All About the Benjamins

blossom

2009-04-26T19:26:00.000-07:00

Our Little Artist

2009-03-22T11:17:00.001-07:00

Audrey's 2nd Birthday!

2009-02-08T10:50:00.001-08:00

Audrey is 2! Saturday we celebrated her birthday with friends at Gymboree.

Most of the kids were two as well. Here's Audrey with her friends, Anna, Isaac, Caroline, and Ruby.
We sort of got all the kids together here, Laia, Aamirah and Kamron joined us, but then I couldn't get Caroline and Ruby in the picture!
Enjoying a little cake! Sadly I didn't take pictures, but we also made mini pizza's with faces on them, dinosaur nuggets, chicken croquettes and fruit screwers.
Audrey REALLY enjoyed her cupcakes...Mom, Dad and Grandma made "Very Berry" cupcakes and shaped them into a fish. Thanks Angie for the recipe!
Blowing out the candles with the help of Daddy.

Audrey mesmerized by the bubbles!

Below: Anna smiling for the camera!
Aamirah and her dad...
Audrey and Grandma Marie!
Making a little music...

Anna and her dad Eric...

Thanks to all who made Audrey's birthday a success. I really feel blessed to have such a wonderful family and great friends. Enrico and I always say to each other, we can't believe how great parenthood has been. There are challenges, but even the challenges are rewarding. We're striving to raise a responsible, capable and loving human being...and I feel good that over the last two years we've been able to learn and grow along with Audrey. She's now talking and exploring the world around her...and through her we are gaining a new appreciation for the beauty of the world.

Celebrating the big 2 with Aamirah

2009-01-29T21:44:00.001-08:00

This past weekend Audrey attended our friend's daughter's birthday party. Her name is Aamirah and she turned 2!

Aamirah's parents really laid it out for the kids...

Below, Audrey with the birthday girl Aamirah

They got to build bears...

Eat sweets...
And hang out...
I can't believe Audrey will be turning 2 Feb. 7th! How time flies.

Lights, Camera, Action!

2009-01-14T16:53:00.001-08:00

Don't worry, I'm not becoming a stage mom (although I think I have the propensity to be one)...we were contacted by a woman who needed baby models for her new cookbook.

Audrey really loves hamming it up for the camera, and she takes direction really well, but I was really surprised at how well she did.

At one point she didn't like what was being fed to her, but she kept right along with the shoot, grabbing a big spoonful, opening her mouth, and putting the spoon to her mouth. She didn't take a bite though, she just looked at the camera like, "Ok, are you getting this, this is what you want right?"

(I don't know why that above line is bold and underlined...sorry!)
She even wanted to help clean up. The book is scheduled to be released in May. It's called "Alina Cucina: World Cuisine for Babies." It focuses on tasty recipes from around the world. The website is alinacucina.com

Ringing in the New Year...Parenthood Style!

2009-01-03T11:49:00.000-08:00

Dylan, Anna, and Audrey
Audrey, looking like she had too much to drink.

None of the girls were interested in this horse until Anna decided to jump on it.
Rico lingering around the table, thinking, "Yummy, yummy sushi!"

We've been parents for almost two years now -- but this New Year's Eve, it really hit me; we have REALLY embraced parenthood. We were at a New Year's Eve party at a friends house, and there about 4 of us there with children -- all of them the same age. Throughout the night we all laughed, snapped photos and engaged each other and the kids with full gusto. But at some point during the night, I realized all the single people without kids were off in another room laughing and drinking it up. I thought, "That used to be me. What happened?" Is there a way to merge the two? I can never go back to my single party days, nor do I want to -- but I also don't want to become THAT person who can't have a 2 minute conversation without mentioning her kid. Maybe there is a happy medium? Anyway, here are the photos from that night. As you can see the girls had a blast, and we had fun snapping their pictures.

Christmas Day Loungin'

2008-12-28T14:12:00.000-08:00

Audrey loves going for a walk, so the moment we leave the house she's off and running.

Here she is on her new bike! She can't push the peddles consistently so we have the back attachment in place to push her once she gets tired.

She's loves her new basketball and hoop!

Slam dunk!

Whoa!

What a nice broom! Now help mommy sweep.

Nice kicks! Thanks Saara.

footloose!

