Thanks Nan!

In previous posts, I mentioned that there are a lot of things of my mom's that I would love to have. As luck would have it (or in this case, not have it!), I didn't get the art gene, so having all of her paintbrushes/other supplies would probably be somewhat lost on me. I do love to cook, so I am a bit sad that I don't have all of the recipes that I know and love from my childhood. That being said, I was at Nana's house this week and she gave me a cookbook that had a Carroll Spate classic contained within! Hooray for the Chile Rice Casserole! :)

Chile Rice Casserole

2 1/2 Cups Water

1 Cup Raw Rice (not Minute Rice)

2 Cups Sour Cream*

Kosher Salt to Taste

1/2 to 1 lb Monterey Jack Cheese, grated

1/2 to 1 lb Cheddar Cheese, grated

7 oz can diced green chiles

3 tbsp. Magarine

1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated

In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add the rice, cover pan, cook 20-25 minutes until rice is cooked. Let rice cool. Mix the cooled rice with the sour cream and salt. In the bottom of a greased 1-1/2 qt casserole, spread half the rice mixture. Sprinkle the cheddar and monterey jack and chiles on top. Add the rest of the rice. Dot with butter and sprinkle with Parmesan. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

*can be substituted with Ricotta Cheese

Okay, I just read the recipe and realize the main reason why I liked my mom's food so much--she bathed everything in butter and cheese (the true nectars of the Gods if you ask me!). I will make it my mission to revamp this classic and figure out a healthier way to make it. In the meantime, I'm already thinking of how I can experiment with a few other ingredients. I really hope Samantha enjoys spending time in the kitchen with me--I'm already planning our first Christmas cookie decorating session!

In Sammy's world...

Yesterday was a big day--she rolled over on her own--twice! While laying on her tummy in the play gym, she rolled from tummy to back! I think this is further testament to the fact that she hates tummy time! Also, she is drooling like crazy. According to the pediatrician, this means that the salivary glands are turning on, but my Nana seems to think that teeth might be coming. Not sure if we're ready for that quite yet! :)

Looking cute in the custom onesie from Auntie Cari!

We're branching out and trying other chairs!We made it to Nana's house for two visits this week Not the best picture of Samantha, but Allen loves her monster pj's! She's starting to use her sit up seat!

Can I Add This to My Resume?

When it comes to my job at LLS, I consider myself to be highly organized and quite methodical. In my 4 years with the organization, I have learned to plan ahead, anticipate the unexpected and roll with the punches. That being said, I have come to realize that the whole "mom" thing requires more organization and forethought than any other job I can think of (at least right now!). Between trying to remember when the baby has last eaten, had a diaper change, upcoming doctor's appointments, squeezing in visual/auditory stimulation, story time, tummy time, and many other "times" that babies are supposed to have, it is a big job. Furthermore, there is the adventure of leaving the house and going out into the world and all the things that must fit into one diaper bag. In no way am I complaining--actually, I am starting to feel more confident about everything. That being said, any other curveballs that life throws must be taken into account, dealt with and ultimately handled with grace. Take for instance, today.

Samantha had a great night--she slept from 8:00 until about 6:30 this morning. We had a nice morning and we even managed to squeeze in a bath. After a nice afternoon nap, it was time for Samantha to eat and Peter decided to join us on the couch. He looked a bit uneasy as he approached us and I started to get concerned that it might be his back again. After a miserable jump onto the couch, it was apparent that Peter was in pretty severe pain. I called the vet and they said that he must come in immediately, as there is a small window of time to help him if his back is the issue. :( Samantha was scheduled to have her 3 month pictures taken tonight, and a vet visit definitely was NOT factored into the afternoon plans.

I am happy to report that we were able to swing a trip to the vet and Sammy made it to her photo session. Peter received a shot from Dr. Rick and will be on steroids for the next 2 weeks, but he is MUCH happier. Right now, he and Allen are cuddled up on the couch watching "The Colbert Report". It's a good life :-)

I'm so happy that all my babies are happy and healthy!

Peter circa 2008 at Nana's house

This picture doesn't show it very well, but I was about 4 months pregnant with Samantha. I love that it is essentially, a picture of the three of us!

Pictures from today should be ready within 2-3 weeks. I can't wait to see how they turn out!

