The Lab...

On Saturday James and I had a pretty early dinner after our beach outing

and then we settled in at home to work on some things.

But by about 7:30 p.m. I was feeling down in the dumps.

I had "spiraled" as my Dad would say.

I felt frumpy and pregnant and was being one negative girl,

which is not ok when I have so much to be grateful for.

Thank heavens I have a loving husband 

who will jump when his wife needs to get dressed up and go out -

even if it makes no sense.

He put away his work for awhile and away we went.

I had spotted The Lab several times.

It is close to South Coast Plaza and across the street from my favorite hippy joint,

Milk 'n' Honey in The Camp.

I am sure it is a known spot to most people who live here.

But for us it was new and we fell in love with the urban area, 

known as an "anti-mall."

We waltzed around for a minute and explored Urban Outfitters.

Then it was off to Milk 'n' Honey for one of their all natural snow cones 

with tart yogurt at the bottom and topped with honey.

I guess you could say its my new favorite treat.

So tasty and certainly not as good for you as it sounds.

But delicious nonetheless.

Can't wait to explore this hidden little gem some more.

Is it Summer?

There are blossoms on the trees 

and it is 80 degrees. 

Even growing up in sunny Southern Utah I have never heard of such a thing.

In December I missed the winter.

I wanted it to feel like Christmas.

I envied those who were enjoying winter wonderlands.

But I will be real honest, this isn't such a bad thing in January.

No January blues here.

Had a lovely day at the beach on Saturday complete with excellent company,

snacks, good reads and sunshine.

It got a little chilly toward the end, so we bundled up and called it a day.

And a very good day at that.

Life in the Making:: 27 Weeks

Hello 3rd Trimester.

Two things I am feeling at this very moment - extreme gratitude and a little fear.

I am now 27 weeks - 6 months pregnant.

Weeks 25-27 have been my biggest growth spurt yet.

Second trimester was literally a breeze.

No discomfort, no nausea.

I absolutely loved starting to feel her move and am starting to understand her little personality.

She already has a little sass to her

and will kick right at our fingers when we poke and prod her from outside.

She tends to kick the most on my upper left hand side.

I am loving having a "popped" belly

but starting to understand what it means to be "uncomfortable."

It seems like the pains are coming in waves.

Week 25 I had a really hard time sleeping.

During week 26 I had some very intense lower back pain for two or three days

followed by sore ribs.

I think that I must have just had 3 or 4 major growth days as things seem to be stabilizing now.

During the second trimester I definitely craved more salty foods.

I have now moved on to the sweets.

Poor girl already has a sweet tooth like her parents.

I am working on signing up for a birthing class.

And just started "Husband Coached Childbirth" today.

James is really trying to be interested in all my jabber about birthing.

I love that man.

Something about watching your belly grow almost over night gives you the real labor jitters.

The baby decisions seem to be piling up and I seem to be stalling.

Since my Mom 

{and baby consultant}

 is in another state I am having a real hard time biting the bullet on decisions.

And part of me relishes in learning about everything and taking my time.

I have picked out a stroller but still need to decide on a crib and car seat.

Car seat advice?

Is it ok to buy a crib on craigslist?

How do you paint a crib with safe paint?

Breast pumps - shouldn't there be a way to test those scary devices?

Bumpers - they are so cute, but apparently risky?

Oh my I have a lot to learn!

As I move into my third trimester I am continually reminded of how blessed I am to be here in this moment.

I know it's cliché, but we truly can't wait to meet our little bundle.

Governor

Had a nice dose of the news bug jitters last week.

I was able to interview the former Michigan Governor 

and Meet the Press Contributor Jennifer Granholm

at the Irvine Business Outlook.

Let me tell you, she is one powerful yet graceful woman.

I felt out of my league and thrilled to have the opportunity.

Within a few moments we were off on a "breaking news story."

California's Governor Jerry Brown had come to town 

to pitch his plan to save the state from its financial woes. 

Before I could even think twice about my questions there I was - 

packed in a room full of reporters from all of the major L.A. stations.

Intimidation at its finest.

Somehow I worked up enough gumption to ask my questions.

And in the blink of an eye it was all over.

Soon after I found myself sitting on my couch thinking

that as thrilling as my morning was nothing could beat the feeling of those little baby kicks.

Who knows, maybe she is getting the news jitters.

You can see the story here.

Living Colorfully

Last week I took a day trip to Pasadena with this lovely lady.

Suz grew up in the heart of the quaint Southern California town, 

which made her the perfect tour guide.

I miss the unique feel of neighborhood streets 

and Pasadena was just what the doctor ordered.

We made a stop at giggle, 

a darling baby store,

 before sitting down to a tasty lunch at the Green Street Cafe. 

We wound up walking Colorado Blvd. - taking in the shops.

A stop at Lush is always a must.

And we found ourselves gushing over the kate spade store.

