Making memories is so much fun!

Wow! What a weekend...Tim and I decided to take advantage of his long weekend and head down to San Francisco.  I regret terribly that we don't do this more often.  This amazing city is only 1.5 hours away, yet we never seem to make it there.  After this trip, I vow to rectify this and go at least every other month for a day trip if nothing else.


I really wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to improve my photography skills.  I hope you all like pictures because this entry is gonna have a few :) I'm lucky enough to have a professional grade Nikon at my disposal courtesy of my big sister Wendy who is an awesome real  photographer.  I really don't know much about using it so excuse my learning curve here...


First things first, we had to pack up...Gone are the days of throwing some clothes and a toothbrush in a bag and heading out the door! Even just one night away requires so much planning when a little one is added into the mix.  Add to the fact that I like to be OVER prepared (to say the least) and we ended up with a trunkful just for our little get away.

Yes, it takes 5 bags, 2 camera cases and one small cooler to make it for approximately 24 hours away...(not to mention the pack n play and the stroller already in the car)

 We thought we had a long drive in front of us because the bay bridge was closed and we had to take the Golden Gate. Fortunately, we lucked out and traffic was smooth sailing. We made such good time that we decided to stop at one of my favorite places to take some pics.  Last time we were at the Marin Headlands P-man was just 5 weeks old.  LOVE this place...

We lucked out with some seriously awesome weather for pictures. Does it get any better?

I gotta say, I'm more than a little proud of myself for catching this shot just as P was looking right at the camera.

I heart this picture so much...

 From there it was off to the zoo.  I was slightly worried that we would be disappointed because the Sacramento leaves A LOT to be desired.  I was pleasantly surprised.  The San Francisco Zoo is gorgeous! It's clean and beautiful and the animal enclosures are really impressive.  I hate going to zoos in which the animals look sad to be there.  We also got to meet up with a fellow MOOB Julie and her sweet little man Wyatt.  They were so much fun.

Little man LOVED feeding the ducks...

Just a couple of new friends hanging out in the barn

I think he liked it...

After an interesting night in the hotel (always a challenge with little man) we met some awesome friends for breakfast and headed out to act like stupid tourists.  I can't help myself, I think Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 are great fun!  Plus, Patrick got to see the ocean and walk in the sand for the first time.  It's a memory I'm going to keep forever...

Awestruck

I ask you, what's better than pictures of fat little baby feet?

My heart is melting just looking at the picture.

Of course, it's not a trip to SF without checking out the sea lions.  Patrick was a little preoccupied by the giant cookie I thought he deserved for being such a good boy all weekend, but he liked them any way.

And finally, I couldn't resist forcing my child to pose for even more pictures with all the beautiful flowers that were in bloom everywhere we looked.  They were so gorgeous...

I realize that I cut Tim's head off but Patrick's face is just so sweet!

My attempt at being artsy

It took about 8 million pics to get this ONE where he's actually looking!

I love my little family so much.  I'm so lucky to have a husband who  is always up for adventure and a child who's highly adaptable and pretty adventurous himself!

Check me out!

As you all know, I'm very new to the whole blogging thing.  I'm really trying to determine what kind of blog I want to have and how I want my writing to be reflected. Also, there are many things that have already happened (especially with P-man) that I need to write about that I never got the chance to.

I found myself with a lucky opportunity to be a guest blogger for a fellow 'MOOB' on her very established (and awesome) blog Baby P Makes Three. Since I never really got the chance to write about my birth experience, I used the chance to do that there. I hope you all like it!

 Thanks again Loni for the opportunity.

My son's a genuis...Happy Valentines!

First off, Valentine's Day isn't much to speak of in this house.  Tim and I both agree that we love each other plenty year round and we don't need another day to stress over what gift to buy one another. We generally exchange cards and I ALWAYS get flowers.  I get flowers other times throughout the year also though and those mean just as much to me :) And because I need no excuse for chocolate, I made chocolate covered strawberries too!

Now, I will say that every holiday is immensely more fun with Patrick around.  He got a present from Tim and I and a chocolate treat from Grandma. He wouldn't eat his dinner but the chocolate went down no problem...

