We just survived the strongest earthquake of our married lives (and the strongest earthquake I've ever felt). The USGS reports it was a 5.6 magnitude quake with an epicenter in Alum Rock, which is east San Jose, about 20 miles from us. Our house shook for about a full minute, but nothing fell over or anything. We were watching Barney with Lauren downstairs when it happened. I grabbed the clay angel we have sitting on top of our entertainment center to keep it from falling down and breaking. Also, we later discovered my dresser drawers slid open. (I guess it isn't level!).
So - it was kind of cool (for me, Nicole was a little scared). I guess that is the best kind of earthquake - strong enough to go for a little ride, but weak enough to not cause damage. Lauren didn't seem to care about the earthquake - it was all about Barney. The TV flickered in and out a few times so she was a little concerned about that.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Yay for pumpkin patches!
This season, we got to visit three pumpkin patches, Lemos Farm, Webb Ranch, and Uesugi Farm. My personal favorites were Lemos and Uesugi and we plan to make them a family tradition each year. Lemos Farm is in Half Moon Bay. It is a cute, cozy, very well run farm with gorgeous pumpkins, pony, train, and hay rides, and jump houses. It even has a water fountain with a giant pumpkin and dinosaur on display. Lauren kept asking, "Where tiger, where?" for some reason. There was no tiger. She was so cute to ask tho. Lemos is set in the beautiful valley of Half Moon Bay. I only recommend going on the week days if you can help it 'cuz the weekends can get crazy busy and congested with traffic.
Uesugi in Morgan Hill is like a Fall fair with live music, merry-go-round, multiple train and hay rides. Their pumpkin patch is set in the midst of this wonderful field of Marigolds and corn field, which made for a beautiful photo backdrop. Although I thought the pumpkins at Lemos were more beautiful, I bought ours at Uesugi. We didn't have a chance to revisit Lemos to purchase theirs. The corn-on-the-cob and tri-tip sandwiches were totally delicious at Uesugi. I can't wait to go again next year. I was also most satisfied with my pics of Lauren in her Tinker Bell costume here. I will post pics soon!
Uesugi in Morgan Hill is like a Fall fair with live music, merry-go-round, multiple train and hay rides. Their pumpkin patch is set in the midst of this wonderful field of Marigolds and corn field, which made for a beautiful photo backdrop. Although I thought the pumpkins at Lemos were more beautiful, I bought ours at Uesugi. We didn't have a chance to revisit Lemos to purchase theirs. The corn-on-the-cob and tri-tip sandwiches were totally delicious at Uesugi. I can't wait to go again next year. I was also most satisfied with my pics of Lauren in her Tinker Bell costume here. I will post pics soon!
Autumn is here!
I love it when the leaves change into these beautiful hues of red, orange, yellows, and browns. The air is crisp outside and my favorite indulgence these days is a nap/sleep in fresh, warm sheets and our silk comforter where I get to snuggle five pillows. I know it sounds like a lot, but that is how many I need to feel comfortable when I am pregnant. I normally use three. I get so hot and sweaty all the time while pregnant that I haven't been able to do this until it just got colder recently.
Some of you probably are wondering where Ben sleeps in the midst of all these pillows. Honestly, sometimes he manages to squeeze in when he misses me enough. Most nights tho, we both get better sleep in separate beds. I toss and turn so much to the left, then to the right, trying to find that comfortable spot with the baby, he just leaves me to my flipping so I wouldn't have to worry about disturbing his slumber.
It rained yesterday afternoon, and Lauren finally decided to take a nap again after missing them 3 days in a row minus the time she conked out watching "My Little Pony", so I got spoiled by a nice long nap cuddling in total warmness. The sound of the rain outside was so soothing and peaceful that I couldn't stop thinking how wonderful God is in creating such wonderfulness.
Thank you God for sleep and naps! And nature in it's most colorful state!
Some of you probably are wondering where Ben sleeps in the midst of all these pillows. Honestly, sometimes he manages to squeeze in when he misses me enough. Most nights tho, we both get better sleep in separate beds. I toss and turn so much to the left, then to the right, trying to find that comfortable spot with the baby, he just leaves me to my flipping so I wouldn't have to worry about disturbing his slumber.
It rained yesterday afternoon, and Lauren finally decided to take a nap again after missing them 3 days in a row minus the time she conked out watching "My Little Pony", so I got spoiled by a nice long nap cuddling in total warmness. The sound of the rain outside was so soothing and peaceful that I couldn't stop thinking how wonderful God is in creating such wonderfulness.
Thank you God for sleep and naps! And nature in it's most colorful state!
Feeling a little clever!
