12/20/10

Birthday Month

Yes, it's true, I'm known to stretch my birthday out for a good month or so. So, in the spirit of this perspective, I shopped all day with mom and Nikki on Saturday (SO FUN) and then Nikki, Tony, Davis and I went to dinner at Vespaio, and then we went out with a bunch of friends Saturday night and had THE TIME OF OUR LIVES. We karaoked and danced for hours. I had the idea that everyone there wanted to karaoke with me- so I sang about 15 songs- most of which, upon looking back, I realize I was not really invited to take part in. The truth is, I just feel that karaoke is a community event. Que sera.

Sunday was painful- not only because I was a bit hungover- but also because my throat is starting to hurt. UGH. Going to the doctor today to try to nip it in the bud before little Davis gets sick and before Christmas.

Little Davis is cracking me up these days. Yesterday my mom brought him in to wake us up- he giggled and was so happy to be in our bed...and then he toddled over to his dad who was lying on his stomach and he put one little hand on either side of his shoulders and tried to LIFT him up. It was adorable. He loves his dad.

12/15/10

NAKED

Last night after Davis' bath, I decided to let him run around naked a little bit. How sad is it that little ones don't really get to be diaper free that often? It wasn't really a planned decision- I just took him out of the tub- and he sort of walked off. As he did- I could see how thrilled he was to be in the buff...so I just let it be. He walked into the closet- sat down and peed on the floor. Of course.

So, since he had already done what I was trying to avoid- I figured I might as well let him be free a bit longer. You should have seen him- he was squealing and rubbing his belly- and just happy as could be- walking around with his little belly and booty on display.

I didn't tell Bennett- so he was quite surprised when Davis came traipsing into the living room naked. He laughed and then began to chase Davis a bit. Davis thought this was just the best thing ever- he would run and squeal and then turn around to make sure that his dad was still after him. Bennett would keep chasing him, tickling his little butt cheeks as he RAN down the hall. He got going so fast- he looked like he was bouncing off the walls.

It was the best. Worth having to clean the closet carpet. I might leave him diaper-less more often.

12/14/10

Santa Baaaarbara

Oh my goodness- we just got back from Santa Barbara for my 30th. It was nothing short of AMAZING. Seriously- I have been many places- and Santa Barbara is breathtaking. So perfect in every way- mountains, ocean, vineyards, shopping, more restaurants than one could ever try. It was to die for.

We stayed in a little house up on the hill- so we overlooked the whole town and could see the ocean perfectly. B and Courtney went too- and geez- I don't know when I've laughed that much for 4 days straight. The trip was so fancy- so every time we needed or wanted something we'd be like "Ask Baaarbara..." in a really hoity toity voice. Hysterical.

So we flew out Thursday morning- Courtney and I consulted each other on our careers on the way there and got all of that squared away (look out GSD&M and T3). Then we drove from LAX to SB on the PCH. SO GORGEOUS. We laughed, played silly games, and talked about Kim Kardashian most of the way there. Thursday night we walked around State Street- amazing architecture- and I also just couldn't believe how many awesome national and boutique stores there were. We went to Ca Daria for dinner- the best Italian food. We were so full, we couldn't even go out afterwards, so we goofed around at the house and the boys smoked cigars on the patio.

Friday, we kept rushing around to get ready and I couldn't figure out what the big hurry was because the guys kept saying we'd "play it by ear" as far as plans for the day went...finally Courtney was like "We have to hurry up and get ready- B is getting so mad at me..." so I was rushing, rushing, not knowing why. We walked up the driveway and there was a STRETCH limo waiting for us with a driver named Roger (Baaaarbara's boyfriend, natch) who was going to take us on a 7 hour tour of Foxen Canyon vineards. WHAT? All three knew, but they surprised me. I almost cried.

So we drove out to the San Inez valley- and began the day picking cheese and meats at a cute little market. I think the San Inez valley is more beautiful than Napa...or at least parallel. We stopped at 4 vineyards- Rancho Sisquoc being my favorite- and had lunch on a beautiful green knoll. With Roger. I told Davis to invite him because I felt bad; I said he would never take us up on it. Here's how that conversation went:
- Davis: Hey Roger, want to join us for lunch?
- Roger: Of course I would.

