They're Worth the Splurge

I consider myself good at budgeting, a financially conscious person who can make a dollar go a long way. I'm always reminding Jake to get the generic brand, compare and purchase the least cost per unit, use coupons, or wait until it goes on sale. I'm not a fanatic about it; I just like to see my money go far. BUT - there are a few things in life that I think are definitely worth the splurge. I thought about this last week when I picked up some pine nuts for my salads and other dishes. I didn't realize what I would be spending until I got to the checkout lane. Do you KNOW how much a regular bag of pine nuts costs at Lunds? I want you to guess. I'll post the answer at the bottom of this page. I'm not sure it's one of those always-worth-the-splurge items, but they are sure tasty on my garlic and olive oil sautéed spinach dish.

These things, however, are always worth the splurge (in my book). What are your splurge-worthy items?

1. Meat: I'm not afraid to go above and beyond hot dogs, burgers, or chicken on a regular basis. I'll spring for the nice T-Bone or Filet Mignon frequently.
2. Ice Cream: I promise my answers are not all food-related. But there is a huge difference between a regular brand of ice cream and a premium ice cream like Haagen Dazs or Ben & Jerry's. My current favorite is Haagen Dazs Chocolate Peanut Butter. This is frozen decadence on a spoon.
3. Concerts: If I'm investing the time and money to attend a concert, I'd rather get the best possible seats in the house. If I can't sit lower level near the stage, I'd probably rather not go. It just makes such a huge difference.
4. Cleaning: This is one that surprised me. Ever since we've hired cleaners to come to our house every 2 weeks, I'm so ridiculously thankful we made the choice to do so. I'd rather set aside this money and cut back on a restaurant trips a month. It's really given me more time to really enjoy my free time, and keeps me on top of "tidying up" for the cleaners as well.
5. Massages: Yes, I am a sucker for a massage. I have no problem splurging for spa services, which are so irresistible after a long week of work. And I have to say, I'm feeling pretty grateful I have one scheduled tomorrow!

PS The pine nuts cost $14.99. This is more than twice what I was expecting. Crazy, right?!

Her Daddy

I'm so excited for Kennedy to get to know her daddy. She's one lucky girl to have him in her life, and I can't wait to see how their relationship and bond grows over the years.

I can't wait for her to learn how funny he is. She'll probably learn this trait sooner than others, since it's just so obvious. He already puts soap suds on her head, makes up silly songs, and exaggeratedly smells her diaper until she giggles.  

And she'll learn how caring and compassionate he is, especially towards the ones he loves. Especially towards her. Her daddy is calm, patient, helpful, and kind.

 Her daddy is loyal, and generous to those who he loves dearly.

Her daddy isn't ashamed to make a fool of himself to ease the tension and make someone else feel better.

Today, her daddy worked hard. He worked for about 15 hours, picking up an extra shift so he could be off during her baptism yesterday, which ended up not happening due to her ear infection. He's the kind of daddy who will be involved in her life, for the big and small things. And tomorrow, after the 15-hour day, he'll get up early with her and spend all day with her, and be giving and caring and compassionate towards her, even if he is exhausted. And then he'll do it the next day, too.

 Her daddy is a pretty special guy, and we are both so lucky to call him ours. (Happy V Day!)

Kennedy 10 Month Update

Kennedy turned 10 months this week, and I was telling my mom she really is starting to seem older. She seems more like a little girl, much less like the baby she was less than a year ago. She's quickly waving bye-bye to her baby days and saying hello to todderlism! It will be fun to see what all that entails. :) At 10 months, Kennedy:

