We Finally Did It

We are now the proud owners of a brand new 2009 Honda CR-V!

This Morning

This is what breakfast looked like this morning.

The girl probably needs a bath after every meal. Clearly that doesn't happen. I've found bananas make a great hair gel. And notice that she doesn't even eat with her clothes on anymore. Good thing she has such a great smile.

A Few Things

I totally want this cookbook. Only because I spent several months on my crazy Audrey diet (no nuts, no diary, basically cutting out all high risk allergens, remember?). Baked goods were the hardest thing to find that were dairy and gluten free and still yummy. Of course this is the kind of book that I would buy and it would sit on my shelf because I don't feel like shopping for all of the ingredients at Whole Foods. But if I knew about it back then I would've snatched it right up. I got a couple recipes sent to my email via GOOP, so maybe I'll try those first and see what I think. Or I can wait til the bakery opens in LA, and just stop by for a taste.

And here are some mommy websites that look kind of interesting to me:

Jitterbug.tv. From their website, "Discover great independent music for kids. We hand pick the good stuff... you won't find Barney here." Awesome. We listened to some Justin Roberts (one of our all time favorites) and Jack Johnson today, but I'm interested to search the site a bit.

Also, Today is Fun. It's kinda like The Toddler's Busy Book but online and for all ages. The cool thing is you can get play ideas sent to your email daily. I'm not always crazy about the idea each day, but it definitely sparks imagination, especially if you spend a lot of time at home with your kids. Check it out, and enjoy!

Hilarious.

This Evening's Photo Shoot

This made me happy today

If you watch The Office, this cover of EW has got to make you smile. Jim & Pam together forever. Sigh... I think it's on newstands Friday.

Round Here

Slow blogging over here. But life is good. Very good in fact. Here's a bit of what we've been up to:

- Tyler enjoys school, brings home about a half dozen art projects a week, and told me he likes making "mud" in the sand box but the teacher made him stop because a girl didn't like it.
- I don't know if it's the new preschool schedule, our New York City break, or my kids getting older, but I love being a mom lately. And I feel like I'm good at it.
- Audrey and I started music class today - just the two of us.
- We are already playing with Halloween stuff: books, plastic pumpkins, dress up clothes. Hopefully we won't be sick of the holiday by October 31st.
- I really want this swimsuit (with the strap), but am afraid of the words "Final sale. No returns or exchanges."
- We love that Fall TV is back! So far favorites include Glee, Community, and Vampire Diaries (don't judge, Adam likes it, too). I'm looking forward to Cougar Town and Modern Family this week. And the premiere of The Office was fantastic!
- Adam has a new job as dialogue coach on an upcoming Nickelodeon show. He's really excited about it. His acting class is growing and this will only help!
- I've been trying to snack healthy lately. Here are some favorites: Apple slices dipped in plain nonfat greek yogurt with a little splenda and cinnamon. Yum. Lara Bars (Banana Nut and Lemon Bar are my favorites). Sugar snap peas. Any other suggestions?
- We are so close to buying our new car. Pretty sure it's this one. Now to choose a color? This week I'm leaning toward white, but it changes. Last week was Sage Metallic.
- We are desperately trying to figure out holiday plans. The prices of plane tickets are skyrocketing people!
- Still trying to finish my book. It's a slow start, and now I'm clearly watching too much Fall TV.
- A couple more food things. Stopped at Whole Foods and got to try this peanut butter. So yummy, and does not coincide with my healthy snacking plan one bit - maybe in moderation? I've also been starting each morning with steel cut oats made with a little almond milk. Delicious with strawberries on top. And I really want to make this stromboli. Again, not on my meal plan, but it looks so good. Maybe it will be this week's Sunday dinner with a big green salad.
- I am in desperate need of a new bag. I want an awesome bag. One that fits all of my mommy stuff and looks super cool. Searching people. Suggestions welcome!
- Lastly, we are loving fall in LA. Yes, it's still hot and we are planning a beach trip next week. But it still feels like fall to me. I'm ready to make a big batch of Butternut Squash Soup, and enjoy late evenings at the park with my kids while the days still feel long and are full of sunlight.

Who needs a maid...

... when I have Audrey around? This keeps her busy for at least a half hour every day. The good news is I must actually be cleaning my house, since I assume she's mimicking me, right?

Sale!

One of my favorite sales is going on at Old Navy. 40% off all things baby (and maternity if you're in need of that sort of thing). My kids have a ton of clothes right now, but I might have to find an excuse to pick up a little something. They could always use a new pair of pjs. Or these ballet slippers for Audrey perhaps? And it's never to early to do a little Christmas shopping, in my opinion. In stores and on line, sale ends Thursday, Sept. 24th.

Aquarium Day

A trip to the Long Beach Aquarium each September is now officially a Tait family tradition. Thanks to back to school, the place was empty. We had it all to ourselves. No crazy field trips. We don't venture down there too often, and because of that we all had a wonderful time. The weather was perfect. The aquarium is so pretty. I think Adam and I enjoyed it just as much as the kids. And this year Audrey wasn't crying half the time, and I wasn't hiding in corners trying to nurse her - Hurrah!

A stare down. This was one very serious fish.

Classic Tyler smile. And excuse Audrey's diaper, but I think her little legs are so cute in this shot. She's looking like a big girl these days.

Funny Girl

We play Mr. Potato Head several times a week, but today Audrey was all about dressing herself up. I turn around after cleaning up breakfast and she is walking all around the apartment with her "glasses" on. She figured this one out all on her own.

More dress up. I guess Halloween will be fun for her this year.

