A Day At The Park

Today was one of those rare days when you might not mind living in Bakersfield- beautiful and 78 degrees out. So Simone (my little BFF as Chris says) and I went to the park by our house. She loved laying on her blanket and looking around and I loved snapping some cute pics of her! Of course, she has the most adorable huge smile but I can never seem to take the picture quick enough...oh well they are very cute anyway and I did get one smile on camera.




In other news:

Sarah looked so good with her bangs cut that I decided to copy. It definitely helped me feel less frumpy!

It's Her 3 Month Birthday!

Simone is 3 months today and as cute as possible. She is such a sweetie and we are loving each new day! Chris and I think she is remarkably smart, alert, strong, and adorable of course. She also has a dramatic side (wherever could that come from?) and definitely will let you know if she doesn't like something! Her favorite things are Mom and Dad, her dogs, her play yard, putting things in her mouth, going outside, riding in her baby carriers and bathtime. Dislikes include her carseat, the sun getting in her eyes, naps, and restaurants. We will try to be better about keeping everyone posted, but for now enjoy this video from today...

I'm all baby, baby!

Pregnancy pics were requested and since Chris and I don't take a lot of snapshots I had to pose for one just now. So here is one for those of you who are interested in seeing how I've grown. I know I'm pretty small still- but we were glad to hear from my doctor that Simi is measuring larger than average!

Ignore the polygamist hairdo and no make-up face please :)

30 weeks

Not to toot my own horn or anything...but "beep beep"!

Yay- I finally finished painting in the nursery and have most of it all set up and ready. I'm so grateful to mom and Chris' mom for helping with the decor and already spoiling Simone with gifts to brighten her room (and wardrobe). We also have recieved A LOT of great hand-me-downs from family and friends. Its all starting to feel so real and exciting. I just can't describe how happy we are to become parents...10 more weeks!!!

If Our Kids Are As Weird As Our Dogs...

...then we're in trouble! Mom keeps bugging me to post more so here goes. For all you dog-lovers out there (Eric, are your ears burning?) here is a funny update:

Jackson and Brother are probably the strangest dogs I have ever known. Jackson's human celebrity twin would probably be Elton John- he's flashy, LOVES to dress up even though we don't encourage it, has a lot of sass, and has never shown much interest in the opposite sex. Brother's twin would have to be Woody Allen- he's neurotic, scared of pretty much everything, very particular, and LOVES his "babies" (stuffed animals) more than us. These two make quite a pair! Well, a couple of weeks ago Chris bought the wrong dog food (yes, they must have the same particular brand always) and instead of taking it back right away we thought we'd just try it. To our amazement they seemed to be enjoying it...that is until we noticed what they were really doing: The dog food has 3 kinds of kibble in it- they will ONLY eat the round balls and little squares, but pick out EVERY little bone-shaped kibble and leave it on the carpet for us to throw away! Everyday I have to grab up handfuls of little bones and toss them, otherwise they would just sit there forever. We think it's pretty funny actually...should we worry about our parenting abilities?

leftover bones in the bowl

caught in the act

In other news...Simone is doing great. We just had an ultrasound and she is a little on the big side (I know- gasp...a Reed baby big?!) I am 28 weeks but the Dr. moved my due date up a bit to Dec. 4th! It's coming soon!!! And as you can see Jackson isalready is bonding with his baby sister...

The nursery is almost finished (with a very cute mural) and I will post pics soon!

Calling all decorators! Opinions Please!

I- with my amazing team of Mom, Chris and Chris' Mom- have been slowly getting the nursery ready for our early December arrival. Chris put the crib and changing table together the night they arrived-what a good daddy! And of course Mom sewed the adorable window valance. The plan to finish off the room is a wall mural of a tree and birdies (similar to bedding) next to the changing table, and name letters above the crib with birdies painted above them. Chris' mom is re-covering a used glider I got with cream chenille fabric and also making a very cute matching quilt. Other than that I only have one thing I can't decide on and I am hoping for some opinion...

I painted the big hutch a while back and I love the funky orange/distressed color. There is also a smaller one in the same finish on the other side of the room. I really want to use these for storage in the nursery, but I can't decide if the color works or clashes (there is some orange in the bedding and I could include it in the mural). If I repainted them it would be a dark espresso to match the furniture. I need others opinion- like Emily the queen of decor- before I hastily change them.

p.s. I honestly have way too much to do right now and can't believe I am even worrying about a nursery that isn't going to be used for 4 more months....chalk it up to hormones like everything else!

Hola! Puerto Rico Report!

Chris and I just got back yesterday from a week long vacation in Puerto Rico. Why Puerto Rico you might ask? Well, it is a U.S. territory which means no passing through Customs and also no scary water/food/money to deal with; it is in a part of the world we had never been (the Carribean); and it would be cheaper than Hawaii or our other first choices.

