Days with Daddy

Saturday we went to a new park that had lots of toys all over the place as well as a playground. Daphne had a lot of fun and it was nice to watch her run around and interact with other kids. She loved the swings and she loved riding around on a tricycle. 

Johnny got off of work early today(YAY) and it just so happened that today was a free day at the Children's Museum, so it was perfect! We headed downtown and enjoyed an afternoon watching Daphne do a whole bunch of new things, moon sand and painting being her favorites. 

Here is her masterpiece!

She also loved going down the slide all by herself!

The last thing on her list of firsts for the day was going number two on the big girl potty when we got home. I was so proud!

December, First thing.

Our Christmas Ward party was on the 1st of December. Johnny was a little upset with this fact it being pretty early in the month. I thought it was early too, but it was fun just the same. They had a live Nativity, then dinner, caroling and then the Big Man himself showed up. Daphne DID NOT want to sit on Santa's lap at all. He was gracious though and gave her a stocking with goodies anyway. 

Walking Park

I know I haven't talked much about our life here in Atlanta, but I am about to remedy that. We were so lucky with the neighborhood we ended up in. We live on the ugliest house on the block, but it is one of the best blocks to live on. We are in a ritzy part of town. We are surrounded by trees beautiful homes and a golf course. My favorite part about the neighborhood is the walking park we live RIGHT next to. We like to spend time walking up and down this very long park.

Today when we headed out I brought along the camera and took a few pictures of my little munchkin. I have been feeling sad about our lack of pictures of Daphne growing up. I was really good while we were in Dominica because we were out doing things, but now we just sit at home so its harder to remember to take pictures. That's one of the reasons for the lack of posts. (I hate posting without pics) A few of them turned out pretty cute. 

We also ended up taking a 3 mile walk. It felt really good to walk that far. I will have to keep it up and maybe I can lose some of this baby weight.

Thanksgiving and "Black Friday"

We had a great Thanksgiving. We missed being with family, but it did give me the opportunity to cook everything by myself. I love to cook so this was a very fun and exciting thought. The prep for the meal went well and I was glad I did all of it, because it made Thanksgiving day easy. 

We got up and watched the Macy Thanksgiving Day Parade while we ate breakfast and got the turkey in the oven. Daphne loved the Parade. She was dancing all over the place. We spent time talking to family as well. Johnny spent lots of time on Skype talking about Black Friday with His family trying to get the best deals. 

We had a guest for dinner. Paul worked with Johnny during his Family Med Rotation. He is here in Atlanta while his family stayed home in New Jersey. He was hoping to get to go home for the holiday, but he didn't so Johnny offered him dinner at our house. Johnny had talked about him and it was nice to meet him. He was so nice and very gracious. We got to reminisce about the island even though we were there at different times.   After he left and we cleaned up we headed out to do our shopping. Johnny had done a lot of our shopping online the night before, but we wanted to go out to Walmart an get our tree and do see the fighting and shoving that goes along with the Black Friday savings. We were sorely disappointed. We walked in got our tree and then walked around waiting for the time to turn to 8 and the mauling to begin, but the time changed and nothing happened. Everyone was just walking around calmly and picking up their items. Johnny was quite disappointed. I was okay with it. I've never been one for the crowds. 

We came home and set up the tree and watched a movie. I usually do the tree the day after Thanksgiving, but we wanted to go out to a couple of malls and shop. We ended up only going to one, because it was so big. It was fun going around and looking in stores. I was more of a high end mall so it was cool to look at the  fancy stores. We saw Santa, but we didn't want to wait in the line so she didn't get to sit on his lap, but we plan on doing that at our ward party this weekend.Johnny had the whole weekend off and I loved that we got to spend all that time together. 

I am excited for the rest of the holiday season. We are going to be here obviously, but Joey is coming here for his school break. We are happy to have him, but I hope he doesn't get bored hanging with just me and Daphne with Johnny being so busy doing Peds. I guess we will have to figure out the bus system so we can do a few things. Around town.

Deep Blue

Lullaby, Hawken, Daphne

I promise we are still alive. Time is going so fast I can't seem to keep up. I am finally feeling like we are settled here in Atlanta. I have found our groove here and we have found some new friends and hung with some old ones.

We went to the Atlanta Aquarium, the largest aquarium in the world and it was a blast! Thanks Jessie for getting us in for free! I wanted to see the "big tank" first. You get to walk under the tank and look up at all the cool sea life including three whale sharks. There were lots of other big fish as well, but I can't name those.  Daphne couldn't reach when we went to pet the manta rays, but she loved playing in the water anyway.

She loved the sea otters(just like her mom). She was dancing and wanting to jump and swim with them. They are always so fun.