Another Year

I think everyone knows that I love New York. But for obvious reasons my heart is especially there today. If you have a spare moment, click here to read some very special 9/11 tributes from my New York mommy friends. My thoughts are pretty much the same each year. Here's to the strongest city I know.

Summer's End

...Not really in Southern California with the high temps and year round beach going, but it is beginning to feel a little like fall already. Probably because Tyler started school today (with minimal crying - hurrah!), and I've already planned our Halloween costumes. Happy last days of summer.

Wedding Day Finale

People! It's the last New York post! The wedding day finally arrives. Here I am with my hot date, all dressed up in my bridesmaid gear and ready to party. A full day of picture taking ahead.

One of the coolest things Jason and Adriana did was hire this double decker bus to drive us from the hotel to various spots around the city to take pictures. Tyler would've gone nuts to ride this thing.

Just in case you're thinking that New Yorkers are all rough and tough, everywhere we went people were cheering on the bride and groom - like they were celebrities, yelling "Congratulations!" and taking pictures. It was awesome. Weddings make people happy.

Jen, me, and Miles. I love these two. Jim made all of our bouquets by the way. They were beautiful.

We had a couple close calls up on top!

Jen looking amazing. I seriously love this girl so much.

The bride looking perfect.

We took a ferry to the wedding site. This is the view from there.

Groom and groomsmen

Bridesmaids

Mr. & Mrs. Campbell

We danced and ate (a lot) at the reception. Said our goodbyes to our friends, then headed back to our hotel for one last night in Manhattan. We survived. Our kids survived. Wonderful memories - worth all the effort and every penny.

The End.

32, or East Meets West

This is what 32 looked like this year. I am actually very happy to turn 32. For some reason 32 is a much more appealing number to me than 31. It was wonderful to celebrate in New York with Adam and Lauren. Spending time on the east coast (whether it's the city, or Virginia) always leaves me a little reflective. I feel more myself over there. I think it comes down to roots. I have a lot of roots in the East. Almost everything in my California life has a history of a short seven years, besides my friendship with Anne which is ten years old. Adam and I met seven years ago. I joined the church six years ago. I was married, moved out here, and stopped auditioning five years ago. I quit working and had my first baby about 3 1/2 years ago. Picking up my life and moving across country was harder than I thought it would be. Roots were gone. Even five years later I can feel that. Living on the west coast has been like holding a huge mirror in front of my face - one of those mirrors that shows every flaw you have. When I am on the east coast I feel a huge sigh of relief. There isn't as much searching. I have a history there. I slip easily into who I am. I am more outgoing, assertive, confident. I laugh more. And the thing is, I know I can feel all of that here, and need to. When I'm here I don't feel sad or out-of-sorts. It's when I go back that I notice a difference. I say to myself, "Oh, this is me. This is what's been missing. How did I lose this without really knowing that I did? I need to get this back." I need to find a way for East to meet West. There are so many things out here that bring me joy - Adam, Tyler, Audrey, friends, in-laws, church, beaches, pilates, adventures with my kids, the weather. I have planted seeds here. I know the roots will grow, and someday I will feel just as myself here as anywhere. But that will only come with work. And that is the goal for 32. East meets West. To feel more of a connection to my whole self. We'll see where I am with it this time next year. In the meantime, here is a little bit of what I did on my 32nd birthday:

- Woke up in New York City.

- Had a delicious diner breakfast with Lauren, Miles, and Adam.

- Shopped FAO Schwartz for treats to bring home to my kids.

- Rode the subway to SoHo and walked to Greenwich Village to find cupcakes.

- Sat on a park bench and shared birthday cupcakes with Adam and Lauren.

- Stopped at Restoration Hardware's Flatiron store, Fishes Eddy, and ABC Carpet and Home with Lauren. 

- Lauren and I picked up a little something at Sephora.

- Had sushi at Ruby Foo's with Adam and Suzanne.

- Adam surprised me with tickets to West Side Story.

- Walked back to the hotel from Broadway, on a beautiful New York City Saturday night holding hands with Adam. Sounds cheesy, but it reminded me of the old days - dating in New York.

Preschool Preview

More New York photos to come (are you excited or what?), but taking a break to post a few shots from Tyler's preschool meet-n-greet tonight. Anne came over to play with Audrey while Tyler and I headed to school. When we got there it was very crowded and he got a little nervous. He was kind of teary when we walked into his classroom - grabbing onto my leg and such, but he pulled it together and did a great job. We met his teachers and checked out the room. They have cars, trains, legos, so that made him happy. The playground was a huge hit, as was the little potty and sink in the bathroom - just his size. Tomorrow we're going out to buy a lunch box for his morning snack. Not sure what the first day will bring, but I am really excited for Tyler. He is ready for school - making friends, gaining independence and confidence, having his own adventures outside of our family. My little guy is growing up.

Bride's Day - Part Two

On to the bridal shower. We all freshened up and headed to Divine Bar with dessert, favors, presents, and ballooons in hand. Jen and I walking through Manhattan with a bunch of balloons was pretty hilarious by the way. Here are fellow bridesmaids and planning cohorts - Jen, Jaimee, and Margot.

Adriana's mom Mo Lo (as we call her), and another Ithaca friend, Natasha.

Jim and Julia

Miles and Adriana

This is one serious bride-to-be.

Holding hands, just like the old Christmas cards we used to send out.

By late Friday night we were exhausted. My sister, Lauren, came in town and we checked into our hotel and passed out after chatting and raiding the mini bar. Ready for Adam's early morning arrival.