tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58490171780520378242024-03-13T03:15:22.550-07:00frame by framecrafts, projects, food, photography, design and other good thingsjuliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11182151659099139186noreply@blogger.comBlogger446125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5849017178052037824.post-58326386210111775582010-01-09T08:01:00.000-08:002010-01-10T12:27:06.101-08:00the blog is moving<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/S0ipnJIAQzI/AAAAAAAADIU/RJl4-2vFVP0/s1600-h/change_poster-748141.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 246px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/S0ipnJIAQzI/AAAAAAAADIU/RJl4-2vFVP0/s400/change_poster-748141.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424772241097245490" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">After much deliberation, I am merging my photo blog with frame by frame to make life simpler in the new year. Ronin's will still exist (although I'm incredibly behind) as a private blog, but the photo blog will be my main one. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Please update your link to </span><a style="font-family: verdana;" href="http://juliabender.blogspot.com/">this</a><span style="font-family:verdana;">. Thanks!! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">image </span><a style="font-family: verdana;" href="http://www.blogger.com/www.dailydadvice.com">via</a></span>juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11182151659099139186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5849017178052037824.post-27823929927507956122009-12-31T19:54:00.000-08:002009-12-31T21:28:10.210-08:00french macarons<span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/Sz2FbhofMvI/AAAAAAAADHg/-VLEyrX_A9g/s1600-h/mac1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 297px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/Sz2FbhofMvI/AAAAAAAADHg/-VLEyrX_A9g/s400/mac1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421636234355094258" border="0" /></a>plain with buttercream<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/Sz2Fb7pqRiI/AAAAAAAADHo/1QKr3X7CAwM/s1600-h/mac2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/Sz2Fb7pqRiI/AAAAAAAADHo/1QKr3X7CAwM/s400/mac2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421636241339336226" border="0" /></a>tinted pink cookies with buttercream rolled in crushed peppermint<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/Sz2FcOQ0X4I/AAAAAAAADHw/dagR5VFTg20/s1600-h/mac3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/Sz2FcOQ0X4I/AAAAAAAADHw/dagR5VFTg20/s400/mac3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421636246335414146" border="0" /></a>plain cookies with egg nog flavored buttercream (cinnamon and nutmeg)<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:85%;">As I mentioned before, Noz & I made <a href="http://www.mytartelette.com/2009/12/recipe-candy-cane-macarons-eggnog.html">french macarons</a> before Christmas to give as gifts. Unfortunately, although we doubled the recipe, by the time our husbands and us sampled each of the different flavors we made, there were only about 15 left each to take home/give as gifts. Fortunately, they were incredibly amazing. Crunchier on the first day, and then soft with a hint of crunch on the second. Try them, it takes a little time but won't let you down. </span><br /></div></div>juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11182151659099139186noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5849017178052037824.post-84135415608816714122009-12-21T14:51:00.000-08:002009-12-21T15:05:38.859-08:00christmas baking<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417826600961779730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/Sy_8lrT9KBI/AAAAAAAADHE/B31gLXfZB7w/s400/macarons.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">tonight </span><a href="http://nozie.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">noz</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"> and i are going to be making candy cane and egg nog macarons from </span><a href="http://www.mytartelette.com/2009/12/recipe-candy-cane-macarons-eggnog.html"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">this fantastic blog</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">. i can hardly wait. some are going to co-workers, some to friends, and then the rest to southern indiana where we are headed wed. night for a snowy christmas. </span><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417827045451834066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/Sy_8_jKpItI/AAAAAAAADHU/iK_nkU9gRJc/s400/ro.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">also, here's a sneak peek of ronin's first christmas outfit! i have to put it on him as much as possible to max out the use. (he's sitting on jan's lap at church. he really love his dad.)</span>juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11182151659099139186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5849017178052037824.post-54578114403316099222009-12-07T15:15:00.000-08:002009-12-07T15:26:14.353-08:00ronin as baby jesus<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/Sx2M8UVGaKI/AAAAAAAADC4/ZlKm100oC6U/s1600-h/ronin.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412637295046453410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/Sx2M8UVGaKI/AAAAAAAADC4/ZlKm100oC6U/s400/ronin.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">sorry for all the ro pics lately! (but you have to admit, he's pretty cute, right?) i do have other stuff to post but what with moving and all, i just keep falling further behind.<br /></span><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://rachelthurston.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">rach</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"> took this image of us and ronin for the singles ward project last week. he was 'acting' as baby jesus. didn't he do a great job? i really love having fellow photographers as friends. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;">photo by <a href="http://rachelthurston.blogspot.com/">rachel thurston</a></span></div>juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11182151659099139186noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5849017178052037824.post-10751773691128196622009-12-07T13:56:00.000-08:002009-12-07T13:58:51.573-08:00first santa encounter<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/Sx16R24ofZI/AAAAAAAADCw/tq2X_tTeWAg/s1600-h/santa.