• Is starting to grow out of some 9 month clothes, but is also too small for a lot of 12 month clothes. She wears 12 month onesies, 9 month shirts, but pants are tricky because her legs are so long that many pants are short on her, but her waist is slim so 12 month pants fall off her! 
• Has super curly long hair on the sides, and shorter hair in the back. It's curly, and it's starting to fill in on the back of her head - I think it'll be thick by spring.
• Still only has 2 teeth!
• Pulls up on everything- the couch, the ottoman, the open dishwasher, the cupboards, her activity station. She also cruises around these things pretty well, and every now and then will let go with both hands briefly. I wonder if next month I'll be writing about walking?!
• Still crawls "superfast" with her tummy on the ground. Everyone comments on how fast she is! It's a very cute army crawl and hey, it gets the job done.
• Kneels next to her toy box to play with her toys - this definitely makes me feel like she's growing up! (see 3rd pic below)
• Loves pulling everything out of her toybox, cupboards, and making huge piles
• Loves playing with the window blinds (even though we tell her not to)
• Has less patience for staying still for things like being changed or getting dressed. When she's short on patience, she makes a squeaking/squealing sound, and she gets a very distinct look on her face (2nd pic below)
• Giggles when we run or chase Callie
• Likes techie things, cell phones, computers, Kindles, music and her own toy cell phone
• Shows an attachment to her Taggie
• Shows affection toward her baby doll and teddy bear
• Started real prepared adult food, like ziti, lasagna, deli turkey, cheese cubes, cut fruit. Is generally a great eater
• Is determined and knows what she wants, but is still a very chilled out and happy girl. She is happy in almost any situation, for instance at swimming lessons or sledding. Is engaging and just wants to engage with people most of the time. Of course, she is tons of fun and I can't wait to see what this month brings!

#37

Earlier this year, I realized I had written exactly 37 posts in 2010 and 2011. I made a mental note that this must be my number, and here I am on December 31st, writing my last post of 2012. I guess that's what you can expect from me as a yearly quota!

Today, I am just going to write briefly about resolutions. Last year, my main resolution was to make 2012 the year of balance - balance between work and personal life, balance between time for myself and time for others, balance between crazy and quiet. And I really feel that I have achieved it, however elusive the concept might be! I will definitely keep this going - at some points in the past I did not have balance, especially during some of those grad school semesters while starting a new job.

This coming year, I'm going to focus on two things: gratitude, and being present. I have so much to be grateful for, and sometimes I don't realize it until I no longer have it. Examples: health, warmth, free time, and air conditioning on a 100+ degree Fourth of July. I am also going to focus on being present in whatever I'm doing - getting my head out of my cell phone and computer when I'm spending time with people, enjoying the current day instead of wishing for the next.

As the sun sets on 2012, I'm leaving you with this picture, as the sun was setting on our lake on Labor Day. To me, Labor Day always feels like an ending, as we close up and settle down for the (long, cold) winter. Tonight is a bit of an ending, too, and a slice of hope and excitement of the great things to come.

Christmas This Year

Christmas this year just felt a little bit more magical, a tad bit more special...

I found I was remembering how Christmas looks through a child's eyes. The lights, the decorated tree, the beautiful bows and boxes and gift wrap. 

The handmade stockings, hung by the chimney on the wall with care, and even a stocking for the puppy.

Our Christmas break started with Jake's birthday, so Baby K got some practice helping daddy tear open his gifts. She did great! And we surprised him for a visit at work - we sat at the bar and had some drinks, and they even let him go home early!

On Sunday, we went to the Children's Museum for the first time! It was like our own little family holiday outing. It was so neat to see how she interacted with some of the exhibits. Her favorite was the water table exhibit, with fountains and ping pong balls and soapy suds.

Daddy likes putting bubbles on her head when he does dishes, and she got some bubbles here, too!

Christmas Eve was at my parents', where they had a tall tree in their open living room. The pile of presents was impressive, especially with a new little gift opener this year.

We got a family photo after church - I love this one!

Kennedy got a new sled from Grandma and Grandpa, and here you can see her pure joy in being pulled around after church in the driveway. It was a great new experience!

Taking a break from presents to fly with Grandma

Checking out the snow globe with Auntie Natalie

I think she looks so old here - can't believe a year is just around the corner!

We woke up at home on Christmas morning, and had a beautiful lazy time as a family. We danced to Christmas music, opened gifts, giggled, and played with our new things. Here's K kissing her new baby doll (something she does frequently now).

And of course, a cell phone! It's funny to think that a techie-9-month-old would find such joy in a little gadget toy, but she certainly does. She often drags it around the house with her.

Christmas afternoon was at Grandma and Bumpa's house (Jake's parents') and we thoroughly enjoyed round 3. 

She sure loves her daddy

Lisa made a mashed potato bar and served them in these glasses - I thought it was a super cool idea!

In the end, when I sat with my love on Christmas evening, after all the gift wrap was crumpled, the boxes were torn, and the bows were thrown away saved for next year, I remembered that the magic of Christmas is definitely not tangible - it's something we feel, something that comes only once a year, sparkling in its brilliance, cozy in its warmth, and then fleeting, and we wait until it comes again.

