Noted on a Friday

We're mostly taking it easy this weekend. I'm feeling very pregnant, and keep wondering if I'm going in to labor (regular Braxton-Hicks and some light cramping at night) so we'll be keeping it very low-key. We are having dinner with Flavio's dad tomorrow night (who we haven't seen in forever), and I'm getting a pedicure on Sunday, as I can no longer reach my toes. Should be delightful. Hope you have a good one! xo

{branch manager}

{Newborn Care class -- very proud of my swaddled baby}

{Practicing at home. Flavio is the better swaddler.} 

{Flavio making fun of me for double-fisting samples at Trader Joe's}

Noted on a Friday

{winter in San Diego}

Somehow, this has been the busiest week and I'm not even working. There was a huge amount of running around, a long visit with an out-of-town friend and her sweet baby yesterday, trips to Ikea, two doctor's appointments.. I thought I'd be bored not working but turns out, I'm loving it so far and the days just fly by. People keep telling me to stay active in these last few weeks of pregnancy and live it up without the responsibility of a baby, so I'm maintaining a concerted effort to make plans with girlfriends, go on dates with Flav (we're off to see American Sniper tonight), take lots of walks, and overall, fight my natural tendency to stay in and nest. Should be a good weekend. Enjoy! xo

{giant owl spotted at the dog park}

{I'm really in to pears right now, and seeing them on my windowsill makes me happy}

{my favorite barista at our neighborhood coffee shop makes me her Preggo Special - extra milky coffee in a teeny shot cup}

{these two are in love and they love watching Friends reruns together}

Noted on a Friday - Quick Holiday Re-Cap

{NYE 2014}

December and the first part of January ended up being crazier than anticipated. Flavio came down with a cold/flu? over Christmas week, and then I got it over New Year's week and it felt like we were still running around and overcommitted despite our maladies. But, the actual holidays were quiet and nice. For Christmas Eve we went to my mother-in-law's for tamales and Christmas movies, and for NYE, we got Indian takeout, built a fire at home, and snuggled up for our last night of 2014. Although I was under the weather, it was somehow a very memorable and magical NYE.

January, which usually drags, is flying! I've been doing some major cleaning (the nesting instinct is real, people) and have started reading baby and parenting books, thinking seriously about baby names, and generally doing all the prep stuff I had no time to do during the semester. We've also been making it a point to get out and get together with friends before we disappear into babyland, so that's been nice. I haven't had much time for reflection on the previous year as I'm still trying to wrap my head around all the changes that are coming our way quickly, but I'm looking forward to a quieter weekend in, working on some projects around the house, cooking, and generally getting my head on straight. I hope you have a great one. xo

{As the kids say, #nofilter}

{Christmas Eve, 32 weeks}

{While I've previously done cinnamon rolls for Christmas morning, I might switch the tradition to this easier and equally delicious overnight French toast}

{Christmas morning, Guiri's gift}

{Rosca de Reyes, delivered by my mother-in-law}

Noted on a Friday

Whew! I'm exhausted. Tests are graded, students have been hugged, classes are all wrapped up, and my five months of (unpaid) maternity leave starts now. Surreal. I feel like I can finally breathe. We have a busy weekend ahead, but come next week, I'll be able to cookie bake, finish my Christmas shopping, and get ready for the big day -  hopefully while donning a variety of comfy jammies - which I plan to wear for at least three days straight. And maybe the following week, too. Can. Not. Wait! Cheers to some much-needed downtime right around the corner. I hope you have a lovely weekend. xo

{December has the prettiest sunsets}

{birthday cupcakes for Flav}

{we've been lighting our angel chimes}

{the faintest rainbow on my way to work}

{soup prep}

Noted on a Friday

{this morning's rain, tree}

The end-of-semester + holiday rush is in full swing around here. I've been up to my ears in work and we've had lots of holiday gatherings to attend, including a cookie exchange, two white elephants, and a holiday potluck (!) It's been insane this year.  My work threw a really enjoyable joint 3-mama-to-be baby shower today (there are 3 of us expecting within 2 weeks of each other!) and overall, there's been lots of celebrating, gift giving, shopping, and eating. But, it feels like December is speeding away from me. I would like to lobby to make Thanksgiving one week earlier. It all seems so hurried and I'm wishing for more time for doing activities from our advent calendar, movie watching, warm drink sipping, and leisurely baking. You know, more time to savor the best parts.

I go in to finals next week, and I'm having mixed feelings. Come next Friday, I'll be done teaching...until May! I have always worked, and a part of me is looking forward to spending my days nesting, going to yoga, reading, setting up our nursery, etc., but the other part wonders what I'll do with myself all day. It will definitely be a change of pace. I'm sure I won't be at a loss for things to do when the baby arrives in two months..

