Sedona and new office signs

Hi guys! For our anniversary this weekend, Peter took me to Sedona on Saturday. We stayed at a hotel called L'auberge which was super cool. It was a really nice resort and spa but was very intimate (sounds creepy when I describe it like that). It had little cottages everywhere and was right on the creek. I definitely recommend it if anyone is headed to Sedona anytime soon. It was soo stormy this weekend there, a lot of rain and really cool lightning storms, but you can't really tell in this picture.

http://www.lauberge.com/

On another note, my office put my name on the door! So although it was not a super fun day, at least my name is up! I was concerned about the comma between my name and DMD but I did some research and in the U.S., it's okay to either use a comma or to not. Plus, I googled Mehmet Oz (duh, Dr. Oz) and it was listed as Mehmet Oz, MD for his teaching position at Columbia. Just to be on the safe side, I also checked out Dr. Phil's punctuation. I think we are in the clear.

Lemonade Connoisseur and Other Cravings

So, after 9 months of researching this topic, I am going to let you all in on my recommendations for the best lemonade in the entire world! Trust me I have tried enough to feel completely confident in my recommendations. One thing to remember: There are really two categories of lemonade, the lemonade you buy to drink at home (although I don't think non-pregnant people drink lemonade at home on the regular) and the lemonade that you get from restaurants. Lucky for you, I have recommendations for both!

Best lemonade from the grocery:

Newman’s Own Old Fashioned Roadside Virgin Lemonade

Best lemonade from a restaurant:

Hot Dog on a Stick’s Muscle Beach Lemonade-or in Cali-there are just Muscle Beach Lemonade stands without the cured meat. Their ice is like small little ice shavings (you all know how important ice is in a beverage!)

*Note: Chick-fil-a is a close second, but their ice is bad, bad, bad (huge square chunks, bleh)

Another note on cravings-I polish off an entire carton of peaches from Costco in about 5 days, like every 5 days as well as at least one watermelon a week. Seriously, the fruit obsession is getting ridiculous!

That’s all, now I know none of you will ever even use this information because lemonade is not low-cal, but just in case you ever get in the mood for the best beverage on the planet, I thought I would share!

One other thing-Gizmo got ahold of the baby's Sophie giraffe toy and he LOVES it. Like seriously, will not stop playing with it, so we decided to let Gizmo have it and get the baby a new one. Here is a pic of the cutest dog on the planet and his new toy:

Also, here is a recent pic of the bump (35 weeks)!

XOXO

Cameron Turns 22!!

Cameron is finally 22!! As some of you know, I love celebrating birthdays... like more than anything. I actually extend birthdays to last an entire week and Cameron's was no exception.

We started celebrating last Wednesday with a birthday cake I made for him. It was my first multi layer cake and I have to say it was pretty fantastic. I saw the recipe on Pinterest and oh.my.god. It's a butter cake with banana pudding poured over the two layers with whipped cream frosting. It turned out fantastic even though I got the wrong instant pudding (you are supposed to use the kind you have to cook). Since I have never claimed to be domestic or able to cook, I called it a win.

Then we headed off to Denver for Cameron's 5k, Race for Your Lives (http://runforyourlives.com/). I refused to run because it has people dressed up as zombies chasing you, trying to capture the three flags around your waste. The flags represent "life points" and you either cross the finish line as "alive" or "dead" depending on if you have flags left or not.

This is the gate at the start line and this guy
 got all the racers pumped up before the run! Scary!

Cameron and Richard were team America (obviously) and everyone loved the costumes at the race, they were a hit. I dressed up in an American flag bikini to show my support and cowboy boots. We all looked a little ridiculous. There were obstacles including an enormous slip n'slide, electrified fences, rooms with mazes and smoke, and of course, tons of zombies.  I stood on the sidelines and had some beers at the "Apocalypse Concert" which was a huge party at the finish line. All the volunteers had shirts that said, "Ask me, I dont bite" and the zombies were all dressed up with makeup that was awesome. It was a blast because we were with a really good group of people and the race was more of a party than anything else, needless to say... we all survived.

Team America

All survivors!!!