A Different Kind of Christmas (Last Year)

This post is about a year old, considering we flew home from Montana exactly a year ago. I had wanted to write about our time in Montana last Christmas, which was a really wonderful weeklong trip to visit Jake's Grandma and Grandpa at their home in Kalispell. Beautiful! I feel so lucky to be part of this family, and it was a wonderful relaxing trip during my last trimester of pregnancy. 

I had finished my MBA classes the week before, and was extremely excited to land in this charming little town. It was Jake's 30th birthday so first, we had to celebrate with cake.

My husband in 25 years and in 50 years - pretty cute men!

We were in charge of Christmas Eve dinner, and we made lasagna.

I learned how to make rosettes from Grandma, which is a family tradition

Appetizers on Christmas day- we had far too much good food!

Our stockings around the chimney as we celebrated the season together

Halfway through the week, we rented a townhome in Whitefish in the mountains. I was itching to ski, but the baby would not have approved (nor would my OB!) So I relaxed all day by the fire with my mother-in-law while the other "kids" skied. Here is my dude in all his glory.

Our townhome in Whitefish

Gorgeous mountains!

Gorgeous wintery weather and scenery

Adorable little resort in the mountains

It was awesome to partake in Jake's family memories, and I spent so much time thinking about the fun of our future family holiday memories at home. I love holiday traditions, and know that we will not often be traveling over Christmas. I was extremely thankful for the change of pace for a year, and I will fondly look back on this trip always. Next post, I'll write about another different kind of Christmas, the one we just finished celebrating!

Kennedy at 9 Months

I can't believe she's been out longer than she was in! 9 months of knowing her as she grew inside me, and now 9 months of knowing her as she grows into the little person she's becoming. And she sure is growing by leaps and bounds, physically, emotionally, socially. It's awesome to see her personality shining through!

At 9 months, Kennedy:

• Is 40th percentile weight (17 lb. 9 oz.) and 60th height (28"). She's evening out now more to average, where she used to be so long. She still seems tall to me, considering how quickly she grows out of her clothes!
• Wears 9 month clothes but is really ready for her 12 months clothes, so we'll be switching over her closet soon!
• Has two favorite activities: reading and bathtime. I think she would go between the two all day if she could.
• Loves practicing standing and pulling herself up to standing. She pulls herself up on the dishwasher, or a box, or most often, on our laps. Then she stands and climbs up our crossed legs to stand as HIGH as she can!
• Says "dada" and "mama" both, but still "dada" more. Her one clear word is "yeah" when she is affirming a question we ask her. 
• Has two gestures to communicate - she waves, and she shakes her head no. If she doesn't want what we are feeding her she shakes her head and pushes us out of her way! She sure knows what she wants.
• Has two bottom teeth. Her teething has calmed down quite a bit, and she's been sleeping more consistently. She still wakes a couple times a night, but I'm feeling progress in this area, too.
• Takes 2 naps/day quite consistently.
• Babbles a lot, "reads" books, "sings" music, and is starting to really play independently with her toys. She loves playing together, but can also play with her toys.
• Likes sharing her toys or pacifier, holds things up to our face to share, and then back to her face.
• Still has an all-time favorite song (the only one that gets a smile every single time): "Airplanes fly, in the sky, zoom, zoom..."
• Is showing more interest in her taggies blankie
• Likes mango, pears, broccoli, carrots, chicken stock

Merry Christmas from our family to yours! A friend told me, "Babies make everything more fun." Boy, was she right!

Today

Today, life is NOT a honeymoon. Not for the families in Connecticut, not really for any of us. I learned of this tragedy around Noon today, just a couple hours after it happened. My heart has been heavy ever since.

Put aside the politics, just let's come up with a new way. How many more tragedies will there be? I saw lots of posts on my Facebook news feed today, and they've made me really think.

Post #1: "If only access to mental healthcare were as easy as access to guns..." It's really probably both, along with a whole other host of things. Let's do it all. Let's make some changes, and make them quickly.

Post #2: Other countries don't have these problems. I saw a thread that included comments from an Australian, Canadian, and Spaniard, saying these problems don't exist there and asking what is wrong with America? I really am wondering this myself. We are so advanced, but somehow so stifled. Can we please learn from some of these more peaceful countries? This graph is alarming: Graph of Assault Deaths per capita The entire article here. (graph includes countries in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development: www.oecd.org)

Post #3: Other countries do have these problems. And sadly, today as well. (Article: China knife attack at school) Note that the weapon was a knife, and 23 were injured, not dead. Of course we will never rid this world of hateful acts, but let's do what we can to keep eliminate casualties. In no way do I want to minimize the gravity of this knife attack, but the knife situation sure ended differently than the gun situation, didn't it?