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412616774378618258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/Sx16R24ofZI/AAAAAAAADCw/tq2X_tTeWAg/s400/santa.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">he didn't mind one bit. plus he was wearing his air jordans in case he got scared and needed to make a quick get away. next year we'll work on teaching him how pull on santa's beard. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">(at our church christmas party)</span></div>juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11182151659099139186noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5849017178052037824.post-38812157132543963592009-11-24T09:09:00.001-08:002009-11-24T09:16:07.418-08:00the growing ro<span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-family: verdana;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/SwwTaExvtwI/AAAAAAAADBw/KzDB-Ir3p8M/s1600/2.5+months.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/SwwTaExvtwI/AAAAAAAADBw/KzDB-Ir3p8M/s400/2.5+months.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407718591245039362" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana;">this was taken last week. i wish i could share him with you in person. it's so much better. </span></span>juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11182151659099139186noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5849017178052037824.post-850346507155951962009-11-23T11:13:00.000-08:002009-11-23T11:20:54.691-08:00egypt in my pocket<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407380157472251138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 282px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/SwrfmouhHQI/AAAAAAAADBo/Su-41R4cLrk/s400/secret+note.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">i know, i know, i'm so behind on posting. you want to see more photos of Ro. i need to finish posting on his blessing party. and knotts berry farm last weekend. but we're moving to a new apt right in the middle of the holidsays and we've been going non stop.<br /><br /></span><div></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">the focus of today's quick post is pure craziness. i've have these black cords from banana republic for about a year now. one pocket open, one still sewn shut. i cut open the strings to open the left pocket today at work and found..</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><strong>a</strong> <strong>NOTE</strong>. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">a small folded up white piece of paper. written in EGYPTIAN! (yes, the pants are made in egypt)</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">ok, so now fellow friends, does anyone know what this says?? i'm dying to know. is it nice? creepy? a love note? do tell..</span></div>juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11182151659099139186noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5849017178052037824.post-10059006665760112492009-10-31T10:20:00.001-07:002009-10-31T10:22:55.985-07:00happy halloween!<span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-family: verdana;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/SuxyBcWUa2I/AAAAAAAADBY/Ph9vwmqZy5Q/s1600-h/superman.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/SuxyBcWUa2I/AAAAAAAADBY/Ph9vwmqZy5Q/s400/superman.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398815422425623394" border="0" /></a><a style="font-family: verdana;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/SuxyFJLNRNI/AAAAAAAADBg/L1rSZ2pbU64/s1600-h/tiger.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/SuxyFJLNRNI/AAAAAAAADBg/L1rSZ2pbU64/s400/tiger.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398815485998220498" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana;">superman by day, tiger by night. </span></span>juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11182151659099139186noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5849017178052037824.post-68130183488689577862009-10-26T09:15:00.000-07:002009-10-28T23:24:02.149-07:00blessing reception: part I, the decor<span style="font-family: verdana;font-size:85%;" >I'm splitting this up into two posts. First, the decor & food, and next the people. I went with a simple R theme, for Ronin, and green & white as the colors.<br /><br />First I made simple flags from a white & green sheet of paper. I cut them out, glued them to toothpicks, and then cut out the v-shape on the ends. We put the white ones on the cucumber sandwiches and the green on the pb&j for the kids. We made the pb&j a little more interesting with pear and apricot jam.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-family: verdana;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/SukjixHibaI/AAAAAAAADAQ/lqfiXYHacCA/s1600-h/party1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/SukjixHibaI/AAAAAAAADAQ/lqfiXYHacCA/s400/party1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397884708587728290" border="0" /></a><br /><a style="font-family: verdana;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/SukiaD9QXYI/AAAAAAAADAI/a-EGWJ1-CX4/s1600-h/party2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/SukiaD9QXYI/AAAAAAAADAI/a-EGWJ1-CX4/s400/party2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397883459514424706" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-family: verdana;font-size:85%;" >Sprinkles are a really easy way to customize a cake without adding extra frosting (for me, less is more). I used Illustrator to print out a large R, cut it out and lightly set it on top of the cake after the frosting had dried a little (about an hour). We pushed green sprinkles into the R, lifted off the paper, and voila.