There's No Crying at Pinecrest (Part Two)

After a really fun first night, we were looking forward to the remainder of our weekend at Pinecrest. On Saturday morning, Allen, Pat, Ric & Brian went out for an early morning fishing trip and Samantha was kind enough to let me sleep until almost 7:00! Sam spent some of the morning with Margaret, who was gracious enough to watch the little peanut so I could take a shower and get ready for the day. We had a delicious breakfast when the guys returned from the first round of fishing and we saw them off and decided to have some girl time in the afternoon. The weather was amazing and Pat and Lacey decided to take the boat for a spin. Margaret, Samantha and I went down to the beach and had a great time. I think it's pretty apparent from these pictures that Sam is a fan of the outdoor life!

Both Allen and I were concerned about Samantha's sleeping/nap schedule while away from home, but I am incredibly pleased to report that she did great. She went down pretty easily for her morning and afternoon naps and was content to sleep in the carseat/stroller while we were out and about. Her normal bedtime was tweaked a bit, but she adapted well and our cabinmates said that she didn't wake them up. Sam slept so well that she missed our family picture on Saturday! We kept the stroller closed as we didn't want to risk waking her up.


In an attempt to keep things somewhat simple, we decided to venture out for dinner on Saturday evening. The only restaurant in Pinecrest, "The Steam Donkey" is a favorite of Allen and his friends and of all my trips, I had never had the chance to try this place. Margaret thought ahead and made reservations for the patio--just in case little Sammy decided to have a "moment". In addition, she planned ahead for potentially cold weather and brought Samantha the CUTEST little warm weather suit adorned with a monkey.

Could she look any cuter???

This picture doesn't show it very well, but both Lacey and Sam are wearing head-to-toe matching getups!

A last minute feeding for Miss Samantha before we headed off to dinner!

A group shot at dinner. Sam did really well and fell asleep shortly before our meals arrived.

This is one of my favorite pictures from the whole trip. Pat and Lacey make such a great couple!

On Sunday, we all slept in--well, Sam was up around 5:45, but it was a great excuse for a nice family walk down by the lake. We had a delicious pancake breakfast and Allen, Ric & Margaret took the boat out for a ride around the lake. Although Samantha didn't get to "officially" ride in the boat this trip, we had to get a picture of her and Al at the marina!And of course, a few final pics before we all headed home...Until next year...

There's No Crying at Pinecrest (Part One)

Every summer since Al and I first started dating, we have made a trip up to Pinecrest during the summer months. For the two of us, this started in 2002, before I got my first digital camera, so the pictures don't really start until about 2004. This tradition started when Al would go up to Pinecrest as a child with his good friend Pat and Pat's parents, Ric and Margaret. Since the guys loved it so much, they have kept it going and it truly is an adventure that is not to be missed. We figured that with the addition of Samantha this year, Pinecrest would have to be left off the agenda for summer, 2009, but our wonderful friends, Pat, Lacey & Brian were kind (and brave) enough to allow Al and I to bring Samantha this year and the six of us stayed in an "original" Pinecrest cabin for the weekend.

The packing for this trip started on Thursday morning. Not only did we have to pack everything for ourselves, but Allen was planning towing a fishing boat up as well. Packing for the two of us was easy--it was Samantha that had us stressed! :) Stroller, car seat, papasan chair, clothes, diapers, extra diapers, wipes, extra wipes, blankets, bottles, socks, hat and a multitude of other things that I was convinced we would need in the approximately 48 hours that we would be spending up there.

A special shout-out to my cousin Emily and my honorary cousin, Lauren for spending the weekend at Casa Ishibashi with our other babies, Scout and Peter. There is NO way that we could have thrown those two into the mix as well!

Friday morning, the car was packed and we were on our way (only about an hour and a half later than we had planned--not too bad if you ask me!). We had a great trip up--Samantha fell asleep at the Cochrane exit on 101 and slept until we stopped for a break in Sonora. After a quick feeding (for her and for us) we were in Pinecrest before 1:00.


Once we made it, the weather was perfect for a stroll in the Baby Bjorn. Allen and Samantha decided to go and look for Pat and Lacey.


Once the guys saw the lake, they couldn't resist hopping in the boat and heading out for an afternoon fishing trip!

