Mommy-of-2-to-be-day-out

Thanks to my wonderful husband, who made it possible for me to have my very first day out of the house today. No diaper changing, no laundry, no meal-making, no baby signing time videos, no dishes, no walking Nalu...just time to eat, shop, get a pedicure, and have great adult conversation. My 2 sisters were along for the ride. But, it felt pretty weird, I have to admit. Most of you know Landon and I alternate taking care of Leila to avoid daycare and I work out of my house part-time, so it's not very often that I leave the home, let alone drive our car! (We only have 1 now.) Of course, missed my girl and my hubby, but I loved my day out!
When I returned home, I felt so recharged, refreshed...I should take make time for more days out in the future...including days out with hubby so he can have the chance to recharge/refresh as well.

The sun was shining gloriously today, just like it always does after a pounding from the rain. The air seemed so clear and crisp, and from our house there's a great view of the snow on the mountains. Maybe when the girls get a little older, we'll be able to take them to the snow. I used to go with my family every year to visit the Donner/Truckee/Lake Tahoe area during the winter and have very fond memories of our times there.

We are having a baby shower for baby#2 tomorrow. Thank goodness the prediction for weather tomorrow is more sun!

US Economy

This is a great post by a respected money manager, Howard Marks of Oaktree Capital. He makes some great points about the US economy and the American consumer. I try not to bring my work home with me, but this is worth all friends and family to read. Feel free to reply with your opinions.

Tornado in OC?

We are having some crazy weather here in Southern California! Yesterday they interrupted local programming on TV to tell us there was a tornado warning for Orange County! Can you believe that? How crazy would it be if a tornado hit our area? Where would we go? We don't have basements here. We have balconies and patios! There's been some torrential downpour these last few days as the second of three storms moves through. I love how the news likes to call these times "STORMWATCH 2010!!!" as though a few inches of rain here is reason to panic.
It's pretty bad, compared to the light sprinkling we usually get once or twice during the winter season, and it's tough being cooped up with a cabin-fever-stricken toddler, but I'm thankful for the rain. We need rain here. Just praying for safety for all those who are out traveling these roads in this weather. Looks scary out on those roads.

On a baby note, I am heading into the 37th week of this pregnancy. I've enjoyed this pregnancy. It's passed pretty quickly. But let's just say I'm SO ready to have this kid. I saw a message on Facebook today from a friend who was due the week before me, saying her water broke and she already had her baby girl. That got me excited. Maybe this one won't be 2 weeks late like Leila was. Here's hoping!

Sneak Peek: our first professional family photo shoot

We had our first professional family photo shoot this past weekend. A friend recommended the photographer to us and we were very pleased with the experience thus far. Here's a sneak peek at some of the shots we had taken at a beautiful local spot in Irvine. More to come!

Ice Cream Sandwich

I made homemade ice cream sandwiches for the family. My wife likes it...

Grocery Game Part 2

Leila and I scored some great deals today at Ralphs. Double coupons, free milk, it was fun. Oh yeah, and sorry about the milk jug that Leila already started to drink...she was thirsty and I didn't get to take this photo in time...

Corn Flakes
Corn Pops
Special K Red Berries
Special K Original
Smart Start
Ralphs Honey Grahams
2 Gallons of milk
Bread
Hot dog buns
6 Yoplait yogurt
1 tray of foster farms chicken
Hormel natural choice turkey meat
Dannon activia
Dannon Danactive
1/2 gallon Silk Soy Milk
1/2 gallon Minute Maid OJ
G2 Lemon Lime
3 fuji apples
2 bartlett pears

Dinner

After a long day of meetings in Torrance, I stopped by Marukai on the way home to get some raw materials to make a treat for myself.

Oish-kat-ta!

Leila and Mama

Leila and her Mama. Also, big thanks to Uncle J and Aunty Shireen for Leila's cute outfit.