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-family: verdana;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/Sukj3plrtqI/AAAAAAAADAY/8QeR1KafORc/s1600-h/party3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 185px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/Sukj3plrtqI/AAAAAAAADAY/8QeR1KafORc/s400/party3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397885067343935138" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-family: verdana;font-size:85%;" >I got a green and white plastic tablecloth from <a href="http://www.target.com/">target</a> along with green & white striped napkins. Chocolate cupcakes in green, white & yellow liners from <a href="http://www.culinarydistrict.com/">Surfas</a> and <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us">ikea</a> trays helped tie the theme together. We had cranberry white chocolate scones, <a href="http://nozie.blogspot.com/2009/10/lemonades-nectarine-rice.html">orzo salad</a>, croissants, meringues, and homemade chinese noodles (thank you uncle!). </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-family: verdana;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/Sukv3zPXQfI/AAAAAAAADAo/hB9UQJfvPT4/s1600-h/party4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 201px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/Sukv3zPXQfI/AAAAAAAADAo/hB9UQJfvPT4/s400/party4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397898264074207730" border="0" /></a><br /><a style="font-family: verdana;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/SukuqoofE4I/AAAAAAAADAg/b-yeG9unmfM/s1600-h/party5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/SukuqoofE4I/AAAAAAAADAg/b-yeG9unmfM/s400/party5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397896938376860546" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana;">Last but not least, the refreshments. $3.50/case bottled water from albertsons got an easy makover with 2 colors of green paper and a little creativity. We brainstormed words that described Ronin and created labels in illustrator that emphasized the R in each word. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">It went from simple</span><br /><a style="font-family: verdana;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/Sukz4mH-2ZI/AAAAAAAADAw/2bDfA-WY8cs/s1600-h/party6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/Sukz4mH-2ZI/AAAAAAAADAw/2bDfA-WY8cs/s400/party6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397902675779967378" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana;">to creative</span><br /><a style="font-family: verdana;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/Sukz4-00wqI/AAAAAAAADA4/rU_apwsRpNM/s1600-h/party7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/Sukz4-00wqI/AAAAAAAADA4/rU_apwsRpNM/s400/party7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397902682410500770" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana;">to ridiculous</span><br /><a style="font-family: verdana;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/Sukz5ABK7fI/AAAAAAAADBA/ekTOGFO7w_I/s1600-h/party8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/Sukz5ABK7fI/AAAAAAAADBA/ekTOGFO7w_I/s400/party8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397902682730720754" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana;">and on to how the little one came about. (korean + irish & we are both german)</span><br /><a style="font-family: verdana;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/Sukz5rkGMLI/AAAAAAAADBI/ww4sbW6zBm4/s1600-h/party9.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/Sukz5rkGMLI/AAAAAAAADBI/ww4sbW6zBm4/s400/party9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397902694419935410" border="0" /></a><br /></span>juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11182151659099139186noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5849017178052037824.post-21788156811001008172009-10-19T12:41:00.000-07:002009-10-19T12:59:27.637-07:00sorry for the lack of posts<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/StzDm8kYKeI/AAAAAAAADAA/QRb7l3sY0Ek/s1600-h/photo%282%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/StzDm8kYKeI/AAAAAAAADAA/QRb7l3sY0Ek/s400/photo%282%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394401527544162786" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">but i have a bunch to post this week, so stay tuned! i've been busy with freelance work, I'm trying to finish up Ronin's baby announcements, and plan a reception for his baby blessing this week. Above are some of the items i have gathered (iphone picture) - i'm doing a green & white color scheme with easy brunch/lunch foods. Also working on some creative labels using the letter "R". <br /><br />for those of you in the LA area, please join us at his blessing! <br /><br />dets:<br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0); font-weight: bold;">Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on Sawtelle {Sunday, Oct 25th, 9am}</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0); font-weight: bold;">reception at Mar Vista Park {10:30-1:30}</span><br /></span></span>juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11182151659099139186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5849017178052037824.post-47316674062983006882009-09-30T11:03:00.001-07:002009-09-30T11:15:30.014-07:00new baby blog<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">My sister in law <a href="http://aliciaandrick.wordpress.com/">alicia</a> started a private blog just about my nephew, writing things down each month, like a journal entries that document his growth, accomplishments and stories. I wanted to do a similar one for Ronin and future kids, so I started one too. I'm keeping it private, so let me know on here if you would like to be added and I will do so! </span><br /></span>juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11182151659099139186noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5849017178052037824.post-54751160453994964132009-09-22T18:07:00.000-07:002009-09-22T18:35:16.902-07:00details of the roni<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/Srl15kV6-6I/AAAAAAAAC-8/gwKb0Y0o5EI/s1600-h/rdets4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/Srl15kV6-6I/AAAAAAAAC-8/gwKb0Y0o5EI/s400/rdets4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384464461366754210" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">his eyes are more alert</span></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/Srl12EgH_XI/AAAAAAAAC-0/Ji7-mL3zTw4/s1600-h/rdets3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/Srl12EgH_XI/AAAAAAAAC-0/Ji7-mL3zTw4/s400/rdets3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384464401280007538" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">blondish hair</span></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/Srl1xrgMO1I/AAAAAAAAC-s/su1S4JClB08/s1600-h/rdets2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/Srl1xrgMO1I/AAAAAAAAC-s/su1S4JClB08/s400/rdets2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384464325849922386" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">milk filled belly</span></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/Srl1mEB2gHI/AAAAAAAAC-k/ZQ3Gbwpfqx4/s1600-h/rdets1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 196px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/Srl1mEB2gHI/AAAAAAAAC-k/ZQ3Gbwpfqx4/s400/rdets1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384464126275125362" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana;font-size:85%;" >his hands & his monkey toes</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">i wanted to capture some details while he is still little. or not so. he is already up to 8 lbs even though he only grew a half inch at his 3 week checkup today. he has gained a whole pound up from his dr's visit 2 weeks ago. she said several times that he is a very good eater, haha.