A girl can only dream of buying a pencil in that store

but it sure does provide some inspiration for living colorfully.

I can't get over this sign.

I don't know who it describes, 

but don't you want to be her?

She sounds utterly fabulous and 

equally as charming as the avenues in this well-known L.A. suburb.

Orange County Press Club

Thanks to the Churm Media VP of Digital Suzanne Broughton,

I now sit on the board of directors for the Orange County Press Club.

I am not sure how I was lucky enough to wind up in such excellent company.

I have a lot to learn from all of them.

The club consists of a wide range of "press people" from journalism veterans to local bloggers.

The members meet up several times a year at educational events, mixers and even awards.

Last week we met up for a mixer at Zov's Bistro.

Tasty food and excellent company.

Our next event is going to feature a panel of women in new media.

It is going to be incredible.

If you are a local blogger or journalist it is one you won't want to miss it.

{More details to come}

Sign up for the press club here 

and let me know if you want to know more about the Women in New Media event.

A Birthday at Joe's Crab Shack...

To celebrate our dear friend Mercedes birthday 

we headed to Joe's Crab Shack on the PCH for a real date night.

The restaurant sits right on the water and it was beautiful to look into the Newport harbor while we ate.

Only one {sleeping} babe was in attendance

and while we missed the kiddos we had a blast with our adult friends.

When Mercedes chose the restaurant she had no idea they made you dress up and dance on your big day.

Boy was she in for it.

Luckily, her sweet husband joined her in writing their names with their bums in front of the whole place.

She rocked that outfit!

I was dove right into the crab.

James on the other hand "doesn't like to fight for his food."

If only you could have seen his face as I dug out my food with pure joy.

I was more than happy with my choice and loved rocking that bib.

After our dinner a few of the couples headed back to our place for root beer floats and games.

One of my absolute favorite nights with this crew!

Boys will be Boys...

Last week I received a text from my nephew Michael

{who just happens to be 3 months younger than me}

saying to call him because he might be on his way to California.

In a thrilled frenzy I called him back.

Sure enough, he and his 2 college buddies needed out of cold Provo.

Within a few hours they had packed their bags and were headed south.

Doesn't it just sound like a fun, spontaneous, college thing to do?

I was beyond excited but doubted that they would actually make it all the way to our abode.

But Saturday morning at 6 a.m. I got a phone call.

Not only had they decided to come -

they were already here!

Like outside - on my door step.

Boys will be boys.

Michael and his roommates Jordan Adams {my close childhood friend} and James Fowler

 had actually driven through the night to make it here.

Now the pressure was on to entertain!

First stop, Ruby's on the pier.

I can't believe I haven't blogged about this place yet.

It is simply a classic.

James absolutely loves their Oreo shakes.

And I must admit, they are pretty dang good.

Sit on top, order outside or dine in.

It is sure to please.

I knew it was the perfect place to take 4 hungry boys.

After Ruby's we took them to the Wedge so the boys could hang out on the beach

and toss the football.

James was in heaven with this much testosterone in the air.

Next up, a ferry ride to the island.

Did you hear that a mini-van actually went into the water from the ferry two weeks ago?

True story.

I am still shuttering in fear just thinking about it.

Luckily, we survived. 

None of the boys had been to Balboa before so we moseyed around the streets.

This place will never loose its charm for me.

Michael opted for a very untraditional snow cone 

while Jordan and James F. went for Dad's Original -

our favorite spot for the traditional frozen banana.

Luckily, Jordan's Dad had insisted he try the frozen banana.

Otherwise, I don't think I could have convinced them to try such a thing.

But of course they were a hit!

The day was finished with none other than...

Football!

I was absolutely thrilled to have these boys stay with us.

They headed to Huntington Beach and L.A. for the party life that night

and then headed home pretty early the next day.

I am begging them to come back for the next 3 day weekend.

I am promising them dates and yummy food.

What else could a college boy need?

Goodbye Williams Family...

Awhile back we had a little dessert party for the Williams family.

They are some of our first and best friends in California.

Sadly, they are packing their bags and heading to Colorado for a few years.

But we decided to have one last shabang with a few of the families at our place.

Everyone brought a dessert and it was one delicious evening.

I finally made my Mom's famous lemon bars and loved every bite.

At one point I think we had 10 munchkins in our 2 bedroom apartment -

such a party!

We loved every minute.

James was in heaven chasing them all around.

Especially when they all piled in our little boat,

which was quickly transformed into a quasi teeter totter.

Nothing beats the creativity of kids.

Sure going to miss the Williams family 

but we have a feeling they won't be able to stay away for too long.

Great Mex

New Years eve and day were pretty uneventful at our house.

We had quite the horrific travel experience on our way home from Hawaii 

{I will spare you the details}

and we were completely pooped.

Luckily, James' office was closed on Monday and we had an extra day to lounge around.

The weather was incredible, so we got together with several friends to enjoy the peninsula.

