maybe not avocados...

Stella got her first taste of real food. She was truly horrified.

we've got a dancer on our hands

Stella in her jumper is a new source of entertainment for us. It so funny to watch her go. I don't know quite why it is so funny but it really is.

So here's a quick clip. Of course I am so proud, notice how she really gets going right when the music picks up... she may not look like me yet, but I think she might have my rhythm...

comments

FYI, we changed the settings, so you no longer have to sign in to leave a comment. Woo hoo!

baby loves polka

We went to dinner the other night at the Bavarian Grill, one of our favorite spots for German food. They always have live music, Stella Rose was absolutely fascinated. The new thing for her now is her jumper. She loves it and I swear she dances if you put music on. I put on a Czech polka for her, she loved it. Here's a bit of video - she gets a little distracted by the camera in the beginning.
Bernice, this one's for you...

seven and ten years

Today is our dual anniversary. After we were married, we realized that we had (completely unintentionally) gotten married exactly three years after our first date. Since there was no first date ceremony (no starting gun was fired, no one yelled "go!") and we had been friends before dating, we had to retrospectively decide which was our first date. We agreed it had been the night Stephen had ordered in seafood. The occasion was made memorable by the fact that he had bounced a check to pay for it, so it stood out in his mind.

So one day in the first year of our marriage, we came across an old checkbook of his. We were laughing at the fact that he used to pay like $100 in rent (having six roommates), and we came across that check that had bounced. The date was October 13, the same day we picked for our wedding.

So in honor of our anniversary, here are seven things, big and small, that I love about Stephen:

1. His cooking. He makes the best Italian food you ever had. I had to marry him before he would let me in on his spaghetti sauce recipe.

2. His sense of humor. He can crack me up like no one else. And luckily, he is not afraid to laugh at himself too, or let me laugh at him (vs. with him) on occasion.

"We won't be able to get online in Prague, everything will be in Czech!"

And he's always a nice about it when he laughs at (vs. with) me.

Me: "The batteries on my car clicker must have gone out because it wouldn't work. I didn't know what to do - I left my list in the store. Luckily I had my cell phone, so I called the store and explained that I was outside but unable to leave my car since I can't leave it unlocked, so could they please bring my list outside to me?"

Stephen: "?!"

3. His smooth moves. He is so good at surprises that you would never expect. On one of our earliest dates, he pretended not to know where to go, making me sweat over what place to pick for my birthday dinner. He pretended to drive to a random restaurant, but when we entered it was "Hello Mr. Mandala, let me show you to your table..." In college we called him Sneak Attack Steve because he would come out of nowhere and kiss me, regardless of who I was dating at the time. He really knows how to make a person feel like the center of the world. He is so good at surprises and romantic gestures, that there is one unintended downside. Whenever there is a change of plans, there is a small part of me that thinks "ooh! maybe this is a surprise!" But then again, how many people get to feel that in their day?

4. He is so generous. Seriously, this is a man who loves to give gifts. I sometimes have to talk him out of giving extravagant gifts to people. If we could, he would take everyone in our family to Italy or Hawaii. Or both. He really thinks about the gifts he gives. He commissioned a painting for me on the one year anniversary of our first date. Had the restaurant hang it on the wall and everything. He pays attention all year long, gathering ideas, then spoils me rotten at Christmas. When Stella was born, he surprised me in the recovery room with a pink sapphire and diamond ring. For Stella, he said, when she's grown up. You wear it for her until then. Kiddo can have it when she gets her PhD. But he's not only generous with gifts, he also has a generosity of spirit that is truly uncommon. He knows what it is and what it takes to have relationships with people, even when it is difficult. He is welcoming to our guests and always willing to help people.

5. He is an amazing father. Have you seen our baby? She adores him. Laughs out loud when he comes in the room. I love him more every time I see our daughter look at him with such joy.

6. He's got his own style. In Italy last fall, we came across a store that was full of orange sweaters. It was like he had found the mothership. I love that he is not afraid of color. When we first got together he had probably 45 blue plaid shirts. He's come a long way...

7. He makes me so very happy. He indulges my crazy ideas, even when they are half-baked and half-finished. He's a good sport. He's incredibly insightful about people. He built an incredible business and I know there will be much more ahead. He has good instincts, good ideas and good intentions. I am so proud to be his wife.

please insert your own caption

It's their trick.
He's very proud of it.
No, he's never dropped her.

fall again

So the weather is cooling off nicely, it is actually lovely to be outside. The patio is coming along really well, the next step is to finalize the fountain. So far so good and the timing couldn't be better.