<br /><br />for other good news, one of my pre-pregnancy jeans with a hint of lycra fit today! i'm still nervous to try on anything else but leggings with spandex, but it felt good to wear something that fit the old me. </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">ps i take a lot of photos when he sleeps. i just can't help it. </span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/Srl5by8GSCI/AAAAAAAAC_M/j5IcMQ21PBs/s1600-h/rdets6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/Srl5by8GSCI/AAAAAAAAC_M/j5IcMQ21PBs/s400/rdets6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384468347935410210" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/Srl5YC5t2wI/AAAAAAAAC_E/_wpd1WaWqDM/s1600-h/rdets5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/Srl5YC5t2wI/AAAAAAAAC_E/_wpd1WaWqDM/s400/rdets5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384468283500911362" border="0" /></a>juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11182151659099139186noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5849017178052037824.post-77553306170741623782009-09-15T10:18:00.000-07:002009-09-16T16:52:28.624-07:00the birth story<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/SrAcl2fVSAI/AAAAAAAAC98/sJ_RqPtoKSc/s1600-h/hospital4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 167px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/SrAcl2fVSAI/AAAAAAAAC98/sJ_RqPtoKSc/s400/hospital4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381832991315412994" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">i mentioned earlier that my doctor had said the thursday before ronin was born, that i was already dialated to a 3-4. i also had a leakage of something that is gross. starts with m and ends with 'ucus', but again, any day or weeks from then something could happen. i was large, uncomfortable and not so patiently waiting for this little boy to show up. <br /><br />tuesday morning, jan woke up to get ready for work, and i half woke up to say goodbye. while he was getting dressed, i said, um, i think something just happened and i don't think it was pee. i went and stood over the toilet and saw fluid slowly draining out and thought, this is my water breaking or my bladder is totally shot. the contractions started almost immediately, but weren't too bad yet. i called the dr's office, which wasn't open, and waited for a call from the on call doctor to confirm or deny my suspicions. i waited 20 min's, no call. called back, and the lady said she thought he might be in the delivery room, but if i was worried, to just come in. i thought i would take a nice hot shower, but it only lasted 2 minutes because the pain was getting worse by the minute. we gathered all last minute supplies, inhaled a bowl of cheerios and off we went. by the time we were close to the hospital (about a 40 min drive) my contractions were 3 minutes apart and hurting pretty good.<br /><br />at the hospital, i was the only person in the waiting room, and it took ages for someone to get a wheelchair, slowly...slowly wheel me to the elevator to get upstairs, have the nurses slowly, slowly put me on the fetal monitor and check me just to say, oh, hm, you're already at a 6-7. (i thought i would have gotten an epi at a 3-4!) it was 9 am. i was bent over in pain while jan was trying to figure out why nobody was hurrying. i finally got into the labor & delivery room, and had to wait for the drugs. the anesthesiologist said it should kick in in about 15. that turned into close to 30 with an extra dose of the epidural.<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/SrAdA2aAEQI/AAAAAAAAC-c/VUPDyG6wxqA/s1600-h/hospital0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/SrAdA2aAEQI/AAAAAAAAC-c/VUPDyG6wxqA/s400/hospital0.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381833455149519106" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">but once it kicked in....i was great - see? beyond great. pain? what pain? i was still contracting every 2-3 minutes but didn't feel a THING. life was good. i facebooked, emailed, called friends and family. hello people, i'm happily in labor - i survived contractions! (barely, all the while previously telling jan that this was it, we were going for nothing but adoption the next time) i didn't get just ice chips, i got italian ice. cherry. then lemon. then lemon again. all i wanted. mmm.<br /><br />the time ticked by. 11:00 i was dialated to a 7 for sure, 2pm, i was at an 8, 4pm a 9, and by 6 pm i was at a 10, no pitocen. pushing started around 6 ish. the nurse said it can take 1-2 hours depending on how you push. jan and i looked at eachother - let's do 1 hr - i'll push hard. ok? ok. before i started i looked at my drugs, and it was empty! wait, before i push, i need to fill this up! oh no, it's fine, it lasts for quite awhile. i believed them. bad, bad idea. i pushed for an hour. after 1 1/2 hrs of hard pushing, she said, well, you're still at a 2 (as far as his body placement - the goal is to go from -2, to -1, to 0, to 1, to 2, all the way to 4 when he's crowning). after a whole hour of hard pushing i hadn't gone anywhere. i kept going. half an hour later, barely at a 3. not even close. then he got stuck on my pelvic bone. more pushing, nothing happened. i was starting to feel more and more pain but they said they were letting it wear off a little for me to push. they kept telling me i was doing great, oh, julia that was a good one! (don't ever listen to these people). nothing happened. i got to the point where i was running out of strength at the count of 7 instead of 10 on each first push and the epi was wearing out fast. they offered the vacuum and i said yes please. suddenly, vacuum man and a whole team of pediatric people come in. it was a circus. my body started to feel the urge to push on it's own, and the pain kept increasing. (my friends told me epidurals = pressure, no pain!) vacuum man's hands didn't help at all, i could feel everything. but together, we got the baby out.