the barlows

NYC Weekend Recap via Instagram

2012-01-29T17:52:00.004-07:00

1. A view from our neighborhood #brooklynbridge #empirestate

2. Our hotel, Aloft, makes me want to put on that little black dress I once wore (and could fit in) when I was in college along with some pumps and lipstick.

3. Shake Shack... I indulged in a Shackburger and I don't regret it.

4. I stepped into Topshop while we were perusing SOHO. Let's just say it is a big step above H&M.

5. We "moved" today. Packed up our suitcases and moved to a bigger hotel with bigger rooms... in a much nicer neighborhood.

6. To make Spencer happy, I worked out on Saturday. And I don't mean that as in he made me workout, I say it that he is happier when he works out, so I kept him company by "working out".

7. We went to church today and had a lovely stroll back to the hotel.

8. My baby girl will tell her friends that during her first year of life, she grew up in hotel rooms. Most likely they will pity her, but then she'll tell them it was in Boca Raton and NYC... and possibly other fun places too.

How was your weekend?

{ city ventures }

2012-01-28T21:21:00.004-07:00

We had some friends visiting NYC this weekend, so naturally Baby Cakes and I took them around the city to show them a few cool touristy spots...

We hit up:

Strawberry Fields (Central Park)

Rockefeller Center

5th Ave

Manhattan Mormon Temple

Magnolia's

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Times Square

and this is what we did to top off our day in the city.

Come visit us in NYC!

In one day...

2012-01-27T07:10:00.003-07:00

I had a guy offer me his umbrella

Another guy hold open the subway door for me

A homeless man steal a subway ride once I came out the handicap/stroller gate

I single handedly carried the stroller down the subway steps

Had funny looks from others wondering if I was the nanny or the actual mom (heaven forbid because outside of Utah people don't get married until their late twenties and have babies in their thirties)

Dined at a Vietnamese restaurant #vermacelli #pho with hubby but actually sat at the bar to make room for the stroller (the stroller is currently running my life if you can't tell)

Two people ask me for directions #westvillage

Had Iron Man blow me a kiss at Times Square's Toys 'R Us

Ate Haagan Daas ice cream and a venti tazo chai within 30 minutes of each other

and my favorite part of the day... I got to see my friend Maybelline who is visiting from DC

{ i woke up in brooklyn with a baby }

2012-01-26T08:58:00.004-07:00

Probably the weirdest thing about being back in New York is having a baby. This is definitely new to me. The last time I was here was a year ago and I was two months pregnant. Now I have a baby. Strange.

When I was in college I looked at the mommies pushing their babies around in strollers (especially in the Bronx where they would throw a plastic garbage bag over the stroller as "rain protection" ghetto style) and when there was no elevator down to the subway, I'd always tell myself, this is not a place where I want to raise my kids. And since I'm a Mormon I will most likely have a handful of kids. Could you imagine me trying to keep track of all five of my children through the subway? I know people do it, but it's not my cup of tea. I'm more of your typical soccer mom from suburbia who drives an oversized SUV to carry all of my children's soccer friends.

Anyway, as with all of our other traveling adventures, I'm certain this is going to be another memorable time for us Barlows. I'm pretty excited. Spencer and I couldn't stop grinning at each other last night during dinner because we are ecstatic about being in the big city. Already, Nohea has taken her first subway and taxi ride. She is the ultimate travelista! And seriously please hit us up if you're out in New York! We would love to do lunch!

The one thing I love about the Salt Lake airport... The Great American Bagel Baker #breakfastofchamps

We got an entire row to ourselves, but baby girl did NOT want to sleep. I stayed awake the entire 4.5 hour flight just to entertain this little girl, blah.

The cab ride was, as always, wild. But I did get to see the Empire State and Chrysler.

Our hotel room is, in a word, swanky.

The good thing is that we are so close to the city, yet far enough away.

We walked around SOHO last night and decided to eat at an Indian place. It was oh so good! I've always loved the variety of food NYC has to offer. Tonight we will eat Vietnamese!

I heart NYC!

Life lately according to my iPhone...

2012-01-23T22:46:00.003-07:00

But for real this time because I actually have an iPhone!

Life continues to be super busy... daddy flew in again from New York this past weekend and we had a fabulous time with the short weekend... by Wednesday night our little family will be storming the streets of New York! #watchoutnow

1. Namaste from Thai Village

2. Baby girl excited for her Aunty Christiana who got her mission call to Albania #ineedamap

3. Bought a warm hat for yours truly to brave the NYC weather

4. Bought a warm hat for baby girl to brave the NYC weather

5. Saturday morning hangout with baby cakes

6. & 7. BYU men's volleyball (ranked #1) followed by SLAB pizza #yum

8. Baby kisses

9. My sweet little family

{ Baby Date }

2012-01-17T19:17:00.004-07:00

All last week baby girl was sick and now I've caught a little bit of her cold. So today was an "inside day" and we had our friends (Josie & Junie) come over to play. I am not involved in a mommy/baby group or other play date groups simply because we travel a lot, but after our afternoon play date I sort of wish we had a little group where we could get together once a month. If any of you have any ideas or "hook ups" in New York City let me know. NYC will be our next "home" until June and I'm sure I will need some other person to talk to during the day besides my baby or Siri.

Anyway, here are some fun pictures from our play date today. Junie and Nohea are going to be life long friends. Eighteen years from now they will meet back up at BYU to be roommates and dance in the BYU luau and possibly play volleyball (us moms are pretty sure of that because we like to plan our children's future). We had fun catching up and laughing at our cute babies. Babies seriously are so much fun... and that is coming from someone who was very apprehensive about having kids too soon. I wouldn't change anything for the world. Babies are the most perfect and purest thing in this world.

my milkshake no longer brings all the boys to the yard because i ate it

2012-01-13T04:31:00.000-07:00

If you're like me you pin all the motivational quotes on Pinterest about fitness and finding inner strength to get up and run. And if you're also like me you're more motivated to workout while you're sitting in a chair pinning your little heart away, but when the time comes to put on those running shoes you hem and haw about other things you should/could do around the house and somewhere between setting down the Macbook Pro and changing into your sports bra the motivation evaporated. And I have to admit that when I see a picture of toned abs I'm like "yeah I could totally be there and have that" and then I remember I like ice cream and Diet Coke a little too much.

So it's been five months since my baby cakes was born and I've lost about 20 pounds to date but still need to lose 30 more pounds. I figure if it takes nine months to put on the weight I have about nine months to take it off. More importantly, I've been breaking those bad habits that somehow surfaced during month six through nine where I literally had a frosty four days a week #fatty. Ice cream is my achilles heel and the more I try not to eat it, the worst the urge. And because you are what you eat I've decided I can live with being a smooth, creamy, spoonful of toasted almond fudge ice cream.

But on a more serious note, I've been managing my portions and have been using the body for life outline in my diet. It's pretty simple. In fact, it's basically common sense. Lean protein, veggies, fruits, etc. And Spencer and I are doing one dessert a week (more like Spencer is doing one dessert a week #cheater). I run a little, do some abs/weights, and am still working on nursing my weight away. But life is good. I'm happy with where I'm at and feel healthy too... even when my weight is stagnant. I figure I've still got four more months, right?

Happy Friday the 13th!

And then I was like let the writer's block continue...

2012-01-12T00:56:00.005-07:00

I feel a little awkward writing a post with no direction. I've had writer's block for a few weeks now and rather than rambling on about nonsense I figured I would save you time and take a break (thoughtful of me, right?). So I apologize if this post does nothing but leave you scratching your head or wondering if English was my first language. If anything, just move right along to the next post in your Google reader.

...

Okay, I guess I still have a case of writer's block so in lieu of an actual post with intelligence and effort, here are a few photos and captions of my week.

My breakfast this week. Exciting, I know.

Vanilla yogurt & raspberries (my fave!)

A vain photo of myself.

I'm finally seeing change in my weight, post-baby.

Me likey.

This place is so peaceful.

This place is also very peaceful.

And I should add one of my favorite spots in Temple Square.

And last, but not least, a good laugh.

This was a proud moment of my opposer and I couldn't help but be proud of him as well. Words with Friends awarded Michael Alisa 54 points for the word "poop". Feces, 54 points? Pure genius.

PS - If you're interested in my photo a day blog, click on over and follow a sista. Chances are I'll be updating that blog a lot more often than this blog.

life is busy, but bueno!

2012-01-05T14:38:00.004-07:00

I have slacking BIG TIME on this blog, which is not like me, but when you have so little time with family it's only natural to put them first and your blog last, right? Right!

So just to update you guys on what's been going on Spencer and I flew from Florida to California (me to San Francisco to pick up winter clothes :( and him to Orange County) and then we met up in Orange County on Christmas eve for the holidays.

It has been such a fun time with all of our family around and time to ourselves. But of course our time is short as Spencer flew away again on Monday and is now in Brooklyn. That's right, my pretty boy from the OC is now a city boy, much to his chagrin. And tomorrow I leave for Utah (whoop! whoop!) So tighten that belt of yours because our traveling is not even close to being over yet!

I hope you had a great holiday and new years with your friends and family! 2012 is going to be great! And just a little chunkiness to make your day brighter! Tomorrow is Friday! Whoop!

Also, I'm doing a 365 day photography blog for the year 2012 just for fun... and trying to update it daily... no promises. Check it out!

{ 2011 in a nutshell }

2011-12-31T23:48:00.004-07:00

2011 will always go down as the year we officially became a family. It was one year ago when we bought those $5 pregnancy tests at Wal-Mart and found out we were going to be parents. Now a year later MUCH has changed... but of course it has changed for the good.

January: Spencer started his last semester of college and I took a trip to NYC

February: We made our big announcement

March: We followed JimmerMania all the way down to Vegas for the conference tournament and found out the sex of our baby

April: Spencer graduated from college and spent a couple weeks in Italy

May: I ran a half marathon six months pregnant and celebrated our three year anniversary

June: Got more and more pregnant

July: Visited Spencer's homeland

August: Became parents... no biggie

September: Spencer starts his big boy job

October: We officially moved to San Francisco

November: I turned 27, yikes, and we start our life in Florida for the month

December: After six weeks in Florida we celebrate Christmas in Huntington Beach

2011 was a monumental year for us. We have been blessed with so much and anticipate 2012!

Happy New Year!

{ Christmas at the Barlows }

2011-12-26T12:16:00.003-07:00

Christmas Eve.

Christmas Day.

We hope you had a Happy Christmas

and wish you good tidings through the new year!

Love the Barlows!

Mele Kalikimaka!

2011-12-25T14:54:00.002-07:00

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas!

Love the Barlows

{ what would you do? }

2011-12-23T13:35:00.006-07:00

The other day I noticed a man and a woman standing by their car with the look of worry on their faces. I stopped and asked them if they had locked their keys in their car and sure enough they did. I offered them my phone to call for help and they were grateful. No big deal to me right? I'll help anyone in need, sometimes to a fault. And maybe it's just me, but I believe anyone would help another person when they're in need, right? Wrong. Sadly, I found out this morning that it's not always the case.

We haven't driven our car in over a month so this morning when I went out to start it the battery was dead, naturally. I figured I would just ask someone in the parking structure for help and so I did. An old lady and her middle-aged son were getting out of their car (and I will omit their race because I'm not prejudice but their response confirmed a stereotype). I explained to them that the battery was dead and needed a jump start and that I had jumper cables. Rather than wanting to help the guy said, "Oh, it's her car you'll have to ask her" #copout. So I asked the lady and she said, "Why don't you just call Triple A." I could clearly see that they did not want to help me, all the while Baby Girl is fussing because it's cold and she's hungry. The lady continued to reason with me that her car simply wouldn't be useful because "her battery is not that good" and I would be better off calling someone else for help.

I didn't get it. And it literally moved me to tears. It's basically Christmas Eve and there is a woman standing with her fussing child in the cold December morning and you're not willing to help? It first made me mad, but then it made me really sad. How could someone be that heartless? And regardless of the Christmas season we should all be trying to make this world a better place, uplift others rather than turn our heads the other way as if we don't notice someone in need. I don't know and I don't get it. Maybe it's the naive Utah girl inside of me.

I feel sorry for people who pretend like they don't see someone needs a helping hand. Personally it makes me feel better knowing that my simple act of kindness made the biggest difference in someone's day. I feel sad for them, but luckily I heed my mother's saying "be like a duck and let it roll off your back." I'm over it. But at this time of year, I hope you can look for opportunities to serve others and make their burden light.