Sideline drinkers... way more fun ;)

I got Cam a watch for his birthday that he wont stop talking about so I think he liked it. I also got his dads watch fixed and cleaned so that Cameron could wear it again, he was so surprised and grateful. Dre would have totally cried at his reaction. I also got him a "road trip kit" which contained burned CD's (Dre, I knew you would enjoy that) and a bunch of snacks and Redbull. 

The whole weekend was filled with too much drinking and way too much fun... the group we were with was such a good mix and everyone spent the whole time laughing at each other. It was so good to see Alyse again and Brett came as well who I haven't scene since we graduated. It was a fantastic weekend and I am so happy I am no longer 24 dating a 21 year old... here is to only 2 years difference again! 

Mamaroo!

So, Brittny and Brendan got us the most awesome baby present. It is this baby seat called a Mamaroo. They are like all the rage right now for newborns. It has all these different settings and moves all these different ways (swings, vibrates, bounces, etc). Seriously, the moves this thing can do are pretty crazy.

Anyway, the BEST part is that you can play music off your iphone on it and the seat adjusts and moves with the music. Soooo, naturally, I put on To Live and Die in LA when we first put it together and the thing started bouncing and swinging to Tupac. My heart swelled with so much pride, then I couldn't stop laughing thinking about a newborn bouncing to the greatest rapper to ever live. Just thought that was funny, now let's all go pour one out for Pac.

Malcolm Gladwell, Grey Nails & Kiddos

OK--so I just read Dre's post about Outliers.  I am currently reading The Tipping Point by him and I really like it.  It is actually for the ACC Bookclub.  I guess I should have posted that under "Books We Are Reading".

About the "Redshirting"...I was redshirted (did two years of kindergarten) and started my second year right before I turned 6.  I think it was a really good idea.  Dre, you will have to tell us what he thinks about it.

I painted my nails grey yesterday, trying to be hip and cool.  While we were going to bed, I asked Todd if he liked them and he said, "No, I was thinking while you were making dinner that you ran your hands through muddy pond water".  So, at least we have honesty.  I took a picture of them--be honest--am I way too old to try this trend???

Dirty Pond Water???

Goin' Back to Cali

           

Look! I'm blogging! Though, I'm actually starting to worry about my learning capabilities due to how very, very long it has taken me to figure out this new fangled thing. I just got back to my house in Val Verde this morning, after quite a drive through the southwest with Allen. The drive took about 14 hours, but it was actually pretty fun! 

First, we downloaded the audiobook version of Keith Richards' autobiography Life, which was maybe the best idea ever. Johnny Depp is the narrator, which makes the stories sound even more aaaamazing. Also for it's really nice to have someone read to you– it's not just reserved for sleepy kids to be able to enjoy anymore!





Then Allen came up with the brilliant idea to use our long car ride for a spa day! After stopping for supplies at Walgreens, we created a four-step car facial regimen, giving us the softest skin evaaaaaa! Seriously, the next time you drive across the country (at night so no one can see that you have a clay face mask on), DO IT.

Now I'm back in California and missing everyone already– but I especially miss being able to see you all for lunch at Durans... wait for it... Ha! One gold star for an outstanding use of wordplay. BOOM.  

...really though, I would kill for a strawberry milkshake and a torpedo right now. Or just anything that doesn't include a hefty serving of cilantro. 

   

The Best Pickle I Have Ever Had!

I just wanted to do a quick post, because I am obsessed with these... Please do yourself a favor and go get some at Costco. That is the only place I have been able to find them and they are the best pickles I have ever had. Seriously, I eat them by themselves as a snack instead of Cheetos... in fact I would pick them over Cheetos (for those of you who know my love of Cheetos, you know this is serious).

I am blogging this because I have eaten like half a jar in one sitting as I type. Go get them and tell me what you think!

District of Columbia

This blog is looking better and better with each post, I love it!

I fell in love with DC this weekend, I think it is only a matter of time until I am back there to live someday. The first night we got there we found the coolest restaurant in Dupont Circle that had some of the best tapas I have ever had. We had a Russian waitress that recommended this weird Russian beer that was absolutely fantastic (and about 24 oz., they were huge). Cam and I had two each. 

