Inevitably Keely

Even on the exhausting, rip your hair out days - these two make me feel like I am the luckiest woman/person on all the world.

In a conversation yesterday at the party we went to, Daniel mistakenly quoted our wedding anniversary as June 5th, 2005. He corrected himself when I gave him "the eyebrow look" (and smiled). To make up for the lapse, he quickly rattled off my birthday to show how on top of his important dates he was. I jokingly* stopped him before he could reveal my year of birth (1976) in front of our new friend. The new friend (a girl who just moved out here a few months ago with her husband - Zoe loved her) was quick to tell me I couldn't be older than she was. I laughed a little at this. Without really meaning to, it was like we were competing for who was the oldest. "Oh, I don't know! How old are you?" "29." "I'm 31." "Wow!" I'm not going to lie, this part of our conversation was one of the highlights of my weekend - especially since I'm sporting quite a few white and gray hairs at the moment. I pushed my next hair** appointment...

Daniel, Zoe and I just got home from a party one of his co-workers from Nigeria had at his home. It was a particularly special occasion because it was his birthday, he was showing everyone his new home and he announced his engagement to a woman currently living in Nigeria who will join him here in the States after they are married. I think one of my favorite things about Daniel's job is the opportunities it's given us to meet so many interesting people from different countries and gaining exposure to their cultures. Sometimes people joke that I must be tired of hearing about his work (which I never talk about on my blog because I hear that's a bad idea) but the truth is, I'm very interested in it and have enjoyed all the people I've met through his job. It's been particularly cool in the past year because many of his coworkers became new parents like us in the last year or so. Anyway, my entire little family had a lovely time tonight at the party - especially Zo...

“My great concern is not whether you have failed, but whether you are content with your failure.” - Abraham Lincoln I've been a bad Weight Watcher-er. Really bad. As in "off the wagon" bad. I'm feeling all sorts of guilty and fake having written a post about how seriously I was going to take all of this only to ignore entirely the point counting and eating well. Well, maybe not *entirely* but I did have a chili burger last night and portion control has been non existent lately. I can't remember the last time I filled in that tracker. I got smug with my first hint of weight loss and energy gain. So of course, there are consequences. I've gained some weight back. I'm feeling gross and insecure. I'm feeling like a failure. But where there is failure, there is the opportunity to improve. So - I'm going to start over as of today. This is a set back, not defeat.

It's been one of those days. Not in a horrible way or anything, but in the "I need to just post a photo of the monkey and spend the rest of my time relaxing". I'm sure you know what that's like.

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Inspired by my fellow bloggers , I decided to join in the fun with the Self-Portrait Truthiness Group started by Sweetney . I was kind of apprehensive about the whole thing because who wants to see me first thing in the morning besides my husband and Zoe? But the more I thought about it, the more I wanted to give it a go. You see, I lasted like, ten days with the 365 portrait thing. I just couldn't get enthused about taking a pic of myself every darn day and I felt this need to try to look good and impress, and well... it just wasn't me. I found myself being very self conscious and just dreading trying to do it. Plus, I've already committed to blogging every darn day, much more than that and I start to feel like this is homework. I have enough homework, people! SO! Here's my truthiness: No make-up. No shower (for two days - I took one after this). No brush. And truth be told - it was kind of freeing. And I started to really have fun and just allowed myself to be s...

These are my favorite Zoe pj's: I wish I had a pair in my size, but I would not look quite as precious. Oh, to be young and have chunky thighs and a pot belly be cute!

Zoe's first Easter was a success. She wore a big poofy dress and looked like a doll. We spent the day with her Grandpa and visited her Nana at work (she charmed all of her Nana's coworkers). I've got more to say but blogging from the couch (I'm sleeping on it tonight because the guestroom mattress is evil) and on my phone just isn't working out for me. More words and photos later...

You know you're commited to blogging every single day when you're willing to risk waking up your almost 10 month old (in 42 minutes exactly) with the sound of your typing in the guest room of your parents house.