We have heard about Great Mex for months.

It is a real hit among the long timers but we just couldn't convince our newbie selves to give it a try.

{Sad, but true}

We finally braved the little hole in the wall and boy are we glad.

There is nothing better than just good ol' real Mexican food.

I am still craving the black bean tacos doused in salsa like you wouldn't believe.

Afterwards we enjoyed the sun with friends.

And even though the sting of the post-vacation work week was upon us,

 I was thrilled to be home with my main squeeze.

OC Family :: Budgeting for Baby

This month's OC Family magazine is titled "The Big Baby Issue."

Perfect timing right?

I have read it cover to cover and love every ounce.

But I am still laughing at a quote from yours truly 

about cloth diapers in my colleagues "Budgeting for Baby" article.

Want my opinion on the matter?

Check it out here.

I guess I wasn't shy about sharing my true feelings.

Life in the Making: 24 Weeks

The baby bump is really making its debut.

Everyone told me it would just pop out one day.

But I feel like every day it pops out more.

When James got home last night he could hardly believe it.

He asked me what it feels like to be pregnant.

And I laughed thinking how could I possibly describe what it feels like to watch your belly turn into a ball.

It is magical.

I had my monthly doctors appointment this week.

Everything came out perfect and I am measuring 24 centimeters - right where I should be.

I was finally smart enough to write down my questions before hand and it was very helpful.

My Mom and sister both did the Bradley classes.

While I like the natural ideas -

 I was nervous about the local teachers and their particular methods.

I am also skeptical of myself and my pain tolerance.

{honesty at its finest}

My doctor respectively advised me against these classes 

and recommended I take the birthing classes at Hoag Hospital instead.

I agreed with his points and after talking with James, we have decided to go that route instead.

I think I will buy the Bradley book and read it on my own.

We want to be realistic about epidural vs. natural birth for our first.

I am learning there is so much more to birthing and methods than just pain meds.

And I am loving reading other peoples birth experiences.

Each one is so different and unique to Mom, Dad and babe.

These sorts of parenting decisions are already consuming my thoughts.

No real cravings - except that I want sugar more this week than I have in the past.

Sweets sound good again.

Oh dear.

I am definitely more hungry as time goes on.

I still can't eat big meals but want to snack all day.

Every night I fall asleep on my left side - trying to obey that rule.

But I find myself waking up every.single.night. around 1 or 2.

I think its a combination of my wild and crazy pregnancy dreams, growing pains and having to go to the bathroom.

For the most part I still feel like a million bucks.

 But after 2 months of a nausea hiatus - I threw up several times on Wednesday.

I have also felt incredibly tired again this week. 

And have started to feel some serious "growing pains" in my belly at the end of the day.

But I will take the pains to watch my belly grow.

She is moving like crazy.

The movements have now gone from little flutters - to jolts.

I can actually see my stomach move with her.

James commented that now its like she is doing flips or swimming -

no more twitching.

I have even found myself wondering if she is going to be a super active baby

because I swear all this movement isn't normal.

Last night she responded to pokes and prods for the first time.

Hoping it wasn't just a fluke.

I simply adore her movements already.

She has gained 4 ounces in the last week.

And will gain 6 more this week.

She is more than 9 inches long.

I promised myself that I wouldn't get into nesting and baby buying until the start of the year.

Now the time is here and I am so excited to get going.

Thank you to pinterest I have started to compile some nursery ideas.

But I am still in need of baby product suggestions - 

strollers, carriers, cribs, bumpers (to have or not to have), diaper genie, baby monitors, car seats etc.

What are your recommendations?

Hawaii Part III

We spent the remainder of our trip lounging around the resort,

visiting the new Disney hotel,

drinking lots of Diet Coke on the beach,

{not really my thing but definitely a Barker fam fav.}

paddle boarding

and going sailing/snorkeling.

I have an obsession for boats that is probably not healthy.

It all started at Lake Powell and is now moving to the ocean.

I sat on the bow like a little kid and took every minute in.

The sea is just magical to me.

As if it couldn't get any better -

nearly a dozen dolphins began swimming along the side.

Pinch me.

I was devastated that I didn't have my camera handy -

but thrilled I got to take it all in.

We wrapped up our vacation at Pearl Harbor.

Although we had little time to enjoy the sites,

I was actually really happy that we decided to finish the vacation at such a remarkable place.

It was humbling to think of that dreadful day and how very blessed we are to have our freedoms.

I must thank the Barker's for this incredible trip.

We are oh so spoiled and know how much this trip meant to you.

For us, it was an absolute joy.

No, we did not have to go to Hawaii to enjoy family time.

We enjoy your company wherever we are.

But boy-oh-boy was it a blast.

As for Hawaii, we hope to be lucky enough to visit your shores again.

Which is why it is only fitting to say, with an oomph of hope and a bit of doubt, goodbye and hello.

Or of course, 

Aloha.