2008-12-26T19:54:00.000-08:00

after a few minutes on the road, i hear a small thud coming from the back seat followed by a tiny giggle. moments later, another thud and a much bigger giggle.

i don't need to turn around and investigate these sounds - they're all too familiar at this point - but the sight of ten tiny toes waving in the air is too cute to pass up.

no matter what the thermometer says, audrey is quite keen of kicking off her shoes in the car. funny how this behavior comes from the same girl who wants to throw a minor fit when we won't let her wear her shoes to bed.

Snow Dayz

2008-12-20T09:25:00.000-08:00

No, this isn't Detroit or Chicago --- it's Seattle!

On this day Audrey kept pointing outside and saying, "Snowman, snowman!!!" so bundled her up...

No eating snow!

Fun times!

A Night With Santa...and No Meltdowns!

2008-12-09T21:54:00.001-08:00

It was awesome! Let the record show, this year the visit with Santa was a success!

We arrived at Nordstrom in downtown Seattle around 5:30pm and there was a line out the door, but fortunately, Audrey was all smiles, laughing, making friends and basically entertaining the crowd. (No photos of this, I was just happy that my child wasn't having a meltdown.)
Once we got to Santa, get this...Audrey reached for him! Santa and I looked in each other's eyes and gave each other "the look"...which says "Let's get these cameras rolling while the getting is good!"
Audrey sat patiently as the photographer snapped away. She wouldn't give a smile though, just a blank look.
At this point Santa asked, "What do you want for Christmas?" and as you can see, she just gave him a look...better than tears I say!

The Importance of Friends

2008-12-09T10:51:00.001-08:00

These aren't the best photos, but they capture some of sweetest moments. This week we had dinner with our friends Aida, Eric, Anna and Saara. Saara is Anna and Audrey's former nanny. As you can see they were all so excited to see each other!

Throughout the entire dinner Audrey and Anna were dancing, running and hugging each other.

I'm so happy both Audrey and Anna care about each other so much. It reminds me how friends can bring out the best in you.

Hot Yoga -- Hot Mess

2008-12-02T16:23:00.000-08:00

Don't worry, there aren't crazy looking men standing on your back during Bikram Yoga -- I just couldn't resist posting this picture.

Here's the deal, lately I've been on this bikram (hot) yoga kick. I hate going but I love how I feel afterward. The room is heated to 105-110 degrees, and we "yogi's" do 26 poses, totalling 90 minutes. By pose 16, I feel nauseated, light headed and ready to run out of the room screaming. During the floor poses I dream of a rush of cold water falling from the ceiling like "Flash Dance." I literally have this fantasy every time. BUT, I can literally feel the difference in my body and I'm hooked on how great I feel when it's all over.

So here's the hot mess part. MY HAIR! What the heck am I supposed to do with my hair? There is no way to get around it, I have to wash my hair after every class, but lately I've been doing it 5 days a week, and black hair can't take that much washin'! I'll have a head of straw by New Years!

Anyone got any tips?

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-02T15:58:00.000-08:00

I love this time of year -- the hustle and bustle, the decorations, Christmas carols...everything!

Soon I'll post photos of our Christmas tree, I'm thinking this year we'll begin a tradition. Audrey will make a decoration to put on the tree...I think we'll try our hands at making an angel to put on top of the tree.

Above are some photos of our latest play date with Amy and Isaac. They are so wonderful, and it's lots of fun watching 3 year old Isaac -- it shows me what I have to look forward to!

These days Audrey is becoming very vocal, she loves counting to 10 and singing her ABC's.

So Long Aiko...

2008-11-18T19:26:00.000-08:00

Today was Audrey's first teacher Aiko's last day. We wish her well! Here are a few photos from today's farewell party.

Aiko and Audrey
Aiko reading the cards from the kids
Audrey and Caroline. It was so sweet, Caroline actually came up to me and asked me if I'd take a picture of the two of them together.
One last hug. Awe!

Audrey before the party. She was excited to get dressed up for it.

Proud of Detroit

2008-11-18T12:37:00.001-08:00

When I tell people I'm from Detroit I often get, "Ohhh, I'm sorry," or "Yikes!"

Over the years I've grown to expect these types of responses -- but they still bother me.

I am proud to have been born and raised in Detroit. Yes, (I get this question often) I WAS BORN AND RAISED in the city, not the suburbs. I went to Detroit Public Schools most of my life. But guess what? I also went on to college...and now I have a great career and a family.

What's even cooler (I know that's not a word) is that most of the people I grew up with have done the same thing!

