving about this product and now I know why. I love it! My pores are smaller and my skin is so soft. It is so easy because you can keep it in the shower, I use it while letting my conditioner soak in. I don't use the face wash it comes with, my skin can be sensitive so I stick to my Cethaphil cleanser. With my wonderful "new mom tired look," I will take all the help I can get! I highly recommend adding this to your Christmas lists!

Ready for her morning workout...

2011-10-05T11:27:00.000-07:00

2 Weeks Old

2011-10-02T21:20:00.000-07:00

Scarlett is two weeks old today!

Little Miss loves - sleeping on anyone's chest in a little ball, milk, being upright, music, her sleep sheep, being rocked and walked, sleeping on her side, pushing herself up off your chest

Little Miss dislikes - bath time, jury is still out on her car seat and car rides, being swaddled - wants her hands free at all times, the hours of 9:00p.m - 11:00p.m., pacifiers

Things we want to remember - all of her faces, her toots, Hobster being a good big brother, how she gives the Fully stink eye, how she opens her mouth as wide as she can before feeding, her smirks, she is a grunter, she loves to snuggle, morning skin to skin time, how little you look in daddy's arms. This has been the most amazing two weeks of our life - we love you so much, baby girl!

Our current must haves - diapers and lots of them, our stroller, all of her beautiful blankets, breastfriend pillow for nursing, aquaphor for her diaper rash, white long sleeved onesies for sleeping, a new outfit everyday, her bassinet, boppy newborn lounger and all of our help!

---------------------

A huge congratulations to my Auntie Cara & Dean on the arrival of their son, Dillon Scott on Friday, September 30th. Perfect early birthday present for my auntie weighing in at 7lb 12.5oz!! XOXO

Our Weight Update

2011-09-30T21:17:00.001-07:00

We had Scarlett's 2 week appointment today. Our baby girl continues to gain weight like a champ! She is 8lb. 3.5 oz.

She also got to meet most of my team today on our visit to the San Francisco Yacht Club. Our Annual Leukemia Cup Regatta is this weekend so we stopped by to wish everyone luck.

So I gained 40lbs. during my pregnancy and have been amazed how quickly some of the weight has come off. I wish I would have weighed myself right after my water broke! We picked up a scale yesterday afternoon because I have been so curious where I am! I'm down 26lbs. after 12 days - wowza. Not to worry - I am not weight obsessed just amazed at how much my body can change from this! I had been retaining water like a camel so I'm sure my nightly sweat-a-thon is a huge contributor. :)

We also had a nice quick visit from a friend today who also came bearing gifts from our family friend, Mary. Mary - we love Scarlett's burp clothes! They are just perfect!! Thank you so much for making them - your talent always amazes me!

Scarlett's Week 2

2011-09-29T10:19:00.001-07:00

Week 2 of Miss Scarlett's life has been busy! She has been to 3 restaurants, shopping with the girls, lots of walks and of course tons of snuggles!

I don't know what she'll wear now that her Auntie C isn't here to style her every morning.

Her favorite sleeping spot

She loves to roll to her side and sleep.

Baby girl got her Auntie C's tongue

We broke the boys out of their "Pet Camp" a day early!

Enjoying Auntie's last day in SF

The boys were very happy to be reunited

Enjoying lunch outside in SF's unbelievably warm weather

Enjoying a short walk to the Marina Green - I still can't walk that far

Grandma & Scarlett enjoying the weather

First week at home

2011-09-25T15:33:00.000-07:00

Recovering from a c-section has been a lot better than I thought it would be. I am so thankful for all the help we have and they definitely keep me from overdoing it. I had one night of frustration at my difficulty getting out of bed, etc. and not being able to get to her right away but am feeling much better now. I think my biggest obstacle is definitely myself needing to let things go, cleaning can wait, not being so ocd. I am so thankful John and my mom will both be with us everyday for a month since I can't lift anything but her.

We are so so so lucky to have our families here to share this special newborn time with. Scarlett has been spoiled rotten with cuddles, kisses and attention. Family - we cannot thank you enough for being here. It means the world to us that you came to be with us and share our joy. Scarlett could not be more blessed to have you as her family. A special thank you to Team Scarlett: Pam, Mom, Dad and Courty - you all were such a gift for John and me. Thank you for all the coffee runs, meals, support, tears, laughter, and strength in welcoming our baby girl to the world.

Snuggles with Auntie C

I think it is safe to say these two love her.

Miss Scarlett

Reading the paper with her Papa

We do lots of sleeping and snuggles in this chair

Celebrating the September birthdays (Bill, Katie, Fully) - Scarlett's 1st night out

Dad's birthday dinner

Kisses from my cousin, Jack

Kel and her mama, Jade, came by for a visit before heading back to Seattle

We do lots of staring at her

Snuggles with Uncle Matt

O'Brien sibs with Scarlett

Our hospital stay & going home

2011-09-25T14:21:00.000-07:00

We moved up to our post partum room which was so nice and big, and were supposed to stay for four days. It was definitely strange to not be able to get out of bed, eating anything, etc. until 11:00a.m. the next day. John was a champ at changing her diaper, bringing her to me in the middle of the night to feed, etc. I was ecstatic to get my catheter and IV out on Monday, a little shaky legged but so happy to be up and about. Our hospital stay pretty much consisted of visits from the family, excellent hospital care, lots of Jello for me, visits from my Dr. and our pediatrician, and just staring at Scarlett in complete awe.

Our little love

Kelly came for a visit and xoxo's

The ladies

We got the all clear to bust out a day early! Wahoo, we were so ready to go home!

