Been a long time

There has been a lot of craziness around here lately with the most recent being me getting sick and having to go the ER. I just got my x-ray info back on Wednesday and I actually have pneumonia! I am on an antibiotic and was told to rest. I asked how that was possible with a 17-month old and full time job. At least I have a great husband that tries to help. Also, I probably wouldn't have made it to this point if my parents hadn't come almost every day the week I was really ill. Thanks mom and dad!

So what have we been up to? Well, we had a family mini vacation in Palm Springs - just the three of us. The Brett's birthday, which we celebrated by staying at the Grand California and attending the Food and Wine Festival's "Taste" event at Disney's California Adventure. We had an amazing VIP room with a balcony right in the park - awesome.

Next, we drove to Santa Barbara for the graduations of Anthony and Cherise from UCSB. And somehow we thought it appropriate to drive the same day from SB to Oceanside to begin a 5-day family beach vacation. This was all topped-off by a graduation party for my brother at my parent's house. Maybe this is why I have pneumonia?

Oceanside was a lot of fun because Gramps lives there and we were able to spend a lot of time with him. Kate loved the sand and water immensely but it is really hard to get sand off of a baby butt. One night, Brett and I took Anthony and Cherise to the fanciest, most expensive restaurant any of us have ever been - and I've been to some top-notch establishments. It is highly rated restaurant in Del Mar called Addison's. I highly recommend it if you want a special evening. The service was beyond high-end and the food was French gourmet at its best.

The beach house we stayed in was so nice and comfy we took forever getting out of the house each day. Good memories. Below are some pics from the graduations and beach.

Oh and an OC Fair photo competition update - "Temple of the Dog" and "OC Glam" made it in! I am so excited since I have never done anything like this before. As far as I know I didn't win anything but my goal was to just get in the exhibit. There were 2800 entries and less than 800 made it in. So make sure you go to the fair July 9 - August 10 to check them out!

A diamond anniversary

My good friend Stacy and her mom Jan asked me to put together an invite for Nana and Papa's 60th anniversary. I was honored to contribute to this wonderful celebration for a very special couple and family.

Little Patch of Grass

I have a little patch of grass that I call my own
it sits and grows behind my home



My little patch of green is where I lay
the cool grass between my toes on a summer's day





I chat with my neighbors from my little patch of grass
the day so lazy, it's a shame to see it pass



it may not be big, it may not be grand
but it's my little patch of grass, on my land

A new word!

Kate has learned a new word! And I know she actually understands what she is saying because I don't have to say it first anymore. I show her a duck, ask her what it is and she replies! Of course it currently sounds like "guck" but it is progress and I'll take it.

OC Fair Competition

I love taking landscape photos and over the past three years I have entered many of my pictures in the United Airlines "Hemispheres" magazine amateur photo contest. I've never had any success and understand why once I see the amazing photos that actually win. These artists are major amateur enthusiasts. I've had no training at all and can't even tell you one photography term. But that doesn't stop me from entering and still enjoying taking pictures.

I thought I would give it a go locally with the OC Fair competition. I had a few pics to choose from but could only submit three. Below are the ones submitted. Wish me luck!

"Temple of the Dog" - Athens stray lounging in front of the Temple of the Olympian Zeus (Athens, Greece)

"Mykonos at sunset" - peaceful image in the bustling Greek island Mykonos

"OC Glam" - You're never too young to be a diva! Kate and Cherise (my bro's gf) on Mother's Day.

Kate 15-months

Kate had her 15-month check-up on Monday. She was extremely shy during the weighing and measuring phase and almost lost it. I hope this shyness passes soon. Sometimes around new people I can't even walk because she is hanging onto my leg for dear life. However, she had no problems with the doctor as he examined her. The main problem are those nasty nurses with the shots. Fortunately she only had one shot this time but definitely let us know she did not enjoy it!

Stats:
Weight - 22.7 lbs, 50th percentile
Height - 32", 90th percentile (wow!)

Hopefully she will be a supermodel. Possibly she could be a mute supermodel. Sorry, that seems a little mean but really, when is she going to use more words? She says a combo of hi and bye while waving and that is pretty much it. Sure she says "dada" and "mama" but I don't think she truly knows what they mean. At this point, everyone dear to her is dada. I am just waiting for that Helen Keller moment when she realizes it all and begins speaking. :)

This past weekend I was able to visit my friend Melanie who lives up in Oregon along with my good friend Stacy. While I had a great time, I missed Kate horribly and felt so guilty for being away from her. I am so lucky to have such an amazing husband that didn't even bat an eye over me leaving. He had absolutely no issues with watching Kate all by himself for the entire weekend. Literally, I do not even watch her 24/7. I either have the babysitter for part of the day on some days and Brett in the evening to help out. Seriously, how did I become so fortunate to have this great guy and clearly amazing father? Love you, babe.

Kate Potpourri

Eating pasta like a true Italian!



This is what happens when Daddy dresses you. Ouch.