We fell off the wagon, push-up wise, last week, so we are going to have to repeat week 2. Time is completely different these days. Luckily the bambina goes to sleep around 8 or 8:30, so in theory, we have the rest of the evening to ourselves. Too bad we are so exhausted!

We went to our first kid birthday party as parents Saturday. Our godchild welcomed her third birthday, monkey style. We had fun. My friend Rose actually made a cake in the three-dimensional shape of a monkey head - I am in awe.

Sunday we went to the Cottonwood Arts Festival, it is one of our favorites. I like it because it is juried, so you don't have booths selling water filtration devices and stuff like that. It's in a park, lots of shade and they have the best kids activities. I always want to do them myself. I mean they had pottery wheels and everything!

Lucky for us Stella really digs her ride, she enjoys looking at the people, trees, dogs and kids.

I'm becoming such a cliche... of course I make it down about one aisle of the festival and I'm already thinking about how I really should enter this festival next year... I'd have to find the time, which might not be too hard since I paint very quickly, but I would probably have to switch mediums. Oil paints are highly toxic and I wouldn't feel very good about getting them out with a baby in the house. Maybe acrylics? I've never used them before, I just love oils, love the smell and feel and translucency of them, but may be worth exploring. If I could only set a deadline for myself I might actually do something this year... I'm encouraged by the fact that my work (when I do any) does tend to sell well. So nothing but my own self holding me back... and that whole time management thing. As much as I would enjoy doing something like that, I have been really struggling with this new sensation of always having too much to do. This shouldn't be a surprise, I have almost always done too much. When I was a teenager my stepmom gave me a book called "Meditations for Women Who Do Too Much" - I guess I started early. I think of all these projects to start, then all the things I would like to do with and for my daughter, then more and more and more until I find myself in the store with Stella sleeping in the carseat at 9 pm and I'm like, seriously, how important is it really that I finish making this mirror for the nursery? So important that I should drag my daughter all around town when she clearly needs to be in bed? And then I take a step back, but slowly things pop up again. I need the energy of new ideas. It's what keeps me going. Just have to figure out a way to not let it wear me down.

My current projects are that mirror (and I think I finally found the right thing to do to finish it), a duvet cover and bedskirt that I am making, and Stella's Halloween costume (which I am so excited for, not telling yet). Trying to do just one at a time. Duvet is halfway done so I will wrap that up before I start on her costume... we may all three of us dress up as the same thing this year - how would that be for the xmas card?

New baby pics

Took these in the nursery... more on our Flickr site. Kiddo is officially rolling over and scooting around like crazy. Also starting to love dancing. We dance with her and she goes crazy. Also loves it when we repeat whatever sound she just made, it makes her giggle.

sugar free me, week 6

I'm down 9 pounds and am really starting to see a difference. Hit a bit of a plateau, I think due to my strength training. I've been through this before where the numbers go up or stay the same temporarily as I get stronger, then really start to go down. But still... I like to see downward trends! But my clothes are loose and I can see a difference in my face, and I feel fantastic. The sugar stuff is not really a temptation anymore. I think my taste buds have recalibrated or something, because my afternoon yogurt tastes insanely sweet to me now.

Anyway, I am excited to report that I have started running again, which I love. Two friends from work invited me on their Wednesday and Saturday runs, and it's the perfect motivation to get out there. Weather is lovely for it. Ran 30 minutes Saturday, getting stronger in all the right places.

We've also been keeping up with the hundred pushups training. It's actually pretty easy to do, and takes surprisingly little time. I'm now up to where I can do 20 consecutive pushups. Girl style, of course. I'm not going to report Stephen's progress, he can do that himself if he likes, but needless to say, he is rocking and rolling - does old-school pushups and beats me every time.

Felicia, this one's for you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5LJxSHNArM

stuff i like: movie edition

Burn After Reading. I have loved those Coen brothers ever since my dad took me to see Barton Fink at Trolley Square... long ago. I liked this, thought Brad Pitt was sort of brilliant. Actually his hairstyle was especially brilliant. Skunky and perfectly, if misguidedly, coiffed, that hair (along with Silvio's from the Sopranos) deserves a Best Supporting Actor nod.

I love movies that can surprise you. There is a certain scene that I definitely did not see coming, I won't say which one, but if you have seen the movie you know what I am talking about. How do you classify a movie like this??? I don't think you can, which earns some points in my book. Also I have to mention that I found myself questioning the George Clooney/Frances MacDormand romance - somehow I have bought into all the programming from other movies that tells me that a guy like George should be paired with some young hottie. And actually, those two are probably around the same age, and in real life you wouldn't question the match at all. Interesting...

jungle no more

We have a small back yard that has, despite the best efforts of my parents, run wild. Like weeds growing up and through the furniture wild. Our living room has french doors that open out to it, and it is fenced in and the garage is on the other side of it. So it's not exactly in our way - we have been able to let nature run free back there without paying too much attention.