Post #4: "People's right to bear arms infringing on people's right to live. Which is really more important?" Yes, we are America, the land of the free. But with so much freedom, there is also a cost. We pay the price when one person's exercised freedom directly hinders the safety and security of another.

Post #5: "If someone in the school were armed, think of how many lives could have been saved?" Really. If someone in the school were armed. That's what we want? Teachers, school officials, administrators should now obtain guns and be prepared to use them? One armed person is dangerous but two or more brings safety?

It's time to swallow any pride about being right or wrong. Polarizing Plan A doesn't work, and polarizing Plan B probably won't either. I spend lots of time in general thinking about the concept of a paradigm, or "a typical example or pattern of something." We all know things to be truths in our life. We shape our truths based on what we know, based on the way things have always been. And we create absolute statements based on what we know to be true. For example, as kids, we knew we could always expect snow by Christmas because that's what we'd observed every year. We counted on it. But then, what happens to our perceived truth when we don't get snow one year? No snow angels or sledding on Christmas. It's different. Our truth and our point of view has to shift. (Simple example, but you get the point)

Let's try things differently. In business, if we don't have something right, our bosses tell us to go back to the drawing board and figure it out. We must come away with a plan. The argument about whether to go with Plan A or Plan B won't fly. We MUST put aside our differences and come up with something (Plan C?) I'd expect the same thing of those in charge of policies and protecting our country here, too. I certainly don't have the answers, I'm just looking for some progress towards finding the answers.

Tonight, Kennedy nursed and I rocked her, while saying a prayer for the victims of this awful day. I couldn't come up with many words, but all I could pray for is peace. Peace for the victims, peace for the other children who witnessed and will forever be scarred by this event, peace for those injured who now must heal. Peace for our country. There were far too many physical injuries today, and the number of emotional injuries is insurmountable.

While cooking tonight, I listened to Christmas music:

So here's my lifelong wish
My grown-up Christmas list
Not for myself
But for a world in need

No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end
This is my grown-up Christmas list

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Silent Night, Holy Night,
All is calm, All is bright

Lots of bright little stars shining down on us from Heaven tonight. May they be forever in our hearts, and their families find comfort in their warmth that will be with us always.

12/12/12

Today I received two separate notes about 12/12/12. The first was an email from a friend, wishing me a happy 12/12/12, and telling me she knows that I will do something special on this special date, and that it's only 12 days until Kennedy's first Christmas. The second was a text message from a friend, saying Happy 12/12/12 at 12:12pm! 

Boy, do my friends know me well.

What I love about this is that people know me and my quirks, the things that will make me smile. Both of these things made me smile today, and we did do something special on this date. It was the perfect day for Kennedy to meet Santa for the first time. 

She did pretty well, don't you think?

What I love to think about this season, and especially on 12/12/12 - something which will never happen again in our lifetime (nor something similar like 11/11/11, 10/10/10, etc.) - I love to think about the beauty of these simple little things that make us smile. The numerical pattern of the date, a hot cup of tea, a cozy fireplace, twinkling Christmas lights, the smell of warm cookies in the oven. Big hugs and time with loved ones. Christmas music. Old traditions and new ones.

May you all have a joyous holiday season, and I hope your 12/12/12 was as spectacular as mine. It's the little things, isn't it?!

So Thankful Indeed.

It's been over a week since Thanksgiving, and I still owe the blogosphere my A-Z thankfulness for the year. Oh, so much to be thankful for in this blessed year of 2012. One I will surely never forget.