<br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/SrAc9B-rYBI/AAAAAAAAC-U/PqASlCzlP0k/s1600-h/hospital1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 341px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/SrAc9B-rYBI/AAAAAAAAC-U/PqASlCzlP0k/s400/hospital1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381833389536665618" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">i saw the back of his head and this long body and that was it. he wasn't crying enough so they didn't put him on me, they took him away and tried to clear his lungs. i laid there, totally in shock and exhausted. jan came over. 'is he cute?' i asked. with tears in his eyes, he said, 'he's beautiful'. i said, oh, ok. out came the placenta, and they stitched me up on my small tear. can you feel this? the dr. said. yes, i said, but at that point, whatever, right?</span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/SrActd7jCqI/AAAAAAAAC-M/3cEo5iDCpUw/s1600-h/hospital2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/SrActd7jCqI/AAAAAAAAC-M/3cEo5iDCpUw/s400/hospital2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381833122161822370" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">jan cut the cord, and they finally gave me my little boy. puffy eyes with vaseline, yet perfect little features. the circus left, and my aunt said, are you hungry? are you kidding? nozomi and aunty broke out korean sushi, fruit, hawaiian chips and we all ate. food was wonderful.<br /><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/SrAcqPVcNKI/AAAAAAAAC-E/eF9OFoMZeYA/s1600-h/hospital3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/SrAcqPVcNKI/AAAAAAAAC-E/eF9OFoMZeYA/s400/hospital3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381833066704286882" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">(late the next day)</span></span><br /><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">i have to admit it took a little while to adjust to being a mom. to realize he was mine, and mine only. i wasn't holding a friends baby. it wasn't a nephew. he was part of jan & i and needed me for survival. he is 2 weeks old. he has the softest skin, especially his feet and his shoulders. he smiles when he sleeps, which is a hint of what's to come when he does it because of us. we love it. i was so worried that i would be too tired at night to take care of a baby. my body does it. i jump out of bed and comfort him. feed him. change him. jan has become and expert shusher and swaddler. his arms create the perfect swing. we didn't know if we would be able to have kids (another story), and yet we were blessed with this little boy. we couldn't be happier.<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/Sq_PMT4yyLI/AAAAAAAAC90/I_gRqiFGnv8/s1600-h/mr+bender"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/Sq_PMT4yyLI/AAAAAAAAC90/I_gRqiFGnv8/s400/mr+bender" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381747890134894770" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></span>juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11182151659099139186noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5849017178052037824.post-75669490417872600962009-09-14T20:05:00.000-07:002009-09-14T20:46:09.527-07:00lately...<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">i haven't been blogging. we have had family in town, both jan's and mine, friends come to visit, and most of all, i have been selfish. i have been soaking up this little boy. every sleeping smile, all his old man faces, the way his body is slowly plumping up and the excitement i show him the few times he doesn't cry when i change him and feed him in the middle of the night. i just love him. we all do. this week i will write out the birth story before i forget (like i could..) and post more photos. for the most part, he is a perfect baby. i feel so blessed. ok, off to feed him. and then stare at him some more. and love my little miracle baby. </span></span>juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11182151659099139186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5849017178052037824.post-38099674284356298732009-09-09T12:33:00.000-07:002009-09-09T12:39:44.142-07:00aunt rachel took some photos<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/SqgDxkrQ8TI/AAAAAAAAC9s/Hnwv2UW0fp0/s1600-h/014.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/SqgDxkrQ8TI/AAAAAAAAC9s/Hnwv2UW0fp0/s400/014.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379553905087672626" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">at the hospital. i'm so grateful that she took the time to do this. i love the moments she captured that i couldn't. thank you, thank you. please visit us soon. ro-ro misses you guys. click </span><a style="font-family: verdana;" href="http://rachelthurston.blogspot.com/2009/09/meet-ronin.html">here</a><span style="font-family: verdana;"> to see more. </span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />photo of jan & ronin via </span><a style="font-family: verdana;" href="http://rachelthurston.blogspot.com/2009/09/meet-ronin.html">rach</a></span>juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11182151659099139186noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5849017178052037824.post-39585944930665889322009-09-04T09:13:00.000-07:002009-09-04T12:56:29.914-07:00meet the little man<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">ronin: aka ro-ro, roni, the 'noodler'<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/SqE9XtVA7nI/AAAAAAAAC9M/7ahL142n0MY/s1600-h/ro1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/SqE9XtVA7nI/AAAAAAAAC9M/7ahL142n0MY/s400/ro1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377646907571105394" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/SqE9InmVTxI/AAAAAAAAC9E/vkaFylXA2pk/s1600-h/ro2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/SqE9InmVTxI/AAAAAAAAC9E/vkaFylXA2pk/s400/ro2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377646648335093522" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/SqE9Exp-wZI/AAAAAAAAC88/zWUpeVn_-Vk/s1600-h/ro3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/SqE9Exp-wZI/AAAAAAAAC88/zWUpeVn_-Vk/s400/ro3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377646582315270546" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">{this is for his uncle jonathan}</span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/SqE9BLJA9fI/AAAAAAAAC80/cgSgWV29eoU/s1600-h/ro4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/SqE9BLJA9fI/AAAAAAAAC80/cgSgWV29eoU/s400/ro4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377646520436848114" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">{my old man face}</span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/SqE89QhW5sI/AAAAAAAAC8s/0WSgxpFNgHI/s1600-h/ro5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/SqE89QhW5sI/AAAAAAAAC8s/0WSgxpFNgHI/s400/ro5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377646453161649858" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">{long toes like my dad}</span><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/SqE85jIq8WI/AAAAAAAAC8k/gq5o4O97YDk/s1600-h/ro6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/SqE85jIq8WI/AAAAAAAAC8k/gq5o4O97YDk/s400/ro6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377646389438902626" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">ronin - pronunciation (RO nin)<br /><br />gaelic for "little seal"<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;">also in Japanese feudal history, a "ronin" was a masterless samurai.