So we drank wine all day. Went home, took a cat nap, and then Courtney and I went out on State Street and did some partially drunk shopping. We tried to get Roger to drive us around more- but he declined.

Saturday morning we woke up and went to have massages. I know- this trip was ridiculously awesome. We all loved them, except B who said his masseuse was doing some sort of wackadoo three stooges type stuff on him. Davis especially loved it because his lady kept talking about his muscles and how well he takes care of himself. Ha.

For lunch we had a smorgasbord of fresh seafood at Brophy Brothers- right on the docks. We seriously ordered about 8 plates and just shared. Then we shopped...so much good shopping. I didn't really find that much- which is just typical. When you're ready to shop- you don't really find anything...but we had fun either way.

Saturday evening we had dinner reservations at Bouchon- the most amazing little French restaurant. So good.

And Sunday morning- we had our final feast at the Tupelo Cafe and then headed to LAX. I had to keep pinching myself the whole weekend? Who gets to do that sort of thing? It was amazing. Thank you Davis, thank you B and Courtney, thank you Nikki and mom for watching Davis. :)

Here's to 30. What a way to get it started.
Pictures to come.

12/8/10

Jolly Little Santa Man


That stern face is to warn you to be good because Christmas is coming!

12/7/10

Mama

I just got the sweetest little message from Laura that is a recording of Davis so sweetly saying "mama...mamamamama". I totally didn't expect it and almost started crying at work. When he says it to me, I will just die. It was such a sweet little sound to hear.

Now I'm just hoping he doesn't think Laura is his mama. Zoinks.

:) Happy day.

12/6/10

I Can't Help Myself

I am so excited about the upcoming holiday festivities i'm going to write another post- specifically about them! :)

This week: Santa Barbara
Next week:
- thursday: girls christmas exchange- one of my favorite events of the year- about 8 of us get together, have drinks, and exchange gifts. last year CG made us all a CD and every time I have listened to it, I think of that fun night.

- friday: company christmas party at Highball. this is a new thing for GSD&M. we usually just have kegs at the office- so I'm very excited to mix and mingle in a fun place with my co-workers. i love GSD&Mers.
- friday night: a friend's 30th birthday party

- saturday: shopping and relaxing with my mom and nikki for my birthday
- saturday night: drinks and dancing (maybe karaoke) for my 30th

The following week:
- CHRISTMAS! And this year we're doing it in Austin.
- a week off with Bennett and Davis

AND THEN NEW YEAR's EVE!

GEEZ, I simply LOVE this time of year, and I love having everything packed in all at once. January is going to be rough- but for now- I will revel in the good cheer and be giddy with excitement!

EEK!

I'm so excited, we're going to Santa Barbara on Thursday with Courtney and B to celebrate my 30th! It's going to be SO much fun...and seriously how awesome is davis for planning this and courtney and b for going to help celebrate? Amazing. Nikki is going to keep Davis for the weekend- so that is the best birthday gift I could ask for.

So this weekend Davis started doing a few new things. 1) trying to move his hands and arms with me to "Itsy Bitsy Spider" and 2) showing us everything. Meaning, he picks up a book, he brings it to you and holds it up to your face. You have to acknowledge it, and then he takes it back. Might be a book, might be a half eaten chicken nugget- but regardless of the item- the consistency is in the fact that he holds it up so close to your face until you acknowledge his treasure.

Nikki got a new car- she got a red mini with white racing stripes. I've always thought they were cute, but I've never ridden in one. It's THE CUTEST THING I've ever seen. It's like a little toy car. If I wasn't so excited for her, I'd have serious envy. Guess it's the season for red cars because my grandparents got a red cadillac too. Geez, are we fancy or what?

Also- church yesterday was awesome. Felt compelled to post that I am really going to be trying to grow and change in this holiday season and onward. I don't want to get to the end of my life and say "Geez, I missed the whole boat. And I even knew I was missing it."

Anyway- happy holidays and I'll talk to you after Santa Barbara.
Hope you're listening to Delilah at night during this holiday season. You're really missing out if not.