Our little Coug was ready to see her new home too!

Leaving the hospital - it was so nice to be outside after 4 days of being indoors during the most gorgeous SF weather.

Heading up to our apartment

Introducing The Hobster to Miss Scarlett

Could not resist some baby legs and more staring at her

First night at home - our little Coug was all tuckered out

Scarlett's Birth Story

2011-09-25T10:53:00.000-07:00

Sorry if this is long but I know some of you have been waiting for all the details! Since this is really more of our family journal, I want to write everything down so I don't forget anything about this experience.

As I mentioned before, we were scheduled to begin inducement the evening of Saturday, September 17. We had to check with the hospital to confirm availability, etc. since this was an elective labor. John and I were both so anxiously excited that we had made it to the end so my family and his mom could be here with us. We finally pack our bags and spend the whole day just ready to go!!

6:00p.m. - Our first call to the hospital definitely took the wind out of our sails a bit - the hospital was overly crowded so they would call us back about 8ish, not sure we would get in that night. If we didn't get in Saturday, we would go in on Tuesday. John and Courty are both going crazy with impatience. I start to bounce around the house, we decide to try one of our fave spots for dinner - Burma Superstar. Spicy food maybe would do the trick! We decide not to bring our bags in the car with us, even though the hospital was down the street, as a good sign we

would get in!

8:00p.m. - When we are pulling up out front of the restaurant, the hospital calls says we are in and need to be there by 9:30! Wahoo!! Decide to go to another Chinese restaurant in our neighborhood so we can grab our bags, etc. We tell the waitress our story and she had us in and out in 45 minutes, tipped her $30 on a $75 tab and suggested this should be Scarlett’s first restaurant visit!

9:30p.m. - Team Scarlett has arrived at the hospital - literally every step into the hospital was photographed by the grandmothers. Biggest entourage in the triage lobby.

10:40p.m. - All checked in to our labor and delivery room. Everyone was cracking up at me because I thought we would check in, get unpacked and organized then get all hooked up to IV/monitors - Emily, seriously! I am the biggest wuss when it comes to needles, pain, etc. Usually get myself all freaked out and worked up. I have no idea what came over me but I was so calm throughout this whole experience. We could not have better care at the hospital, incredible nurses that made me feel totally at ease. We said goodnight to the family, I had my first dose of misoprostol - which I would get every four hours to help ready everything to do pitocin in the a.m. to start contractions.

2:45a.m. - My nurse comes to give me my 2nd dose of misoprostol, my body is starting to respond and things are looking good - still small contractions.

3:00a.m. - My nurse literally walks out the door, I lean my bed back to lay down and my water breaks. Weirdest feeling ever - I was so glad it happened in a hospital bed and not in my bed. So no more drugs needed, my body is now progressing into labor on its own. So we never did really induce. Loved texting the girls and getting texts back at 4 a.m. from the mamas up doing their late night feedings. :)

4:30a.m. - My contractions start getting stronger and stronger - no more sleep in the cards for me.

6:30a.m. - Call the family to update everyone, wake John up that things are really starting to get moving. We learn Scarlett is sunny side up so I am really just going to have back labor which is just oh so fun.

8:00a.m. - Bring on the epidural! Back labor was so much different than what I thought labor pains would feel like. John could not push on my back hard enough when I was having contractions. Was so happy to see my anesthesiologist - went from being unable to think about anything but pain to oh sweet relief, oh my goodness we are about to meet our baby girl excitement!

9:30a.m. - Family arrives with coffee and magazines - ready for the day ahead. My Dr. comes to check in and was so impressed at how fast things were moving on their own. She thought we were looking at an afternoon arrival.

10:46AM - Our Dr. and nurse just came in to say they weren't liking Scarlett's heart rate and John rushed the family out. They switched me to the left side and then asked if I could get in on my hands and knees.. Since I was numb from my mid-section down, I have no idea how I managed to get myself in that position. I think it was that super human mommy instinct. They put an oxygen mask on me and we all watched the monitor. From my dad's perspective/texts -

"We were outside the room and 2 people come running up yelling we are going to ER 2. Tears started flowing as this was pretty scary. They had Em get on hands and knees to ease pressure and scrambled the ER team but heart went back up so back holding." My mother in-law quotes my dad well - "Get it together, ladies. We don't want to freak Em out."

11:09a.m. - Things have sort of stabilized they think, I was having crazy strong contractions according to my Dr. which were causing too much pressure causing her heart rate to fall off dramatically so they inserted a catheter in my uterus and injected fluid to add cushion.

11:19a.m. - They think the umbilical cord is around her neck and my Dr. wants to do a C section. I was ready to go, the idea we would go through this with every contraction and spend the next hours worried was not what I wanted. I felt so at ease with our decision and trusted my Dr. and the team of nurses completely. It all happened so fast - nurses packed up all of our stuff to move to the OR recovery room. We said our goodbyes to Team Scarlett and headed to the OR.

I think it was so much easier for me to remain calm. It was easier to be the patient than have to sit and watch everything happening to me like John and Team Scarlett had to. Our Dr. kept saying John was going to suck all the oxygen out of our room. I would not have gotten through this without each of their support, especially John.

11:20a.m. - John had to wait outside while they got me prepped. I was so grateful for getting the epidural at this point since it was so easy to get me ready. I just chatted with the anesthesiologist and greeted the new nurses - super chatty and excited maybe it was nerves. They brought John in and started the surgery. As they said I would, I just felt a ton of pressure, super weird. I tried to keep John talking as he was looking a little pale and overwhelmed at everything

that was happening to me.

