matea's hair

Today was "hair day" at our house...I put Matea's hair in 35ish box braids today and I LOVE how it turned out. I took a really quick picture of the front and one of the back - they aren't the greatest pictures but give you the idea -



I let her hair "stretch" out for a day in a few chunky twists before I braided it. I was surprised at how much length was retained after the braiding was done, since her hair was only slightly damp during braiding. I am always amazed by the length of her hair when I am washing it/styling it, but usually the styles that we do don't really show how long it is. If I braid it right after washing it shrinks up quite a bit which is totally normal and fine! However, it is fun every once in a while to have it be really long - plus, she enjoys whipping it around!

I am trying to get more creative with styles, but I usually find myself doing some form of twists (or "chunkies" as matea calls them!) or braids. Those styles seem to last a while and we can usually tweak them as the days go by (for example, I'll put her hair in pigtails, cornrows, barrettes, and headbands with the box braids she has in now). We can usually have a couple days of a twist-out or braid-out with these styles which are probably my favorites! The photo below she has a couple day old twist-out. Super cute, in my opinion!
So, there's the hair updates from our neck of the woods. We're hoping to take some family pictures this weekend with the tripod, so if any turn out I'll post them. Also, I'm entering my 3rd trimester this week so I'll take a couple belly pics and post them as well. yikes!

Lead Me

I've really been liking the song "Lead Me" by Sanctus Real lately - today I went to their site and was happy to see not only do they have the music video posted, but they also have a "story behind the song" video! I LOVE LOVE LOVE(!) to find out why songs were written (I'm a lyric girl) - I feel it adds so much more to the music. If you've got a few minutes check these videos out.

The Story Behind "Lead Me" - Sanctus Real from BrightBulb Entertainment on Vimeo.

ladybug!

 

I Love My Hair

Here is a super cute Sesame Street video about hair! Enjoy. :-)

shoulder ride

Aaron is such a good dad.

pregnancy post

Since posting on facebook that I'm pregnant, I figured I'd do a quick blog post answering some questions I got, mainly concerning my blood pressure.

First off, YES, I still have controlled hypertension. It didn't just miraculously go away, although, I sure wouldn't argue with God if he ever decided to do that.

My pregnancy isn't going to be too much different than a normal pregnancy (not that I'd really know, since I'll never have a "normal" one - does ANYONE have "normal" ANYTHING?). Basically I'll just be monitored a lot more than someone who does not have pre-existing hypertension. Following our ultrasound on October 18th I will be getting ultrasounds every 2-6 weeks to monitor the baby's growth. I go in every month for a check rather than 12 and 20 weeks. And at the end I'll go weekly for the last 2 months rather than just the last month.

Other things we haven't discussed with my doctor yet...but...there is a good probability I will be induced early to prevent pre-eclampsia. We'll figure this out as the time gets closer, I suppose. Other than that........I guess I'm 'normal.'

I feel basically fine.

I have had one craving: Sweet onion chicken teriyaki subway sandwiches. Oh yum. And lately every night I've been wanting a bowl of cereal before bed, which is rare for me. Too bad I'm not craving something healthy like carrots or broccoli or something.

Yes we are finding out the gender.

Someday I'll post a belly picture.

I am 18 weeks today. Two more weeks and we're in the downhill slope. Yeah!

Chipmunks & Salt Water Taffy

Posted by Aaron:

Did you know that chipmunks like salt water taffy?  It's true.  At least they like to try it - I don't know if they're connoisseurs of fine salt water taffy or not.  You might wonder how I know this.  I know some of you who know me think it's just one of the many useless trivia items I might know.  Well the truth is, it's not.