Merry Christmas...

we're off to make the day merry and bright.

{ Gumbo Limbo }

2011-12-22T07:37:00.003-07:00

It's that time again where we pack up our bags and move on to another city. Baby girl and I are headed to San Francisco for a couple days before we join Spencer in Huntington Beach on Christmas Eve. I am sad to leave Florida simply because of the wonderful weather and southern hospitality. I love it here and recommend it to anyone who wants a warm place to go during the winter months.

Yesterday, we spent our day exploring the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center (for the second time) with my old college teammate, Katy, and her family. We saw the baby sea turtles, sea horses, and other creatures and then topped it off with a visit to the beach.

And for my favorite picture of the day:

I love this baby... from head down to her twinkles!

{ hump day happies }

2011-12-21T08:25:00.004-07:00

When used as a verb, "plateau" means to reach a state of little or no change after a time of activity or progress. Currently this is how my weight has decided to act... little or no change. While I've been consistent in workouts and eating better, my weight stays the same. Spencer on the other hand has lost eight pounds in the last two and a half weeks. If that's not discouraging, I don't know what is. My four to six mile runs, Nike Training workouts, and dieting don't seem to make a dent in my weight #discouraged.

On the upside, I feel better physically and have slimmed down so that my pants and skirts fit (somewhat). I'm not losing weight, but I'm slimming down? Can someone please enlighten me? Also, I've heard that when you breast feed, you can burn around 500 calories a day. Is that true? Because if it is I'm burning at least 1,000 calories a day but losing no weight. Blaah... moving on.

Tomorrow is our last day here in Boca. I'm not ready to leave the nice weather with the potential of attracting a winter cold. We've had so much fun here in Florida and I'm sad that our time is almost up. Next month we start our lives in the frigid cold New York City. And you know me, I love NYC, but the winter? It's a different story with the wind chill. I still can't remember how I survived four winters in the Bronx during college... pretty sure I bundled up like Ralphie's brother in A Christmas Story.

Happy Wednesday!

Here's some delishousness for your hump day.

Here's a YouTube funny... note the trust fall

& note that he's "not a rapper" #spoof.

Oh, and here's something interesting I found in the local paper.

I'm still scratching my head. This is newsworthy?

Again, Happy Wednesday!

Make it a great one!

{ Best Friends in Boca }

2011-12-19T19:58:00.004-07:00

Do you have a best friend? I have MANY best friends and yes Spencer is my #1, however, my best friend Jamee is a close second to my handsome husband. Our friendship goes all the way back to August of 2003 when we started our freshman year getting in shape for the upcoming volleyball season. Originally from New Hampshire this 6'0 blue eyed beauty now lives in Boston and works for New Balance. She has seen me through my ups and down in college - helped me get through volleyball, finals, and our fashion internship that nearly had me sent to jail for wanting to kill Cruela De Vil.

Anyway, remember when she came to visit me in Utah? Well, she did it again but this time we met up in warm Boca Raton, Florida... a huge step up from the cold winter in Utah! The best part? Nohea got to meet her Aunty Jamee!

And when we start our life in NYC next month, Jamee will only be four hours away in Boston... can we say roadtrip?!? I love this girl! She is always upbeat and knows how to make me laugh, not to mention she's a tall glass of milk!

I got a new toy...

2011-12-17T22:12:00.003-07:00

and I'm still trying to figure it out...

...but I'm super excited!

I'm calling it a late birthday present slash early Christmas present... thanks hubby!

{ Santa's Little Helpers }

2011-12-15T10:01:00.004-07:00

Because it is 80 degrees in Southern Florida there is a lack of snow and to any Utah girl snow makes it feel like Christmas. Unfortunately it still feels like summer to me, as I'm sporting shorts and tank tops, and it has been quite difficult to get in the Christmas spirit, although Christmas music helps somewhat.

So in an attempt to get into the holiday spirit, Spencer and I started our first Christmas tradition... Sub for Santa. We selected a family we know who has been having a difficult time seeking employment and may not have the means to purchase their kids presents this year. Because we have been blessed with so much we feel the need to give back.

This idea actually stemmed from one of my friend's parents, who on Christmas would put three $100 bills in three separate envelopes and secretly give them to three families they knew were struggling.

Life sometimes has hiccups and we never know when we might be in need. Pay it forward, right? And since I secretly believe in karma we bought presents for our Sub for Santa family in hopes to brighten their Christmas a little more.

Who knows? It might be us next year struggling to make ends meet.

For now... we have everything we need:

Four months ago...

2011-12-10T16:59:00.002-07:00

...I was nine months pregnant with this little cutie.

Nohea finds me extremely funny, for now anyways. I hope our mother/daughter relationship will be strong enough so I can get through her teenage years without losing it. This little girl has stolen my heart with her congenial personality and sweet toothless smile! When she wakes up the first thing she does is smile at me. Sometimes it's hard for me to get out of bed in the morning or go to bed at night because I just want to stare at her and kiss her chubby cheeks! This little girl loves to chew on her fingers and her tongue. She loves to talk and talk, often after a feeding. Nohea has super chubby thighs that often get stuck in the Bumbo when I take her out of it, but don't let that deceive you, she has strong legs and will stand for minutes at a time. Her eyes are still blue at four months, but of course they could always change. Enough of my chatter, I'll just let these pictures prove my point of how cute Nohea is.

{via Instagram}

{ South Beach, Miami }

2011-12-09T01:00:00.000-07:00

I admit I've been on a blogging break. And I also admit that it's been pretty nice. But now I have to play catch up since we've been busy exploring Boca Raton and Miami. I checked my Google Reader and had 445 unread posts. Yikes! So I apologize for not being "with it" in this enormous bloggosphere, but I've been too busy enjoying the 80-degree sunshine and living out of a hotel with my husband (another post coming soon). Life has been, in a word, fantastic. And I have nothing to complain about... except that the housekeeping service doesn't leave Andes Mints on our pillows.

If you've ever visited Newport Beach, you know how high class the area is. Well Newport Beach honestly has nothing on Boca Raton (our current city). The people here are loaded. They have waterfront mansions with 50 feet yachts parked right outside. Talk about Life of the Rich and Famous. Spencer told me today that there is an area close by called The Florida Hamptons... um, yes please!

Anyway, here's some scenery from our day in South Beach:

1. Gigi and Nohea strolling South Beach

2. My in-laws/honemooners :)

3. Papa Barlow teaching Nohea how to eat gelato

4. Spencer and Nohea

5. Volley... I miss dearly

6. Baby on the beach

7. La Sandwicherie... awesome place to lunch!

8. My love and her rolls.

{ My Miami Dolphins' Fail }

2011-12-08T14:34:00.005-07:00

Spencer: There's Reggie Bush! Lia you'd better jump in there before you miss your opportunity.

Me: Okay (as I walk over to Reggie Bush) ... Excuse me, Reggie? Can I get a picture with you?

Reggie: Um... I'm Reshad.

Me: I mean, Reshad (at which point I feel like a total idiot because I thought "Reggie" looked a little different).

FAIL!

I'm guilty of calling people by the wrong name, but this is just unacceptable! And I totally blame Spencer because 1) I was excited to get my picture with Reggie that I was fixing my hair/primping and 2) I was blinded by Reshad's bling-bling hanging on his ear lobe.

Whatever.

Here's my picture with the fake Reggie Bush. If you notice Spencer cut out my mother-in-law because he was checking out the fake Reggie and realized it wasn't Reggie. Fail. Fail. Fail.

So embarrassing!

Moving on... we had a great time cheering on the Miami Dolphins and #69 Ray Feinga! (Thanks Ray and Kassie!!!) They handled the Oakland Raiders... Go Fins!!! After the game we were given passes to meet the team as they exited the locker room.

My first NFL game!

PS - What's even more embarrassing is that Spencer actually saw Reggie Bush the week before. Here's a shot SPENCER TOOK (emphasis on Spencer!) of one of Spencer's co-workers the prior weekend.

Fail.

{ Christmas Crafts }

2011-12-01T01:15:00.005-07:00

Today I finally made something from Pinterest that was NOT from a food recipe #fatty. Disclaimer: I am NOT crafty like my mom who made my wedding dress, pageant dresses and outfits. Somehow that gene went missing. My friend Lisa made this beautiful DIY sunburst mirror and someday I'll get up the patience and courage to make something exquisite like that. But until then, I'll settle for the kindergarden art that I'm comfortable tackling.

Necesities: paint, canvas, paint brush, a baby:

Again, not crafty... but I'm sure Grandma will love it!

This one is my second try:

Can't decide which one I like better... thoughts?

Merry Christmas!

I'm off to Florida for the next month!

{ cheers to the freakin' weekend }

2011-11-27T23:50:00.007-07:00

So we're enjoying a relaxing Saturday morning on my in-law's comfy sofa. We watched a full episode of Modern Family without being interrupted by a fussy/talking baby or a phone call. Then as I'm taking a little cat nap Spencer wakes me up to show me picture of us snuggling:

Romantic, right?

Not really.

Look closer:

Again my husband is twelve. But of course I had to laugh because it was pretty funny... and disgusting at the same time.

Other favorites from my weekend?

Aunty Terewai & Baby Terewai

quality time

Making Maori Fry Bread

with Grandma Wihongi

Kayaking with the in-laws

in Huntington Harbor

My chubby baby getting all this love and

attention from family members.

Girlfriend be talking up a storm and tryin'a eat everthang!

Finally finished The Help and FINALLY saw The Help.

Tear jerker... but of course the book is always better.

Sunday mid-morning nap before taking Spencer to the airport for yet another farewell... at least I'll be joining him in Florida later this week.

Oh and my girlfriend Lisa got engaged... in San Francisco... while visiting her fiance's family... when I wasn't home to hug her and celebrate her engagement the proper way! Regardless, I'm so excited for this girl and espeically for this lucky guy! Cheers to Lisa and Scottie!

(PS - Lisa, I hope Scottie doesn't stick your hair up his nose... but if he does don't forget to laugh! And then don't forget to wash your hair!)

Hope you had a fantabulous

4-day

Thanksgiving

Black Friday

Holiday

weekend!

{ Gobble.Gobble }

2011-11-26T00:53:00.002-07:00

Our "go big or go home" Thanksgiving:

If you know my mother-in-law, you know she doesn't mess around when it comes to dinner time. She is a gourmet cook and knows it's all about presentation. Even on the weekdays family dinner is a beautiful spread made with love and served in her best dishes. Our Thanksgiving dinner included prime rib, turkey (brined by yours truly), creamed corn, dressing, homemade cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, fruits, cinnamon & coconut rolls, green bean casserole, chopped green salad, and of course a variety of pies. Let's just say I went into a food coma and slept for 3 hours after eating too much.

Hope your Thanksgiving was delicious!

{ work it out, yo! }

2011-11-22T23:47:00.005-07:00

Nohea and I went running today and this is what we saw...

Spencer went running today and this is what he saw...

Can't say I'm too excited to be running with a baby along the beach that has alligator warnings. Spencer assured me that I should be able to outrun an animal with six inch legs... you never know.

After a week and a half we will be reunited with Spencer for the Thanksgiving holiday and I am so excited!!! And the weather here in Huntington Beach is a wonderful 70 degrees. Double score!

In other news: We are selling our VIP Gold's Gym passes (Utah only). Since it's Thanksgiving week I know you'll probably want to work off that turkey, pumpkin pie, and dressing (not to mention the new year is approaching #newyearsresolution). Interested in a VIP gym membership? Read on.

Two VIP passes for $15 a month, each.

Two years left on contract

On top of full access to cardio machines, weight lifting, unlimited workout classes, lap pool, and basketball court, you'll also have:

Full access to racquetball courts

Daycare

Unlimited tanning

All of that for $15/month. It's a pretty sweet deal and I doubt you'll find anything cheaper for a VIP membership. (This also includes the contract transfer fee). If you're interested just leave a comment below or email me.

I know you're dying to be as fit and as fashionable as the Kardashians in the 90's:

{via Pinterest}

Happy Sweating!

just a few things that brightened my weekend...

