Date Day Friday : Sonoma

When we were first married I started this tradition called Date Day Fridays.

 Since Ryan has Friday off and Kylah is at school, 

we would save Friday to do something fun together. 

Well... we haven't had a Date Day Friday since Brenden. 

Let's just say that life has really changed! 

When I was pregnant, Fridays turned into my prenatal appointments

 and now that we have a baby, Fridays revolve around Brenden. 

For pediatrician appointments or just running errands. 

Anyway, this past Friday was a our first Date Day Friday... with a baby.

 It was amazing!

Who knew that a baby would make life so much sweeter.

We went to downtown Sonoma and took a walk around the park, 

explored through shops, had pastries at a Boulangerie,

and then lunch and cocktails at The Girl and The Fig. 

I love that place!

Cruisin' in the baby carrier.

Brenden loved watching the ducks.

Yum! Pain au chocolat...my favorite and Ryan's bear claw.

Baby facing forward. A first!!!!! He loved it!!!

I love this restaurant!

The works platter! The meats, cheeses and fig compote are to die for.

What a hard life!

My first cocktail since before pregnancy. The Lavender Mojito and The Fig Kiss

 

Waiting for the car to cool down... It was a very hot day!

XO,  Tania

Brenden : Five Months

 Happy five month birthday my little love!

Time seems like it is just flying by. 

Five months ago to the day I was in labor, just about to get an epidural. 

It seems like that is such a distant memory but it was not long ago.

You are starting to reach out for everything 

and rolling both ways each and every day. 

Also, sitting up like a champ these days. 

You're this close to crawling. 

You've been up on your hands and knees rocking back and forth 

and we can finally see a neck under there.

Playing is more important to you than napping right now. 

 Being face in while being carried just isn't acceptable anymore, 

you want to see the world.

My absolute favorite time with you is in the mornings. 

You are so smiley, so happy and just such a joy.

 Honestly, you're like that way most of the time
 but mornings you just radiate. 

It makes your mom, who was never a morning person, 

be in such a good mood first thing in the morning.  

Thank you for being such a cool kiddo. 

We love you more and more each day.

 

XO, Tania

Testing The Waters Before Hawaii

The weather has been soooo hot all week long. So, we got a baby pool for Brenden to splash around in. We tried it for the first time and he loved it. It was about 85 degrees at 2 pm, so I put the pool in the shade and brought my naked little love outside. He looked adorable in his swim trunks and was my usual happy baby. I know he will enjoy Hawaii.....can't wait!

XO, Tania

A Photo An Hour { 4 . 29 . 13 }

                              

8 am //   Do I have to put clothes on today?
9 am //   Tummy Time fun.
10 am //  Peek a boo...always smiling.
11 am //  Strollin' down the cow path.
12 pm //  Laundry Time.
1 pm //    Hit the jackpot!
2 pm //    Costco run, anyone?
3 pm //    Nap time again.
4 pm //    Afternoon pick me up, don't judge...it's grape juice.
5 pm //    Beach ballin'
6 pm //    Sissy's home.
7 pm //    This book please!
8 pm //    My new baby stein. Thanks Grandma Lynn.

First Modeling Headshot- 4 Months

Reno Here We Come

    We just came back from a 3-day weekend trip to Reno for Kylah's Volleyball tournament! Boy did I over pack! Well... I always over pack. I like to have options and I like it when the rest of my family has options. However, I hate unpacking and doing laundry when we get back. I tend to have OCD when it comes to that stuff, so I spent most of the day unpacking, doing laundry and putting everything away. Yay!! I am finally all done. 

     Brenden did awesome on the drive up and slept the entire three hours. He is such a good baby and so easygoing. During the volleyball games he just sat there watching everything and smiling at everyone. What a little ham! All of the moms fight over who is going to carry him and whether or not they're his favorite person. I'm sure he will never get tired of all the volleyball girls doting all over him and saying "he is so adorable." 

     Three days of volleyball games turned out to be more fun than I anticipated. The girls did great and played hard. One night the girls got together and went to a buffet dinner and played Lazer Tag. I am sure the parents loved staying in the casinos and having time to gamble and drink the night away. I was able to run downstairs and play some slot machines while the baby was taking his morning nap. Not much fun at 9 am walking around and hanging out with the oldies playing slots. I ended up losing $60 and called it a day....I'm not much of a gambler. Ryan, however, was able to hang out with some of the other parents at another casino until the wee hours of the night and had a good time. 

The drive up was beautiful. It was nice and warm, but snow was still in the mountains.

                             

Brenden slept the entire 3 hour drive.

We made it!

Hangin' out at the hotel!

At the volleyball tournament with SUPERBABY. This outfit was such an attention grabber. Heads turned ALL day and he received loads of compliments. Thanks Annie!

Munching on his fingers while checking out the vendors.

Posing with Daddy!

Strollin' by the slots!

Lining up to start a match.

Getting her serve on!

Let our hair down to play Lazer Tag.

My sleepy boys.

I love my Daddy! Brenden took his first shower at the hotel and loved it.

Time to go home. Go UCLA!!!!!!!! Thanks E.J.

XO, Tania

Recipe: Chicken Enchiladas

This is a great and easy recipe. Good for quick suppers. Everyone loves it!

Ingredients

• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1/2 pint sour cream
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)

• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1/3 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 8 (10 inch) flour tortillas
• 1 (12 ounce) jar taco sauce
• 3/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a medium, non-stick skillet over medium heat, cook chicken until no longer pink and juices run clear. Drain excess fat. Cube the chicken and return it to the skillet. Add the onion, sour cream, Cheddar cheese, parsley, oregano and ground black pepper. Heat until cheese melts. Stir in salt, tomato sauce, water, chili powder, green pepper and garlic.
3. Roll even amounts of the mixture in the tortillas. Arrange in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover with taco sauce and 3/4 cup Cheddar cheese. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven 20 minutes. Cool 10 minutes before serving.