11:50a.m. - Scarlett Lynn O'Brien is here!! Our baby girl had the cord wrapped around her neck so thankful we decided on c-section.

12:00p.m. - Grandmas and Court waiting in the hall outside of the OR

12:03p.m. - John stays with Scarlett and takes her to meet the family before heading to the nursery. I napped on and off as they sewed me back up. During this time I was taken to the recovery room where I would stay for a couple of hours. I was super shaky coming off of everything. I knew she was in perfect hands with her daddy.

I love this picture.

1:18p.m. - Courty sneaks in to tell me Scarlett's stats, how beautiful she is and that everything is just perfect. My Dad comes in for a sweet moment to check on me and tell me how perfect Scarlett is. John is finally able to bring her to me.

Hi Scarlett, I'm your mama!

Our little family

Nana holding her for the first time

Auntie C

Super happy Grandma & Grandpa

Scarlett, your daddy and I are so in love with you.

She's here!!!

2011-09-24T11:40:00.000-07:00

Scarlett Lynn O'Brien

Born September 18, 2011 at 11:50a.m.

7lb. 11oz. and 20 inches

Sorry for the absence but I promise to make up for it! I have been hibernating with our baby girl and both of our families are here so this is my first time sitting at a computer. Next post will be her birth story, living up to her name Miss Scarlett decided to make a striking debut!

40 Weeks - should have been posted Sept. 17

2011-09-24T11:35:00.000-07:00

Photo taken in the nursery on our due date - September 17

Baby's weekly size comparison: Small Pumpkin - Dr. thinks she is 7lbs.

Current cravings: Just water and strawberry straws (Kel, takes me back to high school)

Symptoms: Anxious, cannot wait to meet our baby girl!

Best moment last week: The arrival of my family and my mother in-law. Knowing we are so close to meeting her, enjoying these last few moments with John. Just the total excitement and how surreal this whole experience has been.

Scarlett's Nursery

2011-09-17T11:06:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun decorating Scarlett's nursery. It is definitely our favorite room now - I love sitting in there so light and happy. The room was our guest bedroom (technically it is a dining room but we never used it for that) so we kept the bed in there which I am so happy we did. We removed the shelves from the cabinets to make a little closet to hang her clothes. We chose not to paint since we are renting.

The inspiration for it all started with the birdie crib sheet we found at Pottery Barn Kids, we mix and matched the rest of her bedding from other places. A huge thank you to my parents for our wall unit, and my mom for so many things in here!

Love this piece!

Close up of her bedding

I will try to take some pics when the light isn't so bright!

The bed and chair

Love her bunny, Peg!

Her closet

The bed we made into more of a daybed

We love her tree decal!

Happy Friday!!!

2011-09-16T11:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday everyone!! I decided to work today but just a half day at the behest of John and my family. We have a dr. appt. this afternoon and if all looks good, our baby girl should be here this weekend!!

Had the most perfect start to my day with a little send off from my team and the amazing donuts of Dynamo in The Mission! They definitely know me well! Then my incredibly thoughtful and sweet husband dropped off flowers for my last day at work - added bonus he scored himself a donut during the send off with the ladies!

Enjoy your Friday!

Getting oh so close...

2011-09-15T12:52:00.000-07:00

We welcomed my parents to town and had dinner at their new little abode last night.

The sis arrives this afternoon and my mother in-law comes in on Saturday. My bestie, Kelly, also arrives tomorrow. I had pretty much decided that I have willed this baby to stay in my body until it works with our schedule. My dad keeps trying to tell me this isn't one of my projects/lists that I can control.

Well baby girl dropped last night and I am pretty sure this will be my last day at work. I think I am finally realizing I am ABOUT TO HAVE A BABY and might need to slow down a bit. So my fingers are still crossed she sticks to the schedule, lets her daddy enjoy his big work event tonight and waits for her Nana to get here! I promise a nursery post coming up next!

39 Weeks

2011-09-12T10:02:00.000-07:00

Baby's weekly size comparison: Mini Watermelon - 7lbs.

Current cravings: Fruit, water and lemonade

Symptoms: Not exactly a symptom but I have fully reached the "Oh my gosh, when is the baby coming??" status. I am a walking game of hot potato - I make people nervous! :) Like my cab driver on Friday afternoon who would only drive 15 miles an hour - he said bumps were bad for the baby. Seriously??

Best moment last week: I had a big week at work I really wanted to make it through and wahoo I did - our Light The Night Walk Kick Off lunch, my last Leukemia Cup Regatta Committee meeting in Tiburon (John was nervous about me being on the other side of the bridge at night), and our top teams company kick off. Needless to say, I was wiped come Friday! We also scheduled our induce date for September 18th!!! My dr induced on her due date so she sees no need to make us wait a week. This works so well for us so family travel can be planned, etc. Plus I am a huge planner so inducing works for me! Obviously I know she can come at any minute. I plan to work all week - both John and I my last day working will be this Friday.

We also had a wonderful shower with John's Outcast Agency family last Friday afternoon!

My Pregnancy Obsessions

2011-09-08T12:57:00.000-07:00

There have many things in my pregnancy that have been detrimental at different periods but below are some things that have been consistent throughout! It goes without saying John, family and friends have been the greatest support!!

Via

I poured through books when we first found out we were expecting. I know this book is overload for some but I would rather have too much information than not enough. I definitely referenced this book the most in my 1st trimester as it was my most "cautious" period if you will. I then would check in to read about once a month about what was ahead!

