Extraordinary Desserts for a Very Special Birthday

Sunday was my sister-in-law's birthday and we went as a group to Extraordinary Desserts (downtown location). Surprisingly, there was plenty of parking nearby and they were able to seat our group of 12 after an hour wait which is pretty good for an evening on the weekend. The wait staff, and other patrons, were very patient with our large group which included 3 babies. That seems to be the minimum these days. After dining on some paninis and cheese, we ordered cake and sang happy birthday to Loan! 

[Taking selfies while we wait for our food]

[I opted for a cheese plate instead of a panini. The black truffle gouda on the far left was delish.]

[Talk about getting a lot bang for your buck! The cobb salad was HUGE.]

[Eden and Parker's reaction to Loan's birthday balloon has convinced me that P needs to have a balloon themed 1st birthday party]

[P is going to be spending A LOT of time with Eden at the sitter's soon]

[Happy Birthday Loan]

Extraordinary Desserts - Little Italy

1430 Union St.

San Diego, CA 92101

http://www.extraordinarydesserts.com

Rejoining the Work Force with Excitement and a Heavy Heart

Last Friday I received a job offer that I knew I could not turn down. It is the opportunity that I have been searching for since I left UCSD. It's my chance to go corporate, climb the ladder and determine my value in the marketplace without the cushion of academia. Even though I am excited for this fresh start, I am so sad over the fact that I cannot spend all day, everyday with Parker. I was so stressed about leaving Parker that I couldn't sleep for 2 days. My plan had been to stay home until the end of the year but life doesn't always go as planned. I know this is a hurdle that a lot of moms have faced and overcome but that doesn't make it any easier. There is so much I need to do before I have to snap out of SAHM mode. On my list of things: complete all prep for Tuan's 30th birthday, get a haircut so I can look human again, prep Parker for the sitter, go through my closet to determine if any of my work clothes still fit and prep myself for pumping at work again (UGH!!!).

In the meantime, I have one more week at home before I start working so I am going to make sure it's the best week ever for Mr. P.

NFL Preseason Starts Tonight!

I hope P knows he will be spending a lot of hours in front of the TV with his dad and uncle for the next few months!

[Parker and my BF Chris Collinsworth]

Parker's Reaction to Nectarines

[First time eating nectarines. Parker is thinking _______ !]

I Just Can't Get Enough...Feet

He's obsessed with his feet. Even when he is crying he has to hold them. Somewhere in the back of my mind, that Depeche Mode song is on repeat.

By the way, Parker is officially teething and grumpier than ever. Poor guy and poor mommy! Now I understand what nipple-lash is.

[You have to listen to the song and look at the photos to get the full effect. I wish I knew how to make a GIF.]

Establishing a Bedtime Routine

Our bedtime routine with P usually starts around 8 pm every night. We change Parker into his pajamas, turn down the lights, have quiet play time which consists of Tuan and I singing songs and reading at least 4 books, and then I nurse him in the rocking chair. I cannot stress how much establishing a bedtime routine has improved our evenings. The predictability is soothing and helps him understand that it's time for bed. It's also a great time for us to bond with Parks. Our routine takes anywhere from 30-60 minutes, depending on how much excitement he's had during the day. So if we want him asleep by 9 PM, we start at 8 PM. If he falls asleep quickly, we get to sneak downstairs and watch some TV. Lame? Maybe, but we'll be sleeping through the night! We try our best to keep to that schedule on the weekends too even though it means no more late dinners for me and T and leaving early from parties.

For more tips on establishing a bedtime routine with your baby, check out this article on BabyCenter.

[I really enjoy reading with Mr. P! I know he doesn't understand anything we are saying yet but one day he will. I hope he will love books as much as I do. Two of our favorites: The Very Hungry Caterpillar and A Color of His Own.]

[Tuan reading That's Not My Dinosaur!]

[I wonder if this part of Hungry Caterpillar makes him hungry]

[Melt my heart]

Our First Time at the Little Italy Farmer's Market

Tuan and I (and the Sunday Funday crew) are slowly working our way through the list of farmer's markets in San Diego. So far we have gone to the Point Loma Market (TERRIBLE! Never again), Mira Mesa (Ok but small) and Little Italy. Today was our first time at the Little Italy market and it is by far the best ones we have gone to. Tuan's mom, step dad, sister and baby Kaden came with us to the market and we ate our way through all 3 blocks of vendors. I like to think that Parker really enjoys all the sights and smells but today he mostly looked unimpressed. We were able to pick up some organic green beans, avocados, some good eats and drinks and a little wooden toy for P.

[Next time I am definitely getting some carrots]

[I just turned my green beans into baby food for P]

[Tuan wanted to get some berries but I said no because I barely finished using up all my Costco blueberries. Also, I have a delivery of wild blackberries from Washington being delivered soon!]

[Baby artichoke]

[The hubby and P strolling]

[Best. Picture. Ever. Would love to hire this guy for Tuan's 30th birthday party!]

[I think these are protea?]

[Fell in love with these wooden toys from Germany. I got P the bear. I wish I had gotten the fox too.]

[Spicy watermelon lemonade. Like a diablito without the blend. SO GOOD.]

[Bucket Artisan Pops. Very good. On par with Viva Pops.]

Little Italy Mercato

http://www.littleitalysd.com/mercato/

Every Saturday from 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

An Epic Battle Between Parker and the Sea Monster

[Hey man. Mind if I chomp on your arm?]

[Oh shizz! Take it easy! You could have just said no]

[I will never let you win]

[Oh good. I'm glad we can be friends again?]

[Let me see if you have a boo boo]

[I love you, Mr. Octopus]

A GOOD Hair Day!

This is a big deal people! In a very rare turn of events, Parker woke up with GOOD hair!

[Want some tickets to the gun show?]

Parker's Official 5 Month Photo

Our little bean has gotten so big! He's sitting up by himself now. Next month we get to celebrate his half birthday.

[Thanks to my talented husband for taking this photo of Parker staring straight into your soul]