2011-11-21T22:06:00.003-07:00

I used to joke about being a mom and how I didn't think I could handle staying home and doing nothing all day besides changing diapers and nursing (ignorant, I know). But honestly, the days are shorter and it seems as if my life is busier. I guess when you work 8-5 you are more aware of what time it is, at least for me (aka: "is it time for lunch yet?" lol!). But seriously, I am loving this mommy life. And what I love most is when my baby wakes up she is bright-eyed and smiling. I love being a mommy.

1) Bath Time with red toe nails

2) Thanks to Kassie and Ray Feinga for hooking my hubby up with Miami Dolphin tickets... Go Fins! (He also got to go down to the players lounge after the game to see all the players come out of the locker room. It was a pretty awesome day for him!) And congrats to Kassie and Ray on their beautiful new twin boys!

3) Visiting the San Diego Temple... where it all began three and a half years ago.

4) Spending the weekend with Grandma Virginia and my mom and baby. It was a girl's weekend celebrating Thanksgiving early.

5) Gelato... Snickers, Almond Joy, and Heath Bar gelato to be exact.

6) Shopping at the LOFT during their 50% off sale items and my birthday month!

7) Baby smiles and giggles.

{ bargainista }

2011-11-18T01:30:00.001-07:00

Have you ever been to a warehouse sale? It's pretty fan-FREAKING-tastic! Of course depending on what you're in the market for. Today I was in the market for a jogging stroller but somehow I walked away with a jogging stroller and an umbrella stroller. Yikes! Good thing it was a freaking awesome deal!

Like $161.60

freaking awesome deal:

Come on guys, even if you don't have kids you have to admit that's a total steal! Two strollers for $161.60 is unreal. When I broke the news to Spencer his only comment was "why do we need two strollers?" to which I explained one is for the city/every day and the other is for jogging. And if you know my husband, you already know his philosophy on opportunity cost yet he was okay with my bargain purchases (SCORE!). If you like a great deal check out all of the other upcoming warehouse sales #blackfriday. They have Hudson Jeans, BCBG, Ed Hardy, Hurley, etc... if you're ever visiting southern California check it out here.

Happy Shopping!

{ Catalina Island via Instagram }

2011-11-17T00:11:00.001-07:00

{ b.day debriefing }

2011-11-16T23:25:00.005-07:00

I can't tell you how loved I feel tonight. So many kind words and well wishes, happy birthday singing voice messages, and a wonderful day pampering myself. The cherry on top was when I got back to my in-laws and received beautiful flowers from my husband.

My good friend Maria chauffeured me around Orange County today and boy was it an eventful day. We hit up the MAC counter at Nordstrom where I met my very first drag queen (not counting my karaoke visit to Lucky Cheng's, NYC). Coincidentally an hour earlier while we were enjoying our egg soufflé at Panera I told Maria how I always get the gay guy whenever I visit MAC and to no avail I meet "Ava" who educated me on how the whole drag queen system works. I won't go into detail but if you want to know you can watch one of my favorite movies To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything Julie Newmar or you can watch RuPaul's Drag Race. Ava was a total gem and made me look flawless, I guess you could say he/she's a pro at "creating the illusion"...

Exhibit A:

Exhibit B:

Exhibit A + Exhibit B minus the drag:

Flawless, right? Ava took good care of me and taught me some new tricks with makeup. Funny how a guy knows more about makeup than me.

Mani/pedi was superb as well as the "light shopping".

Lunch was great, but dinner? Oh boy was dinner amazing!

My father-in-law took us to a place in Newport Beach called Mama D's where they SPOIL you for your birthday! At first we had a rough start... no one came to our table to take our drink orders or ask us if we wanted any starters for ten minutes. So when they realized their mistake they gave us two free appetizers (stuffed mushrooms & calamari) on the house:

And then on top of that the manager came over and apologized profusely. He was so sorry for what had happened that he cut our bill in half! What a sweetheart, right?!

And then on top of that they brought me out a piece of ice cream cake! Ice cream cake, guys! Ice cream cake!

And then on top of that they sang to me and gave me a birthday card signed by the entire staff with a free appetizer for my next visit! Did I mention they served me ice cream cake? #SPOILED

"Happy Earth Day" or "Happy Birthday" ???

My birthday was off the chains, yo!

But on a more serious note my birthday was a little different this year. They say you don't understand until you have one of your own and I'm beginning to understand. I am thankful for my mother who made sacrifices to bring me into this world (something I'm still recovering from) and raised me the best she could (something I'm working on). Thanks mama! Me lovey you muchos!

Oh and you too baby! Mama Lia loves you too!

{ b.day ::: 27 }

2011-11-16T00:02:00.015-07:00

Today I am reminded of K-Fed's super bowl commercial {view here}. I can't believe I am 27. Gasp! Where did the time go? Last time I checked (back in 2007) I was going to wait until the age of 28 to get married. Whoopsies! Now I am 27, married, AND I have a three month old.

Sulk... okay I'm over it! Carry on!

When my birthday comes around I often think of Sebastian from The Little Mermaid #jamaicanaccent: "Someone has got to nail that girl's fins to the floor." For the last two years Spencer and I have manage to be apart on my birthday (mostly because I throw the "birthday card" and fly off somewhere)

2010: New York {view here}

2009: Boston {view here}

So today is my big day and I am in Huntington Beach missing my husband who is in Miami on business. But to help me get through the day I created an itinerary which, unbeknownst to him, he will be expensing and hopefully by the end of today I will still have a husband .

9:00 AM Breakfast at Panera (my fave)

11:00 AM Makeover by MAC (light shopping to follow)

2:00 PM Pedicure because I can see my toes again and can also see they need some major help

6:00 PM Dinner with my mom and in-laws (location: TBD)

8:00 PM Dessert at Rite Aid (yes, the inexpensive ice cream that Spencer and I love oh so much)

If I were to share something that I have learned in my 27 years it is that "It is never too late to be who you might have been." -George Elliot. I have wandered down different roads, some bad, some good. And what I have found is that it is never too late to change your life's course (for the better, hopefully). All in all, I am happy with the direction my life is going #growingmyeternalfamily. And I guess one more year on top of the 26 I've incurred isn't so bad.

Today I am 27.

A year older and dare I say wiser.

I hope you have a splendid day because November 16th is a pretty awesome day to be alive!

{ my carry-ons }

2011-11-15T21:44:00.007-07:00

today i tried something different because doing something different is always good for the soul. {view here for my previous post about traveling with a baby} today, i checked the stroller and car seat and i LOVED it! i used my venezia bag which fit my camera, macbook pro, and diaper essentials. it was superb. less to carry and the absence of the stroller/car seat through security was a breeze! i think the most difficult part was this morning when i was packing a 50 pound suitcase to live out of for a month #gypsy. my sweet nohea was a little angel again. everyone oohed and awed over how perfect she was for traveling. and seriously i'm loving it... while it lasts anyway.

i packed the essentials:

1. diapers for baby

2. clean undies for me

3. chocolate

{ Ghirardelli Square }

2011-11-15T00:03:00.006-07:00

If you're like me, you misspell Ghirardelli every time. But if you're also like me you don't care how it's spelled just as long as it's chocolate. I used to justify eating chocolate "it has protein in it" or "it's good for your diet in moderation" but now I don't even care and I admit I have a weakness for chocolate. Baby girl and I are leaving tomorrow for Huntington Beach (plus other travels) so we won't be back to San Francisco for about month or so... soooo we ventured into the city to visit Ghirardelli Square to kick off my birthday week and to say goodbye to our beloved city. When we return to San Fran we will have a lot of other things to explore, no doubt! PS - the free featured flavor was peppermint bark... oh me, oh my!

Life is short. Eat chocolate.

Dear Wealthy Women of the San Francisco Area:

2011-11-14T02:01:00.004-07:00

I stopped by the Salvation Army Friday night just for kicks. I've been in a thrifting mood lately, mainly because I can spend less and get more. So I'm looking through all the chaos and I come across all of these treasures from Ann Taylor Loft, BCBG, and Banana Republic that have barely been worn #thankyou. But the problem is that the sizes were a bit too small. So, it would really benefit me if you could gain some weight. And since it's the holiday season go ahead and eat that second serving of pumpkin pie. At the same time, I'll put in double the work and try to lose weight so that we can meet somewhere in the middle.

Sincerely,

Misses Barlow

...seriously though. I cannot believe what nice things I found at the Salvation Army. And because it was Veteran's Day everything was an extra 40% off #luckyme. I found some really nice white slacks from Banana Republic ($15) and some navy bermuda shorts ($12) from The Loft. The top is from Forever 21 ($4) and I got the belt to help accessorize ($3). Pretty freaking awesome, right? And I know it's winter, but the next month will be spent in Huntington Beach, Hawaii, and Florida. (PS - Both bottoms are too small and I admit they are not fastened in the pictures above but I wanted to buy them in my regular size for when I lose this baby-mama weight.)

skirt is also thrifted from Good Will ($4)

aaaaaand some sunshine for your Monday:

life is burritoful

2011-11-13T22:06:00.006-07:00

My former boss was a 49er, a Stanford, Cal State, and BYU football coach, and now the Director of Athletics at BYU and I used to wonder how his wife dealt with her husband being gone so often on business trips. Now I know. You go into survival mode.

Husband left again, this time for a six week project in Florida. We had approximately 52 hours together and we made every minute count. He apologized that he wouldn't be there for my birthday this Wednesday so we celebrated all weekend with shopping and dining at a few great places here in San Francisco (if you ever come to visit us remind me to take you to a place called Jack's... best burgers & shakes ever!). We also dined at BJ's where we topped our night off with a pizookie (best combo of ice cream and cookies ever!). Oh and since there is no Cafe Rio (a Utah original) out this way we've been eating at Chipotle which is a close second.

fried pickles.sweet potato fries.black bean veggie burger.phoenix from the flames burger

jack's prime burgers & fries

bj's pizookie :)

before & after

life really is "burritoful"

Today when I dropped Spencer off at the airport I was starting to feel sorry for myself because he was leaving his little family for another work week, but as we pulled up to the drop off I noticed a girl and a marine embracing each other. No words were exchanged. No tears were dropped. They just hugged heart to heart with their eyes closed as if they were the only two people standing in the busy international airport. There's a sadness that accompanies goodbyes, but it only means there will be a great reunion in the future. Seeing those two hold each other tightly reminded me that things could be worse and we could be in a different situation where I wouldn't see Spencer for months. Fortunately for us, Spencer will be home next week for Thanksgiving. And I am thankful for that.

life is beautiful.

{ veteran's day }

2011-11-11T16:54:00.003-07:00

Husband has returned from Ohio, but sadly he leaves to Florida on Sunday #lifeofatravelingman. So I hit up the gym today and on my way back I stopped by the San Francisco National Cemetery here in San Bruno where services were being held to honor all of our soldiers. Today I am thankful for those men and women who sacrifice their life for this country. Be sure you reach out and thank someone today #freedomisnotfree.

Friday Photo Dump

Happy Weekend!

{ dance! }

2011-11-10T02:34:00.007-07:00

When I lived in New York I always looked forward to going out in the city. The Bronx sometimes would get old and I would need a break from school, volleyball, and well, the college scene. So my girls and I would head to the city to dance away our college blues. We would get all gussied up and take the RamVan to Lincoln Center where our night would begin. I loved stepping outside and think to myself "I own this city" because that's how New York made me feel. My girl Alicia was right, it is where dreams are made of and you can feel that energy! If you came out with us on a Saturday night (obviously after our volleyball game) you could end up at 40 40, BED, and my personal favorite The Hudson. You would want to make sure you had your ID and at least $20 for the cover charge (unless we end up at Duvet where our friend modeled for Ed Hardy's fashion show then you will need to pretend you are with Jane magazine and get complimentary admission along with an Ed Hardy trucker hat #truestory). You would also want to bring with you your dance moves. Which is where I'm going with this post.

I love to dance. In fact, Nohea and I had our first dance party on Monday while we were unpacking/cleaning the apartment. Dancing allows you to be creative and expressive with your body, moving to the classic beats of Michael Jackson or The Temptations. And the best part of dancing is that when you think it's silly, it's not. And that's what makes it dancing. There are no rules, no judgements, and no thinking... it's all about feeling. Sadly, however, I've put dancing-in-front-of-the-bathroom-mirror-in-my-undies-with-a-hairbrush-as-a-microphone on the back burner. I guess life just got too busy and the only time I could listen to my jams was during my workout. Well not anymore! Nohea and I have been dancing around our little home with Pandora cranked up on the Black Eyed Peas and Bruno Mars channel. Dancing makes me feel alive! And boy does it feels good to be alive!

