Black Friday

After the T-Day food hype comes the Black Friday sales blitz. Now I've never got up at the crack of dawn for this coveted shopping sport, but I was tempted to do some online shopping since some sales started at midnight...but I resisted, rather, I was just too plain lazy to do the research! Hah! Besides, I am ALMOST done with my holiday shopping, so I thought I'd be practical and just not give into the hype...and save some $$$!...plus there is always Cyber Monday, right?! =)

Instead of doing the BF thing, we met up with our friends KG & FG for lunch at this Afghan place called "Kabul" in Sunnyvale. I ordered the seafood combo kebabs (salmon & prawns) and a yogurt drink called "dough" (blah) and Daddy J ordered the lamb kebabs. Everything was delish (well except my drink).

Afterwards we went over to their house to partake in T-Day leftover drinks & desserts.  We also played some Rock Band and admired a Lego Eiffel Tower that FG just built (see pic).  Baby B's newfound mobility has allowed me a bit more freedom because she is a bit less clingy.  Baby C made herself at home on the couch and watched some TV.  It was a nice treat to hang out with some friends on a gloomy Black Friday.

- Yvonne
- Sent from my Palm Pre

Stroller Naps

My girls have never been stroller nappers...then again, I probably never walk long enough for them to nap.  The area around my house is not exactly conducive to taking stroller walks, so we don't get out much in that respect.

Today, I had to drop my car off for service and decide to give my friend SM a call because she lives nearby. It is about a 15 min walk and though Baby B did not sleep on the way there, she did fall asleep on the way back to the dealership.

Hmmm...maybe I should take walks more with the kids! We have a lake nearby that is nice to walk around.  It would be good for all of us!  Time to shop for a double jogging stroller?  Or maybe just a single one? Not sure if Baby C would dig sitting for that long...=)

-- Sent from my Palm Pre

Halloween 2009

Happy Halloween everyone!

As usual, I had two costumes ready, a warm weather one (49ers cheerleaders) and a cold weather one (giraffes). We actually had a couple of parties and events to go to and got pretty good use out of both costumes, although it was warm most of October.

This was Baby B's first Halloween, and this might be the last time I get to choose her outfit, since she'll be almost 2 by the time the next Halloween rolls around. I got to choose Baby C's costumes the last two years since she has a July birthday. This year, she wanted to be a giraffe (her favorite animal), and I got to choose the cheerleader outfit. I never got to dress up and go trick-or-treating growing up, so every year, I just wing it, and try to make this "holiday" special for the kids.

Here are some pictures from the pumpkin carving session. Daddy J did a great job on carving a "kitty" pumpkin.

"I don't want to dig in the pumpkin Daddy."

Daddy J concentrating very hard on the pumpkin design.

She finally gets her hands dirty...a little.

MEOW!

We went TOT-ing at the local shopping area, it was packed!

The giraffe costumes were semi-DIY. I bought the sweatsuits, and costume "kits" came from this lady on www.etsy.com. The kits included the brown patches, antlers, ears, and tails. The felt patches were stick-on (although I will whip stitch them before dumping them in the washer/ dryer), and I had to sew the rest of the pieces on myself. This was quite a feat since I do not know how to sew...I was quite proud of myself, even though the sewing was pretty rudimentary. The end result was "ok" IMHO. I think it's hard to convey a giraffe because of all the signature spots that identify the animal. But at least I knew they were comfortable...although the weather was a bit warm. They were mistaken for cows a couple times, and if they don't have their hoods on, they kinda look like skeletons to me , which was ok too I guess.

Who knew giraffe's could scream? LOL

Baby C's preschool had a Halloween parade and a potluck. I made "apple smiles"! Basically, two slices of apples, nutella/peanut butter, and mini marshmallows...simple, semi-nutritious, and yummy! They were a hit!

Troublemaker-in-Training

Over the last couple weeks, Baby B has really come into her own and quickly establishing herself as "troublemaker-in-training". She is definitely following in her sister's footsteps. We've since had to bust out the childproofing gear once again and Baby B just giggles in excitement because its just another new thing for her to fiddle with.

She also had a cool language breakthrough the other day. After a challenging trip at Safeway, Baby B was "helping" me unload the groceries when she grabbed the bananas and repeatedly said "Nana, nana, nana!" I finallly figured out she was saying "banana" and she was relentless until I sat her down in her highchair and peeled a banana for her. She then happily and quietly devoured about a quarter of the banana. In that moment, I realized why she was so fussy at the supermarket...I THINK she just wanted a banana to chew on! It was one of the first items I put in my cart. Go figure!

Baby B is pretty proficient at crawling, cruising, yelling at what she wants, and has a serious curiosity streak. Which is all pretty normal at this stage, but when it's your second child, you almost DREAD them becoming mobile (read: two mobile kids, running in opposite directions)...at least that's how I feel. With Baby C, I distinctly remember things getting simultaneously easier AND harder after age one and becoming mobile. The newfound freedom is exilarating for the young toddlers, which means you have to watch them like a hawk. Their language skills are developing, but it can be quite frustrating (for everyone) when they are so vocal, yet have trouble conveying their needs. I know every child is different, and I look forward to getting to know our little Baby B.

Anyways, one thing is for sure, we've got lots of cool adventures ahead!

Brunch With Friends

Today we went over to visit some friends in their new house and had a brunch potluck. We closed on the property back in Dec 08, but with holidays, schedules, etc, we finally got around to visiting them after they settled in.

We had lots of yummy food and great company. The kids enjoyed running a muck, and thank goodness Baby C did not break anything!

The spread: brunch stratta (made my yours truly), apple pancake, waffles, hash browns, bacon, and fruit (not pictured)...oh and also an excellent lemon bar made by the host SM, that we took to-go.

Batter spillage makes the waffle taste better!

The only way we can get a picture with all the kids together was to sit them in front of the TV. =) L-R: TM, Baby C, and RK.

Another Beautiful Day

We took advantage of another beautiful day and had a playdate with my friend VB and her daughter AB. It's supposed to rain the rest of the week, so I am glad we soaked up the sunshine today.

AB is about 4 months older than Baby C and they play wonderfully together. They ask about one another, get excited when they anticipate seeing each other for class or a playdate, they show concern and affection for one another when they play together. Even though they are only toddlers, I think they are truly friends! =) So cute!

Here is a picture of them at the park. It's tough to get a good picture of a toddler, let alone two! LOL!

Big Potty, Small Potty

They have a "Family Bathroom" at Stoneridge Mall. Baby C really digs it. It makes her feel like a "big girl" when she can sit on the little potty. Oh the little things that entertain toddlers!

We've been potty training for a while now and still can't over that "hump". We are at about 95%, but I still do not dare go out without Baby C in a Pull-Up. I know I am eventually just gonna have to bite the bullet and deal with potential accidents and just pack extra clothes for her...but the task can seem a bit overwhelming, especially when I have an infant in tow too...Wish me luck!