Now that I'm in my more energetic months of my prego state, I've been getting creative again in getting better nutrition for the family. A few weeks ago, Ben brought Spanish rice home from work. It was yummy, but a little too loose grain to feed to Lauren without making a big mess! So I got this great idea of melting Tillamook(a mild cheddar-like) cheese into the rice, which made it stick together, making it easier to feed to her and getting the calcium she needs. She's not a huge milk drinker and not a huge cheese fan. Getting calcium in her has been a challenge. Yogurt has been a hit tho! I have seen her drink more in recent weeks. Thank God! When she turns 2 in a couple of weeks, we will need to start giving her 2% milk instead of whole milk.
Just getting back to eating and being able to prepare a more balanced meal is satisfying.
Just getting back to eating and being able to prepare a more balanced meal is satisfying.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Tired!
I am very tired and sleepy.
I went to my sister Gem's yesterday to get my maternity pants taylored to my length. I only had 2 pairs of very casual pants that actually fit me before I went out and purchased a whole new winter wardrobe for my bigger pregnant body. When I was carrying Lauren, it was mostly during summer time. So shorts and tank tops were what I mainly wore. They will not suffice for winter and the holidays.
I found some cute stuff at Loehman's, Old Navy, and Motherhood Maternity. All the pants were too long for petite little me. Thus the trip to Gem's.
We were at Gem's from 1-9:30pm 'cuz she had so many other things she had to do. She is babysitting an adopted 13mo old African American toddler named Davey. He will be dropped off at Gem's for a month while his grandma recover from surgery. She was only able to work on my pants in between the cooking and caring of Davey and her 3 kids and another 3 kids of her friends that is staying at the house after they got back from school.
It was nice Lauren had another toddler to play with. However, I was not prepared to stay that long and thus didn't have the pack 'n play with me to put her down for her usual nap. I usually nap while she naps. I also ran out of energy and got too tired to focus on trying to put her down. She was very unhappy and became clingy and wanted me to play with her downstairs. She really just needed to go down for her nap. I was very sad to hear her cry the entire time, but too tired not to rest so that I could drive us home later in the night. I wished that my sister would've put her down, but she had to care for Davey and the other kids too.
All was better when I got up from my nap. Lauren survived the lack of a nap, but was tired enough to fall asleep as soon as I started driving us home. My pants were near perfect. Gem did a great job. I'm thankful! She also cooked a delicious meal of ribs, salmon, green beans, rice, and noodles.
I really don't know how she does it. But she does it. And I will have to do it too as our family grows. It must be God...
I went to my sister Gem's yesterday to get my maternity pants taylored to my length. I only had 2 pairs of very casual pants that actually fit me before I went out and purchased a whole new winter wardrobe for my bigger pregnant body. When I was carrying Lauren, it was mostly during summer time. So shorts and tank tops were what I mainly wore. They will not suffice for winter and the holidays.
I found some cute stuff at Loehman's, Old Navy, and Motherhood Maternity. All the pants were too long for petite little me. Thus the trip to Gem's.
We were at Gem's from 1-9:30pm 'cuz she had so many other things she had to do. She is babysitting an adopted 13mo old African American toddler named Davey. He will be dropped off at Gem's for a month while his grandma recover from surgery. She was only able to work on my pants in between the cooking and caring of Davey and her 3 kids and another 3 kids of her friends that is staying at the house after they got back from school.
It was nice Lauren had another toddler to play with. However, I was not prepared to stay that long and thus didn't have the pack 'n play with me to put her down for her usual nap. I usually nap while she naps. I also ran out of energy and got too tired to focus on trying to put her down. She was very unhappy and became clingy and wanted me to play with her downstairs. She really just needed to go down for her nap. I was very sad to hear her cry the entire time, but too tired not to rest so that I could drive us home later in the night. I wished that my sister would've put her down, but she had to care for Davey and the other kids too.
All was better when I got up from my nap. Lauren survived the lack of a nap, but was tired enough to fall asleep as soon as I started driving us home. My pants were near perfect. Gem did a great job. I'm thankful! She also cooked a delicious meal of ribs, salmon, green beans, rice, and noodles.
I really don't know how she does it. But she does it. And I will have to do it too as our family grows. It must be God...
It's a Girl!
We confirmed with the sonographer Monday morning that Lauren will have a sister come end of February 2008. Ben and I honestly were hoping to have one girl and one boy, but we are happy to have another healthy girl too! I think it's neat for Lauren to have a sister to love and share with. We will pray that they can be good friends. We've heard it can go either way.
We may try to have a 3rd hoping to have a boy someday. We'll see how it goes with number 2 though. We'll see what we can handle. Ben is already thinking of how to afford college. I told him they could work like I did. Or if they get the grades they can get grants like Ben and I did.
I am excited that I get to shop around for another perfect, beautiful girl name!
I'm already envisioning times when our girls are a little older and we get to go shop, bake, cook, sew and make fun projects, and have tea time together while Ben goes off hunting.