The plan was to be in San Diego right now, but with Daniel and I both not feeling so hot we've postponed our trip until tomorrow. I've got us packed and nearly ready to go, so the only issue will be whether Daniel is feeling good enough to make the trip. I really hope we're all feeling healthy tomorrow. You see, it's my Dad's birthday tomorrow and I really want the three of us there to help celebrate. And then there's this whole Easter thing. Daniel and I are not religious people. I consider us to be spiritual, and that's it. But for some reason, now that we have Zoe - I'm all excited to dress her up in a Easter dress and take her on some special outing to celebrate the day and Spring. Having a child makes me remember all those special Easter dresses, hats, gloves, new sandals that my parents and Nana used to get me. When I was packing our suitcase this afternoon and was loading all my black and dark blue things I had this sudden urge to go shopping for ...

In three days you're going to be ten months old. Do you know what that means? That means your mother skipped the 9 month letter and for that I'm feeling super guilty. It wasn't that the day went unnoticed, baby. Oh, your dad and I noticed and talked about how you have officially been out as long as you were in. I think I skipped it because I was so busy enjoying you. You are quite the personality, little one! Instead of talking about milestones right now, I'm just going to tell you that I adore being your mom. Sometimes I question how good I am at all this. I worry that you got the short end of the stick because I do not knit, or sew, or garden, or all the other things I thought I would know how to do before I became your mom. What I do know how to do is take your picture (as of today I *might* have taken 2019 of you). I also know how to hold you just right so you will fall asleep. I know how to make you laugh that real, belly laugh that sometimes turns into a snort. I ...

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At 8:58PM on 3-18-08 : Zoe is officially crawling forward. It's sort of a soldier crawl and a belly flop combined, but she's crawling! It's adorable. Anything else I might have blogged about pales in comparison.

Yesterday we took Zoe to her Cheryl's so we could have a date night. We ate lots of good sushi, I drank a nice glass of wine and he had sake. We walked around a hardware store and I tried to take advantage of my husband and get him to buy some patio furniture but he wasn't drunk enough (I kid, I kid!). After that we sat in a branch of that coffee store that seems to be taking over the world and we talked. And we moved our chat to Target while we walked in circles not really looking at anything particular.... except the men's bathing suits. Turns out the bathing suit my husband has been wearing for the last five years is the same bathing suit he purchased when he was in 7th grade! This news was a complete surprise to me and was just the thing I needed to hear to make me laugh for a bit. We purchased him a new suit and he has no intention of throwing the old one away. Crazy talk. Today we spent our time watching "It Happened One Night" and then "The Kingdom...

I'm in a mood today that's making the prospect of blogging sound more like a chore than something I want to do for myself. It might be the weather, or my sinuses, or a frustrating email last night and conversation this morning... or it could just be that we didn't get out of town like I'd hoped to do. It could also be that everything is just piling up and I need a retreat or something. In any case, I've got nothing for you today. Except these: I'm skipping Crockpot Challenge this week because my husband is taking me out tonight for some dinner and adult beverages. I'm so looking forward to that!

I was tagged by my "real life" blogger friend, Missy with this fun questionnaire: Name one thing you do every day: I could make a list for this one - but my two favorites are kissing my husband and reading to my daughter. Name 2 things you wish you could learn:
 First of all, I'd like to think that if I want to learn it - I will someday. It might not be in the immediate future, but I'll learn anything I set my mind to. 1. I want to learn more computer skills... specifically web design and photo shop. 2. I want to learn how to knit... or crochet (I'm not picky) - mainly I want to be able to make cute hats and scarfs for me and Zoe. Name 3 things that remind you of your childhood: 
 1. Zoe. When I look at her I see my face... and my younger self. Getting to see her react to things, explore her surroundings and test her own abilities is like reliving my childhood. 
 2. Garage sales/antique stores. When I was a kid, my parents (my dad mostly) took me to garage sales ...

I want to take a road trip. It doesn't have to be a long one, but I need to get out of town. Maybe to L.A - we love staying at the Farmers Daughter Hotel and spending our time across the street at the restaurants, Farmers Market and Nordstrom (Mama needs a new pair of shoes and these might have my name on them!). I'm also wanting to try the cereal place Jenn has mentioned and see what the big deal is about Pinkberry (seriously, what is the big deal?). Or maybe Santa Barbara. Or Ojai. Or maybe even Idyllwild (which is kind of far). I wonder what the chances are of me talking the husband into jumping in the car and going somewhere? Only problem: what to do with the dog children (who are driving me nuts at the moment with their barking).