It's a rainy Friday, and we're spending tonight in. My favorite chicken soup is bubbling away on the stove and we're planning to light a fire and watch Elf. We have hypnobirthing class and one last holiday party tomorrow and then Sunday is Flav's birthday! He requested a family day with homemade cupcakes, so it will just be us and a couple fun outings. I can't wait. xo


Fun work baby shower cake. I'm definitely hoping for a good baby.

Even though our front porch/yard is a construction zone, Flav still put up the lights. Happy wife, happy life.

 2-week old shower flowers, still going strong.

 Cookies in progress.

Smiling.

Noted on a Friday

{rainy day pho}

It was a whirlwind birthday week and truth be told, I could use a drink right about now. It's been a great few days, nothing bad has happened, but I feel like I've been going, going for the last two weeks and would love a smooth and relaxing cocktail on this chilly Friday evening. A warm bath and fall-scented candles will have to do. What are you up to this weekend? We have our second hypnobirthing class tomorrow (I love it) and then I'm planning to nest -- re-arrange, clean out, and make space in our home. Then we'll be meeting up with old friends and doing some major grocery shopping on Sunday. With out-of-town visitors, Thanksgiving, and my baby shower (!) all in the next 10 days, I can't wait to spend this weekend chilling out and reenergizing. I hope you enjoy. xo

Some photos from the last couple weeks...

Tooling around on my parents' golf cart.

Sweet surprise from Flav.. an assortment of heavenly cupcakes.

Birthday morning.

Guiri sleeping on my shirt.

Noted on a Friday

Greetings from Vegas! We got here yesterday and we're looking forward to a long weekend of relaxation with my parents. It's likely our last trip here before the baby comes, so we fully intend to soak up the comfort and be the carefree "kids" for maybe the last time. We spent yesterday evening chatting with my mom about all things pregnancy, labor, and baby, and I can't believe I'm going to be a mama-bear myself very soon. Is this really happening? I feel simultaneously ready and terrified. Happy weekend. xo

Eggy, sweet pan de muerto, via Tijuana and my mother-in-law.

Somebody doesn't mind daylight savings. Or my pregnancy pillow.

Mario, Luigi, and the Princess on candy duty this Halloween.

Flores para los muertos.

Requisite Dairy Queen stop on the way to Vegas.

Noted on a (Halloween) Friday

{ghostly pumpkins}

Happy Halloween! After being gone last weekend and a hectic work week, I'm excited to spend this evening dressing up, passing out candy, eating homemade soup, and doing a little trick-or-drinking (beer for Flav, gingerale for me) at home. We'll be watching movies and enjoying all the costumed kiddos on our doorstep. I hear rain is in the weekend forecast, so I'm looking forward to making room for the nursery, celebrating my mother-in-law's birthday, and spending time with our San Diego parents, Jan and Gary. It's my favorite time of year and this Halloween feels more special than ever before. Enjoy. xo

Some scenes from Halloweens past...

{Halloween 2013}

{Pirate Guiri}

{Halloween 2006}

Noted on a Friday

{pumpkin spice muffins, fresh from the oven}

This week went by in a flash and I can't believe we're almost into November. It feels like October through December always go by so fast, whereas January, for example, feels like it's moving backward. But, I'm embracing all the fun that's coming with open arms, including this weekend when we're heading to LA to hang with my cousin and her two babies. It will be good to soak up some parenting advice and practice being with little ones -- a pretty foreign concept for Flavio and me. I hope you have a great weekend. xo

Watching the world go by.

Love this stuff.

A mid-week sushi date with friends.

Noted on a Friday

{signs of fall in the neighborhood}

Welp, this week was a weird one complete with an emergency trip to the vet and for a broken pawnail, and an Ebola scare and evacuation during my Thursday morning classes. TGIF. Despite these obstacles, things feel abuzz on the homefront. Halloween decorations are mostly up, costume ideas are in progress, and I can't help but feel giddy about all my favorite holidays on the horizon. We've got an action-packed weekend ahead complete with a friend's birthday brunch, some baby shopping and registering, and a fall-themed potluck on Sunday. I'm hoping to squeeze in some baking, Netflixing, and general relaxation in this lovely cooler weather. Here are some memorable moments from this week.

{her bandage melts me}

{my favorite kinda lunch: homemade pumpkin soup with cheese/crackers}

{delighted by the recent baby gifts that have arrived on our porch}

{'tis the season}

Noted on a Friday

It feels so good to be winding down the work week -- it's been a busy one. We're treating my mother-in-law to dinner tonight, and then I'm looking forward to recharging this weekend with some early Halloween decorating, catching up with the Parenthood season premier, and maybe a trip to the movies to see this. I hope you enjoy. xo

Butterfly fluttering by.

So excited!

Friends at the park. :)

Colorful decisions at a Wednesday pedicure.