As for his geniusness...Tonight his dad was quizzing him on the various animal noises that he knows.  He's a pro at the basics (cat, dog, cow) and last week his Oma and Opa taught him monkey, complete with underarm scratching! After going through all the animals he knows, Tim tried to throw him off by asking what a hippopotamus says.  He was not the least bit stumped.  He went straight to his bookshelf and pulled out 'Not the Hippopatumus' a book he received for Christmas.  Genius.  Pure genius.  As Tim would say, he's getting closer and closer to becoming our evil over lord.

Every day is a new day with this child and each morning I wake up listening to him chat to himself in his crib and I can't wait to see what he's going to teach me that day...

Good eatin' at the Cronie house!

Anyone who has spent much time with me lately knows I've been pretty focused on making some major life changes regarding my health.  I'm hitting the gym 5 days a week, tracking everything I eat and focusing on healthy ingredients in my cooking. I'm 10 pounds under my PRE pregnancy weight and I feel great. And I'm having fun with my food. If you haven't found Pinterest yet, I encourage you to rectify the situation immediately.  I find so many amazing recipes and fitness tips there.

Also, since I'm not working or going to school right now I've been cooking more than I ever have.  P-man and I have great fun on our weekly trip to Whole Foods where I get to find the most amazing ingredients to make some yummy dishes!  I think Whole Foods should be designated the new 'happiest place on earth.' Just sayin...I thought other's might enjoy some of the recipes I've been using a lot lately!


Green Shake

 I realize this resembles the slime on Nickelodeon's Double Dare more than a beverage but it's delicious! Patrick likes it too and we split this awesome smoothie at least twice a week now. Super easy to make...

I use 1 whole banana instead of mango and add a half cup of fresh organic blueberries (MUST use organic blueberries see the Dirty Dozen.) I also use almond milk (just cause that's what is in my fridge) and i add a couple tablespoons of Greek yogurt to make it a little smoother.  Yummy and sooo healthy!

Whole Wheat Banana Bread with nuts AND chocolate chips

Like I said I'm making a LIFESTYLE change.  I'm not dieting.  I can not live my life without baked goods. I don't see the point in such an existence.  I'm just learning how to make those baked goods a little more beneficial to my body while still being tasty :)

I use applesauce instead of oil in this in order to lower the fat and calories.  It really tastes the same in most baked goods (not brownies though, I discovered sadly.)  I also cut the nuts to 1/4 cup and add 1/4 cup of semisweet chocolate chips.  It may not sound like much chocolate but it's just enough. I use light Agave Nectar instead of honey, again just because it's what I have in my cabinet most of the time.

Crispy baked salmon and sauteed green beans with turkey bacon

I don't like salmon. I don't like fish but, it's good for me.  Really good for me. So I eat it. I'm a grown up and grown ups have to do things we don't like.  I have found a recipe that makes it really crispy and yummy.  Plus, I can put an entire dinner together in about 15 minutes.  That's a huge deal with a 16 month old running underneath you while you cook.

The green beans are too easy. Just saute some turkey bacon (about three slices), throw in the some fresh green beans (snap off the ends) and cover to let them steam.  I had to add a little water and recover to get more steam. Easy and healthy but it doesn't taste like it!

I don't have pics of everything I've been making  but below is a couple more links. Not everything has been a success but I'm trying and Tim has been a great sport.  He eats everything I cook and tells me it's delicious, even when it's not...It's truly important for a spouse to support his/her partner in living the healthiest life possible.  I really don't understand when one partner doesn't want to get on board an effort to live as long as possible for each other.  This is IMPORTANT folks!

Califlower Pancakes  This is not a breakfast item.  It's a cheesy, delicious side dish and they are amazing!
Zucchini carrot muffins Again, I use applesauce, not oil and add 1/4 cup pecans and 1/4 cup chocolate chips

Aunts rule!

Being a mom is awesome.  It's seriously the most rewarding, heartwarming, amazing (sometimes challenging) and exciting experience of my life.  I love it. I live for being a mom. But, before I was a mom I was an aunt. I saw a quote on a friend's blog today (check out this awesomeness http://babypmakesthree.blogspot.com/) that prompted me write about how awesome being an aunt is.

I was 15 years old when I found out I was going to be an aunt for the first time.  Little miss Hanna Jo arrived on January 27, 1998 and I was instantly in love.  Seriously, even at the age of 15, I could imagine that this must be what it feels like to have a baby.  The love I felt for her was boundless.  She had me wrapped right from the beginning. I was lucky enough to spend a lot of time with her when she was a funny little baby and toddler.  Now, she is a beautiful, talented, fun filled 14 year old who I truly consider a friend. (is it sad to have a 14 year old friend when your almost 30?)  She asks me for help with her hair.  I bug her about boys.  I'm so thankful to her for making me an aunt. (Plus, I'm now cashing in on all that free babysitting I gave her :)

Just a sweet little 5 year old.