We have a semi-domesticated chipmunk that hangs around our place. We've had a few run-ins with it, but none that notable.  It usually just gives us a nervous look as it runs across the deck (especially when Page is out).  We saw it a few times today while going in and out and Matea asked if she could "go chase it."  Go ahead I told her... anyhow...Matea was playing outside while I did some work in the garage. I had the door open to let some fresh air in and keep an ear out for Matea.  When it was time for dinner I went to go in and Matea was near the door.  She said "the chipmunk went in there."  I said where?  And she pointed under this cart that's right inside the door.  I looked and nothing.  She's at this age where she's starting to do more and more imaginary play that spills into her reality, so while I didn't completely write her statement off, I figured chances were she was playing.  Fast forward three hours.  Matea's in bed, I run out to the garage (my office) to do a couple things.  It's dark except for the computer screen and I heard a little noise that I didn't pay much attention to, then more noise.  AHHHH!!!!  THE CHIPMUNK'S IN MY OFFICE AND SCURRYING OVER MY SANDEL-CLAD FEET!! Not to sound like a complete baby, but it did freak me out for a few seconds.  I spent a good chunk of time trying to scare it out, but can't tell if it's still here or if it ran out the door I left open when I went in the house to get some closed-toe shoes.

Dirty little bugger left some "droppings" as Bear Grylls may call them on my window ledge and worst of all he ate at least two of my salt-water taffy's.  And as if to taunt me he left the shredded wrappers right in the middle of my desk.  Argh - I'll get you little chipmunk....I'LL GET YOU!!!

Fall

As I sit here on my couch with a blanket on and a cup of coffee, trying to NOT turn the heat on, I am trying to focus on the good things about fall. Typically my favorite season. However, when it comes like a slap in the face rather than that slow, enjoyable cool down into sweatshirt weather I have a hard time adjusting. Seriously, what happened to upper 60s/low 70s for a high?! We just go right into the 50s this year? Frustrating. And it is so dark so early. sigh. So, anyway...here are some things I'm enjoying right now:

-International Delight's Dark Chocolate Cream coffee creamer. I LOVE IT.
-I stopped at Caribou the other day and they have their fall flavors out!! Pumpkin Spice Latte, here I come!!
-I made chocolate chip cookies on Tuesday. They are delicious. And it warmed up the house a degree or two. I made this recipe, and it is great! Aaron says they are the best cookies he thinks I've made.
-I'm going to make pumpkin bread today and will be trying out another new recipe. Looking forward to it.
-Fall scented candles. On my list of things to purchase in the next couple of days.
-Smartwool socks, how I love thee.
-Football season. I love napping on the couch on Sunday afternoons while a football game is on. Go Vikes!
-Hot apple cider on the stove. Yum-o.
-Crock pot meals. Somehow they seem so fitting for this time of year, and so effortless. And I am a low-effort type of girl.

So there you have it. Kind of weird that most things of fall have to do with eating or drinking. Oh well. This weather also is nice for going for walks in the woods. :-)

what we've been up to

We've had a fun summer so far...lots of playing outside, going to the lake, hanging out with friends, and barbecuing, and not much blogging! Here are a couple pics of life...

Gary and Angela came up for a weekend in June - it was a ton of fun! We picnicked on lake superior, watched Grandma's Marathon, landscaped, and just had a good time hanging out.

Jen came home from the world race!! Here is the Duluth crew at the airport. It was a good time!

We had a family weekend in Giants Ridge over the 4th of July. The weather was awesome. We did not catch much fish...but we ate like kings!!

I let Matea start to use scissors. She can only cut with her mouth open - I hear this is normal? I don't know, I think it is hilarious.

So there is a brief update, I'll try to be better at staying up to date!

doll

Matea is really into her "babies" these days...babies and purses. :-)

for fun

There is a dandelion field across the street. It can be kind of pretty, I guess!

pasta - perfect!

I don't know about you, but I have THE WORST time figuring how much spaghetti to put into the pot. It is ALWAYS way too much or way too little. So. Annoying. I found this
online today, and I TOTALLY WANT IT.


So, that's all. I just wanted to share. :-)

Meal Plan

Ok, so I know I talked about this a few blog posts back...so I figured I'd post a follow up! Here is my meal plan for the upcoming week.