Zoe and I spent the day out and about. In the just over nine months of being her mom, I have learned that it is best to wait out her late morning poop diaper before I put her in her car seat and out in public. Getting past that first poop makes all the difference in her mood and mine, let me tell you. I know this might be too much information, but since becoming a parent I've embraced the poop. There is no need to be embarrassed - everyone poops. Lucky for me, Zoe seems to do it like clockwork about twenty minutes after her breakfast. I ended up meeting my pal Missy and her kids at Borders for some coffee and snacks. We got to catch up a bit which is always nice and then Zoe and I strolled around the store. We came out with a few new books for the kiddo and then went on to a local health store (Lassens) for some baby food to have on hand when I'm not in the mood to make it and some new sponges that are 100% biodegradable . After that we browsed Burlington Coat Factory - the ...

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I'm sorry, I'm too busy laughing at/with Zoe as she walks with her walker. That's right, folks. Walks. Slow and Fast. With an expression that says: "Look how fricken awesome I am! I'm skipping crawling and going straight to walking, mutha! Word." Pics to follow when Daniel is home. Some actual words for you (in complete sentences, even) on Thursday. Tomorrow is Wordless Wednesday and I'm telling you - I am loving Wednesday's because of it. Everyone needs a break from writing now and then. OK. Peace out. Man, I am so silly today. It must be the arrival of Spring.

While Zoe was with her Cheryl today, the dogs and I relaxed a little and I got to have a nice lunch (at that Thai fusion place, again) with my husband. Mondays might be my favorite day of the week. I feel good today. Happy to have some time to focus on me and some errands that are just easier to take care of without a baby. This is an outtake from my 365 portrait today. Bailey and Max wanted in on the portrait. This was one of the more calm moments, soon after this one they were pouncing on each other and wreaking havoc.

I got this recipe by Sandra Lee out of her slow cooker recipes cookbook (which I'm really looking forward to using more). She lists specific brands to purchase, but I didn't follow that - and it consider this meal a success. California Black Bean Chili : 1-1/4 lbs. ground turkey 2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, drained 1 can (7-ounce) diced green chiles 1 can (14-ounce) diced fire-roasted tomatoes 1 can (8-ounce) tomato sauce 3 cups diced zucchini (I omitted since Daniel is not a fan.) 1 cup frozen chopped onions (WOW! I loved not having to chop onions.) 1 packet chili seasoning mix (Chose to use a Tex Mex mix, you know since my hubby is from TX.) 1 tbsp. chili powder 1 tsp. crushed garlic (Here I did listen, Christopher Ranch - good stuff.) Salt and pepper Diced avocado or guacamole, for garnish (I did the diced - Don't skip it, it really makes this recipe.) Directions: In a large skillet, brown ground turkey, stirring frequently. Season with salt and pepper. Drain an...

Our little girl may skip crawling (forward, she has backwards covered!) all together. It seems she only enjoys being on her feet and has been venturing on doing it on her own - actually pushing our hands away as we anxiously watch her every move. She laughs when she pulls herself up to standing position and then laughs some more when she makes steps forward. Her legs are wobbly, but strong. I'm quite sure she'll be running through the house soon, and then we're really in trouble! Meanwhile, Bailey is anxiously watching as the once quiet, immobile baby grows up and demands even more attention. It's hard to tell if she is excited that she'll have a new playmate or if she feels threatened by the baby on the move, with the loud voice. I have caught her enjoying Zoe petting her (gently now - or as gentle as a 9 month old can be) and she seems content with the monkey, comfortable even.

We'd planned on going to San Diego to be with my parents this weekend, but since we'll be there for Easter weekend (and my Dad's birthday) we opted to stay in town and relax. Yay! for relaxation, Boo! for Bakersfield. It's the weekends when I most feel like I'd rather we lived somewhere else... but we've made do and had a nice day. Here's the breakdown: 1. Lunch at the new Thai Fusion place I took my parents to Monday. Chicken Satay. Crab Cakes. Chicken Curry. YUM. 2. Shopping at Target and looking around for ideas for the baby shower we'll be throwing next month. Ideas anyone? 3. Spending the afternoon at Borders, writing and relaxing. Zoe yelled and sang the entire time, it was lovely. We purchased some new cookbooks that I'm looking forward to using. 4. Made a pasta dish with tuna and cinnamon from the new Jamie Oliver book. Daniel liked it, I'm still trying to make my mind up about it. 5. Currently we're watching "Death at a Fun...