That's right, none of us are unemployed welfare mothers, or no good felony fathers. In fact, let me get our my list. :) Those from my high school graduating class are now doctors, lawyers, MBA professionals, artists, writers, journalists, nurses, police officers, fashion designers, firefighters, politicians, business owners, speech pathologists, teachers --- the list goes on and on.

I must also say, (for those of you familiar with Detroit school politics) I only have a handful of friends who went to Reniassance or Cass Tech. I have to point that out because after I rattle off the fact that I was raised in the city and went on to college, many folks who are familiar with Detroit often say, "You must have gone to Cass Tech." I give props to all those who attended those schools which were given preference for monetary funds -- but like a beautiful flower growing from a crack in the concrete, I am exceptionally proud of all of us who made it despite the city's decision to turn it's back on quality education for ALL kids.

Ok, off my soapbox. I say all of this to say, I'm proud of my city and the people in it.

My Plan is WORKING....(evil laugh)

2008-11-16T11:24:00.000-08:00

Check out Enrico's hair today --- and this time last year. See a difference? I didn't tell him to do it, but I like it!

Starting Anew...

2008-11-16T08:36:00.000-08:00

Audrey's mom is going to law school. For me, this is monumental. My career as a journalist has been more than what I do, it's who I am. Before I was a reporter, I was an aspiring reporter.

Here's a true story: At 13 years old I went to the library and looked up "The Best Journalism Schools In the Country," and the University of Missouri-Columbia was at the top of the list. From that moment on, I would not CONSIDER other schools, it was Mizzou or bust. I say all of this to say, I've always had tunnel vision when it came to my career, until now --- and I have to say, looking at other options, is liberating.

The sky is not going to fall if I step away from this awesome profession to develop another skill. I'm not being a traitor, it doesn't make me less of a reporter. You say, of course not --- but these are irrational thoughts that have always been in my head!

So, in 2010 I'm going to law school. I want to have another skill under my belt. Who knows, I might finish school and go back to this career. Or, I might graduate and start a new "noble" profession! :)

Fun Times

2008-11-11T11:01:00.001-08:00

Audrey and I just got done with a dancing marathon, in our living room! She loves Kanye West, and I do too. Isn't it funny how kids have a natural rhythm?

My mother in law recently sent me this really touching poem about living more and I've taken it to heart. I'm the kind of person that's concerned about everything being in it's place and honestly that takes away from enjoying life. I watched Audrey last night as she finger painted, and she kept giggling and wiping paint all over herself. Through her I'm learning to BE in the moment, and revel in it.

2008-11-10T00:05:00.000-08:00

The last few weeks have been a little tough for me emotionally at work. I've had to cover a house fire where three sisters died, and today a tragic story of a woman who mistakenly drove her car into the Green River -- killing the 2 and 13 year old inside. These stories are hard, it's heartbreaking looking into these parents eyes, desperately wanting to take their pain away. Anyway, it just makes me want to go home every night and hug Audrey and Enrico tight. Never wait until tomorrow to tell someone you love them.

Fun, Friends and Family

2008-11-03T20:13:00.000-08:00

We're in the full swing of fall weather --- rain, rain, rain! I guess the nice thing about the weather is that we go out of our way to find fun indoor activities to do together. Above are some photos with each other, a trip to the Seattle Children's Theatre, and some fun times with friends. On Halloween, Audrey had a great time giving out candy and hanging out with Myles. The grownups also had a good time too --- with wine and adult conversation!

Audrey also recently got to hang out with her closest friend Anna. They shared the same nanny from birth up until 4 months ago --- so you can imagine they're close. Sometimes Audrey will just yell out "Anna, Anna, Anna!" --- when that happens I know I need to set up a playdate. Anna's mom says she does the same thing too! So cute.

More Fall Photos..

2008-10-29T09:43:00.001-07:00

It's Fall...

2008-10-29T08:58:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful time of year. The crispness of the air, the beautiful colors. Audrey is in the full swing of Halloween. Last week she got to wear her bumble bee costume to school for the harvest party. We also went to the pumpkin patch/petting zoo recently and she enjoyed picking a pumpkin and petting the goats. In fact she's still talking about it!

Speaking of talking -- Audrey is taking after her mother, literally. She loves to talk, and right now she's really into colors and animals. She can recite every color, and when we're out and about she loves pointing out the colors of cars, buildings, just about everything.

On another note, it's true -- kids love Obama. We were in Barnes and Noble yesterday and she saw a display and yelled "OBAMA, OBAMA, OBAMA," then she did a little dance, it was funny.