Up until now. We have started to transform it into a patio, with a few flowerbeds and a bench. The patio part is in now, just being finished. I'll post some pictures soon. We'll add plants in containers and maybe a palm tree when it's done. We're very excited about the whole thing.

And perhaps you thought I was being dramatic in my earlier post about how you wouldn't dare sit on the grass here in Texas for fear of creatures... when they deforested our back yard, they found and killed NINE snakes. NINE snakes, people.

Ike and Ayn

So the hurricane came and went. Stephen's family was without power for a full week. Eleven of them came up to Dallas, and the upside (for us) was that we got to spend some time with them. Stella got lots of Nana time, which she loved. Of course for them, the upside was that their houses were still standing and pretty much undamaged. They had no power or water after the storm, and communications were very spotty, so we were extremely relieved to see their faces.

Stella is changing so quickly - she is now able to reach and grab things, and consequently objects are now fascinating. We have hit the toy time, people. And as much as I would like to emulate the Ayn Rand School for Tots, she really enjoys them. Shreiks with delight and everything, it is quite a sight.

Did my first training set of the hundred pushups thing, my max was 11. On we go.

pushups

Did my initial assessment, I can do a whole 9 girl-style pushups. I was actually surprised as I sort of expected to only be able to do one or so. I'm starting the training program tomorrow. Yay Felicia for joining in the fun - I'm sure she will put me to shame. Sort of like her boyfriend and Trivial Pursuit. Hee.

sugar free me, week 4 - gonna win all the money

I'm down almost 8 pounds. The pool at work is up to around $800. I really want to win!

I saw an interesting site the other day, it's a training program that promises to leave you capable of doing 100 push-ups. Check it out: http://hundredpushups.com/

Stephen has agreed to do it with me - I am stunned. I think I had him at "it takes no money or equipment and very little time". He's got to be a bit cautious, as I am the woman who convinced him to run a half marathon with me a few years ago. (Still can't believe we did that!)

So, in the spirit of me recruiting people to do stuff like this, who's in? (Do I even have to say that I will be doing girl-style push-ups?)

If you're up for it, let me know. I will be posting my progress here. The training plan is simple and takes very little time. Think of the toned arms you could have! Also a motivator for me is that my little bambina is 15.5 pounds and growing... my upper body strength really needs to catch up.

(PS - I love that my brother wasn't quite sure if there was sarcasm in my last post.)

new business idea

We were at NorthPark today, and saw that a new location of Noka is opening there soon. This is a place that sells chocolate at ridiculous prices (2 tiny pieces for $17.50!). Their hook is exclusivity and high quality, that sort of thing. Also there is in Dallas a location of Sprinkles, which sells gourmet cupcakes for like $4 each.
So in this grand tradition, I think we should open up a shop that sells luxury lollipops. Artisan, hand crafted, organic, exotic flavored lollipops. High-end modernist packaging. Flavors like balsamic vinegar strawberry, mint basil, tequila lime jicama, and something to do with white or green tea. I'm thinking we can sell them for like $8 each. And I have the perfect name: Suckers.

heartwalk & ike

Yesterday we participated in HeartWalk, a fundraising and fitness event benefiting the American Heart Association. It's an annual event for us and Stella's first time out. She did great. We thought she would just sleep in her stroller, but she was fascinated by all the people, and especially seemed interested in dogs. Luckily we had just the right outfit for her - her Nana bought her this pink velour tracksuit before she was even born.

We thought the event might be cancelled with the hurricane weather, but we went down anyway. It was on, and we enjoyed the 3 mile walk. Here's how humid it was - started to drizzle just a bit:

We were lucky to not really be affected by Ike, and so far our friends & family in the Houston area are safe. Many are without power and water though, looks like it will be quite a while until things get back to normal down there. Think good thoughts for them.

slc baby tour 2008

We took a long weekend to visit my family in Salt Lake. Stella was considerably more animated on this flight, she was squealing with delight and I think we made people nervous that they would be stuck next to us on the plane. Luckily we got our own row, and no crying... yeah!!!