Below: Don't know what those two are doing on the left... just your average Fordham student-athletes I guess? Yikes! I, on the other had, am too busy admiring my own moves... and yes it looks as though I'm snapping my fingers.

Fordham University Student-Athlete Hoedown

Below: Apparently I'm in pure bliss. Don't ask me what this dance move is because I couldn't tell ya. On the other hand I think my sister is doing the stanky leg???

BYU Freshman Luau (yes we crashed this dance #notashamed). Like I said before... no rules and no judgements :)

{ difficulties in marriage :: thankfuls }

2011-11-08T02:00:00.005-07:00

We all know you're lying if you say your marriage is perfect. In fact, if you claim your marriage is perfect not only do we know you're lying, but your marriage is probably worse than all of ours. Today I'm grateful for those difficult times in my marriage. You know, the ones that make you want to punch your husband but ultimately draw you closer to your spouse and help you both realize that life without each other would not be the same. Sometimes our arguments get heated and since both Spencer and his lady are hard and hot-headed, it takes time for us to come to an understanding but in the end we both express our love for each other. I am missing my husband today (which is a total understatement). I know the next six months are going to be a challenge for us, but because I married the right person I'm more than confident I'm going to make it. It will be rough and there will be speed bumps, but in the end I know my husband is working his ~~little~~ big heart out to provide for our family and to put us in a better place years down the road.

These challenges would not be bearable were it not for my best friend. I am grateful for the opportunity I have to work with him in raising our family, though not the ideal situation where he doesn't come home every night, but I'm thankful for the opportunity I have to grow closer to him as we conquer the world. It is essential that we find strength through difficult times. Spencer is my strength.

{ thankfuls :: veggies }

2011-11-07T01:51:00.000-07:00

Today I am grateful for healthy eating. I'm still working on losing weight (I guess this will be a life long goal). I have been pumping veggies and fruits while cutting back on breads to help me through this process. Pico & peppers are my staples, followed by fresh cut beens, zucchini, and squash. I am attempting to eat myself skinny.

{ poly thankfuls }

2011-11-05T12:09:00.001-06:00

Our culture is what makes us unique. It is our lifestyle and our language. It is how we treat each other and strangers. It is our uniqueness and our definition. If you know a polynesian you know our typical attributes: we eat a lot, we laugh a lot, we take care of our own, sometimes we might beat you up, but most of all we are a happy people.

Since Spencer and I have moved out to San Francisco we've been embraced by our Tongan ward and family. Even before we moved out here Spencer lived with his uncle for a few weeks to find us an apartment and to start work. We know we always have a place to go, a warm meal, or a ride to the airport. And the best part is that when you're family, even if you've never met them, you are welcomed with open arms and you feel as if you've known your distant relatives for years, even when it's only been a month.

And when I say "we take care of our own" I mean exactly that. You might know a poly who has a cousin living with them who is now being raised my his or her aunt/uncle. Speaking of cousins, another typical thing about Polynesians is that we are all "related". I'm sure you've heard one of your poly friends say "oh yeah he's my cousin" meaning "there is no direct relation to that guy but he is brown and I am brown and somehow we are related through our ancestors and so he is my 'cousin'".

That is what I am thankful for today. I am thankful for a rich culture. A rich culture that loves unconditionally, whose favorite pastime is eating and laughing (usually simultaneously) with family. A culture who embraces ANYONE and says "come sit at our dinner table and eat because you are my "cousin"... white, purple, blue, yellow."

We attended Poly Day at Serra High School in San Mateo today. The purpose of this event is for the Polynesians in the area sell food and crafts at the football game. All earnings are donated back into the highschool. Because Serra High School is a private high school (at $18,000/year tuition) the polynesians are grateful for the football program where their boys are allowed to earn a scholarship through their athletic talents while obtaining their education. During half time the freshman, sophomore, and junior varsity teams performed the haka.

I am thankful for a my culture.

{ thankfuls: time }

2011-11-04T19:41:00.003-06:00

Today I am thankful for TIME. The time I have with my family and the memories we are making. The next six months are going to be... interesting. With Spencer traveling so much for work I'll find my way back down to Huntington and an occasional trip to Utah (weather depending). So right now I'm thankful for the time we have now... at home... together. I'm thankful I get to witness Spencer love and my little Nohea. It's as if he has found a new best friend. He is so tender with her and loves her perfect little spirit, even when she is gassy. I am thankful for the memories we have made thus far and look forward to new ones every single day. The time we have together is another one of God's tender mercies. We just never know when our time is up on this earth. Time is a gift... spend it well.

Row 1: bath time & retail therapy

Row 2: Ocean Beach & Chipotle

Row 3: baking the best CC cookies (found here)

{ thankfuls + my new bestie }

2011-11-03T14:40:00.004-06:00

I wish I could wear a huge sign on my back while I'm working out that says "had a baby 3 months ago and i'm trying to lose the weight" because A) I look ridiculous when I'm running #soslowandawkward and B) I am chubby. BUT (not butt) I am thankful for my health. There are worse things in life than being an over weight mom who runs awkwardly slow and I should not be concerned. While my grandma is struggling in the hospital to keep her health I am trying to be mindful of the things I do to my body because according to the elderly it is so important to take care of yourself now so you don't pay for it in the future... and I plan on being around when my great grandkids enter this world (wow that makes me sound so old). Anyway, today I'm thankful for this:

a healthy body

I know I complain a lot about my weight or how my hair is flat or that my toes are ugly. I really need to just shut up and be thankful for what God gave me. And like my girl India Arie said:

"...I know our creator didn't make no mistake on me.

My feet, my thighs, my lips, my eyes I'm lovin' what I see."

In other news: As I was leaving for the gym this morning the FedEx guy dropped off my new iPhone. And just like Gillian and Lisa I have finally arrived! My new bestie? Meet "Bebe" as in bee-bee. She is albino. She likes to sing. And she is now a part of my busy mommy life... now if only I can figure out how to use her properly.

PS - If you know of some really cool apps please share with me as I am iPhone illiterate.

PPS - Spencer and I have been married for 17.74 Kardashians :)

{ thankfuls }

2011-11-02T12:35:00.002-06:00

I was lucky enough to see the sun rise this morning and it was as if the sky was blushing. Beautiful hues of pink against the blue sky made me want to start each morning with a three mile run at the gym while looking out the window. After I dropped Spencer off at the BART I drove into the city to take Spencer's dry cleaning in and had a breathtaking view of the Golden Gate Bridge and the bay. On my drive back from the city I saw the HOA landscaping team cleaning up the crisp red and burnt orange fall leaves. What am I getting at?

I am grateful for this:

We live in such a beautiful place called earth and we often get so caught up in our daily responsibilities that we forget how beautiful a sunrise is or how relaxing it is to go for a walk. I am thankful for the mountains, the beach, the sky, the trees, and all of the things this beautiful earth has to offer. Heavenly Father knew exactly what he was doing those first five days of the creation. I am thankful for the earth.

{ thankfuls }

2011-11-01T23:18:00.003-06:00

So this month is pretty awesome. It's my birthday month. But sadly, Spencer will be away on a business trip on my actual birthday. I tease him that I'm going to make an itinerary of the things that I want to do (i.e. massage, lunch, dinner, shopping, etc.) and have him pay for the expenses. But I keeeed, I keeeed. I'll be flying back down to Orange County for another two plus weeks while Spencer is away and we'll eventually meet up for Thanksgiving. Speaking of Thanksgiving I thought I would post about what makes me happy slash things I'm thankful for each day this month. So first off...

I'm grateful for him:

I know Spencer will take care of me and our family as much as possible and I know he loves me with all he has (I know because I'm a difficult person to love yet he's still by my side). I honestly don't know what I did to deserve him but I'm so thankful he is a part of me. And if you know Spencer you know how lucky I am to have him as my husband.

{ LIVLY Giveaway via Facebook }

2011-10-29T14:43:00.005-06:00

Let's be honest. European fashion is amazingly edgy. Some of my favorite European designers? ...Dior ...Yves Saint Laurent ...Catherine Malandrino. I especially love that most trends start in Europe and slowly find their way over to New York and Los Angeles. Next thing you know everyone is tucking the front half of their button up into some high wasted pants or ordering a pair of Hunter boots, which by the way originated from the British aristocracy (originally worn by the first Duke of Wellington hence the nickname "wellies") but I'm getting off the subject now.

LIVLY is one of my new favorite European places to shop for my little doll. Not only are their clothes adorable, but they are made from quality materials like pima cotton and cashmere mix. And who wouldn't want to answer a strangers question of "That dress is adorable! Where did you get it?" with a "Oh I ordered it from this really edgy Swedish children's clothing line called LIVLY." The clothes are trendy and totally make your baby look like a rockstar... even when they smell like poop.

LIVELY is giving away three different packages with LIVLY clothing. Fantastic, right?

To enter the LIVLY giveaway you must:

1. Like them on Facebook here.

2. Write "LIVELY", "LOVELY", or "LIVLY" followed by your son/daughter's name and age on their wall. (Example: LOVELY Nohea 3 months)

If you don't want to wait for the giveaway go ahead and visit their website (here) to order their cute clothes. One of my college girlfriends is a designer for them and she herself is very fashion forward so you know they are the latest and greatest. Head on over to Facebook and like their page for this awesome giveaway! Good luck! Oh and it ends tomorrow night!

{ how to make an old lady feel young again }

2011-10-26T18:55:00.002-06:00

WASH

COLOR

CUT

CURL

DRY

FLUFF

ADD a GREAT GRANDBABY

We took Grandma to the Beauty Shop to git her hair did. Pretty sure the old guys at the skilled nursing facility will want to sit with her in the cafeteria during supper. Hollerrrrrr! Hopefully by then she will have remembered to put in her dentures. That's right, she forgot her teeth when we took her out to lunch. Man I love my grandma!

{ Disneyland }

2011-10-25T23:39:00.005-06:00

So I have this friend... this pretty awesome friend. Some people know her as Ariel. Others may know her as Snow White. But today, she was referred to as Rapunzel. That's right. I have a friend who is a princess... literally and at Disneyland. Today she totally hooked Princess Nohea up to have her own little Disney Princess party... and I'm pretty sure I was more excited! Ariel, Tiana, Cinderella, Flynn Rider, and Rapunzel all showed up to meet Princess Nohea... she's one lucky girl considering she got to skip the hour long wait and the Princesses took time during their lunch break to say hello:

Things to note:

Spencer has had a crush on Ariel since he was a wee lad.
I secretly love Sea World more than Disneyland... but I'm slowly changing my mind.
Nohea LOVED The Little Mermaid ride.
Spencer LOVED the newly remodeled Star Tours ride.
My favorite princess is Aurora from Sleeping Beauty.
I wanted our family to dress up as The Princess and The Frog for Halloween but Spencer vetoed that one.
The Haunted Mansion is more fun during Halloween/Christmas (with The Nightmare Before Christmas theme).
Tower of Terror is probably my favorite ride... next to Alice's Teacups.
Walt Disney is the man.

Disneyland is such a magical place

...for young and old.

{ traveling to visit grandma }

2011-10-25T00:49:00.003-06:00

Yesterday at church the speaker mentioned she was on "church maternity leave" for two months meaning you're not obligated to go to church because you just had a baby and depending on your situation you can take your time. Spencer leaned over to me and thanked me for not going on "church maternity leave". And then he leaned over again and said, "of course if you went on 'church maternity leave' you would also be unable to travel with the baby." I didn't even think about that. Good thing I was at church the week after Nohea was born. I've got a lot of trips planned ahead in the next few of months... Florida, Hawaii, New York, and of course traveling back and forth between San Francisco and Orange County.

Last night we traveled down to San Diego to visit my grandma. She hasn't been doing so well and has been moving back and forth between the hospital and a skilled nurse facility. We're hoping she'll get a little bit healthier so she can spend Thanksgiving with us. Grandma is really the only grandparent I've known, so I have a special closeness with her and it makes me sad to know her health is fading... but she is a fighter and optimistic. I love my grandma. And Nohea loves her too:

Four generations :)

...makes my heart melt.