Today - dinner at Jesse and Jodi's - bring a salad
Tuesday - Grilled cheese with Apple* and tomato soup
Wednesday -Lasagna* with spinach salad
Thursday - tacos with small group - we're providing meat, tomatoes, and lettuce
Friday - Rachael Ray's Lime and Honey glazed salmon with warm black bean and corn salad
Saturday - burgers on the grill with sweet potato fries
Sunday - Blueberry pancakes*for a late breakfast

Breakfasts will be cereal/oatmeal/yogurt with granola
Lunches will be sandwiches (pb and j or lunchmeat), veggies, yogurt

I'm trying a few recipes from the cookbook "Cook This, Not That" this week - the pictures look delish so hopefully the food will too! I put an asterisk by the recipes that are coming from that book.

My grocery list is made...I'm heading up to Cub this afternoon! I LOVE grocery shopping when I have a plan!

May 9

May 9, 2008. We got The Call, and The Email, with The Picture. It was, of course, what we had been waiting for. I remember scrolling down the 1o page PDF file not caring what anything said because all I wanted to do was see her face. And, there she was.

And the most common question I STILL hear? "So, how do you like being a mom?" My answer? "Its great! She is such an easy kid." And she is easy (usually). And FUN. (usually) We know we are lucky. :-) The picture below is from May 2009.

So on this Mother's Day, I want to shout out to a few people:
...My mom - for showing me how to be a good, godly woman. And for being my friend.
...Aaron's mom - for raising a good kid. :-) And for being a mother-in-law that I enjoy!
...My friends who were moms before me - that I call with questions and who have been supportive. You know who you are - Thank You!
...And to Matea - for making me a mom! (pictures below from last month)

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

get away

I just like this picture of Aaron and Matea.
Anyway.
After a month or so of deliberation, we have finally decided on a getaway locale. Good old MINNEAPOLIS. Yep, that's right! We were only wanting to be gone for 4-5 days, and after reviewing airfare, time spent traveling, places we ACTUALLY wanted to visit...nothing really made a lot of sense financially or time wise. So, we're ditching matea at grandma and grandpa's and we're going to spend 4 days downtown!

So far we're hitting up a Twins game, the science museum, IKEA, Nicollet Mall, and an Ethiopian restaurant. And anything else we feel like doing because we really have no schedule! It'll be fun to actually spend a few DAYS downtown instead of a few hours for an event or restaurant or something. And if the weather stinks (like it looks like it might) it doesn't matter...because we didn't spend 700 bucks just to GET there! So its nothing totally crazy, but we're looking forward to it and we're hoping to do a BIG trip for our 10 year anniversary next year (CRAZY!).

If you have any suggestions of things we shouldn't miss while in minneapolis let me know!

30

And...my 30th birthday is just about done! I had a FANTASTIC day...here are some highlights.
-flowers from Aaron and my coworker
-free Caribou coffee!
-fun cards and phone calls from friends and family
-UMD sweatpants from Aaron (yes!! I've been wanting some for FOREVER)
-a GIGANTIC cookie cake delivered to work from my parents
-Pizza Luce pizza at home for dinner
-an afternoon nap
-GLEE was on tonight! Watched it with 5 of my close girlfriends - and ate peanut butter m&ms!
-65 birthday messages on facebook (yep, I'm a nerd)
-got to talk and SEE Jen today!

So if today was any indication of how my 30s will go, it should be a pretty good decade. :-) Thank you so much everyone!

roaring twenties

Happy Birthday Week to ME!!! Birthday's are a big deal in my family, so I will take the opportunity to induldge myself basically all week. Don't mind if I do. I turn the big 3-0 on Tuesday and I was just thinking about all the things that have happened in the last 10 years of life. I figured I'd share some of those things with you...so without further adieu and in no particular order...."My Twenties."