Via

Maxi Dresses!!! This is my weekend uniform. I told my boss I would pay $100/week if she would let me where them to work! :) Dresses by far have been the most comfortable thing for me. Can't get enough of these.

Via

The Ingrid & Isabel Bella Band is something I know has not worked for some of my preggo friends. I did not buy any maternity jeans since I can't wear them to work and this allowed me to wear some of my jeans till the last few weeks. I also didn't really buy anything maternity till well into my 3rd trimester so this band worked with my work pants too!

Via

These Gap Maternity Full Panel Black Boot Cut Pants are what I live in at work. I love the full panel, I hate lines across my stomach showing through my shirt. Super comfortable, however, if Banana made these I would be so happy! Their quality of fabric in pants is better than Gap's.

Via

The Snoogle Body Pillow that John got me has been a dream. I have never struggled with getting a full night's sleep and think it is hugely due to this pillow! I do not go to bed without this!

Via

Erica and I were both obsessed with the Bella B Tummy Honey Butter. We panicked when Amazon.com did not have it in stock for awhile! I had seen this on a friend's blog and anything to prevent stretch marks I was game! I know stretch marks are mainly genetic so I knew I was lucky since my mom didn't get them. So hoping to make it to the end stretch mark free and this also helped with my itchy belly!

Amazon Mom - Such a great thing! Free membership entitles you to Free 2-day shipping on practically everything to make your life as a mom easier! John also gets in on the deal. I have ordered items for work, our cat, the baby, me, etc. Anyone who is a caregiver - I am obsessed!! If Amazon doesn't have it, I question if we even need it. :)

A positive attitude - okay so I know this isn't a stretch for me but I think it has been a huge reason I have enjoyed my pregnancy. So many crazy things happen to your body, are about to happen to me, etc. that laughing about it with John, my sis, etc. make it easier for me. It also makes this last month bearable. My belly is a magnet for hands, advice, and inappropriate questions. Total invasion of privacy and space. Smiling and laughing it off work most of the time - like yesterday when a total stranger reached across the table at my work event with both hands and shook my stomach cause she couldn't help herself. However, the man who tried to steal my parking spot at Costco saw the other side of pregnant-Emily and it was not pretty.

38 Weeks

2011-09-05T15:10:00.000-07:00

Baby's weekly size comparison: Leek - 6.8lb.

Current cravings: Lemonade, water and a McDonald's hot fudge sundae :)

Symptoms: Just slow moving and it is hard for me to get up - I quite literally roll out of bed in the a.m. Evening are my most uncomfortable time - John says I don't sit still ever but I think it is because I just can't get comfortable on the couch. I am still perfectly happy staying pregnant for a couple more weeks! My goal has always been to make it to my work event on Wednesday so fingers crossed! We will schedule our induce date, if need be, at our appt. on Thursday.

Best moment last week: The arrival of our niece, Kieran!! So excited to finally know what Baby OB is! John was able to successfully surprise Matt & Brooke when he strolled into their hospital room on Sunday. He was in airports almost as long as he was in Seattle - so worth it to meet this little bundle of joy!

We have a niece!!!

2011-09-04T08:54:00.000-07:00

Kieran Kaloper O'Brien joined the world last night, weighing 7.2oz!! John headed to Seattle this morning to surprise his brother and will be flying back tonight so I will update with more pictures soon! Welcome to the world to our precious niece!! Matt & Brooke - we love you so very much and wish you every moment of joy you are going to share with your baby girl.

Celebrating the wins

2011-08-31T11:20:00.001-07:00

It is always such a great day when we learn that one of our patients is "in remission."

Photo credit - Tim Williamson We got to hear exactly that about this fun loving girl, Ruby, yesterday! Such a happy day - Ruby is pictured here with her wonderful mom, Mars, at our Man & Woman of the Year Kick Off back in March. This morning I heard more great news - one of our honorees, Conor, is done with treatment after three years and got his port removed!! This little guy has stolen the heart of every girl on my team. :)

37 Weeks

2011-08-29T10:18:00.000-07:00

Baby's weekly size comparison: Swiss Chard - 6.3lb (My doctor thinks she is 6lbs)

Current cravings: Not much - fruit/water, Rootbeer and Tums

Symptoms: As a girl with a lot of hair, it is so weird to not be shedding all the time! I know it will be happening double time after Scarlett's arrival. I also now feel very pregnant - just so much slower.

Best moment last week: My sister's face when she arrived on Thursday - after two months apart there is a big difference. She says the weekly pics do not do my belly justice! Loved that my sissy got to feel her big time jabs and kicks.

Trying to get a more accurate pic of the belly! :)

Courty, Jen, and Kim

We went with the beautiful Jordan sisters to see The Help last night. Kim is in town before she heads back to Spain! I thought the movie was great, the book is still better but they did a wonderful job. I did not take any pics this weekend but we had a great one with Courty! Shopping, food, pedis, naps, etc. While she was at the wedding on Saturday, John and I saw Crazy, Stupid Love - way better than I thought it would be and ladies go see it just for Ryan Gosling.

Happy Weekend

2011-08-26T10:27:00.000-07:00

Photo via my dad from their San Juans boat trip this past week

After a couple of long weeks, I am so ready for this weekend to finally be here! My sissy arrived yesterday for a visit and a wedding - so plans for pedis, shopping and finally seeing The Help make me happy! I might need to venture out of the city in search of some sunshine as well, this fog is starting to drag me down!

We also might welcome a niece or nephew this weekend!! We are on pins and needles for Matt & Brooke! Enjoy your weekend!