I was inspired today by THIS Man/Photo to take some self-portraits after thinking about my experience with abuse. Six years ago I was married to someone who was physically and emotionally abusive. At the time, I did not know who to turn to. I was ashamed of myself for letting someone treat me so badly. I felt powerless. I was NOT powerless. After nearly six years, I finally left. I've moved on and found my true love and partner who I married two and a half years ago and we have a beautiful daughter who usually fills my flickr pages (and blog) with her cuteness. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, please go to the National Domestic Violence Hotline website from a safe computer and find out how you can get help. You are not alone. 1 out of 3 women around the world has been beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused during her lifetime. This is unacceptable. You deserve to be treated with love and respect. Join the Million Voices Campaign . Speak out again...

Wherever Zoe is, Max is nearby watching over her. It's cute, really. Except when we're obsessing over Mister Poop Eater (to his credit, we haven't actually caught him in the act or smelled it on his breath recently) licking her on her face. For her part, she stares right back at him... watching, no... observing every little thing he does. She leans forward, smiles at him, grabs onto his collar and then opens her mouth for kisses. It's gross but sort of cute all at the same time. When we tell Max to stop licking the baby they both look at us like we're disturbing them and "What's the big deal?" They're quite the duo. When I was a little bit older than Zoe is now, I had Ralphy. He was a mutt and a good dog. I picked him out at the dog pound and named him "Ruffy" (I think - is that right Mom?) which my parents translated to Ralphy. Somewhere, there's a photo of us sitting in my playpen. Together, we had dug/ripped a hole big enough for...

"What did she look like?" "Oh, you know another one of those generic white girls: blonde hair, blue eyes." Huh. So if I hadn't started to dye my hair dark five years ago, I would be another one of "those" girls/women? Um. I don't think so. I'm a lot of things, but generic is not one of them... at least that's what I'd like to believe. I'm actually looking pretty darn good at the moment... I had some guy at the Lancome counter put some makeup on me and I bought a couple new things to wear for my date night tonight. It's the old standby: Sushi and a Movie. And can I just tell you how awesome it is to have a nine month old and be able to say we're having yet another date night?! I know not everyone has someone near them that they trust to take care of their baby so they can have a night on the town, but if you can find someone - take that opportunity. I'm quite certain that these date nights are what keep me refreshed and r...

It's been a busy last few days and I'm feeling quite exhausted (but quite happy) from all of it. Zoe and I went to the airport to pick up Mel (who now resides in Houston) on Friday. The three of us went out to lunch, had a quick shopping trek at Target and then spent the rest of the afternoon hanging out and playing. We also built the walker/car that Mel got Zoe as an early birthday present... the straight forward directions cracked me up. That evening, Daniel, Zoe, Mel and I went to a local coffee house and saw our friends Near Miss Mallet perform. Zoe was a ball of energy and barely stood still, but we all had a good time and I was grateful that Zoe seemed to enjoy herself and all the people watching. Saturday was filled with more hanging out and playing. We went to one of my favorite places for breakfast and then one of Mel's favorite Mexican restaurants for dinner with some more friends of ours (hey, Cristina!). That night, we played it mellow and watched an episode of ...

Big Bottle, Little Hands Originally uploaded by KeelyE Blogger isn't cooperating. So, all you get is this. :)

Maybe I'm jealous that I didn't feel like partying when I was almost nine months pregnant, but I'm livid at the moment. Our neighbors are expecting a baby. This afternoon they had a baby shower in their backyard. Tonight, (right this moment - 10:28 p.m.) they are rocking out in their backyard to the Eagles, and other anthem rock ballads and they're singing along at the top of their lungs. They're our neighbors to our right, which means they're on the same side as our daughters room (and all the other bedrooms) and right now I'm concerned about Zoe getting a good night's sleep. I'm ready to walk over there and ask them to turn their music down. I'm ready to call the police. I'm ready to curse them and wish them a baby who can't sleep unless it is complete silence because they are so fricken inconsiderate of their neighbors who they know have a small child. Maybe I'm PMS-ing. Maybe I'm behaving like a protective mama lion. Maybe I...