Now, a gorgeous young woman. (I tear up just writing that)

A few year later, along came Zachary Ryan. Oh, my sweet Zachary.  What an awesome boy he is! I was lucky enough to work at my parent's preschool when Zach was a toddler and he was in my class (when he wasn't escaping to go find grandma.) Zach taught me what it is to love little BOYS.  He was a fun and determined even as a 2 year old.  And, he had the most awesome hair EVER!  Now Zach is a rockstar 10 year old. He's creative, sweet and still determined.  He works harder than any other student I know.  He's the first to volunteer to help someone else. He's confident and adventurous. This kid will try anything once.  I wish I was more like him...

This is seriously one of the best lookin kids I have ever seen...

  

Shortly after Zach was born, Lindsey Kaitlin came into our lives.  Since they were the same age (just two weeks apart) she was in my class at the preschool too! What a bright and bubbly little girl. She was particular about having things just so, in the most adorable way. Her attachment to her blankie was profound and precious. She too had some pretty awesome hair, right from the start. It brightened my world to see my brother and best friend as a proud daddy!

 

Our family situation with Lindsey is complex (and private) but I think of her often and will always love her as any aunt would...

2003 brought a lot of changes in my life including the birth of my nephew Adam Nathan.  Now I don't believe in having regrets in life, but one thing that saddens me deeply is the fact that I moved away to Cali when Adam was just 3 weeks old.  It  broke breaks my heart that I wasn't there for his first few years the way I was for his siblings and cousin.  Fortunately, my sister made the amazing decision to move here when he was 5 so I've gotten to spend the last few years playing catch up.  I got to be there for the first day of kindergarten and many other special occasions that I missed with the others.  I'm so happy he's here now.  He is such a vivacious, excited, energetic guy with a smile that lights up my world.  He's so dang cute, he could get away with murder. (with me at least, that's what aunts are for after all)



If this doesn't make you melt, you are heartless. Sorry to break it to you...



Last, but definitely not least my gorgeous niece Kaiya Love was born just 7.5 months after Patrick.  Steve promised me when I got pregnant that he would do his best to make sure Laura and I got to be pregnant together. I was not disappointed! Just a short time before P-mans arrival, we got word that Kaiya was on her way.  It's a good thing too. Being at the hospital for Patrick's birth was a little lot overwhelming for Laura and had she not already been pregnant, we may have been waiting a while :)  I was so sad (similarly to when I moved after Adam was born) when we found out just a few months later that they would be moving to Washington DC.  It was going to be difficult to properly spoil her from across the country. I was up for the job though... Now spunky little 8 month old that's tackling new milestones every day.  It's so fun to hear all the stories and remember that just a short time ago, we were in the same boat. I'm so happy they are now half a country closer and staying in Colorado.  I look forward to many years of cousins getting closer.

Not surprising...Gorgeous...



I see lots of matching jammies and wet willies in their future...I love it!!!



In addition to being biologically related to these fantastic little people, I'm incredibly blessed to have been adopted into the Jami/Deaguero family. Jessica is so special to me and I'm so honored that her kids consider me an aunt.  They call me Auntie Katie, which is just the cutest dang thing ever coming from a 6 and 3 year old! They are such a significant part of my life and I love them dearly.

I was lucky enough to be in the room when Logan Andrew was born in December 2005.  His birth was surprising and amazing! I was sad that the lived sooo far away (all the way downtown, a whopping 25 min drive) but I saw him as often as I could.  I eventually got a designated day to care for him and I picked him up from daycare every Tuesday.  He was never all that excited to see me, but it was the highlight of my week.  Now he's one of the smartest children I have ever known.  You know how they say kids are like a sponge? That's Logan. He so enthusiastically absorbs every piece of knowledge he comes across.  It's really fun to witness.  In addition to being so smart, he's hilarious, sweet and an awesome big brother.  He rocks! 

Seriously?!? Adorable...

If you're having a bad day. Call this guy. He'll make it better.



