June Favorites

June has flown by in a blur! Seriously, it has flown by so quickly and I had no clue July here! 

So, I came across this list on a vlog channel that I like to watch weekly, and she did this June Favorites video. I thought to myself "Hey! This would make a good thing to try on my blog", so here's my first installment. I'm liking the questions that she answered, but I might switch some up over the coming months as I fill them out and see how relevant some are to my life. 

I'm two days early, but I think I'll be too busy the next few days to write out a proper post. 

Well, here we go!

1. Funniest Thing That Happened
 - A few weeks ago Michelle woke up and immediately farted. I said "whoa boofa!" and she said "haha baby-boofa-butt!" and started laughing. Bahaha! Also, she's been adding "ia" to the end of everything so she sounds very Italian. Sounds like "Momia, Dadia, Auntia,". Which always has us laughing :)

2. Book(s) you read
-Seriously? None! I have been such a failure these past few months when it comes to reading. I've usually got a huge reading list and a book to cozy up with, but lately I've been so consumed with projects and plans with family that I haven't read anything. Boo. I would love suggestions for good reads though!

3. Shows/Movies you liked
-Ok this one is easy (lol, no time to read but there's always time for tv!). At the beginning of the month I was just finishing up a Dexter binge watch, but couldn't get myself to start the next season. I really liked Jula Stiles character, so I was bummed that she left. So, I caught up on the new season of Orphan Black (SO GOOD!), watched Modern Family reruns, and then stumbled upon Law & Order SVU. There are so many seasons - and there's no real "end" to each season, so it's easy to just continue watching the next episode. The only downside is that the content is dark (nothing too graphic, but the whole show is about some kind of sexual assault - including kids and elderly- so obviously it can be hard to watch).

4. Something you accomplished/made you proud
-After months of planning and prepping, I was so proud of the birthday party we threw for Michelle. It was fun, cute, and very successful. Mish had a blast and loved singing the Happy Birthday song with all of her friends and family <3

5. Foods you tried/loved
-  I didn't really try anything new, but we did eat at a new restaurant in Yreka that was freaking delicious! They make the best veggie burgers and everyone there was very friendly.  We also had some really good Brazilian food in Berkeley last weekend that was so good. I just got a salad, but it was so spicy and flavorful! We ended our meal with Dole Whips, which I've never had (I guess I have tried something new! Duh!) and it was SO good!

We also had AMAZING fried olives at Bistro Don Giovanni in Napa for our 10th anniversary. Yum. So much yum.

6. Song/Album you listened to most
- If we're talking in general, Mumford and Sons will top my list every month. I have their two cds in my car and they are always on. But other than my guys, I've been playing "Stay With Me" by Sam Smith and "All of Me" by John Legend a lot! Those songs just get me right in the heart, man. So good!

7. Youtuber/Blogger you enjoyed the most

-That would have to be Anna Saccone and The Saccone-Joly's. I follow a lot of really good vloggers and bloggers, but I love that family. They'd probably top my list every month too, so I'll just jot down my favorites in general (since this is my first monthly favorites blog).

--Youtubers/Vloggers

1. The Saccone-Joly's
2. ObbsandLala

--Bloggers

1. Runs For Cookies
2. Refashionista
3. Love Taza
4. Merricks Art
5. Anna Saccone (she also blogs!)

8. Health/Beauty product you used a lot

- Hahaha. Ok, so I fail at putting on makeup and doing my hair daily. I guess the thing I used the most would have to be my Sonicare toothbrush. It's pricey, but so worth it! Brushing with a regular brush is great and all, but this thing makes your teeth feel like their going to the spa everyday. Whiiirrrr

 9. Favorite item you bought

-Uh oh. I spent too much money this month and we definitely felt it towards the end. My very favorite? Definitely our new panini press! I have been eating paninis and toasties like crazy, so it only made sense to buy one to save money. I also went crazy at the Victoria's Secret Semi Annual Sale. New bras and undies! I'm also really in love with the new rug I bought for our family room. It's so plush and pretty :)

10. Something you learned 

-That my friend Wendy is having another GIRL! Such wonderful news! She already has one of each (Liam and Cambria), so adding another girl into the home sounds like heaven to me! Then again, I'm biased. ;-)

11. Goals for next month

- Get out more and/or go camping!! I mean, yes, to get out more is my top goal, but I've been dying to camp! 