It was just a short little trip, but we saw a lot of it. I think we have to go back with our good good friends! And if you are going to take a trip to Atlanta any time soon the Aquarium is a must see.

Trunk-or-Treat and All Hallows Night

Saturday night our ward had a Trunk-or-Treat and Chili Dinner. There was a great turn out and it was fun to see all the kiddos in costume. Daphne was not the only monkey in the bunch and she thought it was hilarious.  She chased him around the church. After the awesome chili, apple pie and a cake walk everyone headed outside for the real fun.

 

Some of the cars were dressed up really great and it was fun to go around and meet some of our ward members. We got some good candy too!

Last night was the big night and I was pretty excited about it. I think we found a new tradition in our family of going out to Chipolte for Halloween dinner. They do this deal that if you dress up you can get your entre for $2! So Johnny got dressed in his doctor "costume", I turned myself around (I wore all my clothing backwards) and Daphne turned into a monkey and we headed out. It was delish as always and on our way home we looked for trick-or-treaters. None were found so we waited at home for awhile then headed back out. Johnny found us a pretty good neighborhood. There were quite a few people out when we started and when we were done there were a ton! W got a pretty good amount of candy and Daphne did great. She doesn't really talk yet so no "trick or treats" were heard out of her, but she did say "bye" to some people. She was very interested in all the grown ups that were dresses up and she got very good at grabbing the candy out of the bowls and putting them in her basket.  

When we got home we took her down to show her to our landlords. They got a kick out of it and had a big bag of M&M's there waiting for her. They apparently were hopping we would come down. We found out our neighborhood is not into the trick-or-treating thing. No one came to our door. All in all it was a great Halloween and now I'm getting excited for the rest of the holidays!!! Hope everyone had a great night as well.

Carving Pumpkins

Last night we carved pumpkins. Its always hard work, but so worth it in the end. Daphne "helped" me carve her pumpkin by eating it. We obviously need to buy more pumpkins for cooking purposes.

Here is her finished pumpkin! Cute huh?

This is our "front porch" all decorated for Halloween!

FGT

So living here in the South I have discovered a new favorite food that surprised me. Fried Green Tomatoes!!! They are so tasty. I was nervous to try them seeing as I am not the biggest fan of tomatoes, but these are not your average tomatoes. Johnny took us out to a "real southern cooking" restaurant that's famous for their fried green tomatoes so I had to try and I was shocked. They are so tart and gooey and almost anything is better fried in batter. If you have never gotten to try them they are a must, Believe me you won't be disappointed!

Vance and Daphne's Wedding

Last week Daphne and I got to head to Arizona to see my little brother get married. It was a great time. Daphne was a little "off". The plane rides and the three hour time difference were a little to much for her so she was a little cranky which means I was a tired mama. By the end she was getting used to it and then it was time to come home.

We spent the first night over at Jeff's house. We went out for dinner and then stayed up talking. The next day Heather took me out for a Mani/Pedi and out to lunch. I felt so spoiled and I enjoyed every minute of it! Then Vance came to pick me up to head down to St. David. We did a couple of errands first and then I tried to help as much as I could with a screaming baby to get ready for the rehearsal dinner. Daphne did a little better at the dinner, but once she was tired she was falling all over the place. by this time I was exhausted. 

 The next day was the BIG day. After helping my mom with the soup for the dinner. I got to help all the girls get pretty. I did Chelsea's hair and then my mom's and Rachel's make-up. I was fun to do and  fun to have some more girl time. 

The wedding was wonderful. Daphne (bride) was beautiful and although you could tell Vance was nervous you could tell they were both happy and very much in love. I wish the best for them in their new life together.

Daphne and I went home from the reception early. I felt bad, but she and I literally could NOT take any more. She was inconsolable and I was just pooped. When we got home she crashed and I was so glad she was out. I got to sit in peace until the family got home and then I went to bed.

On Sunday I went to church with mom and Grandma. Rachel's little family was there too and afterward they took me and Daphne to Tucson with them. The family all got together to celebrate Rachel's birthday and to say goodbye before people started heading out. Jeff came and picked me up there and we spent the rest of the time at their house. Daphne was happier by then so we had a great day on Monday. We played with Helen and Arlo until Heather and Felicity got home. Then we went out to a cool museum (can't remember the name) and out to eat again. The next morning we headed back home. She did well on the flights and during our 3 hour layover. As nice as the trip was it was so good to get back to Johnny and to be able to sleep in our own beds again. 

Again thanks to my mom and everyone for making it possible to come and for carting us around and letting us stay with you and everything anyone did. We are so thankful and we love you!

So this is Stone Mountain?