Moment of reflection

2011-08-24T19:28:00.000-07:00

Via

As each day passes and we move closer to meeting our baby girl, I have been so overwhelmed wtih a feeling of gratefulness. Grateful for so much support and love during our pregnancy, grateful for such an enjoyable experience these past 9+months. I am so in awe of our miracle and the incredible process of pregnancy. My heart aches for those who wish each day to have their own miracle. I was saddened to read this today from one of my most favorite bloggers and her struggles with pregnancy. My mom and I are avid readers of Kelle's writing, the photos of her girls and her outlook on life. I hope her words can provide some healing and hope for others.

Summer Essentials 2011 on Yellow Brick Blog

2011-08-24T14:27:00.000-07:00

Via

I was lucky to be asked by my sorority sister, Lyndsy over at Yellow Brick Blog to do a guest blog for her 2011 Summer Essentials Series! YBB is one of my favorite daily reads from her "Song of the Week" picks to my fave her "Forever Frugal Fridays." This is Lyndsy's 3rd year doing this series and I have definitely discovered some new products and songs from her friends! Check it out and all the other fabulous guest bloggers!

36 Weeks

2011-08-22T10:16:00.001-07:00

Baby's weekly size comparison: Crenshaw Melon - 5.75 lb.

Current cravings: Not too hungry lately but toast in the a.m. with my cup of coffee is my fave.

Symptoms: I was feeling some reprieve from heartburn but it came back with avengence this weekend. Lying down is starting to get uncomfortable so now I am sleeping propped up a bit. John and my mom have been on me for weeks to slow down - this is my busiest time of the year at work so slowing down hasn't been a priority. However, after overdoing it Thursday night at a work event and working this weekend, I now know the only choice my body is going to give me is slow down or be in serious discomfort.

Best moment last week: We toured the hospital last week and were the youngest couple in our tour group! So San Francisco! We also met with and chose our pediatrician. At the two Light The Night Walk Kick Off events last week, it was great to see some of our amazing volunteers and team captains. I will be missing the walks this year so it was nice to see them before Scarlett's arrival.

Loves

2011-08-20T21:45:00.001-07:00

Love that my girls were altogether today! Loving on Savannah and her fabulous mama! Miss miss miss!

"Re-purposing"

2011-08-17T15:56:00.000-07:00

This post is long over due! Our mama retired or as she is calling it "re-purposing" at the end of July. After 28 years of owning and managing her own business, Eastside Hand Rehabilitation Clinic in Kirkland, she had sold her practice to a Coug no less!! We are all so proud of her and the success she has had in her career. Courty and I both worked at Eastside Hand at some point and admired how much all of her patients loved our mother.

Our mom is a big deal in the hand therapy world - former President of American Society of Hand Therapists, winner of the Natalie Barr Career Achievement award and current President of the Hand Therapy Certification Commission (which she will continue to do). Her career also brought some wonderful people into our lives - Donna, Mary, Patti, GA, Nancy, Mary, Keri, Marty, Irene - just to name a few.

I was able to make one last visit to mom's office when I was home in July to help her pack and say goodbye.

Thankfully the doors to this clinic will still be open and Donna is there!
The mother packing up

EHRC Mom had stood in this spot many, many, many times signing charts!

She still plans to do some contract work at EHRC, other clinics and her HTCC Board work. The woman is also wickedly crafty as we all know and is now making blankets, cards, ribbon creations, baby clothes, etc. I will keep you all posted if I get her on etsy.com!! Our mom does not sit still so we know this is the beginning of many new endeavors for her! Of course, her next big adventure in "re-purposing" will be a month in SF with her granddaughter, Scarlett!!!

We are so proud of you, Mom!!

Love,

E & C

LLS Baby Shower

2011-08-16T09:00:00.000-07:00

I had a very nice shower last week at work with everyone from my office and didn't snap any pics of the cute decor! Scarlett is now prepared with many more books, a Giants bib and Mariner bib for baseball season!

On Friday, I had such a lovely luncheon with some of the wonderful women I work with at my co-worker, Michelle's beautiful home just a few blocks from our apartment. Michelle's mom, Kathy, also came to help with the shower and visit from SoCal. The shower had a Peter Rabbitt/Beatrix Potter theme and much of the decor Michelle's mom had shipped up for the day! Such fun!

Some of the fabulous Special Events Team ladies - Kalindi, Nicole, me, Michelle, Christine

The gorgeous table!

Christine hand stitched bibs for each guest with their initials -so cute!
Each person sent in a photo of themselves as a baby for "Guess that baby" it was harder than I thought! Christine, Kalindi, Robin, Nicole and Erin

Buffet table - Michelle's mom did an amazing job with the food and the adorable bunny cake!

The fabulous hostesses - Michelle & Christine The ever crafty Erin made the cutest little farm to wrap the presents! The tissue looked like grass, she made the fence and she made little flowers out of egg cartons, etc.

Michelle, Christine and Cathy - thank you so much for such a perfect afternoon! Every detail was just exquisite!! Such fun! Thank you to all of Scarlett's LLS Aunties for all of your support and excitement! I am so lucky to work and have fun with each of you!

35 Weeks

2011-08-15T09:59:00.000-07:00

Baby's weekly size comparison: Honeydew Melon - 5.25 lb.

Current cravings: I have not been too hungry lately but Mexican food always sounds good.

Symptoms: Man, pregnancy makes me extra clumsy. I have broken almost all of our tall glasses.