{ Rockin' Baja Lobster }

2011-10-23T11:26:00.001-06:00

I love sea food and I love Mexican food. So what better way to have both than to eat them together?! My in-laws took us to Rockin' Baja Lobster where I order the Lobster Lovers Combination - one lobster taco, one lobster enchilada, and a cup of lobster chowder. Also fat free when you eat left-handed. You can also share a bucket of shrimp and lobster - shrimp, lobster, and chicken - shrimp, crab and chicken - whatever your little seafood heart desires! All in all, it was a rockin' time!

Oh! And Nohea and I went for a little swim just so Nohea could wear her new little swim suit... we're prepping for December when we visit Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

{ Tito's Tacos }

2011-10-21T00:06:00.000-06:00

My mom is a HUGE fan of Tito's Tacos. In fact, a lot of people are. So after picking my mom up from the Long Beach airport and picking Spencer up from LAX (which by the way Friday is the WORST day to drive to LAX) we stopped by Tito's Tacos for some lunch. It was my first time trying them and honestly they were just okay. I don't get what the hype is all about. Can someone please enlighten me? Maybe it's because they're $1.75? Maybe because they use real shredded cheese? I don't really know, but at least the company was nice! And honestly after being away from my husband another week, we could be sitting in a porta potty eating hot dogs and I would be happier than a bird with a french fry!

{ POSH }

2011-10-20T22:09:00.003-06:00

Forget Rodeo Drive. Orange County has amazing shopping. Mainly because if you can't afford to shop at Hermes, Tori Burch, or Fendi South Coast Plaza has an "upscale" Forever 21 AND H&M in the same convenient location. Not to mention there is a Marshall's and Nordstrom Rack just across the street. I know we'll never be able to afford the high end retail therapy, and even if we could afford it, there's no way I'd be able to sleep at night. My typical shopping habits consist of skipping the front of the store and heading straight back to the sale items. More bang for my buck, you know what I mean? On the other hand I can't help but look and touch the soft leather handbags from Valentino or the sparkling pumps by Dolce Vita. I'm drooling at the same time breaking a commandment... no, not stealing... coveting.

Anyway, after eating a yummy lunch at some Indian place my friend Maria and I (and our babies) headed over to South Coast Plaza. Nohea must love me or something because she gave me four wonderful hours of "shopping-with-a-sleeping-baby" blissfulness. I was only going to "look" but ended up making a few potentially harmful purchases - harmful to me of course when Spencer sees. But on the bright side, the purchases were not for me. Mainly because I can't stand the thought of dressing my fatness yet.

I'm really enjoying motherhood:

And now for another episode of

WHAT I BOUGHT WHILE THE

HUSBAND WAS OUT OF TOWN:

And my favorite purchase from Baby Gap:

"Daddy I want a goose that lays a golden egg!"

"Daddy I want an Umpa Lumpa!"

And Spencer said he didn't want our little girl to be a little princess. Ha! Does he not remember who he married?

{ friends uplift the soul }

2011-10-19T12:49:00.000-06:00

It's amazing how the church brings friends together and fosters new relationships. Our married BYU ward was full of ambitious couples, all from different walks of life. Some recently married, some married with children, law students, MBA students, and even couples like us (back then) newly married and (Spencer) just returning to school after his mission. Wives supporting husbands and vice versa. Husbands staying at home with the babes while mommy finishes school. Diversity? You got it!

Now a few short years later all of our lives are different. New babies. New homes. A lot of us have moved out of the ward boundaries and out of state. But just because our lives are moving on, doesn't mean we have to lose touch with our friends.

Today Nohea and I met up with our friends Kailee and Baby Roman. Yes it was one of those awesome stay-at-home mom/baby dates. We met up in Newport Beach at my favorite breakfast joint... Panera. Of course I got my egg soufflet and of course we had a fabulous time conversing about old friends from our ward, mommy mishaps, and BYU football! (Kailee's husband was an equipment manager for the football team when I worked there but is now attending law school). Anywho, check out how adorable they are:

I told Kailee that Roman totally looks like the Gerber baby! He is such a cutie!

Anyway, my point is that I've been able to meet and befriend wonderful ladies through the church (thanks Relief Society... it's not just for old women) and our friendships are something I cherish (even if we don't see each other everyday).

Later on...

I showed Nohea how to use PhotoBooth on the Mac.

If you can't tell, she was pretty impressed.

{ who lives sees, but who travels sees more }

2011-10-19T00:55:00.003-06:00

If you know me, you know how much I LOVE to travel and will do so at any chance. Example: I took an impromptu flight yesterday to Long Beach to spend a week with the in-laws while Spencer is working out of town. If you've talked to me in the last four weeks you know that I do NOT love the security check point at the airport, now that I'm traveling with an infant. In most cases TSA employees are cranky, useless, power-hungry Nazis who want to make your life miserable (especially if you've ever flown out of John Wayne Airport in Orange County). I've taken a couple trips with my new baby and getting a stroller, carrier, diaper bag, and laptop through is not the business. Yesterday one of the TSA employees asked me if I was traveling alone. I nodded and he shook his head as in, "Woman you are crazy and you have my pity."

So with Spencer's new job I'll be traveling quite often depending on where he is. Oh and I will most likely be traveling ALONE... dun, dun, dun! But I've created a system and rules for myself while traveling with an infant:

1. Priority line for us moms. If you didn't know, you are now eligible for the priority lines with your baby in tow. Forget the long lines and skip ahead because now you are first class.

2. Pack light. Take clothes for both of you that you can wear more than two times (pants/shorts are good to cut down on - just rewear them and take more tops). You don't need accessories. I usually just wear the same necklace & earrings everyday. I only allow myself one suitcase for the both of us that I check in.

3. Dress light. Not only do I restrict myself with the clothes I take, but also what I wear to the airport. No baby shoes, no belt for me, and slip on shoes. This makes for a speedy recovery when everything comes out the other side of the x-ray machine.

4. Getting through security. Allow yourself ONE carryon. That includes a personal. Your personal item and carryon are the same thing. You don't need to carry unnecessary items. Putting your items through the x-ray machine can get tough especially when it comes out on the other end and you only have one hand. This is the order I like to put things through:

1) stroller

2) carrier

3) shoes

4) diaper bag (with liquids in a ziplock)

5) laptop

This makes it easier for when things come out the other end I can stand the stroller up, put in the carrier, place the baby in, put on my shoes and collect my laptop, purse, and other items.

5. Nurse your baby during take-off, but MORE importantly during landing. My baby is such a good little traveler. She usually sleeps the whole time and if she is sleeping I'll just leave her be because when she wakes up the first thing she does is yawn... and that will take care of her ears with the elevation change.

Our flight was delayed two hours yesterday so baby girl and I just chilled out and people watched - meaning she slept while I people watched. Spending time with my little baby and traveling are my favorite things to do... so why not do it together, right?

Do you have any traveling with infant tips?

Please share!

{ Golden Gate Bridge }

2011-10-17T14:10:00.004-06:00

Went for a Sunday drive to the bridge.

I still can't believe I'm here and this is our new home.

Spencer went on his first "on site" job today in Arizona. So rather than staying here by ourselves Nohea and I are on our way to Southern California to visit Papa and Gigi for the week. All I can say is that this baby is two months old and is already a little jet setter. I hope she and the rest of her siblings grow up loving to travel just like their mama.

Happy Monday!

{ Half Moon Bay }

2011-10-16T00:54:00.000-06:00

This place is amazing. No joke. More amazing than New York? Never. It's a close second, but let's be honest, nothing will ever be more amazing than New York.

Our little family ventured out to Half Moon Bay on Saturday for the Art & Pumpkin Festival...

{ date night: dr. seuss & pizookies }

2011-10-15T01:09:00.004-06:00

I've said it before, Spencer and I love Barnes & Noble dates. So now that Nohea is here we wanted to break her in to the family tradition. And the best way of doing it is with the great philosopher Dr. Seuss, my personal favorite.

***

"If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairytales."

-Einstein

***

Spencer and I shared our favorite children's books.

Spencer's childhood favorite: The Eleventh Hour by Graeme Base

My childhood favorite: Love You Forever by Robert Munsch

***

Aaaand we also shared a barbecue chicken pizza

Aaaand we also shared a peanut butter pizookie from BJ's

Aaaand if you remember right: happy wife, happy life.

Let's just say Spencer's life is pretty sweet.

{ San Mateo }

2011-10-14T20:35:00.005-06:00

Our little family ventured to San Mateo today to watch our cousin's high school football team. Our Aunty told us to bring our hats and sunscreen because it was really warm... aaaaaand she wasn't kidding! Note to self: September and October are the warmest months in the bay area. We took our hats, but no sunscreen. Luckily my little haole (white) baby didn't fry.

{the yellow striped bikini conversation}

2011-10-14T18:01:00.000-06:00

Spencer: that won't fit her (meaning my 2 month old baby)

Me: duh, it's for me

Spencer: are you kidding?

Me: um no (a little offended). I plan on wearing something over it AND I need some motivation AND it's only $6. (reasonable right?)

Spencer: okay, if you think you need it (this is his way of saying "I know you know you don't really need it, but I'll leave it up to you since you're a big girl and all" which I sometimes love/hate because he's ALWAYS thinking of opportunity cost).

So now I have a little bit more motivation to lose the baby-mama fat.

Also, Spencer said that if I lose the weight by Christmas he'll let me spend $1,000 on clothes. Cool right? Yeah, that would be pretty cool if it were true. Could you imagine Spencer saying that? Ha! Spencer stills wears clothes from high school because he's so frugal.

So anyway, here I am working hard so I can fit into this bikini (obviously with something over it) by Spring... aaaaaand if it doesn't work out at least it was only $6, right? That's what? A #3 at In-N-Out?

Mmmmmm cheeeeseburger... nom, nom, nom! :)

{ Pacifica }

2011-10-12T22:16:00.004-06:00

I know I'm going to have a love/hate relationship with Deloitte, but for this week I am LOVING that Spencer can work remotely. Next week, however, he'll be gone (sad face... enter the hate part of the relationship). So he's making up time with his family this week. Today after Spencer's two hour conference call we ran a few errands, lunched at Chipotle, and visited Pacifica which is about a ten minute drive from our place... and it was beautiful... a perfect 75 degrees beautiful.

Two things:

2011-10-12T19:31:00.003-06:00

1. If you watched the season premier of The Office you'll understand "the list". Here's mine:

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

My Family

...and then there's everything else.

2. After my run today I did a little bit of meditation and while doing so a question came to my mind: what is the greatest thing I can give my children?

Answer: The Gospel & an education.

Those two things will be worth more than the clothes I buy and even more than the trips we take. One way to create responsible, contributing, humane, and somewhat normal kids is by teaching them true principles and then living them. Joseph Smith said it best: "Teach them correct principles, and they govern themselves."

I was on Pinterest yesterday (typical) and repinned this inspirational quote by one of my favorite ladies:

Marjorie Pay Hinckley - “I don't want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully, tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails. I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp. I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbors children. I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone's garden. I want to be there with children's sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of a friend on my shoulder. I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived.”

I need to be more like her.

Happy Wednesday

{ shapin' things up }

2011-10-11T01:21:00.005-06:00

So this week I'm REALLY gonna do it.

And to prove it, I started today off with a 3.5 mile run around San Bruno.

I made an egg white veggie omelet, complete with cilantro (so yum!).

A little bit of yoga for stretching, strengthening, and meditation.

And surprisingly, a shower.

Oh, and thanks to Deloitte for allowing Spencer to work remotely. It makes a big difference when he's home so he can help me with baby in between conference calls.

Our place is coming together quite nicely. I love when everything is clean and organized. My aunt used to say, "everything has a place, so put it in its place" to which I've been perfecting in our little apartment.

Today I'll be doing the same routine, but possibly take some laps in our indoor pool since it's been raining. I'm really motivated. And since I've been here I've been cooking every meal. We haven't eaten out once, which is pretty cool to me and a lot healthier. I don't know what it is, possibly the newly remodeled kitchen I have to use or maybe the new pots and pans I've been cooking with... whatever it is, I've got the bug. The domestic housewife bug. And laundry... you're next.

Hopefully you're Monday was productive as well.