Today we went to Stone Mountain. I have read about this place many times on Jessie's blog, but today I got to see it for myself and it is so pretty there. The first thing I thought when I got off the freeway and into the park was, "We have to bring Johnny here". 

After finding Jessie we headed down to the sand pit. Daphne was hesitant at first, but once she saw how you could smash the sand she was hooked. I have never seen her so messy and of course she had to eat some of it. Next we headed up to story time to hear a story of a square pumpkin who saved the day. And last was a quick run to get some candy for finishing a little scavenger hunt. It was just a short trip and next time we will have to go for longer and check out everything there is to do.

The BEST part was just being with friends. I really am so happy to have Jessie here and I LOVE that Daphne has a little friend just her size, Lullaby.(Aren't they the cutest?) I think Matix remembers me from the island and I love that. We were the best of buddies there. And little Hawken is as sweet as ever, though a little more grown up.

Atlanta and the Crab Shack.

We have been here since Friday and this is the first time I have been able to sit down it seems. I have been on the go since the moment we got here. After arriving and loading the car I started the long process of getting things in order around the house. The we all went out and did a little exploring and got a bit to eat. When we got home I was so pooed and so I went to bed. The next morning Daphne and I we up bright and early so we could go to Liz's baby shower. It was great fun and it was so fun to see Jessie again, even though we didn't get to talk much since she was hosting. After the long drive home I went grocery shopping and then it was home to finish the unpacking. I didn't get it all done until Sunday morning during the first session of conference. During the break we out for a little walk cause it was so nice outside. We found a little park pretty close to the house. When we got back we had missed a whole bunch of calls. some from my mom and some from Jessie inviting us for dinner. So after a quick chat with my parents we headed over. It was so nice getting to visit and to play with the boys. Today we went and did a little shopping and we went out for my birthday dinner....Finally. We ate a Joe's Crab Shack. I had never been there and Johnny has been trying to take me for years, but it has never worked out, but tonight it did and I LOVED it. Whats not to love about a bucket full of Crab? Yum!

One down...

Johnny just got home from his LAST day of his ObGyn rotation and I have to say it feels so good. The time flew and I have a feeling his other will probably go just a quickly. Before I know it he will be graduating (a girl can dream)! Just interviewed him about it here it is.

Interview:

What was your favorite thing about ObGyn?

"The Variety: I got to be in a clinic, a hospital, do a little surgery, a little bit of everything."

What did you not like about it?

"I don't know."

Would you consider making it your Specialty?

"NO"

What is your Favorite Memory?

"My first cesarean. I got to be right up close and see everything. I held a retractor and I got to suction."

What was the name of your Attending Doctor? 

Dr. Pierre

We are moving tomorrow to Atlanta where we will be for the next SIX months and I am so excited. My great friend Jessie (you all remember the Bergs right?) lives pretty close to where we are moving and is in our ward if you can believe it! I hope this means I will have a few less days sitting at home staring at the walls. I hope that because we are staying for a little longer I can make some friends. It was pretty sad here, because at church the second I said we were here for 6 weeks they kinda lost interest. 

 I better get busy lots to do before tomorrow.

Quarter Century

Well today is my 25th birthday. Time is such a funny thing. I remember growing up that 25 was so old. It wasn't to long ago Johnny turned 25 and I remember making fun of him for being "old", but now that I'm here it doesn't seem that way. I still feel young. 25 years goes fast, especially the last 5. I still feel like I'm the same person I was when I graduated high school, but I am different and I have changed and so many good things have happened to me.

I didn't do much in terms of celebrating. We did go to Lisa's and have ice cream (not a big fan of cake) and play games. So fun, THANKS Lisa!!!! But other that that I went to church and relaxed with Johnny and Daphne. That's just fine with me. I'm not big on birthdays  I'm not saying I don't like them, just that if all I did was spend time with family that is enough for me. I don't need cards, presents or a big party. 

Goodwill Monkey Joe

My sweet little reader!

We have been busy the last two days. We found some more good books for Daphne at the Goodwill. Our little library now includes:

The Cat in the Hat Comes Back 

and

Green Eggs and Ham

by Dr. Seuss

&

If you give a Mouse a Cookie

by Laura Joffe Numeroff

Johnny found this kid play place called Monkey Joe's and we had to check it out. It is basically a building filled with bouncy houses and obstical courses and slides. It was so much fun and Daphne had a blast. Its only for kids, but because Daphne is under 4 we could go on to "help" her so we got to play too. The workers were so nice too and didn't charge us because it was her first time and they wanted to give us a trial run to see if she would play on it. Play she did. At first she was very nervous, but once we went on the first slide she was hooked. 