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">that's right, my little man is a warrior. </span></span>juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11182151659099139186noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5849017178052037824.post-48874516125304981792009-09-02T21:46:00.001-07:002009-09-04T09:41:50.874-07:00we might have had a baby<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="margin: 0.25em 0px 0px; padding: 0px 0px 4px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.4em; color: rgb(78, 119, 48);font-size:140%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px;font-family:verdana;font-size:13;" >the countdown didn't even finish, but we had our little miracle. stories of delivery & photos to follow, we go home tomorrow!</span><br /></h3><div class="post-body entry-content" style="margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; line-height: 1.6em;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">ronin august bender</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">sept 01 2009</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">8:43 pm</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">7 lbs, 21 inches long</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">blue eyes, honey brown hair</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">we love him. he is perfect. soft. has pretty skin. and lips. jan's long toes. my eyes. we can't wait for you to meet him too. </span></div></div></div></div></span>juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11182151659099139186noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5849017178052037824.post-30158352206438905232009-08-31T10:35:00.001-07:002009-08-31T11:00:39.351-07:00wkend update<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/SpwJ2sjMMBI/AAAAAAAAC8c/EwwrmWpk6ow/s1600-h/annenberg+photo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376182890449874962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/SpwJ2sjMMBI/AAAAAAAAC8c/EwwrmWpk6ow/s400/annenberg+photo.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">well, i wish this weekend had been more eventful (hint hint, baby), but it was pretty mellow. jan had to work parts of sat & sunday to help with military events, and his cousin (whom i've known since kindergarten) came into town and stayed with us and helped pass the time. saturday we finally got to the <a href="http://www.annenbergspaceforphotography.org/">annenburg</a> photography exhibit and it was amazing. absolutely incredible modern space, photography, video presentations, everything. so many moving photos. if you are in los angeles, go. it's free. it's so worth it. we all left touched & inspired. they are going to have new work every year, so we'll definitely be back. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">ps. a primary girl looked at me on sun. and said, you're still pregnant? yeah, tell me about it.</span>juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11182151659099139186noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5849017178052037824.post-75075706111904621382009-08-28T09:46:00.000-07:002009-08-28T12:25:38.620-07:00pregnancy update<span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">went to the dr. yesterday, and found out i was already 3-4 centimeters dialated! so, the news is that the baby could come any day, or i can stay this way for a couple weeks. she didn't tell me how much i was effaced, and i forgot to ask, so that part isn't available to help. the good news is that she said i've already gone through my pre something labor so as soon as i have any regular contractions, i can go right to the hospital and get on with things! <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375058719725690754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 263px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/SpgLbWQdn4I/AAAAAAAAC8U/KQwnrhCVpQY/s400/products_bigpic_creampuff.jpg" border="0" /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">my vt came over last night to help me clean the house & finish packing my hospital bag, and <a href="http://nozie.blogspot.com/">noz</a> and scoshi came by with vanilla <a href="http://www.muginohousa.com/">cream puffs</a> for no reason, except that they are really, really good and she wanted to share. pregnancy really has it's perks sometimes. we'll keep you all posted! </span>juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11182151659099139186noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5849017178052037824.post-30627131070369463552009-08-24T09:48:00.001-07:002009-08-24T10:30:47.681-07:00los angeles zoo<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/SpLKLG5ZhUI/AAAAAAAAC8M/sGxDmyIyerg/s1600-h/zoo1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373579597585155394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 306px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/SpLKLG5ZhUI/AAAAAAAAC8M/sGxDmyIyerg/s400/zoo1.jpg" border="0" /></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373579527080352002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/SpLKHAPvmQI/AAAAAAAAC8E/i5MedBpfDgw/s400/zoo2.5.jpg" border="0" /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/SpLKDLdkYLI/AAAAAAAAC78/k3TyiJoQBpw/s1600-h/zoo2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373579461371650226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/SpLKDLdkYLI/AAAAAAAAC78/k3TyiJoQBpw/s400/zoo2.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/SpLJ_TWuGRI/AAAAAAAAC70/XbEnKYhjGU4/s1600-h/zoo3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373579394770934034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 311px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/SpLJ_TWuGRI/AAAAAAAAC70/XbEnKYhjGU4/s400/zoo3.