Best moment last week: Great dr. appt. last week and confirmation that the tidal wave I felt on Tuesday was our baby girl rolling over to my left side. Also John and I had a little chuckle when he jumped on the scale after me at the dr. and we officially weight the same amount. :) I also had a nice work shower at my office on Wednesday and a simply lovely shower with my team on Friday - post to come!

We headed to San Jose on Sunday night to visit Team Thompson at their new home and enjoy a fabulous summer evening in their backyard. So wonderful to see you both, Christine & Justin!

34 Weeks

2011-08-08T14:32:00.000-07:00

Baby's weekly size comparison: Cantaloupe - 4.75lbs.

Current cravings: Dried cranberries and water

Symptoms: At the gym this weekend, I definitely noticed my knees are starting to feel all this extra weight. I am the most comfortable standing.

Best moment last week: Enjoying our time as just John and me - talking about Scarlett's arrival, sitting in her room, talking about what has surprised us most about this experience. Not going to lie - I think we both agreed it was that I have been much more easy going than either of us expected!

Since these are always pics of me, here is John at Week 34! We went out with Tim & Steph on Friday night. Can't you tell what lovely summer we are having - the fog was so low, misting and wind was blowing! Everyone was in their jackets enjoying our summer night!

Welcome Savannah Becker...

2011-08-07T17:33:00.000-07:00

Little Miss Savannah Laine Becker decided to make her debut early and in the middle of her parents move! She was born at 3:55a.m., weighing in at 7lbs. 3oz. Erica & Jeff - so happy for you two! Cannot wait for our baby girls to meet and grow up together to be besties! I know Syd will love her baby sis, xoxo!

Peanut Butter & Chocolate Bars

2011-08-02T09:00:00.000-07:00

I love peanut butter and chocolate, it is a match made in heaven to me. So when I needed to make treats for my boss' birthday last week I was excited because she has the same love for these two ingredients. I needed something super fast and easy to make since I knew I would get home late from work. This Our Best Bites recipe was super easy - even when I had a minor meltdown from being tired, impatient, hormonal and burning my hand. Via

Chocolate-Frosted Peanut Butter Bars

Cookie Base
1 cup real butter (2 sticks) at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
2 cups brown sugar
1 1/2 cups peanut butter (chunky or smooth) - I used Adam's smooth
3 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoons table salt
3 cups all purpose flour
3 cups quick oats - Note quick oats not regular! I bought containers of both cause preggo brain could not remember.

Fudge Frosting - Oh this is so good!
4 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon table salt
1/3 cup butter, softened
1/3 cup boiling water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a rimmed cookie sheet (standard half-sheet pan) lightly with non-stick spray and set aside.

Cream butter and sugars for 2-3 minutes, until light and fluffy. Add peanut butter and vanilla and beat until combined. Add eggs, one at a time and beat between each addition. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt and add mixture to dough. Beat to combine. Add oats and mix until incorporated. Press dough into prepared pan into a flat layer. Bake for about 10-12 minutes. The center should be puffed and set, but still soft.

While crust is baking, prepare frosting. Whisk together powdered sugar, cocoa powder and salt. Add butter (make sure it’s soft!), boiling water, and vanilla. Beat until smooth and glossy.

When cookie crust is done baking, if desired drizzle about 3/4 cups melted (just nuke it in the microwave) peanut butter on top and then spread on frosting (I did not do this extra step of peanut butter, no more patience for baking at that point). Let cool (or leave slightly warm) and cut into squares to serve.

33 Weeks

2011-08-01T11:37:00.000-07:00

Baby's weekly size comparison: Pineapple - 4.25lbs.

Current cravings: Lemonade, water and Peanut Butter & Chocolate Ice Cream

Symptoms: Feeling pretty good - Pepcid is a huge relief for me with heartburn. John has definitely noticed a little waddle at nighttime or after I have been laying down/sitting for awhile.

Best moment last week: Had our bi-weekly checkup on Friday and my dr. definitely confirmed that our baby girl is still snuggled head down but loving my right side which explains my right ribs getting jammed. Always wonderful to hear her heartbeat and get the "everything is moving along great." We also finally picked a chair for the nursery and it is arriving tomorrow - can't wait!

Another loss for Seattle Sports Fans

2011-07-27T12:42:00.000-07:00

Via

I was sad to learn that Rick "The Peanut Guy" had died yesterday from a brain aneurysm at the age of 67. He had been a part of Mariner's history since the very beginning - so many fans loved him including me. Growing up as M's season ticket holders, I would get so nervous when I had to catch one of Rick's perfect tosses. He always gave his infamous wink and smile. M's games will never be the same without Dave and Rick.

Oh Happy Day

2011-07-26T13:38:00.000-07:00

Via

So technically, "Oh Happy Day" was yesterday. I know my husband was not alone in thinking yesterday was just the best day learning the NFL Lockout was OVER! Scarlett can now come any day after September 8th and his paternity leave will complete with his baby girl and the NFL. I also am excited to rejoin the ladies in the "Breakin' MaBalls" Fantasy League after learning some valuable lessons last year, i.e. pay attention to those bye weeks!

Via

My immediate next thought was "Wahoo, what team is going to be on Hard Knocks this year?" So saddened to learn HBO is cancelling this season, boo!!! I love the Hard Knocks series and each team always earns some extra cheers from me throughout the season. Via

The good news is I am loving a new sports series, "The Franchise" on Showtime featuring the World Champ SF Giants! The Giants have a fabulous group of personalities on their team and some great personal stories! John and I both love the antics of Brian Wilson - two episodes in and I am hooked!