We had an ice cream social Friday night, which is a family tradition on my dad's side. One that I need to keep going here, if only I could meet some people who like to make ice cream. The concept is simple: everyone brings a different flavor of homemade ice cream. There was peach, mint oreo, pina colada, super dark chocolate, and vanilla. Yum, it was definitely worth the sugar indulgence. Now that I think about it, maybe I should help educate some of my friends on the joys of making ice cream...

Stella got to meet her Great-Grandma Bernice, along with many of my aunts, uncles and cousins. My cousin Emma even got her to giggle again. So cute! So fleeting!

Stella Rose with Great-Grandma Bernice:
Four generation shot (that's my dad in the middle):

September in SLC is absolutely amazing. The weather is perfect - sunny and blue skies, temps in about the 80s with a cool breeze everywhere, gets a bit chilly at night. Lawns are green and lush, softer than carpet and cool and refreshing on your bare feet (in TX you would not dare for fear of creatures). If the whole year could be like that we would have to move. Everything is green and blooming, gardens full of good things.

Here's Grandma Jenny introducing Stella to her first home-grown tomato:

Saturday we went with Paul, Amanda, Kaia, Chris, my dad and Jenny for a hike. Paul suggested we head toward Snowbird as Oktoberfest was going on. So hiking turned into bier, bratwurst, polka music and a stroll in the mountains. Here's bambina with Grandma Jenny on the bus:

Kaia and Stella get in the Oktoberfest spirit. I'm not naming names, but just maybe someone knocked Stella's noggin...

Stephen and the bambina on a stroll:

My brother and niece, who conked out in her carrier:

Stella also succumbed to the hypnotic rhythm of our stroll. The flap is up so she doesn't get sun in her face as the altitude is high there. This picture cracks me up.

Sunday we had a baby shower for my sister Becca at my mom's house. We didn't take enough pictures, but we had a ball. (How can it not be a ball when a game of cornhole is involved?) The shower was fun, we had a contest where couples had to dance with an egg balanced between their foreheads. Stella got to meet her Great-Grandma Holtshouser, more aunts, uncles, cousins and friends, along with some much needed time with Grandma Sugar.
Here is Stella with Great-Grandma H:
She has one more great-grandmother still to meet. We are so lucky to have such a big family. More pictures are on our Flickr site.

stuff I like: dvd edition

How have I missed this show for so long? Just watched season 1 on dvd. Much as I am not into most reality shows, this show rocks. At least the first season anyway. Usually these kinds of shows just go straight to the histrionics, which to me is so boring. Reality tv: you had me at Survivor I (although I kept wanting to see some actual survival skills), you lost me at Road Rules, the Real World #672, and Road Rules vs Real World, etc.

But along comes Project Runway, and I absolutely love it. There is of course the personal drama element that seems to be a requisite of the genre, but what I really like about it is seeing the creative process. Yes, it is abbreviated, but I love watching them get the challenges, then imagining what I would do with it, and how it all turns out. So interesting to see the different interpretations. Am I just an art student craving an assignment or what?

I'm totally inspired to try sewing something, even though my training is limited to 7th grade home economics and the stuffed kayak I made for my neice.

Thoughts from a Househusband 3

Top 5 things that make staying home the best
1. Time with my daughter
2. Time without my daughter (nap time)
3. When we go out, women are very interested in me again (Stella’s a chick magnet)
4. Seeing Stella grow and change everyday
5. Diaper changes. They are not stinky yet and it makes her very happy—smiles and giggles throughout.

5 not-so-great things about being a stay at home dad
1. High-pitched baby talk –I would really like to read the newspaper to her in a normal tone.
2. I miss adult speak.
3. People generally frown on bringing babies into bars
4. Bottle feeding every two hours—you could set your freaking watch by her
5. Convincing mall security that I am actually there for the play date

DiddleDee

We've finally convinced Stephen's mother to offer some of her fantastic handmade baby things for sale. She makes the sweetest things - we have been lucky to have some of her darling headbands. Seems like every time we see her, she looks at Stella's outfit, disappears for a while, and emerges with the cutest accessories to match her ensemble. Lord knows this baby has to be coordinated!!

She also makes THE BEST baby blankets - big enough to swaddle a little one (so they stay swaddled, and you know how fanatic I am about that), and in different weights for different seasons. We would not have gotten through summer without her sweet lightweight blankets - Stella loves to play with (and on) them, they block the sun and are easy to wash.

If you need a baby gift, check out her shop at www.diddledee.etsy.com. (It's named after this sweet little Irish song she sings to her grandchildren.) She takes custom orders and has much more than is listed currently (bibs, burp cloths, buntings, etc.).

Stella is definitely benefitting from her talented Nana.