{If only I could find the box with my socks in them. I look like I'm running in leg warmers since I've been using Spencer's white tube socks for working out. Fail. }

And some Pinterest awesomeness for your enjoyment:

{ Nohea's first visit to downtown SF }

2011-10-09T19:49:00.000-06:00

My little angle might be misleading us, but she is one of the best travelers, shoppers, and explorers I know. Seriously. This little baby allows me the time I want to do all the above... and even get a five minute shower in. We headed downtown to San Francisco on the BART this weekend for a fun day together as a family. We first stopped at a barbecue hosted by Deloitte (Spencer's employer) and then headed to the city for Fleet Week. It was pretty awesome. It was like being back in New York again... only it was cleaner and obviously more protesters. Also, Nohea turned two months old... this is going by WAY too fast!

I love her pink glitter shoes.

Waiting for the BART

Just your everyday protester

Venders on Embarcadero

On our walk to Pier 39

Pier...

Enter Fleet Week and downtown SF

Lovin' our new city...

...so much to explore!

{ moving }

2011-10-08T00:29:00.006-06:00

moving. exciting, yet exhausting. i grew up moving quite often. so often that by the time i was in 8th grade i had moved six times. moving was fun for me as a child. new friends. new school. a new room to decorate. but now that i'm an adult and have to do a lot of the work, it's not as much fun. unpacking is better than packing and there is another upside to moving... it is a great way to de-clutter. unless it comes to my wardrobe, i'm not a "hoarder" i'm a "saver".

this week i've been trying to put our home together. little by little, one box at a time i'm making progress. it gets even more difficult when you're required to entertain a baby at the same time. our little home is currently perfect for our little family. nohea has a little room, i have my own closet, and the surrounding area is so quaint! spencer did a really good job selecting our home without me visiting... now that's trust!

it's a work in progress. don't judge.

this is the best way for nohea to help mommy... sleeeeeep!

i admit i have a clothe hoarding problem.

nohea's nursery. just like the rest of the condo it's coming together slowly but surely.

please excuse the mess.

we are currently under construction.

visitors welcome

...as soon as we put it all together!

{ we made it }

2011-10-05T20:29:00.001-06:00

After two months of craziness we finally made it to San Francisco. No more living out of a suitcase, no more wondering when we'll be together again, no more sleeping in different places every night. We are home sweet home and we couldn't be happier. Nohea even smiled at me yesterday when we were cleaning house, it was adorable and I'm pretty sure it's because we finally where we belong in San Francisco with her daddy.

If you want to know what it's like being a single parent all you need to do is fly. Fly as in take a flight... go through security... by yourself. That was an experience all by itself. But Nohea is such a good little traveler that she wasn't the problem, it was getting the diaper bag, laptop, stroller, and carrier through the x-ray machine WHILE holding a baby. Talk about a balancing act. I don't know how my mom did it with us three kids by herself, I could barely handle ONE child!

Nohea and I had a four hour layover in Long Beach so Papa Barlow picked us up for a quick lunch and visit with the southern California fam.

Anyway, we made it!

And thanks to JetBlue we got a row to ourselves.

{ planking }

2011-10-04T00:47:00.003-06:00

as a "send off" activity, my cousins and i went planking... and it was glorious!

bike rack plank

jcw's plank

(and yes we got ourselves a shake!)

rail plank

scooter plank

bathroom stall plank

swing plank

wendy's menu plank

and my personal favorite...

almost 8 week old baby nohea plank

you can pretty much plank anything. i challenge you to give it a try... you'll find it's a lot dumber than it looks... but also VERY fun!

happy tuesday!

namaste plank whaaaaaat?!?

{ i believe in Christ }

2011-10-02T22:37:00.004-06:00

This Conference Weekend Inspired words were spoken, testimonies were strengthened, and my beloved Prophet announced more temples to dot the earth. I love hearing from the brethren and leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saint. My cup runneth over.

Spencer translated for General Conference in the Pohnpeian language on Saturday. This is his third year being on the translation team and he plans to continue while we're living in San Francisco. Keeping up with the language from his mission is important to him and he loves being a part of the experience.

We shared a spectacular weekend with our families, but more importantly with each other. It had been a long two weeks apart from each other and I can honestly say he completes me. I am so grateful to my husband for being a worthy priesthood holder and someone who loves being the father of my child (and other future children). I am blessed.

Hope you had an inspiring and uplifting weekend.

{ date night - burgers }

2011-10-01T13:42:00.001-06:00

since we don't have much family in san francisco we went out on an impromptu date while my mom was willing to take baby. smash burger and a jcw's peanut butter/oreo shake reconnected our souls (and stomach). from here on out we'll be paying not only for our date but also for a babysitter.

did i ever tell you i stopped eating hamburgers during college? that's right. for about six years i didn't touch one... mainly because i had a bad experience with a burger from sonics and from watching super size me. anywho, last year (christmas eve to be exact) we were down in california doing our last minute christmas shopping. for some odd reason i was craving a cheeseburger and of course spencer obliged to buy me one at the nearest in'n'out. he thought it was a christmas miracle... but the next week we found out i was pregnant.

post-pregnancy i am still eating burgers... and i don't mind as long as they have cheese on them. our favorite places for burgers are Tommy's and In-n-Out, both California joints.

what's your favorite place for a burger and shake?

{ toodles }

2011-09-30T23:43:00.004-06:00

So how do you tell someone you love goodbye? You don't. You simply run out on them at a BYU football game before you have an emotional breakdown and then later plan a trip to visit each other. I've said goodbye to my friends in Utah about ten times already and yet they can't get rid of me. Well, my time is up. I'm leavin' on a jet plane, don't know when I'll be back again... but I will be back. And our reunion will be glorious!

Spencer and I took Nohea to her first BYU football game tonight and sat next to some of my very best friends (Lisa & Gillian). Nohea was such a good baby until the fourth quarter and so we had to leave a little early (dang it!). I don't know about you but I'm terrible at goodbyes. And it's especially bad now that I'm overly sensitive due to the high levels of hormones. I could barely get the words out "I love you" to my dear friends. I'm pathetic. But when you grow so close to people it's tough to say goodbye when they've made such a difference in your life.

the loves of my life

nohea's first game sitting front row

i love you girls!

sorry i couldn't keep it together.

i'll be better the next time around.

go cougars!

{ friday smooches }

2011-09-30T15:52:00.003-06:00

Nohea and I had our check ups yesterday. She got her two month shots (poor baby) and I got cleared to work out and other things, wink, wink. I still have a LONG ways to go to get back to my original weight, but I'm looking forward to a daily routine once we're out in SF. (Side note: don't mind my double chin in the photos below, which my cousin Meikel said they are neck rolls and there is a difference.) Nohea was a trooper getting her two month shots, although I don't think I've ever seen her face that red. I have a tough baby who is now 11 pounds and 5 ounces. She is starting to talk a lot more and apparently her tickle spot is her double chin... oh man does my heart melt when she smiles!

Today we had a lovely lunch with Aunt Susan at SLAB Pizza and a little trip to the mall that included a stop at See's Candy... ooooh the chocolate! We're just getting ready to head out to the football game and see my BYU friends for the last time. Spencer has FINALLY been reunited with his girls... and we LOVE having him home!

have a lovely weekend!

I'm not like a regular mom, I'm a cool mom

2011-09-29T20:19:00.002-06:00

So apparently when you become a mom, you're no longer considered "cool" and apparently your dance moves go out the window (according to my sister). But "I'm not like a regular mom, I'm a cool mom." I don't wear the "mom pants", I still jam to Beyonce, and in my own opinion I have style. Just to prove how cool I am, would a lame mom do this?

I'm pretty cool, eh?

(Sliding Rock yesterday)

Also, to prove that I'm not yet old fashioned Nohea will be wearing this adorable dress in the near future when she grows into it (thanks to Gigi):

found at Baby Gap

Honestly, I'm not concerned about being the "cool mom". I've been taught by Mom to be a parent first. Too many kids are messed up because they were never disciplined or taught to respect adults because they simply don't respect their parents. I, on the other hand, had my share of beatings (all of them deserved when I was out of line). If you know a polynesian, you know they probably got whipped with the belt or wooden spoon... in my case both. But I'm sure grateful to my mom who never let me get away with anything... the poor choices I made resulted in a good beating... something I like to call "life's lessons." Mom would always say, "think with your head, not your okole" (okole = Hawaiian for butt). Pretty good advice. Especially because when you're young and stupid, you're usually thinking with your butt. Anyway, if I'm no longer cool so be it... I'll trade in all my "cool points" if it means I'm a good parent.

{ I'm so glad when Daddy comes home! }

2011-09-28T13:29:00.004-06:00

Spencer returns to his girls tomorrow night and I AM SO EXCITED! It's been almost TWO weeks since we've seen him. I try to send him pictures and videos of Nohea to keep him updated with how fast she's growing, but it's not the same. Spencer is translating again for conference and then we're both leaving Utah for good and starting our lives in San Francisco on Sunday... a great way to start off the week.

I'm looking forward to a sweet reunion with Spencer and a fabulous "last" weekend in Salt Lake City with my family. Mostly, I'm excited to hear from my Prophet and be spiritually fed.

PS - I'm looking forward to the fall season! I bought this tube scarf at H&M for $8 down in Orange County. I can't wait to wear it out in the city, possibly with my new Sperry's or maybe with some boots - weather depending.

And don't worry, I bought something for Nohea at Baby Gap. By the way, I could spend hours in Baby Gap drooling over all of the cute clothes for kids.

Cable Knit Dress

Ponte Pants

And since I didn't want to leave Spencer out we went to Orange and shopped at The Block. I bought him his much wanted USC basketball shorts... mostly because if I buy myself something I figure I should even it out by purchasing something he REALLY wants... this way he usually let's me keep the "needed" items. I'm a good wife & mother, right?

{ some awesomeness }

2011-09-27T23:21:00.007-06:00

Have you ever been on your lunch break and saw a group of moms with their babies enjoying a leisurely lunch (often at Kneaders) or storming the mall with their strollers? I have. Many times in fact. And I would think out loud to Lisa or Gillian "wouldn't it be nice to be a stay-at-home mom and go to lunch with my friends or shopping?" Well, I experienced that today. And I'm not gonna lie, it was pretty awesome! And because I'm car-less, my cousin Christiana taxied me around Utah County.

Stop #1: Malawi's Pizza

(Sort of like Tom's shoes, for every meal purchased they provide a nutritious meal for a child in Malawi, Africa)

Stop #2: La Jolla Groves

Don't call me a fatty... okay, go ahead and call me a fatty because I'm pretty sure we stopped off at See's Candy after we had a second lunch all within 2 hours. Boo. Fatty.

Stop #3: Nordstrom

Seriously, I was "just looking" and the next thing I know I'm ordering these Sperry's

in my size and having them expedited to my home by some fabulous looking gentleman from South America so I can wear them this weekend. Nohea bought her daddy something awesome that goes on his feet but just in case he's reading this I can't say. Buyer's remorse? Definitely.

Stop #4: TJ Maxx

I actually bought something meaningful. A journal. I'm not the best at writing in my journal but I'm excellent at blogging. Something is wrong with this picture. So I've decided to start (for the 23rd time this year) writing in my journal again. Especially with baby girl here and our new life in San Francisco I'd better write those personal/inspiring feelings down.

Stop #5: The Body Shop

I'm in love with this stuff:

It's The Body Shop's Vitamin C Skin Boost and it seriously feels like you're moisturizing with silk. This stuff is yummy!

Nohea is a patient shopper and loves to spoil Mommy by allowing her the time I need for retail therapy. By the way, I would rather use the baby carrier-thingy that I strap on rather than using a stroller. It's just easier.

PS - Highlight of the day (besides buying a pair of Sperry's): Booked my ticket for San Francisco. I'm leaving Sunday. I'm excited.

{ last week in the UT }

2011-09-26T00:34:00.004-06:00

Utah is a special place. So special in fact that I am proud to call it home. Even though I make fun of all the corky Utards (yes I realize I'm one of them) this state has a special place in my heart. Yes there are terrible drivers (especially on Sundays), overzealous couponers, and lots of green jello... but the mountains are beautiful and it's a relatively safe place to raise a family - not to mention my family is here.

Last November when we decided to move to San Francisco we started a Utah bucket list. We didn't make it very long:

1. Alpine Slide

2. Hike Timp

3. ?

4. ?

5. ?

See? Our bucket list is pretty sad and short. Maybe it's because we're boring and don't know what else to do in Utah... actually I'm pretty sure we didn't make the list long or check off the things on our list because I was pregnant and because we're cheap... errr, I mean frugal.