We spent the entire next day nursing hangovers in 100 degree weather going to museums... it sorta was hell, until I got food. After I had a good amount of caffeine in me, we went to the American History Museum. It was amazing, I learned more there than I did in the entire New Mexico high school curriculum. War of 1812?!? Had no idea what that was... but now, I dare you to ask me about it!  

The next day we had to wake up to see Murphy (Cam's best friend) graduate from OCS. It was a really cool experience to see what Cam had gone through 2 weeks before he met me... and all of his stories about the heat were true. I have never been so hot, it was crazy to see the conditions the candidates have to endure in order to become an officer. The men who were graduating were literally passing out from the heat. It made me realize how hard these men work to be where they are and how hard Cam has worked for his commissioning in August. I was a very proud girlfriend all weekend. (I was proud of Murphy too!)

That night, we went to POV which is a bar that overlooks the White House, Washington Monument, and Lincoln Monument. All of the sudden, while watching the presidents security on the White House roof,  you realize that you are in one of the most powerful cities in the world. I have never felt so small and yet so powerful at once. DC has a quality that makes everyone in it feel like they have a purpose, the energy of the city and of the people is contagious. Cam and I went real-estate shopping the next morning.

Leaving the US for medical school was one of the scariest decisions I have made thus far, and while I am excited for the adventure, I couldn't be more proud of where I come from. 'MERICA!!! 

                                           

                                         

Weekend wasn't long enough!

Since we are all moved in we decided to have some people over Saturday afternoon/ evening to really break in the new house. We went swimming and had a litttttllllleeee too much to drink but it was really fun! The house feels much more homey now that people have been here and we got to show everyone around a little bit.

Kitchen after we moved from beer and white wine to vodka/rock stars)

Our one pool raft (Peter, Ashleigh, and Brian tackling the raft)

On Sunday we were going through all of our pictures trying to decide which ones to frame in the house and ohmygosh I found some of Cole at his first Christmas- I can't believe he was so little! I need a good one of Grace from Hawaii, anyone have one they want to email to me?

Our anniversary is tomorrow (thanks for sharing the date, Car) and I was thinking of just cooking at home. I'm thinking a Pioneer Woman recipe for marinated steak, it looks delicious. We have a tiny grill outside that came with the house and everytime Peter starts it I get nervous we are both going to blow up. Fingers crossed that doesn't happen. (That would make for an unpleasant anniversary).
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/01/marinated-flank-steak-part-one/

Farm & Table and Kiddie Update

We went to dinner here last night and this place is the bomb!  The setting is so cool--doesn't really feel like you are in Albuquerque.  We had awesome food and wine.  We have to go there the next time everyone is in town!  Nice date night for us...the Bowers watched the kiddos.

We all went swimming at Rob and Kelly's today and the kids had a blast.  Cole is doing really well with his floaties and kicking all the way across the pool unassisted!  They both start swimming lessons in a week.  Kelly and Rob got a puppy--her name is Luca.  I have attached a pic of her too--she is really sweet.

Date Night at Farm & Table

Cole ready to swim

Gracie Bathing Beauty

Luca

Making teriyaki chicken tonight in the crock pot--house seriously smells amazing right now--makes me think of family get togethers.  Love and miss you all.

R. Kelly-Ignition

This is going to be a very quick post, but just heard this song and I got shot back in time to cruising ABQ in the black Wrangler before the youngins were old enough to chill. Something about the lyric, "it's the freakin' weekend baby I'm about to have me some fun", still gets me in the mood to party! I think I'll have three glasses of Riesling tonight--watch out!!!

Books, Babies, and Blood Tests

This is going to be a quick post about this book that I finished in one night and about Baby L....

Topic #1: I just read this book called The Letter by Pat Tillman's wife. In case you don't know who he is, he played in the NFL and then joined the army after September 11th. Sadly, he was killed while fighting. His wife wrote this book and it just came out recently. It is SO GOOD-such a good love story. It is sad, but also really happy too. I think you guys would all love it. I finished it in one night, no kidding.