We had a great time! Our hotel was really nice, the beaches were clean and beautiful, and the locals (who almost all spoke English) were friendly. It was very HOT and HUMID, but pleasant in the evenings. Unforunately everything near our hotel in San Juan (the capitol) was extremely overpriced so we spent more than we would have liked. Overall- definitely worth it though! I have to brag that even though I am now 17 weeks pregnant and sporting a little tummy, it didn't hold me back: we snorkeled, hiked in the National Rainforest, swam in waterfalls and to deserted islands, tried weird Puerto Rican food, and walked all over Old San Juan.
I do feel I need to share just a few observations on the Puerto Rican culture that we learned (even though it is technically part of the U.S., believe me it is a world of its own):

1. There are 4 million people living on this tiny island, and 3 million cars on the road. There might be traffic rules but we never saw them being followed- imagine Los Angeles- if everyone drove beaters that they could care less about wrecking-and then times that by 2! Riding in a taxi/bus was an intense experience!

2. The food was very blah. We are not scared to try new things and so I thought we would love trying the food (hoped for spicy Mexican-like dishes). But everything was very basic: pork with rice and some variation of fried plantains, which taste like cardboard. I felt like the priest in Nacho Libre..."where are the chips, where are the spices?" Luckily there was a Subway and Chilis nearby for back up.

3. The fashions of Puerto Rico are interesting to say the least. Imagine tight mesh tank tops, tight jeans and a rat-tail hairdo and you've got the typical men we saw. The women seem to be very "confident"and pretty much wear anything out on the town; usually a bikini top paired with anything that is 2 sizes too small on the bottom. In their defense though- it was damn hot! I shed a few layers and inches of clothing as the day went by too!

Here are some photos from the trip- enjoy!

Can you see the resemblance?

We went to our appointment today and confirmed a healthy, tiny baby in there. It was really cool to get to see the little features already (not as visible in the picure) like the head, arms and legs, and a heartbeat! Chris got work off so we could go together, which was really special. My Dr. said the expected due date is Dec. 8th. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers- we feel so blessed to get to experience this and just hope for continued health and progress.

Blog for Blog's Sake

My Mom has expressed her frustration over the fact that none of us blog much anymore. In my defense, here are my reasons for falling off the wagon:

1. Only like 5 people ever read this blog and most of those are family so it makes me feel nerdy and desperate.
2. I am not witty or a fabulous story-teller like my sisters and Mom are so I don't think anyone's missing much.
3. I haven't had much news.

Well- if you read my Mom's blog you would know that #3 on that list is not entirely true anymore. We've just recieved the biggest news yet: We are having a baby! I know some say it is a faux-pas to reveal a pregnancy when you are still in the first trimester due to high risk of loss- but when you have waited, tried and prayed for something for almost 2 years it is way too exciting to keep quiet. Chris and I are obviously very happy. We have a Dr's appointment this Wed. and they will do an ultrasound to reveal a viable baby with a heartbeat, and determine a due date! I am about 8-9 weeks along so we're thinking early Dec.

So far being pregnant has changed our lives in some ways:
I am queesy/sick 24 hours a day which is fun-not to mention getting a cold on top of that. All I ever want to eat is cheesy or greasy food and fruit. I am OBSESSESED with all things baby and luckily there is a 4 hour block of A Baby Story, Bringing Home Baby, and Birth Day on TLC everyday for me to enjoy (My sister-in-law Heather just passed on 4 new pregnancy books to me- and one of them has some very detailed delivery photos...yikes!) Chris has been so sweet- running to Jamba Juice for me when all I can attempt to eat is a smoothie, letting me take several days off work without feeling guilty, and putting up with my whining. He is going to be a great Dad. Well that is it for now...keep you posted (all 5 of you).

Clare

This is so funny!

You have to click on this link and watch this video- it will make you laugh! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJ13Wcx4wjQ
And I thought my dogs were naughty...

p.s. can anyone tell me how to add a youtube video to my blog?

I've been visited by the blog fairy!

I want to say THANK YOU to my sister Emily who made my adorable new blog makeover! Any of you who check my blog regularly, or snoop on here, should contact "The Blog Fairy" and update your look too!

I'll take a minute to catch you all up on the Rossettos: I started a new teaching assignment as a long term sub (4-5 months) for middle school art. It has been 2 weeks and I have to say that despite the fact that 12-14 year olds are particularly squirrely, I really like it. I have been working so hard trying to learn the school, grading, rules, mastering the copy machine, middle school politics and drama, as well as teaching little gnats how to paint! It amazes me still that I can say something everyday, write it on the board, pass out reminders- yet still- half the class acts like they have no idea what I am talking about at the end of the week. Sigh... Besides that, me and Chris have been enjoying our new calling as the CTR 5 teachers in our ward. Our kids are sooooo cute and good . And we really enjoy working on our lessons together. It makes me feel very lucky to have such a sweet guy and I can't wait to see him as a dad someday! Jackson and Brother are doing great- they are having a good time with Uncle Newton (mom and dad's dog) this week while my parents are in Utah. So that is pretty much it- Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Photo Tag

I am playing along with Em's photo tag via Mom's blog (note to Em- I can't look at your blog lately because its making my browser shut down) I was told to post the 4th photo in my 6th folder. I don't know how organized all you guys are, but all my photos are in 1 folder labeled "photos library". I guess I should get on that. Anyway this is the 4th pic in that folder-


-Sarah and I will not be pursuing a career in pro-snowboarding anytime soon...many bruises that day!