32 Weeks

2011-07-25T12:11:00.000-07:00

Baby's weekly size comparison: Large Jicama 3.75lb.

Current cravings: Lemonade, water and watermelon

Symptoms: Just my usual acid reflux/heartburn and rib pain. Bending over is getting a little bit interesting.

Best moment last week: John was gone all weekend so I washed all of Scarlett's goodies, etc. I hung the curtains and a few other things in the nursery, loads of progress! Also John is home - yea! So happy for together time after our week of being apart on separate Seattle trips.

Happy Wedding Day to the Sands!

2011-07-23T09:00:00.000-07:00

Sending love and best wishes to this adorable and fun loving couple on their big day! Justine & Rob - so sorry we couldn't be there today! We wish you both a lifetime of adventures, joy and laughter!

My Baby Shower Tea

2011-07-22T15:37:00.000-07:00

My bestie, Kelly, threw the most perfect tea for Scarlett and me. The prosecco sparklers, scones, yummy treats, tea and of course the best company made for such a special day!

Kel hosted it at the Tuscan Tea Room in West Seattle which just opened last Fall.The perfect hostess and her mama, Jade - thank you both so very much!Each guest was gifted a tea cup and saucerKatie, Pam, Brooke, me and my momMac, Charlie and the cutest little guest at her first tea party, Ellie BellyThey had such a beautiful collection of different tea pots, cups, etc.Love this photo of everyone laughing together!My girls - Kel and Steph

My crafty mama fooled me into thinking she was starting to slow down on clothes for Scarlett - this time she pinned all of her outfits onto a clothesline!Scarlett's clotheslinePresent openingLove you ladies so much!! Also big hugs to my girls who couldn't be there xo Thank you so much for sharing such a special day with Scarlett and me! We are so lucky to have you in our lives! The photo above is the favor I gave the ladies - a little sugar & spice! I have been craving cinnamon and sugar on my toast everyday! :)

Showers, Showers...

2011-07-22T12:52:00.001-07:00

Last Saturday morning, my mom and I attended Brooke's shower for Baby OB thrown by Brooke's aunt and cousin! It was lovely and always fun to see Brooke's family and friends.

The buffet - delicious gazpacho and mini grilled sandwiches!

Brooke got some wonderful gifts for our future niece or nephew!!

Sis in-laws with our growing baby bumps - Due Dates: September 17 (us), September 4 (Brooke & Matt, November 21 (Katie & Pat)

Saturday evening was a Blue & Pink Party for Baby Becker thrown by Baby B's future grandparents and The Eastman's at Jeff's parents house in Mercer Island. We were asked to wear pink or blue based on what we think Baby B will be - I am guessing boy!!

My girls - Marci, Charlie, Court with Carter, E, Em, Mac

Char snuggling with Carter and Court The glowing mama-to-be opening presents

Mac, one of the hostesses, and EricaMac did a fabulous job on all the games & decor - this was one of the games and the adorable "guestbook"Court made another adorable sign welcoming Baby BThe Baby Pool made by MacSuch a fun game - creating "What Will Baby Becker look like" from Jeff & E's baby picsSome of the future Baby B look-alikesCourt & the adorable Carter

Mamas-t0-be - coming soon E!! So love being preggers with you xoxo!

31 Weeks

2011-07-18T16:11:00.001-07:00

Obviously not at work today, in Seattle till mid-week! Just got home from Greenlake with the sisters in-law and nephew!

Baby's weekly size comparison: 4 Navel Oranges!! 3.3 lb.

Current cravings: Water and watermelon

Symptoms: Oh the rib pain. Sitting all day at work and not having the best posture leads to Scarlett getting right up under my ribs! I need to make more of an effort to stand up throughout the day! I also can no longer take the bus (which I rarely do since John drives everyday) but getting too hot and feeling claustrophobic do not bode well for the preggers. Lesson learned!

Best moment last week: I had a dr. appt this past week so always love hearing her heartbeat and things are right on schedule! This was also such a week of celebrating new life! Welcoming little Andrew William and then a weekend of celebrating mama's to be - Brooke, Erica, and myself.

Our nephew is getting so big and so blond! :)

Seattle & Baby Waddington is here!

2011-07-16T08:35:00.000-07:00

I landed in Seattle yesterday afternoon for a long weekend and 3 baby showers to celebrate. Kel & Lilly picked me up at the airport so I got to have some quality time with my Poirier girls! Lilly is getting so big and is looking just like her beautiful mama!!

After leaving Kelly's, I got the best news that little Andrew William Waddington made his debut into the world!!!

He arrived in Philadelphia at 4:41p.m. at 7lbs. 14oz. So much love and congratulations to Doug & Anne! I can't wait to meet your baby boy xoxo!

Congratulations to our family friends, The Anderson's, on the arrival of their grandson on Thursday!! Their daughter, Jill, was in John's class at Blanchet and had a baby boy, Nathaniel "Thane" William!!

After a dinner satisfying my Varlamos craving, my mom and I settled in to say goodbye to one of the best shows on TV, Friday Night Lights. The Taylors were the best couple, I am going to miss them! Also I love the transformation of The Riggins family over the seasons - when Tim told Becky they were family I about lost it and same when Becky told Mindy they were sisters. The Tim Riggins character is my absolute favorite and I loved his final scenes with Tyra and Billy. I thought they did a fabulous job saying goodbye to this series. My favorite lines - "Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can't Lose" and of course "Texas Forever!" Thank you FNL for always giving me a good cry and a full heart!