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">i have been wanting to go to the zoo for almost 3 years. any zoo, really. we finally went, and while we were so grateful for the free passes our friends gave us, i don't think we'll be buying the yearly pass when mango arrives. we'll stick with the san diego zoo. some of the attractions were great, (gorillas & sea otters) while others looked just sad - the hippo, black bears, and lions. smaller roaming areas, fake rocks for the hippo..while the gorillas lived with custom caves, a waterfall and real trees galore. sorry about cutting off my face. that's me 37 weeks pregnant, and after walking in 85 deg. weather for over 2 hrs, i just looked really tired pregnant, not happy pregnant. next time we'll shoot us at the beginning, not the end. </span>juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11182151659099139186noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5849017178052037824.post-71909112738541781572009-08-23T19:05:00.000-07:002009-08-24T09:47:30.873-07:00sunday activity<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/SpLDWokb6eI/AAAAAAAAC7s/yMC-3agegCc/s1600-h/pie1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373572099021203938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 311px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/SpLDWokb6eI/AAAAAAAAC7s/yMC-3agegCc/s400/pie1.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/SpLDThDMriI/AAAAAAAAC7k/7Po1iUNLwos/s1600-h/pie2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373572045463137826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 215px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/SpLDThDMriI/AAAAAAAAC7k/7Po1iUNLwos/s400/pie2.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">defrost self-picked blackberries. make cobbler. eat. </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">i like to think if i don't add as much sugar or butter as the recipe states, it will allow me to have 2 servings, which i did. luckily it didn't interfere with the taste one bit. i also added a dash of cinnamon. this is really easy, and so very good. we only had light cool whip in the fridge, but i would have loved some vanilla ice cream. and i made mine in a pie dish as you can see. j had to leave for sacramento to work for the week, and he commented that he liked that i made this just as he was leaving, so i'd be the only one finishing it. um, yes? he had 2 large servings before he left to help take care of his share. </span></span><br /><br /><span style="FONT-FAMILY: verdana;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular;font-size:85%;color:black;" >(this cobbler won the grand prize in the “Betty Crocker Recipes from the Soul” recipe contest) </span><br /><div><div><ul><li><span style="font-size:85%;">2 1/2 cups fresh or frozen (thawed and drained)</span> </li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">blackberries</span> </li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">1 cup sugar (i used 3/4 cup)</span> </li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">1 cup all-purpose flour</span> </li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">2 teaspoons baking powder</span> </li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">1/2 teaspoon salt</span> </li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">1 cup milk</span> </li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">1/2 cup butter, melted (i used 3/4 of a stick)</span> </li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Cream, whipped cream or ice cream, if desired (love how they say 'if'- of course it's desired!)</span><br /></li><ol><li><span style="font-size:85%;">In medium bowl, stir together blackberries and sugar. Let stand about 20 minutes or until fruit syrup forms. Heat oven to 375°F.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">In large bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, salt and milk. Stir in melted butter until blended. Spread in ungreased 8-inch square pan. Spoon blackberry mixture over batter.</span> </li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Bake 45 to 55 minutes or until dough rises and is golden. Serve warm with cream.</span> </li></ol></ul></div></div>juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11182151659099139186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5849017178052037824.post-50837718068833293322009-08-21T10:08:00.000-07:002009-08-21T15:00:01.950-07:00la shower pics<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/So7WZbYnGeI/AAAAAAAAC7A/Hvie6w9dDLQ/s1600-h/me.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372467137835637218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 305px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/So7WZbYnGeI/AAAAAAAAC7A/Hvie6w9dDLQ/s400/me.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"><a href="http://rachelthurston.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;">rach</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> posted some pics from my la shower </span><a href="http://rachelthurston.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;">here</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, held at her lovely little blue house. i am making some weird faces and apparantly, my showers was hilarious. </span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">we made our own sushi, had chinese chicken salad, jap che, dim sum, orange and blueberry soda and harold (aunty carole) picked up some amazing <a href="http://www.dotscupcakes.com/">dots cupcakes</a>. the perfect amount of frosting, and unique flavors. my people go top notch when it comes to food and for this, i love them.</span>juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11182151659099139186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5849017178052037824.post-35264544062250656362009-08-19T12:30:00.001-07:002009-08-19T12:41:58.067-07:00santa monica<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/SoxTFkps8sI/AAAAAAAAC6w/Y_YBpIuO81M/s1600-h/pier.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371759810749199042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/SoxTFkps8sI/AAAAAAAAC6w/Y_YBpIuO81M/s400/pier.