Topic #2: I had another appointment today and everything looks great with Baby L! I have to get another blood test this week, but other than that it is pretty much a waiting game...6 weeks to go!!!

Love you all!

Movin' On Up

     This weekend was the big move! Friday we packed the rest of my apartment and made a few trips from the Grigio (Peter's apartment) to the new house. The movers came on Saturday and took care of my stuff, and then we made it a late night and finished up Peter's apartment. Keep in mind it was about 110 degrees all weekend- perfect moving weather :/ I'm happy to say that Pete and I have everything we own in one house now! The apartment in Glendale is totally empty and the Grig is completely cleaned out (tear). But we are all moved in! Well, at least all the boxes are in the house- now we just have to unpack them all.

     The house is awesome, and we are almost done with the guest room, so come on over everyone! Peter has been setting up the cable/internet and putting all the furniture back together (2 or 3 trips to Home Depot yesterday?) and I have been trying to get as many boxes unpacked as possible. In a weird way, I really like unpacking, just the feeling of finding a perfect place for everything. The only downside to this plan is that I know where everything is and Peter has to play a game called "If I were a (insert object), where would I be?" I'm refraining from putting my flowery quilts and pink photo albums out in the living room and am trying to butch the place up a bit :)

     We took a break Sunday evening to try out our new pool, and with a couple of beers and the sun setting, we were both pretty happy. Other than a slightly cold shower this morning, we haven't had too many hiccups. I can't wait for you all to come see it!

(This is a picture taken when we signed the lease- two weeks ago today!)

Penne Vodka and Getting Ready for Baby!

Hi Ladies and Dad if you are reading this! So, since Cait actually took me up on this blog idea, I have come to realize how much my life lacks excitement, since I literally was racking my brain trying to think of stuff to write about. Anyway, something semi-interesting (although not at all if you ask George) that we did this week was a full day child birth prep class and George made really good Penne Vodka (hence the title)! Sounds exciting right?! The class was all day on Saturday at the hospital in Berkeley where Baby L will be born.

I think we knew mostly everything from all my years of watching The Baby Story, and making George watch it a few times in the last couple months. Who ever said reality TV is a waste of time?! There was a lot of entertainment provided by our fellow soon to be parents, however. For example, one guy raised his hand and asked if he, or if the doctors, will be checking how far dilated his wife was during labor. Also, the movies they show you are interesting to say the least. The couples featured in these movies are the type of people you see are going to be on a certain episode of The Baby Story and then change the channel to watch something else.

Another funny thing about this class and the hospital in general is that the part of the class about medications and interventions was literally 10 minutes long, out of an 8 hour class. They briefly gloss over your pain control options and go back to how this is a natural process, blah, blah, blah. I think that is a direct result of the location of the hospital...I did find out that they do have anesthesiologists on site 24/7, so you can have an epidural if you can handle the judgment from everyone around you.

Anyway, the best part was at the very end of the day which was the tour of the labor and delivery floor. It is HUGE in this hospital. There are 26 labor and delivery rooms and they were all full while we were there...that is a lot of babies! I thought at most hospitals they would have like maybe 3-4 babies born every day. I was definitely wrong; this hospital has 700 babies born a month there! Anyway, the hospital is very cool in that they keep the baby with you 24/7 and pretty much leave you alone otherwise. We did see 3 brand new newborns that were in the nursery while we were there. They were so teeny tiny and so so cute! They also give you all the logistics about where to park, and what exactly to do when you get there. Basically don't come too early or they will just send you home was the gist. I think we both got really nervous and really excited being there and realizing we only have 6.5 weeks left!

One other thing we found out last night is that George got into this program he applied to at JP Morgan in NYC at the end of July. It is really awesome because it will give him a good idea of the investment banking industry before he even starts school.

Now, about the penne vodka-George made this for dinner last night and OMG it is delicious. Like, literally as good as Pasta Bri's. Had I have known it was going to be so good; I would have taken pictures as he made it a la Pioneer Woman, but this is my first time blogging, so you have to give me a break. Trust me, it is so good! Here is the link: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Penne-alla-Vodka-106042.

Love you all! XOXO