But because we don't know how long we'll be in San Francisco, I've started a San Francisco bucket list on Pinterest and I'm excited. Places to eat, sights to see... oh and I'm open for suggestions. I loved living in New York and took advantage of a lot of things the city had to offer. I'm excited to do it all over again... in another awesome city... with my baby girl in tow.

Utah...

we will miss you...

San Francisco...

Aloooooooha!

{how lucky am i to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard}

2011-09-25T23:02:00.007-06:00

had an epic weekend with a few people i love. and yes, i used the word epic.

i don't know about you, but i have amazing friends.

amazing friends who blog and don't judge me that i blog

(even when i blog too much and too much about my baby)

i'm going to miss these girls. i already miss seeing them daily.

and don't get me started on how much i'm going to miss byu.

saying goodbye is hard.

but i know it means a sweet reunion is in store.

...san francisco, here we come. please don't disappoint.

{ The 2nd Best Day of My Life }

2011-09-21T22:55:00.003-06:00

We all know the best day of my life was marrying my eternal husband in the San Diego Temple. It was a pretty awesome day. And the reception was literally out of this world funzo! So the second best day of my life? I'm pretty sure you can guess. Spencer gave his version of what went down, but now I'm going to give you mine... with these awesome photos my cousin Meikel took (and yes, if you've been to SLAB Pizza she is the one that created the Meikel slice... pretty awesome to have food named after you. Oh and the Luke is her husband, which is my personal favorite). Also she has photographed Alice Lane and Nie Nie (view here). She's pretty awesome. Okay, here we go...

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

8:25 AM - I'm late to work. Typical at this point in my pregnancy. I train my replacement all morning and then hear my in-laws are flying in for the next couple of nights and staying up in Park City. I'm totally up for a spontaneous night in a Marriott bed... oh the comfort!

12:30 PM - I leave work for the day not knowing it would be the last time I would walk out as Tom Holmoe's assistant. I miss it now. But I am glad I didn't have to do one of those formal goodbyes where I'm hugging and crying everyone.

5:00 PM - Spencer and I shop around the outlets. My contractions are about 10 minutes apart and somewhat painful, but not too bad. An added bonus: I bought some cute things for Baby B at Baby Gap.

7:00 PM - We meet my in-laws at the Marriott and check into our rooms.

8:00 PM - We leave for a great dinner an italian place called Fuego. Contractions are still 10 minutes apart.

10:00 PM - We drive to Smith's to get ice cream and some breakfast items. While I wait in the car with Spencer's sister my contractions get stronger and shorter, about 5-8 minutes. I realize we should probably head to the hospital.

11:00 PM - We FINALLY leave for the hospital. We grabbed our stuff from our hotel room and ask the front desk if they can take the charges off of our room. I think they obliged because I was standing there in pain holding my belly and Spencer's opening line was "My wife has gone into labor and I've got to get her to the hospital. Can you take the charges off our room?" Thank you Marriott friends.

Between the time we left the hotel and arrived at the hospital a few things happened: got stuck in traffic (thanks to construction) in Parley's Canyon, Spencer accidentally missed the exit and put us in the direction of the University of Utah, got stuck in traffic (thanks to construction) in Lehi, and my pain escalated quickly. Contractions were 1-3 minutes apart... OUCH! I sat in a fetal position crying most of the way. And thanks to Baby Barlow's posterior position, all of my labor pain was in my back. Awesome. At one point Spencer said, "I know this is a dumb question, but are we going home first or going straight to the hospital?" One word: wow!

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

12:30 AM - Check into the hospital. I am dilated to a five and 90% effaced. When the nurse told me I cried a little harder due to pain, but mostly due to "crap this baby is coming soon!" Also, my doctor had been on vacation and I was worried he was still out of town. Luckily his daughter was one of the nurses and told me the boat broke while they were at Powell so they came back a day early... and I can breath.

1:30 AM - Mike, the anesthetist becomes my best friend and the epidural works magic on my trembling body. Ahhhhhh, I can finally relax. Spencer's reaction: "This is the nicest Lia has been in the last three days."

2:00 AM - My body starts itching ALL over. I have a reaction to the epidural so they give me a generous dose of Benedryl and I doze off. At this point, I remember my mom and cousin Meikel leave for Beto's and Spencer calling his parents who we left in Park City telling them that the baby is coming tonight.

7:00 AM - Spencer wakes me up to present a name for the baby. We agree that she will be named Nohealani Desiree Terewai Barlow. I'm fully dilated and almost 100% effaced. Also, my in-laws were so excited they checked out of their room as well and drove down to Orem to stay at our apartment so they could be closer when the baby came.

8:00 AM - Dr. Judd comes in to let me know I can either wait another two hours to see if Baby Barlow's head will turn or he can do it with forceps now. My mom answers for me, "Use the forceps. Let's get this baby out!" Somebody was excited to meet her first grandchild. So everything was prepared for me to deliver... "it was time!"

8:53 AM - I go from "pregnant lady" to "mother" just like that. Weird, but lovely.

Nohealani Desiree Terewai Barlow

The second best day of my life.

{ some sugar to start off the week }

2011-09-19T22:31:00.000-06:00

Let's be honest, it's a lot more fun with a baby girl. You can dress them up in bows, buy girly things for them, and do their hair. I think I've had a little too much fun with Nohea, but she's only this little for so long and then the next thing you know she'll be asking me to wear make up.

i don't have anything profound to say. i simply adore my baby girl. she has been such an easy baby and perfect for my transition into motherhood and also the big move to san francisco. my biggest hope for this little angel is that she will be a good example for her younger siblings. it's a lot of pressure, but i'm certain she will do an excellent job.

{ byu fooseball }

2011-09-18T11:50:00.003-06:00

last night was a little ridiculous. we're byu fans through and through, but we got jimmered... REALLY bad... 54-10 really bad. but it's okay. we still love BYU! forever and ever! and besides, spencer and i had a great time at the game with our family.

spencer flew from san francisco to pick me and baby up in huntington beach friday night. saturday morning we flew back to utah for the game and then this morning (sunday) spencer left for the airport at 5:30 to fly back to san francisco. he then packed his bags and caught a 5 p.m. flight to dallas for training this week. he's a traveling fool... an exhausted traveling fool. even though our time together was short, we had a great time with our families this weekend (minus the football game). oh and getting on national television was pretty cool too.

ps - i'm a huge fan of night games.

pps - i ran into my friend angelique who was tom holmoe's secretary before me.

ppps - jimmer jammer made a cameo as well. spencer and i might be kings fans just while we're in the bay area... you know, so we can cheer on our fellow cougar!

{ love }

2011-09-16T15:48:00.001-06:00

i love this baby.

she is the sweetest thing in my life... ever!

{ raise your hand if you miss daddy }

2011-09-16T13:26:00.002-06:00

Nohea and I are so excited daddy is coming back from San Francisco today!

We're spending one more night in Huntington Beach before we head back to Utah tomorrow morning just in time for the BYU/Utah game... Go Cougars!!! But before we head back to Utah we're spending some QT with Spencer's cousins who just arrived from Hong Kong last night. Remember when I blogged about the twins being born? (view here) Well, they are growing up so quickly:

Jet & Indie

Nohea was so excited (excited meaning she slept the entire time we were visiting) to meet her second cousins last night.

Have a great weekend & Goooooooooo Cougars!

{ blue cheese bacon & shrimp wedge salad }

2011-09-15T20:58:00.002-06:00

Gigi and I made a scrum-didley-umptious lunch today. And it was on the healthy side... minus the bacon. I really like eating salad this way because let's be honest, eating salad is sort of ugly. You pick up all the awkward shaped items in your salad on a fork and somehow shove it all in your mouth with out dropping any of it. Wedge salad on the other hand is more convenient. You slice it as if it were a piece of meat. I'm convinced it is a little less messy. This salad can be made the way you like it... with anything you like. We had left over corn on the cob from dindin last night so we cut it off and threw it in the salad. Yummers! One thing I love about California is their fresh produce... so perfect! We ate watermelon, strawberries, and (my personal favorite) fresh mango as our side dish!

{ home-in-law }

2011-09-15T13:12:00.004-06:00

I've been staying at my in-laws this week while Spencer is in San Francisco working his cute bum off. (Can't wait for him to return tomorrow!) It's been nice to just relax and hang out with my mother-in-law. I've always loved their home. Not only is it beautiful, but there is a beautiful spirit you can feel here. And when it is filled with family and laughter their home feels even warmer.

And one of my personal favorites in the house...
old school pictures of my handsome husband.

{ life lately according to my iPhone }

2011-09-14T21:05:00.003-06:00

oops. i did it again. we still don't have iphones. dang. (come on sugar daddy!)

1. shopping in old downtown fullerton, ca with Haven & Mom
2. working on her blue steel look for the avon cutest baby contest
3. hanging out with great grandpa wihongi (spencer's mom's dad)
4. meeting great grandma aledo for the first time in san diego (my mom's mom)
5. smiling because she probably just passed gas
6. hanging out with the cousins
7. testing the "a moment on your lips, a lifetime on your hips" saying. and yes gillian & lisa, we will be making this cinnamon roll cake. and yes that is pure brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter on the top. and yes it calls for 1.5 CUPS of butter... so you know it's heavenly.

hope you're all having a fantabulous week!

Recipe for Cinnamon Roll Cake found HERE.

{ dream }

2011-09-14T00:58:00.004-06:00

I was conversing with my mother-in-law about how the Lord softened my heart - not that I was being prideful - okay I admit I was sort of prideful. A little over a year ago, last July to be exact, I had a dream. Not one of those Martin Luther King Jr. dreams. Just a simple deep sleep dream that I didn't think was a big deal. But I'm pretty sure it was the Lord helping me out. I should remind you about the "plans" I had for myself and Spencer. We were going to be working out in San Francisco for a couple of years making six figures and "living the life", aka enjoying all that life without kids could bring. But was I wrong. Instead the Lord lovingly blessed me with something I needed more than fine dining and designer clothes (even though I'd appreciate those occasionally). He lovingly gave me a child.

But anyway, back to my dream. I woke up one morning telling Spencer I had a dream we had a baby girl. I remember it like it was yesterday. Spencer and I were sitting on the corner of our bed holding the baby in between us. It was day time. We were happy. And... my baby girl was white.

Behold:

I know it was the Lord preparing me - hinting to me that my children are waiting to come down to earth, sort of like a courtesy call.

I have a point and I will get to it after I tell you this:

I am one of those people who needs to know what is going on. I have a planned schedule and I try my best to keep it together. I pride myself in my punctuality. Spencer can confirm this by telling you I would stand at the front door tapping my toe impatiently at him for not being ready to go and making me late for work. Spencer can also confirm that most mornings we go over what our plans are that day and what needs to get done. Like I said/wrote, I need to know what is going on.

But sometimes in life, you just don't know.

You don't know what the Lord has planned for you. And when you get that curve ball, you've just got to brace yourself, put on a smile, and go with it.

That is my point.

Sometimes things happen in our lives we don't "plan" for... but most of the time the unexpected events are exactly what we need.

I am happy.
I am happy Nohea was given to us unexpectedly.
And I am happy to report that life with our baby girl and being a family is our current definition of "living the life".

What's yours?

{ desiree }

2011-09-13T23:49:00.000-06:00

I know I don't have a life.
I realize I take too many pictures.
I'm pretty sure you all know I'm obsessed.
I have an 8 and 4 GB memory card that are both full.
but...
whatever.
I'm a mom and I love my baby girl.
I may or may not stand a chance.
But I don't care.
I'm pretty sure that when I have another baby
I won't love one child more than the other.
I will simply grow another heart.

I love my little Desiree baby.
Nohealani Desiree Terewai

{ Porto's }

2011-09-12T22:48:00.003-06:00

Nohea & I had our first play date with my long time friend Maria and her 15 month year old daughter Kaia. Maria took us to a place called Porto's in Downey, CA which is a Cuban restaurant and bakery. I ate a little too much and let's just say I'll be starting my diet and workout NEXT Monday. Oops. We ate empanadas, tiramisu, ham croquettes, tortas, and other delightful "Cuban" food. It was so nice to catch up with an old friend and enjoy yummy food.

{i admit... i have a weakness for tiramisu}

If you get the opportunity to try out Porto's I suggest you do. I was standing in the bakery line looking at all of the goodness and asked about a cookie. I wanted to know what it was. The Porto's employee pulled it out for me to try... on the house! There must be something about Cuban hospitality... and I like it. Experience: excellent & and I am recommending it to all.