• Apples. I truly love a good crisp apple, or baked dessert, including my grandmother's scrumptious homemade pie that my mother recreated on Thanksgiving this year. (I had 2 slices!)
• Books. Yes, tons of books. This year, my books have shifted from topics of young adult vampire romances and bow-and-arrow-wielding archer girls, to books on breastfeeding, month-by-month baby milestones, and that elusive sleep we keep hearing about. But nonetheless, I love poring through them for whatever they provide. I went through an "I don't like books" stage, and I realized I was selecting the wrong books. I'm so glad that's over!
• Callaway. Yes, this year especially, she has been the most patient, loving, loyal little puppy. Okay not always patient, but definitely the other two. She's learning how to share time and attention, and she's still got her same special place in my heart.
• Diaper Genie - this thing is genius! We love how the diapers just disappear, and when we remove the cartridge, just how many diapers we've contained in that tiny tube. I guess I am also thankful for diapers, and my ability to change them quickly. 
• ECFE classes. Kennedy and I took one together when she was 3-9 weeks old, and it was delightful. She slept through most of it, but I got to see kids from 0-12 months and learn from the other moms and our instructor. I want to do more of these things with her!
• Family and Friends. I know that everyone thinks this, but mine are simply the best. ;)
• Grandparents, specifically, the four who became new grandparents the day that Kennedy was born. I had such a special relationship with each of my grandparents through our time together, and it is so neat to see how Kennedy will get to form these bonds too.
• Home. I don't think of myself as an introvert, but I'm learning just how much I love being at home. Because Jake works nights and Kennedy goes to bed, I find more time at home this year than ever before (being done with grad school helps, too!)
• Ideas. I have learned this year how much I love the ideation process, especially at work. I like taking an ambiguous problem and creating ways to solve it. Of course, by coming up with good ideas.
• Jake, who is the best daddy to our little girl. I truly could not make it through this first year of mommyhood without him. He is a total support system and our rock!
• Kennedy (obvious answer). I keep saying "I was born to be a mom." It's simply true.
• Learning - which has involved both graduating with my MBA earlier this year, as well as learning some fun new hobbies, including cooking new recipes, and how to take pictures in manual mode on my DSLR camera. I am really enjoying my hobby time!
• Meal swap. This year, some friends and I started a meal swap, where we make a bunch of the same meal and swap about once a month. This means convenient freezer meals, new recipes, saving money through cooking bulk, and honestly great food. I really love meal swap!
• Noodles and Co., definitely one of my favorite "fast food" restaurants. I always say this is one of two restaurants missing from downtown (the other one is Buffalo Wild Wings).
• Old friends who have been around for a long time. Even my college friends have been around for over 10 years! And high school friends - we're looking at 15+. When Kennedy was born, it was neat to see who came by to visit and show support. We've got a great group surrounding us.
• Pinecones. Specifically, the addition of the new golden pinecone on this year's Thanksgiving table at my Mom and Dad's house. (see below)
• Quiet. As in, when the baby is sleeping, and we have time to relax, and I can hear myself think. Or sleep well at night. (This is much harder to come by as of late!)
• Raffi. Yes, Raffi has taken over my iTunes, and is played sometimes even when I'm the only one listening. How can anyone not be in a good mood while listening to Raffi?
• Singing competitions, and more specifically, The Voice. This has been an awesome show for Jake and I to watch this year. We watched last season during my maternity leave while Kennedy was a sleepy little being on the couch or in our arms, and we're digging this season after she goes to bed.
• Time. Time to think, time to practice hobbies (namely cooking, photography, reading, writing), time to hold my loves in my arms, time to close my eyes and relax. I have really learned the true importance of time for these things, especially when our family feels stretched a little thinner these days. 
• Unconditional relationships. I often think of this concept and how important it is to me. I really hate conditional relationships - the ones that are fickle and can change based on a disagreement, mistake, or other discord. The best ones are those who still love me when I'm tired, crabby, stressed, my house is cluttered, my hair and makeup are undone, or any combination of the above. YOU deserve these kinds of relationships, too. 
• Vampires, and the grand finale that came to theaters this month. I do love a good vampire saga.
• Work friends, who are now just friends who I work with. There are a handful of people at work who are truly amazing, loving, caring people in my life. They are the ones who give me happiness throughout the workday, since we spend so much time working. They give perspective, and are my ultimate support. You know who you are. :)
• X-pressiveness. I would absolutely say Kennedy's best personality trait is how expressive she is, pretty much all the time. Lately, the best is how she gets around other babies/kids, where she can hardly contain her excitement in "talking" to them. I know I cheated on the letter, but it counts.
• Yogurt Lab. This was an awesome new addition to the Twin Cities, and we've enjoyed making our own desserts there countless times! What a great thing to do in the summer. Ah, summer.
• Zebras. I saw some this year at the San Diego Zoo (below) with five great friends, when we were celebrating turning 30. I guess I could also say zoos.