1. Graduated from college
2. Got married. :-)
3. Owned 2 homes
4. Became a mother!
5. Became an aunt
6. Traveled internationally to Brazil and Ethiopia (Mexico and Canada don't count as "international" in my book)
7. Paid off all our loans (besides mortgage)!
8. Got in my first and only car accident (thank you, snowy duluth hills)
9. Found out I hate substitute teaching
10. Quit my job (last normal scheduled day this week, I think!)
11. Grew spiritually
12. Discovered my 2 favorite books (Redeeming Love and Pride and Prejudice)
13. Continued to watch You've Got Mail countless times and NOT get sick of it
14. Learned to play guitar
15. Started intentionally learning about photography
16. Discovered my strengths and how to use them(took StrengthsFinder test)! Maximizer, Developer, Communication, Strategic, Activator
17. Got high blood pressure. :-(
18. Became ok with having high blood pressure. :-)
19. Started wearing pink.
20. Got a dog. :-)

That's all for now. Hope everyone is having a great weekend!!

vietnam

Jen's team is heading to Vietnam for the month - I told her to say "GOOD MORNING" to the country every day. Here's some inspiration!

MLB

GO TWINS!!

love it

The next person I know who gets engaged might get this card. It is pretty much the best card EVER.

You can find this card here!

SMILE!

This just makes me smile. :-)

family weekend

This past weekend my parents came up for a visit! They watched Matea for us on Friday night while Aaron and I went out on a date, then Saturday night they stayed at the Inn on Lake Superior. It was great - we got to go swimming, go to a few shops in Canal Park, and do s'mores! I do think that my mom is really the only one who actually likes s'mores - in the words of my dad, "these would be great without the marshmallows." I TOTALLY agree!

gnocchi. delicious.

I've been making an attempt lately to work on the "food" part of our lives. My goal is to regularly have a meal plan for 7-10 days, grocery shop according to the recipes, and EAT THE LEFTOVERS. Theoretically, this should help us save money and calories since I can plan healthier meals. Last month when I attempted this plan we saved about $70 on our monthly grocery bill. Now if that isn't motivation, I don't know what is! Truth be told, I have done this in the past and not stuck with it, so here is to turning over a new leaf...or something.

Anyway...I was on eatingwell.com and came across this recipe and we really enjoyed it. I substituted spinach for the chard and also added some turkey sausage for a bit of meat....and ENJOY!

pictures

So, I'm learning more about photography...and one of my wiling subjects has been Jodi! Its a win-win - she gets pictures during her pregnancy, and I get to practice on someone who is so patient with me! Here are a few photos we took today...

January update

Haven't blogged much this month...here's what's been keeping me busy!

Hair hair hair. I'm learning more about taking care of Matea's hair - and honestly getting a little frustrated at times. My styles don't last very long and it takes me quite a while to do them. Regardless, I am learning and getting better each time I do Matea's hair. She has A TON of hair, its unreal! I love the way it looks right after I wash and condition it - it has these beautiful ringlets that are just gorgeous. Someday we'll figure out how to get those ringlets to stay after her hair dries (I think!). In the meantime, here is her hair after a few days of it being free...and my first time doing bantu knots!


We moved Matea into a toddler bed about a month ago...she loves it (can't you tell by the picture). She hasn't tried getting out yet when she isn't supposed to, which has been great!

We took a quick 4 day trip to Missouri with Jesse and Jodi to visit Aaron's grandma for her 90th birthday. It was REALLY fun and really really good to see Grandma Grace! I am so glad we could make it down for the party - it was really special to us that Grandma got to spend some time getting to know Matea.
Aaron got me a new external flash for Christmas and I also got Lightroom for the computer to work on some photo editing stuff - my brain has literally been on overload trying to learn things. I finally figured out I need to just learn one thing at a time, so I am slowly starting to figure things out.

Took Matea to the MD today for her 2 year appt - she grew 3.5" in the last 6 months - which would explain why we keep thinking she is looking so much like a KID and not a TODDLER. The doctor said she has the language of a 4 year old - but she's a bit behind in the gross motor skills. Nothing to worry about though...we decided we'll start playing Twister. :-)

I also put in my "i'm quitting" notice for my job - so my last day will be May 1 unless they find a replacement sooner. I'm not moving to a new job, I'm just going to be done and stay home! Aaron's business has picked up quite a bit and we feel this'll be a really good move for our family. So...there you have it!