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">j & i are trying to take more advantage of our surroundings, so we went to santa monica last night. after 6pm, you can park for $3, which actually turned out to be free because the lot was under construction. we split a tuna sandwich from <a href="http://www.baycitiesitaliandeli.com/">bay cities</a> deli (amazing bread) and walked along the pier, watching the performers, sculpters, fishermen and trapeze school. next up is the <a href="http://www.annenbergspaceforphotography.org/">Annenberg Space for Photography</a>, international photos of the year, all in one spot. free admission. free parking (my work). i'm very excited to see this - it runs through november. photo via my iphone.</span>juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11182151659099139186noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5849017178052037824.post-52892753526389390782009-08-17T11:27:00.000-07:002009-08-17T15:23:56.670-07:00baby room (closet)<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/Somu5oBnK5I/AAAAAAAAC6o/vplsxYhpvEo/s1600-h/rm.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371016335635983250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ary1YtfR5X0/Somu5oBnK5I/AAAAAAAAC6o/vplsxYhpvEo/s400/rm.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">people that know me know i love home decor, and have been asking me all about the babies room. well, we currently live in a one bedroom sooo, the baby is going in a walk in closet surrounded by our clothes for his first few months. things will be more normal once we move to a 2 bedroom. people that know me also know i research like crazy to find the best deal, so i'll include those as well as much as i can. </span><br /><div><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">for now, this is what we do have: </span><br /></div><ul><li><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">portable hotel crib from hilton (free - thanks <a href="http://nozie.blogspot.com/">noz</a>!), </span><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">white bedding, </span><a href="http://www.giggle.com/p/12272/Infant-Stim-Mobile.aspx"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">infant stim mobile</span></a></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">porthole mirror from my favorite <a href="http://midlandathome.com/">antique shop</a> in indianapolis (similar to </span><a href="http://www.restorationhardware.com/rh/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod1593044"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">this</span></a>)<span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"> </span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">an ikea <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S59830628">poang</a> chair (after tons of research, this was the best mix of affordability, comfort and modern style) with this <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=883382&parentid=SHOPSALE-DECORATIVE&pushId=SHOPSALE-DECORATIVE&popId=SHOPSALE&sortProperties=&navCount=40&navAction=top&fromCategoryPage=true&selectedProductSize=&selectedProductSize1=&color=yem&colorName=YELLOW%20MOTIF&isSubcategory=">pillow</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">netto cub crib still boxed from <a href="http://cdn.overstock.com/images/products/P80071208.jpg">overstock</a> for $500 less than retail & $2.50 shipping(sold out)</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">2 square green and white <a href="http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/ss11/index.cfm?pkey=cbaskets%2Dboxes%2Dbuckets%7Ck">storage containers </a>that fold flat for his books and toys (gc's + discount)</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/k4004/index.cfm?pkey=cbaskets%2Dboxes%2Dbuckets%7Ck">basket</a> w/liner for diapers (i got a navy and white stripped liner, again 40% off + gc)</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">wood changing table top made by our <a href="http://cutterboardsetc.com/">friend</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.petittresor.com/baby-gear-oeuf-oeuf-lounger-quilted/baby-boutique-catalog.aspx?product=3514">oeuf</a> bouncer ($20 at consignment shop)</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">diaper dude herringbone <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Diaper-Dude-Herringbone-Bag-Black/dp/B000XETKCC">bag</a> ($25 clearance at marshalls)</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">vintage abc calligraphy print in an orange garage sale frame (ripped out of a goodwill book, $1 frame)</span></li></ul>juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11182151659099139186noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5849017178052037824.post-62802527055124607922009-08-17T09:50:00.000-07:002009-08-17T11:12:30.075-07:00update: feeling large<span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">i haven't been blogging, i know. i am in my last few weeks of pregnancy. i feel huge. last night i was writing thank you notes and i looked down and my feet and ankles had plumped up like sausages, only a few hours after church where some girl commented on how i wasn't even swollen. can you get jinxed at church? as the night cooled off, so did the pudge, but man, it was not pretty. i've had wonderful showers the last few weeks but am waiting to get the images from people in order to post. i am ordering last minute things on amazon. </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">i have </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">sheets washed</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">diapers ready</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">car seat bases installed in both of our cars.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">most of my hospital bag packed</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">health insurance papers ready to fax</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">clothes washed in free & clear detergent</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">i am very ready to meet this little boy and not at all ready for the 3 am feedings, or the contractions. i have a few more weeks of work before i get a break. only a few more weeks of just jan and i! the good news is, that people have shown us an outpouring of love. we have been so blessed w/family and friends ready to celebrate with us and help in any way they can. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">ps. thanks for all your prayers regarding jan's work. he received an offer and started today. it's a gov job and there is a lot of red tape, so we will know in about a month if everything goes well and it becomes permanant. thank you, thank you. </span>juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11182151659099139186noreply@blogger.com2