12. Something you're looking forward to

- 4th of July, my friend's Pinterest party, my 28th birthday, and (hopefully) camping!

Whew! That was a long one! Did you stick around until the end? Is anyone even reading this? Lol

Actually, I'm adding my own last question! 

13. Favorite Picture(s) from the month!
Because I got the cutest pictures yesterday, I'm going to toss them in. They make me smile <3

Being A Mama

Being a mother is the best thing that's ever happened to me. I'm thankful every single day that I get to be Michelle's mama.
There will never be a day I will turn away her love, or withhold my understanding and affection.
Until my dying day, I will forever be her mom and that's my life's greatest accomplishment.
Because of her, I try to be the best ME possible. Because of her, I love Michael more- because I see how much he loves her, and that together we made such a cool kid. Because of her, I see the beauty in every day.

I'm not the type of person to pat herself on the back or to brag about herself, but I'm a damn good mother and wife. I'm proud of the life I've built with Michael. I treat people with compassion, I have an open mind, and I'm always open with affection.
I'm deserving of love, warmth, and understanding. Starting now, if I'm not given it, i will give it to myself (wise words from a beautiful, wise woman who listened to me with love and an open heart-thank you!).
And to you reading this, you do the same! You are deserving of love, affection, compassion, and understanding. We all are.

Pics Via Pinterest: here and here

8 Facts About Michelle - 20 months!

I can't believe Michelle is already 20 months! In 4 short months she's going to be two. TWO! I get all weepy just thinking about it. In honor of my big girl becoming a big girl, and less of my little baby, I thought I would list some Michelle facts!

She is obsessed with Elmo! She calls him Coco, and demands to read her Elmo books every night with Daddy, and plays with her special Elmo for the car. Because of this, her 2nd birthday party is going to be Elmo themed!

Still loves bringing her baby doll everywhere and got a bathtub, stroller, and chair for "Baby" for xmas. ;-)

She is fearless with physical stuff! It's freaky. She climbs on and off of the bed, jumps off of things (eep), rides her little balance bike (with our help, but has zero fear on it), drives her Hummer at Nona and Gramps', practices her somersaults, and swings between the couches. Fearless kiddo!

She loves to dance, and does something we call "rage dances" where she scrunches up her face and starts going crazy. Haha! It's so cute!

Still nursing like a champ - no end in sight. But we are down to nursing only in the morning, nap time, and bedtime. I see molars coming in, so who knows if that will change!

She's super vocal and speaks more and more every day. She even sings! She especially likes Ellie Goulding, which is hilarious because I only have two of her songs downloaded, and her favorite song is only played on a commercial. Lol!

Loves watching football with daddy and does a special touchdown stance :)

Is obsessed with purses and bags. She loves backpacks, clutches, wallets, and more. If she sees a bag, she puts it on her arm or over her shoulder and walks off with a cute little sway to her hips.

Is there a way to slow down time?

A New Year

2013 was such a great year! There were some big ups and downs, but if life has taught me anything, it’s to focus on the positive, and work out the not so great things as best you can. And especially, don’t let others' negativity steal your happiness. Life is too short to spend even ten minutes of your day focusing on any crap you can’t control or change (of course, this is easier said than done, and I'm still working on doing this all the time).

There are many things I want to work on in 2014, but the biggest is to better myself on the inside. Last year Michael and I worked on our bodies, but this year, in addition to continuing that, I want to better my mental space. I want to work on being more patient, mellow, and understanding. I want to be stronger mentally, and less focused on negativity. 