Today we took family pictures and I can not wait to see them and share them with you. I'm really excited about them. I'm sure they are super cute. I will post them as soon as we get them.

Pony tail

I can get Daphne's hair in a real pony tail! I tried it tonight because I have noticed her hair has looked longer.  And how cute is she watching Sesame Street!?!

Mongolian Beef

I have new recipe for you all to try and man is it delicious! We had it tonight for dinner and it is better than takeout. I did do a tiny variation, I put veggies in it. The recipe only calls for green onions, but I left those out and added:

1/4 of a white onion thinly chopped

1/2 a bell pepper thinly chopped 

1 cup broccoli chopped.

Other wise I did just as the recipe says. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

Ingredients

• 4 tsp. vegetable oil
• 2 tsp. ginger, minced
• 2 Tbsp. garlic, minced
• 1 c. soy sauce
• 1 c. water
• 1 c. brown sugar (packed)
• 2 c. vegetable oil
• 2 Lb. flank steaks
• ½ c. cornstarch
• 3 large green onions

Instructions

• Make the sauce by heating 4 tsp. vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium/low heat. Don’t get the oil too hot. Add ginger and garlic to the pan and quickly add the soy sauce and water before the garlic scorches. Dissolve the brown sugar in the sauce, then raise the heat to medium and boil the sauce 2-3 minutes or until sauce thickens a little bit. Remove sauce from heat.
• Slice the flank steak against the grain into 1/4 inch slices. Tilt the blade of your knife at about a 45 degree angle to the top of the steak so you get wider cuts. Dip the steak pieces into cornstarch to apply a very thin dusting to both sides of each piece of beef. Let the beef sit about 10 min. so the cornstarch sticks. As the beef sits, heat up 1 c. oil in a wok (or skillet). Heat the oil over medium heat until its hot, but not smoking. Add the beef to the oil and saute for just 2 minutes, or until beef just begins to darken on the edges. Stir the meat around a little bit so that it cooks evenly.
• After a few minutes, use a large slotted spoon to take the meat out and onto paper towels, then pour most of the oil out of the skillet. Put the pan back over the heat, dump the meat back into it and stir-fry for 1 minute. Add the sauce, cook for 1 minute while stirring and add green onions. Cook for 1 more minute. Now at this point you can either remove the beef with a slotted spoon or tongs and discard the sauce (this is what P.F. Chang's does) OR thicken the sauce with a cornstarch-water mixture to desired thickness and serve it over rice with the beef.

Having friends over to play

He is so scrumptious!

We had friends over the last two days and it has been so fun. Today was Monique, my friend from Dominica I told you about. She an her son Liam came over to play just for the heck of it and it was great fun. It was cool to see Daphne being a little hostess. At first she was wondering why this little guy was playing and eating her toys, but by the end she was sharing and he even got a hug and kiss. 

Sorry its blurry, this is the best one I got of both of them.

Yesterday Lisa and her kids came over. The two of us are making some cute cloth letters for our kids and she came over to help cut the fabric. It was a long day and my hand was hurting by the end (Oh why did I forget to bring my good scissors?) but we had some fun watching my new fav tv show. Yes I get her addicted as well. 

Monkeying Around

On our very long shopping trip yesterday we stopped by a little store called Kid to Kid. I have never been in one and was very impressed. We got Daphne her whole 18 month wardrobe in one visit. We also got the cutest Halloween costume for her. I had fully planned on making one, because I thought I could make a better one than the cheapo ones you buy and Walmart or Target, but this store had a huge selection of the cutest costumes and for so cheap. I think the priciest one we saw was $8. If you can believe we got this adorable monkey one for $7.

We Think she is going to be the cutest little monkey this Halloween. Daddy is even practicing with her to perfect her monkey noises.

If you wish it, it will come.

So you know how I was complaining how we have NO books for Daphne? Well tonight we found some. We were at Goodwill looking through the books and we kept finding so many GREAT ones. We had to put some back, because we just can't pack all the books around when we move (and I may happen to know that she is getting some for Christmas). They were all in great condition too, which is a BIG plus when buying second hand. And the icing on the cake, we got all 8 books for $9. Not bad, huh?

Here is the list.

Oh the Things You Can Think

One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish

 The Foot Book

There's a Zamp in my Lamp

(its a shortened pop-up version of There'a a Wocket in my Pocket)

-by Dr. Seuss

A Treasury of Curious George

-by Margret and H.A. Ray

A Sick Day for Amos McGee

-by Philip C. Stead

Where Do Balloons Go?

-by Jamie Lee Curtis

and

If You Give a Pig a Party

-by Laura Numeroff

Now we have a few more books to read to my smart baby girl!