House Pics Finally!

I know it took forever and the anticipation momentum has sort of fizzled down...but here are pics of our house! Please note the newly painted walls, front door and french doors: Also, we bought new fixtures and hardware for the bathrooms, put new handles on all the doors, got some new furniture and decor, and planted more plants and flowers in the back. I didn't include pics of everything (like the master bed/bath) just the rooms that I did the most work in. We love living here and are just so happy to have been able to make this our first home!

I feel smarter already...

So... I was bored yesterday (after having wrapped up all my weekend home-improvements, not having to sub because of Labor Day, and not wanting to go out and spend money) and decided it had been far too long since I changed my hair color! I did it myself- and after 2 attempts and some help from my handy assistant Chris- I think it looks pretty good! I actually look like I belong in the Reed family now. I'll include a "before" pic of my blonde self in case you haven't seen me in a while and forgot what I looked like!

p.s. That is Chris' bum in the picture if you were wondering.

Our First Big Night

I know we have actually spent 3 nights here already, but tonight is our first actual night where Chris and I are together (not unpacking or working) in our new home. We are just loving it, especially the boys who have worn themselves out completely! In true Reed fashion, I have finished the entire inside of the house except for the doors which I will paint this weekend. Everything is painted, cleaned, put up, installed, decorated, unpacked (pictures will come soon). However, the garage is the another story...

Before I tell you all about our fabulous plans for tonight I have to give a shout out to a person who went above and beyond the call of duty- MOM! There is no way I could have done this all without her; she advised, cleaned, painted the kitchen and bathroom, helped decorate and hang pictures, and even sewed beautiful panels for the front and back doors (pics are coming, I swear). This experience just reminded me of how awesome and talented she is and how blessed I am to have come from such determined and amazing people. Thank you so much mom! Also- I have to definitely thank Carl, Dad and Chris' family too for all their help in moving furniture, putting up new blinds and fans, painting, etc.

So, tonight I am making a lovely dinner of salmon, rice, asparagas and zuccini. I added tomatos and chives from our garden and the zuccini was from the garden too. Yum! We rented the Money Pit starring Tom Hanks (one of Chris' all time favorite movies) as it seemed fitting for the occasion-for those of you in the dark, the movie is about a couple who buy their dream home only to find out soon that it is falling apart (a lot of funny slapstick stuff). It will be a lovely first night celebrating this big step in our lives!

(we can only take pics with computer built-in camera)

The Week in Review

I feel, much like my mom said in her blog, that I really have not had anything exciting to blog about. But...I am bored so I thought I would just update everyone on the significant, and insignificant, events in our lives lately.

1. We are moving sometime next week into our new house-YAY!

2. I seriously am obsessed with HGTV. And I have spent the last few nights literally tossing and turning because I can not decide where to arrange furniture in our new house, what paint colors to use, whether to do crown molding or a chair rail in the office (or both), etc. My mind will not stop dwelling on these things; and watching hour upon hour of Design on a Dime, Divine Design, Rate My Space and Deserving Design is not helping much!

3. Chris and I are really into Diet Barq's root beer right now.

4. I have been hired to design a young woman's tattoo. I've never done this before, but it sounds interesting and they're paying me good, so hey! I will give further details and post pics in the days to come.

5. Jackson and Brother are really excited to get their own yard soon! They talk about it all the time.

Say Goodbye to Taco

Taco's owner just called Terri (she had signs up for a week!) and said that the dog was theirs. His real name is Bear, but to me he will always be Taco Maurice. So we will be parting today:(

And Taco Makes Three...

Meet Taco! He is a chaweenie (half dauchsund/half chihuaha) puppy. Terri (Forsyth) and Joe found him and wondered if we would be interested, or could help find him a home. My manager at work was kind of wanting a new dog but she is leaving for vacation today for 6 days. So...being the dog freak that I am I offered to keep him until she got back and decided whether or not they wanted him afterall. I have a feeling it may be too late in 6 days because he is quite cute, Brother and Jackson really like him and he had Chris at hello. Is it a bad sign that I already gave him a middle name? Taco Maurice Rossetto- if your wondering. Are we crazy for adding a third puppy 2 weeks before we move?