In addition to being a happier, better me, I want our family to do more things together - have fun adventures, go on family outings, spend time together unplugged. I want to spend more time with my husband, do more fun and educational activities with Michelle, and give myself a break when I'm not feeling like the perfect wife, mother, daughter, friend, or person. 

2013 included watching Michelle morph from a sweet chubby little infant, into a crawling, then walking, then running little girl, with big personality and an amazing sense of adventure. We took Michelle on her first plane ride (to Southern California for a fun vacation), then out of the country to Mexico on a family vacation. We celebrated our second wedding anniversary, made-over our backyard into a gorgeous oasis, lost a combined 100 lbs (and counting) and bought a new car! Yes, we were forced to move to Yreka for a year in August, but it made it possible for us to play in the snow with Mish (her first time seeing it), go into beautiful Oregon and explore new places, and be greeted by deer every day. Don't get me wrong, I really can't wait to be done with this whole Bay to Yreka thing and get my life back together (and to makeover the inside of our home when we are back full-time), but I'm not going to dwell on it or waste an opportunity to make it a great year! 

These are just a few things I've been thinking about for a few days, and wanted to share. I really hope 2014 brings a happier, healthier, cleaner, and more organized Jessica. 2013 was wonderful, but I'm ready to make 2014 even better!

Five Facts About Michelle

5 Random Facts About Michelle

1. She was born with a head full of hair.
It was beautiful. I loved to brush it and swipe it across her head.
Somehow, this angered the hair-gods and she slowly lost it, starting on her forehead and moving back. During these dark times I called her Ira because she looked like a little balding Jewish New Yorker. I don't know. It seemed funny at the time.

2. She looks just like her dad. She may have bit and pieces of me, and makes faces that look just like my dad, younger sister, and oldest niece, but she's a white version of her dad. Ok, a bald white version of her dad. Ok, a mini, female, bald, white version of her dad.
It's okay, I think he's pretty good-looking. And I think she's the cutest thing in the world.
But seriously, it's scary how much she looks like my husband.

3. She takes after me in temperament.
Patience? What's that?
And don't let her get hungry or tired...she gets grouchy. What can I say? We know what we want.

4. She has a birthmark that resembles a suspension bridge. It's the cutest mark I've ever seen on a body. Cindy Crawford, eat your heart out.

5. She's only eaten from a bottle once: on my graduation. Other than that, this kid drinks straight from the tap. Pretty impressive if I do say so myself. Now how do I get her to sleep without my breasts as a pacifier? Ah, the mysteries of motherhood.

xoxo, Jess

Pets, cramps, and rambles

What is with the lower abdomen cramping? My pregnancy app on my iPod says it's my uterus growing, but isn't the baby just the size of a sesame seed? Shoot, I may look 20 weeks (hey, I'm chubby!) but this kid is still forming it's heart. It's teeny!
Is it too early to start thinking about the nursery? I already know I want to paint it a pale yellow/beige and hang this cute ass flag/banner/pennant my mom and I made for my wedding. I'd like to sew a quilt to match, but I pretty much fail at sewing. Maybe my mom will help me out :)

I'm a little worried about the cats and the baby. Baxter HATES babies and children and other small creatures, Zooey is a hording thief who pees on beds, and Charlie is still in his puppy stages where he will lick the heck out of a kid. Aye yi yi. It's gonna work out..I'm sure.
Speaking of crazy pets, wanna see pictures of mine? Too bad; here they are!

This is the crazy Charlie! He just turned one, so he's still a puppy :)

And these two devils are our cats, Baxter (left) and Zooey (right). We used to call them brother and sister until they fell in incestuous love; so now they are an old married couple. Ha.





My awesome older sister is on her way over to hang out and get some presents from our trip, so she's about to find out! I am excited to tell her!!!! <3

*Update*
My sister came by and I told her! She was so happy that she cried!! <3 I love my family. So, Nikki, if you are now reading this, hi! And, welcome to my baby-making blog!

Introductions are in order...