Seasoning Salt - for you Jen!

2011-07-14T16:30:00.000-07:00

Via

For my Seattle mom's shower, I made the ladies each a jar of seasoning salt since I am loving salt during my pregnancy!! I copied my co-worker who gave us a salt blend for her bridal shower. I didn't take any pictures of my finished product but here is the "recipe." You could really leave out/replace with any ingredients you wanted!
In a large bowl, mix the following together:
1 box of Kosher salt
1/2 jar of Sage
1/2 jar of Rosemary
1/2 jar of Red Pepper Flakes
1/2 jar of Thyme
1/2 jar of Oregano
Lemon Peel - I have used anywhere from 1-3 lemons for peel/zest

Scoop salt into a jar, tie with ribbon and you are all set! I use Weck jars that I buy at Heath Ceramics in the Ferry Building but you can find them online too.

Summer Garden Pasta

2011-07-12T10:29:00.000-07:00

John and I frequent our local farmer's market on Sunday mornings. After seeing Barefoot Contessa make this summer pasta on The Food Network, I had to make it. This pasta dish was delicious and perfect for the fresh summer ingredients. It serves 6 people so I halved the recipe for us and still had some leftover for lunch the next day. It was so easy to throw everything in a bowl, let it still all day, boil some pasta and voila dinner!

Via

Ingredients
2 pints cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 Good olive oil
1 tablespoons minced garlic (3 cloves) - I probably did closer to four cause I love garlic
9 large basil leaves, julienned, plus extra for serving
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 pound dried angel hair pasta - I used cappelini pasta
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

Directions
Combine the cherry tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, basil leaves, red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and the pepper in a large bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, and set aside at room temperature for about 4 hours.

Just before you're ready to serve, bring a large pot of water with a splash of olive oil and 2 tablespoons salt to a boil and add the pasta. Cook al dente according to the directions on the package (be careful - it only takes 2 to 3 minutes!). Drain the pasta well and add to the bowl with the cherry tomatoes. Add the cheese and some extra fresh basil leaves and toss well. Serve in big bowls with extra cheese on each serving.

30 Weeks

2011-07-11T09:36:00.000-07:00

Baby's weekly size comparison: Cabbage - 2.75lbs.

Current cravings: Watermelon and nectarines

Symptoms: Some of my crazy dreams are coming back and I had my first Scarlett movement that looked like a tidal wive came over my ribs.

Best moment last week: With 10 weeks to go, I am trying to savor every little movement. It has gone by so fast and I love being pregnant and think I will miss it. I also have been enjoying John and my time together - savoring our last few weeks as just us two.

#1 Craving

2011-07-06T09:30:00.000-07:00

My biggest pregnancy craving has been cheeseburgers. I have always loved them and like all my cravings - that love is now just amplified. I even like a burger with no bun - just cheese, pickles, onion and of course lots of mustard with a knife and fork. :) I do not discriminate against any cheeseburger but definitley have a few faves. When we were in Seattle back in May, my brother in-law, Matt, made us these burgers and John promised me a repeat for the 4th! Via
The Food Network named this "10:00 burger" from Holeman & Finch Public House in Atlanta the best burger in America. It is delicious! We could not find ground brisket anywhere in SF so we did all ground chuck and it was still yummy! Check out the instructions here.

29 Weeks

2011-07-05T10:03:00.000-07:00

Baby's weekly size comparison: Butternut Squash - 2.5lbs.

Current cravings: Watermelon and cheeseburgers - think it was the holiday!

Symptoms: Oh the heartburn - everything gives it to me but thankfully my dr. cleared me to take meds for it. I am fair skinned to begin with but need to be way more mindful of the sun. I got fried multiple times these past few days.

Best moment last week: More progress on the nursery this weekend! I'm not surprised but I just love what an active role John has taken in putting this room together for our little miss. It has become our favorite room in the apartment.

Happy 4th of July!!

2011-07-04T09:12:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July! God Bless America!!!

Via

Cindy Crawford's pie

2011-06-29T09:35:00.000-07:00

John loves rhubarb, loves it, so I promised to make a Strawberry & Rhubarb pie for our anniversary which also was my grandpa's fave pie! I printed this recipe years ago when I saw Cindy Crawford make this on Oprah. I was very wary as the crust was super flaky and hard to roll out. I had to substitue a little bit of canola oil for vegetable oil since I didn't have the full 2/3 cup so that might have been part of it. Regardless, this pie is delicious such a yummy crust!! Do allow the pie to rest for the full hour, John was antsy and we cut into it early and it was still really juicy. I also added a tablespoon of cornstarch to the fruit since my strawberries were super juicy.
Cindy Crawford's Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie From Saveur Magazine

Ingredients
2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup vegetable oil
6 tablespoons cold milk

1 1/4 cups plus 2 teaspoons sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
3 cups halved strawberries
2 cups thinly sliced rhubarb
2 tablespoons butter , cut up
2 teaspoons milk

Directions
To make crust, preheat oven to 400°. Mix flour and salt. Measure oil and milk together—don't stir. Add to flour. Make crust on wax paper.

To make filling, mix sugar, flour, nutmeg and cinnamon. Add fruit, stirring to coat. Can set aside in fridge and then drain later. Note: If adding blueberry or peach, add lemon zest.

Fill crust with filling. Scatter butter. Add top crust. Pinch edges and ventilate the top. Brush with milk. Sprinkle sugar on top. Bake on cookie sheet for 50 minutes. Can cover edge with tinfoil if cooking too fast.

Allow to cool 1 hour before serving