Cuban's know how to do it right... at least I think so.

PS - the cookie I tried on the house is called a Florentine (a thin crunchy cookie made with almonds and sugar and then dipped in chocolate).

It's a bird... it's a plane... it's...

2011-09-12T08:47:00.001-06:00

super baby!

with chubby legs...

who is like "come on people! get it together. i don't have all day. give me a bottle already. (rolling her eyes) amateurs."

I cannot believe it has aready been a month! Nohea is growing quickly and perfectly. She's getting more and more meat on her bones, she's good at holding her head up, and she has been practicing her vocals (she's getting really good at crying). We love having her around to keep us on our toes.

Spencer left yesterday for San Francisco. So now it's just baby and me - but it's not all that bad. We're still in Huntington Beach at my in-laws on "vacation" so I can't complain about being a single parent for the week. Plus, my MIL took the week off to spend with us. Last night Nohea wanted to wish her daddy well for his big first day at work:

We love you Daddy!

...but um, seriously, bring home the bacon.

{ imperfections }

2011-09-10T18:48:00.001-06:00

Why is it that fat rolls, double chins, and dimples look the cutest on babies? Why can't we as adults catch a break with our little imperfections? I told myself I would start working out two weeks after I gave birth but apparently I can't seem to shake the ice cream craving and since life has been so crazy In-N-Out and Del Taco have been our staples... along with Special K for breakfast.

So today I was looking in the mirror getting ready for another day at the beach and saw something I didn't like: my good friend cellulite. It has surfaced all over the back of my thighs, dang it! I used Pinterest as a motivator for me to get back into shape - all of those motivational Nike quotes - and Weight Watcher's recipes. But (a big butt) I am still in my post-baby stage with no desire to run or diet. Instead I'd rather take pictures and naps and blog.

I tell myself I'll start Monday, but it seems my desires to get back into shape are only intentions. And my intentions always start on Monday and end about Monday mid- morning. Oops. But seriously I need to start running or doing something active because these habits I've created during pregnancy are dangerous! I've lost 15 pounds just from Nohea being evicted, blood loss, and of course birthing the placenta. So without further ado I am making goals and putting them up here so that I feel more accountable:

Lose 20 pounds by Halloween
Eat 5 servings of fruits & veggies/day
Limit one sweet a day... oops I mean a week (huge challenge for me)
Once Halloween arrives no sweets until Thanksgiving
Drink at least 2 liters of water every day
Train for the Golden Gate half marathon (February)

I'm not a big believer of those lose weight quick-liquid-starve yourself diets, nor am I a believer in surgical weight loss. The healthiest way (maybe not the quickest) to lose weight is to eat to live, meaning a balanced diet, and exercise. It takes time, but I know I feel better and have more energy when I do things the right way... plus Spencer appreciates that I'm not crabby due to starvation. PS - It's hard to get back into shape but I know the first step is just getting out the door.

Oh and one more thing... I don't feel guilty about the weight I've gained or the new dimples in my butt because this:

was ALL worth it!

{ sunshine }

2011-09-09T11:35:00.004-06:00

I can't tell you how much fun it has been being a mommy. I'm one of those lucky moms who gets to stay home with her babies and watch them grow. And I'm so grateful. I don't think I could handle missing a minute of my precious little girl's life. It is already going by so fast. Where is the pause button? Spencer continues to be a wonderful daddy. He takes care of his girls and loves talking to baby. It makes me smile. They are both the sunshine in my life.

"you make me happy when skies are grey"

{ Nohea's First Beach Day }

2011-09-08T19:08:00.003-06:00

We took Nohea down to the beach today to test out her swimming skills. Unfortunately it was too windy we couldn't get her out past the umbrella, which was fine because she ended up just wanting to nap all afternoon. We are loving our little vacation before Spencer leaves us on Sunday for San Francisco. It's the little things and the short time we have together that will mean the most in the long run. We are sad to lose Daddy next week (and hopefully we survive without him) but we know he is working super hard to take care of his girls.

Today was also special because Nohea got to meet her Aunty Haven and cousin Safi for the first time. We had so much fun at the beach today. It was both relaxing and much needed after the big move and the last week of craziness.

{ Nohea has wings! }

2011-09-07T15:52:00.004-06:00

Delta wings, that is. At four weeks Nohea took her first airplane ride to visit Papa and Gigi Barlow in Orange County. I was a little worried because I'm usually one of those passengers that looks to the back of the plane to the screaming kid thinking, "can they please shut their kid up!" No patience I know. But rather than Nohea screaming her head off (which is probably what I deserve thinking those impatient & apathetic thoughts of other screaming kids) she slept the entire way. Unfortunately, the little three year old girl in front of us was screaming her head off, "Mom! I want to go poo!" over and OVER - which was both annoying and comical. So the moral of this story is that we survived our first plane ride as parents... but looked like total fools when we were going through the medal detector at security with the whole car seat... um fail! Just FYI, you're supposed to take the baby OUT of the car seat (Samsonite! I was WAY off!).

When we got to Orange County Gigi Barlow was working our gate. Can you tell how excited Nohea was to see Gigi Barlow? We're so glad Gigi works so hard to allow us flight benefits!

And so begins our California vacation...

{ labor day according to my iPhone }

2011-09-05T22:40:00.004-06:00

Oh wait. I don't have an iPhone because my husband is too practical and we have what we need (even if it means I use a phone from 1995). So I guess i should say Labor Day according to our camera which I have named Razzi (after paparazzi).

Enjoy:

1. Our summer home

2. Great Grandpa Barlow

3. Gustav... a 20 year old family pet

4. Where I spent the last four summers - in the pool or poolside

5. Iron works. Uncle Doug's company is pretty awesome (Davinci Details)

6. Iron basket. Another one of Uncle Doug's creations.

7. Trampoline fun with my cousins

and...

8. Some chubby happiness

{ blessed }

2011-09-04T20:12:00.003-06:00

today was a special day.

1) The Princess... looking like a complete angel :)

2) Grandma Nani making her blessing dress out of my wedding dress lace.

3) Nohea's baby blessing haku... the one I wore when I was blessed 26 years ago.

4) The dress

5) 3 generations of Nohea's maternal side

6) 4 generations of Noheas paternal side... sort of.

7) Proud Daddy

8) Yours truly & Baby Nohea on her special day

Spencer and I have been blessed with a beautiful baby girl, loving friends, and supporting family. It was a memorable day today and I'm so grateful we could share it with our love ones.

Hope your sabbath was as uplifting as ours.

San Bruno Residents & Cuteness

2011-09-02T20:12:00.005-06:00

As of today we are officially residents of San Francisco. Spencer signed our lease and we will be living in San Bruno for the next couple of years. Last week PricewaterhouseCooper had an senior position open in Salt Lake and asked Spencer to apply, but we both decided that we need to get out of our comfort zone and stick with our original plan. It would be nice to stay in Utah with our family so close, but we know this move will be good for us as a family. It will be hard with him traveling so much for work, but through prayer we feel it will be best for us... not to mention new opportunities to meet and serve new people.

Baby girl and I had a fun day together waiting around for Spencer to get back from San Francisco. I can't believe everything is coming together and coming so fast! On top of us being out of here so soon, baby girl started cooing at me and it is the cutest thing! She is growing up so fast! I can't believe it's already been three and a half weeks! Where does time go? Next thing you know we'll be pregnant with our next baby... craziness!

here's some cuteness for you to enjoy:

{ I don't mind }

2011-09-01T12:24:00.003-06:00

I don't mind getting up in the early hours of the morning to feed her if it means I get to kiss my little snuggle bug.

I don't mind that I change her runny, poopy diaper on my lap and then she pees all over me.

I don't mind that my hair is never brushed, that my face lacks make-up, and that I smell like barf.

I don't mind that my girlfriends are out shopping or lunching while I'm just getting in the shower for the day.

I don't mind if my clothes don't fit and that "my body will never be the same".

I don't mind that she smiles more in her sleep than when I'm playing with her.

I don't mind that she will be a total Daddy's Girl and I will be chopped liver.

I don't mind.

Just as long as I can call her my baby girl forever.

Mornings are rough for me. I feel as though I've been hit by a train and I'm pretty sure I look like it too. But when I put Nohea next to me on the bed after her breakfast, I can't help but smile at the beautiful baby God has blessed me with. So cheers to the lack of sleep & cheers to all the lovely mothers out there who have lived my current life... especially my own mother.

Our lives this week...

2011-08-31T22:19:00.003-06:00

1. Packing like there's no tomorrow.

2. Taking care of Nohea between packing.

2.5. Nohea is three weeks today!

(so crazy how fast time flies!)

A word to the wise: I do not recommend having a baby and then moving three weeks later. It's a little stressful and not very fun. Not to mention you might lose your mind. This has been a crazy week and there is no end is sight of the craziness --- we're moving into my mom's, moving our stuff into storage for three weeks before it's moved again out to San Francisco, having a garage sale on Saturday right before a funeral, blessing Nohea on Sunday, and leaving for Huntington Beach next Tuesday. Wow. I think I'll need some retail therapy next week at H&M... oh wait... I'm still fat from being prego. Guess I'll be running my arssss off while I'm on "vacation".

Hope your week is better than ours.

Oh, and if I don't blog again before the weekend, I hope you have a lovely Labor Day Weekend!

it's official...

2011-08-29T11:22:00.004-06:00

...my mom is crazy!

I wake up every morning and Mom wants to take more photos of me. She doesn't even bother to ask me if I'm game - oh no, she just picks me up and totally makes me feel ridiculous! Can somebody please give her a job or help her with another hobby? Sewing? Scrapbooking? Cooking? Come on! We're in Utah for crying out loud, there has got to be something else that can take up her time so I can catch up on some Z's!

Aloha & Mahalo,

Nohealani

PS - I admit I do love my new hat. But the naked baby thing has got to STOP!

"Okay Mom! You've had your fun for the day. It's cold and I'm worried about your mental health. Put some clothes on me and feed me!"

Terewai x 2

2011-08-28T22:44:00.008-06:00

Terewai & Terewai on a Sunday afternoon...

...napping.

Aunty Terewai & Baby Terewai

{notice they are both sleeping with their hands over their mouths...

perhaps to protect their big lips?}

Spencer's sister, Taylor Terewai, has been hanging out with us this week moving into her dorm room and preparing for her freshman year at BYU. Nohea is named after Aunty Taylor - Terewai, meaning "fast moving/rushing water" in the Maori language. Nohea LOVES having Aunty Taylor around to play with... and looks forward to her visiting us in San Francisco!

Good luck to Taylor at BYU!

Make us proud!

Oh and don't get married until you at least finish your freshman year!

{ we get better with age }

2011-08-28T16:00:00.005-06:00

About two months after we married I remember my aunt telling me "you guys are young and stupid, you'll make mistakes." I thought naively, "I'm not stupid and I won't make mistakes." Yeah right. Who am I kidding? I make mistakes every day.

Example?

I failed this morning when I made an attempt to attend church.

I was getting ready for church late as usual and at 1:00 P.M. we are ready to walk out the door. Unfortunately, baby wakes up crying for no apparent reason. I had JUST fed her thirty minutes prior - maybe it's because I forgot to brush my teeth? I don't know what it was that made her upset but rather than sticking to the plan, I kicked off my heels and call it a day - yes it's only 1:00 P.M. I was already annoyed because I'm in that limbo phase where my regular clothes don't fit and also my maternity clothes don't either, leaving me completely frumpy - not to mention we were up until 3:00 A.M. this morning trying to get her to latch on (breastfeeding has been a challenge for me, but that's another post for later). Exhausted, I take baby out of her car seat grab the My Breast Friend nursing pad and sit on my bed for another feeding. At this point I tell Spencer to just go without me and kiss him goodbye.

Next...

Baby takes a few minutes to latch on.

I turn on the Mormon Tabernacle Choir to help sooth baby (and myself since we are currently missing sacrament).

My phone beeps and it's a text from our bishopric reminding me I'm supposed to say the closing prayer.

Fail.

Oh well. At least there is still hope for me to 1) be better at getting ready for church on time, 2) not getting too overwhelmed trying to take care of baby, and 3) remember when someone is counting on me... and not use the "baby card" to get out of attending church.

I love that quote about making mistakes:

"Mistakes are proof that you are trying"

"Let's make better mistakes, tomorrow"