Margaret, Lacey, Sam and I spent the afternoon relaxing and catching up with one another. It was then that I found out that Lacey had a surprise in store for all of us! Unbeknownst to Allen and I, Margaret had planned to make dinner for everyone in the cabin that she and Ric had rented and Lacey decided that dinner needed a "theme" (could I love this girl any more than I already do???)

While Lacey, Sam and I were in the cabin, she informed me that the dinner's theme would be:

Each one of us had a "Gilligan's Island" brown bag complete with a character biography and props! Not only had Lacey arranged all of this ahead of time, she even provided background music (the G.I. theme song) and printed copies of the lyrics!!A shot of Pat in his Captain's hat and Lacey dressed up as Maryanne!Brian was the Professor...

Allen was the millionaire...

Even Samantha got to be a part of the fun!And of course, a group shot! Too much fun!

I'll write about days two and three tomorrow!

Babies and Moms and Wine, Oh My!

Samanthaland was a great place this week with many fun adventures and new experiences. As we have been trying to set a better nap schedule, we have been more strategic with the errand running, but we are getting out and about nonetheless. We had visits with friends, a day at boot camp and even an afternoon where Grandma Ishibashi babysat Samantha. In addition, we prepared for our first weekend away as a family (more on that in the next post).

On Thursday afternoon, our friends Carla (mom) and Kaylee (baby) hosted a mom's get together at their home in Santa Clara. There were a bunch of new moms there and it was fun to see everyone and catch up with some of the girls who did yoga with Sam and I. Everyone brought delicious food and wine and we had a great time. Sam napped for the beginning part of the afternoon, but woke up and enjoyed socializing with everyone for the remainder of our time at Carla's. These gatherings are such a lifesaver--it is wonderful to connect with other new moms and share experiences/ask questions/laugh as we are all going through much of the same thing.

Samantha and I with Shelley and Dominic

Sam and I after she woke up from a morning nap

Samantha and I with Marianne and Baby Citti (due in less than a month!)

3 Months!?!!!!??!

I know that everyone says that the time FLIES when you have a baby, but seriously--it is SO true!!!

On Friday, Samantha hit the "official" 3 month mark and of course, we had to document this special day with a picture. I figured now would be a good time to show a comparison photo from the 1 month picture. She is growing so quickly!

Samantha at 1 month

Samantha at 3 months

Busy Busy Busy

As usual, we have been keeping very busy and are enjoying a lot of fun activities. Last week, we made it out to boot camp on Thursday and Samantha spent the afternoon at AJ's house while I went to the dentist. This is a good prep for when I go back to work, as I am not quite used to being away from the little munchkin! On Saturday, we went up to the Santa Cruz Mountains to visit with the Mello family during their annual weekend camping trip and Samantha had a blast. Not only was it Sam's first trip to the woods, but we also were also able to celebrate cousin Lisa's birthday. We had a fabulous dinner and I brought a chocolate cake and a banana cake for dessert.

On Sunday, Sam and I ran errands in the morning and she spent the afternoon with dad while I went to Marianne's baby shower. This was a very special event, as Marianne is a good friend who will be having a little girl sometime next month. Marianne and I did prenatal yoga together and I am so excited for our little girls to grow up together. The shower was so perfect and I can't believe that I forgot to take pictures! The countdown is on for Baby Citti's arrival--Allen, Samantha and I can't wait!

Sam and I have been trying to set a bit more of a schedule, as I will be going back to work in a few weeks. All in all, she is a pretty good napper and I am hoping that this continues when I'm busy at work. This weekend, we will be taking Samantha on her first overnight trip! We're going to Pinecrest for the weekend with Pat, Lacey, Brian, Ric & Margaret. Pinecrest is a usual summertime camping excursion for Allen and I and we are so excited to be starting this tradition with Sam. We'll be staying in a cabin with Pat, Lacey & Brian and have our fingers crossed that Sam adapts well to being away from home! I'll be sure to update the blog after we return next week!

Here's a shot of Sam just before we left for the mountains! I couldn't resist the monkey hat at Gymboree!

And, here's sleepy Samantha when we got home afterward. I'm missing pictures from in between, but will post as soon as I get them.

Here's a shot of the diaper cake that I made for Marianne. I had way too much fun working on this project! :)

Here are some Samantha pictures from about 3 months