Then there was Bailey. Bailey was a little surprise to her mom and dad in September 2008.  I was so ecstatic to have a new niece, I could just die.  I bought up all the pink....and purple.  And flowers, and bows and everything girly I could get my hands on. I take great pride in the fact that Bailey got super attached to a blanket that I had bought for her before she was born. Purple and satiny soft. Logan also was attached to a blankie that I got him. I know how to pick em.  She gave her parents trouble that they hadn't expected.  This wasn't their first child after all.  Bailey is the perfect example of all children are different.  She is outspoken, strong minded, and all grown up.  She behaves perfectly when she comes to my house and that's all that matters.  (her mom says she's a little different at home :) She loves her big brother and wants to do anything and everything that he does. And have a mentioned that she is beyond CUTE?

Ok, not the best pic but it's funny

She's quite the little princess.  Just ask her...

This blog may be a little long winded but I love all of these guys so much, I just couldn't encompass all of their awesomeness briefly.  They are all so unique and special.  Each of them add to my life in so many ways and I can't wait to be there to see the amazing people they will continue to become. Being an aunt is an amazing blessing and I hope I add as much to their lives as they have to mine...

I love my MOOBS

Those that know me well understand that I am an information hound.  Whenever I have an event in my life (wedding, vacation, baby) I dive into every piece of material ever written about said subject like a fat kid with chocolate cake. Of course, having a baby would be the biggest thing to ever happen to us so I was even more obsessed than ever before.  When Tim and I started trying to conceive (TTC)  I was delighted to find that What to Expect had a website with tons of information for psycho's like myself that can't just sit back and let things happen.  I was even more excited to find there was an online forum for just about every possible scenario in pregnancy or child rearing.  I excitedly joined the TTC forum and stayed there for 3 months.

When I found out I was pregnant, I moved to a new forum. The Expecting in October forum had 700+ members all over the world who were all expecting in October 2010.  The resource this group provided was beyond valuable.  Imagine having access to that many people going through the exact same thing as you. When you are pregnant for the first time, you worry about EVERYTHING. Every twinge or pain induces panic. When the baby doesn't move for 5 minutes, you want to head immediately to the ER to get things checked out. If you have the opportunity to get online and see that 20 other people are having the same issue that day, it sets your mind at ease. No one else can provide this kind of comfort. Not the father of the child, or the doctor, or your mother.  What does they know really :)  Of course it wasn't always smooth sailing.  There are a variety of controversial issues that arise during pregnancy and we had 700+ opinions to deal with.  We had mom's lose their babies, mom's who were on bed rest for months, mom's who went into labor terrifyingly early. I believe our earliest preemie was born at 27 weeks! We all survived together.

Before we knew it, October came and went and we were all left with newborns that someone expected US to know how to take care of. Not long after our babies came, many of us joined a newly created Facebook group just for us.  FB was easier to use and we could get to know each other more since our previous forum was public an this new group was private. When drama ensued, (as it must on the Internet especially when a large group of hormonal women are involved) the group split into a smaller group, still nearly 200 members, that we now lovingly refer to as MOOBs (Moms of October Babies.)

 I can't describe the way I feel about these ladies.  We're not always classy. We are not always politically correct.  A lot of us don't even like one another. BUT we are all going through many of the same issues at the same time.  We've been through every freak out over fevers and head bumps, every struggle with feeding and teething, every milestone from coming home from the hospital to talking and walking. We've shared every joy and every heartache together.  It's a very weird feeling to be so connected to people you've never met.  We're protective of each other. We support each other and offer advice that you will not find anywhere else than from someone who is going through the same thing AT THE SAME TIME. (that part is key)  We love each other. We hate each other.  One thing for sure, we are a passionate bunch who love our children above all else!

This was the first opportunity I had to meet some MOOBs (before we were MOOBs I believe.) Our babies were about 6 months and we went to the Jelly Belly Factory.

Logan (far right) was one of our earliest October babies, born in August.  Patrick and I got to go to his birthday party!

Bonus of going to San Jose for Uncle Steve's game was getting to meet up with the awesome Labby family.  Ollie is so cute I just want to smush him!

These relationships are so valuable...

Shopping with the babes and some MOOBs!

Seriously, we're sooo lucky to live in a day and age in which we can easily have access to such a wonderful variety of people that can offer such important contributions to our lives.  I WOULD NOT be the mommy I am without these ladies.  For better or worse :)