We grew up with my mom making designer clothes for us, like "Chinese Laundry" and "Ann Taylor". I can't wait 'til I get my serger and sewing machines so I could make cute little clothes.
The good news is that we have mostly all we need for the baby to come. It's good for the budget. I'm looking forward to putting Lauren's outgrowns on the new baby.
We may try to have a 3rd hoping to have a boy someday. We'll see how it goes with number 2 though. We'll see what we can handle. Ben is already thinking of how to afford college. I told him they could work like I did. Or if they get the grades they can get grants like Ben and I did.
I am excited that I get to shop around for another perfect, beautiful girl name!
I'm already envisioning times when our girls are a little older and we get to go shop, bake, cook, sew and make fun projects, and have tea time together while Ben goes off hunting.
We grew up with my mom making designer clothes for us, like "Chinese Laundry" and "Ann Taylor". I can't wait 'til I get my serger and sewing machines so I could make cute little clothes.
The good news is that we have mostly all we need for the baby to come. It's good for the budget. I'm looking forward to putting Lauren's outgrowns on the new baby.
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Creative Block
Ben and I are brainstorming for a good, catchy name for our blog and couldn't come to an agreement. He comes up with ones that I consider to be "so engineer", like "Captain's Log", "What The Blog", "Let's Get Real", "Seeking Truth with Fun", and "Truth Seekers". I want one that is creative but not too serious.
I came up with "Season's Beauty". I guess it sounds a little too foofy. Since we're parenting a little toddler with another one on the way, I feel that these are the beautiful moments we should treasure and enjoy. This is our season of family in the making.
I'm sure a good one will eventually evolve. Bear with us if you notice the title changing from time to time. For now, it is "Laugh With Me". It might change to something else tomorrow. It's hard to come up with one that fits while I feel tired and a little brain dead at the end of the day.
We are looking forward to discovering the gender of our next child on the 15th. We are counting the days.
It was fun to meet up with Min, Henry, and their daughter Kristie today at the Japanese Festival. The festival was okay, nothing too out of the ordinary or amazing. Lunch was reasonably priced and yummy at a place called Makato. We shopped some at a grocery store and got some sweet bean snacks that Lauren and I loved. They make for good bribing material for Lauren to obey us when we need her to. I was dressed too warm for the outing. There wasn't much shade around at all. So we didn't stay too long.
We had to get some chores done at home anyway. Since Ben has been out of commission for the past 3 days due to a bad stiff neck. We had a lot of chores piled up that needed attention. Things like clearing dishes in the kitchen, laundry, watering our plethora of plants, and washing the cars. We're trying to prepare and take pictures of the Miata to sell soon.
We only have room for 2 cars in our garage unfortunately. I honestly will be sad to see the Miata go, since it is my car. I don't really have time to drive it much these days except for the occassional outings I get to myself once or twice a month. We need to make room to bring the Forestor back in before it gets too weathered. I, however, am loving the Oddyssey. We are spoiled by all it's touring features and memory controls. It's like a computer. It also comes with a Nav system, which has lessened the stress of going to new places.
I came up with "Season's Beauty". I guess it sounds a little too foofy. Since we're parenting a little toddler with another one on the way, I feel that these are the beautiful moments we should treasure and enjoy. This is our season of family in the making.
I'm sure a good one will eventually evolve. Bear with us if you notice the title changing from time to time. For now, it is "Laugh With Me". It might change to something else tomorrow. It's hard to come up with one that fits while I feel tired and a little brain dead at the end of the day.
We are looking forward to discovering the gender of our next child on the 15th. We are counting the days.
It was fun to meet up with Min, Henry, and their daughter Kristie today at the Japanese Festival. The festival was okay, nothing too out of the ordinary or amazing. Lunch was reasonably priced and yummy at a place called Makato. We shopped some at a grocery store and got some sweet bean snacks that Lauren and I loved. They make for good bribing material for Lauren to obey us when we need her to. I was dressed too warm for the outing. There wasn't much shade around at all. So we didn't stay too long.
We had to get some chores done at home anyway. Since Ben has been out of commission for the past 3 days due to a bad stiff neck. We had a lot of chores piled up that needed attention. Things like clearing dishes in the kitchen, laundry, watering our plethora of plants, and washing the cars. We're trying to prepare and take pictures of the Miata to sell soon.
We only have room for 2 cars in our garage unfortunately. I honestly will be sad to see the Miata go, since it is my car. I don't really have time to drive it much these days except for the occassional outings I get to myself once or twice a month. We need to make room to bring the Forestor back in before it gets too weathered. I, however, am loving the Oddyssey. We are spoiled by all it's touring features and memory controls. It's like a computer. It also comes with a Nav system, which has lessened the stress of going to new places.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
It's been days
As you can see, I don't have enough time to blog everyday and jot down the details of my days. If I did, you would how much fun we have and how very tired I get.
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