Well, I think a little background info is required. I'm Jessica, and I'm newly married to my best friend and partner of 7 years, Michael. We own a house in Fairfield, CA (smack dab between SF and Sacramento). Michael designs bridges and roads, and is a UC Berkeley grad. I'm a senior at UC Davis, studying Sociology. Below is a picture of us, being sexy and awesome on our honeymoon.

On said honeymoon we got some amazing news; I'm 4 weeks pregnant! Being a senior in college you probably think I am all worried and stressed about being pregnant; on the contrary! I'm 25 (took my sweet ass time in school, thank you very much), and my husband has a kick ass job that will help until I finish grad school w/o a job. So, now that you are all up in my business, how about some pictures to lurk into my life some more.

This is my husband Michael in Maui next to an awesome and old ass bridge on the road to Hana. Pretty cool huh? He's bearded, and smart, and funny, and probably the coolest guy ever. I am so lucky to have that yeti in my life.

Up there? That's me trying to look all nonchalant on the top of a crater in Maui. After this picture was taken, I jumped all around an squealed about the beautiful view. ;-)

Below is what I wrote on the plane about this past week and my pregnancy news. It's a copy and paste, and I was exhausted when I wrote it, so don't expect some gem..shooooot. <3
...........................................................


Baby Notes
9/23/2011

LMP: 08-25-11
Ovulatuion: ~09-07-11
1st test: 9/19 Technically positive. Super faint line; almost thought it was a line meant to be filled in for a  positive test
2nd test: 9/20 Positive. faint line, but definitely there.
3rd test: 9/21 Positive. Used different test and line was less faint.


Energy: LOW; not sure if it's from the wedding (planning, stress, etc), jet lag/traveling, or the adventures we've gone on
in Hawaii.

Notes:
Started trying, and conceived during my first ovulation. Basically Michael and I are super baby-making people, and he has super sperm that found my sexy egg too awesome to resist. I suspected something was up due to my low energy level, my crazy mood swings the week before (rage over lame stuff), and getting really dizzy/sick from flying, driving, and riding on the boat. The day we got our first real positive (2nd test) was the day we went snorkeling in the Molokini Crater. I was super excitd and when I told Michael (he was sleeping), he opened his eyes, smiled, and said "that's great" and then went back to sleep. Ha. That day I got very seasick (baby or genes, who knows) on the boat and while swimming in the ocean (LAME! There were cool turtles swimming two feet from me and I had to get out of the water or risk feeding the turtles a non-natural food source).
My appetite has been flaky and irritating. I am either VERY hungry or full to the brim after a few bites of my meal. Seems like I have to start eating more smalls meals throughout my day. Also, and I don't know if this is food-related, I get the worst stomach aches! It's like a dull cramping in my lower abdomen (i'm guessing it's that pesky uterus); It makes me feel like I have to use the restroom (#2 if you catch my drift). I'm normally not a daily-pooper, but it's becoming an everyday occurance. Maybe it's the island food I've been getting down on.
We told Diann about the pregnancy the day before we told my mom. She asked if I'd been having any alcohol and I sent her a picture of my positive test. When I told her she seemed very happy, and told Mike who said "oh yeah? Good job!". Hahaha.
I called my mother today and she immediately asked if I was. I couldn't lie, and even though I wanted to tell her in person, I spilled the beans. She sounded to excited! I asked to tell my dad over the phone on my own, and he seemed happy. I told him I got something cool in Hawaii and he asked what it was..I said "oh, just a positive pregnancy test!". He laughed and said congrats.
I am so excited to tell my sisters. I think I'm going to have to call or text Ash, as she's on an impromtu trip to Vegas with some guy; however, I am going to try and see Nikki tomorrow and tell her. I hope they are excited for us! My friends, on the other hand, I am debating when to tell them. I am enjoying the privacy. Now I know why Cass keeps her's secret for so long; it's fun to have that crazy news in your pocket, ready to launch it at the drop of a hat! >:)
Right now we are on the plane back home. Our little island fetus will now be a stowaway in CA to my classes at UC Davis. My little aggie <3 Michael says the baby will have UC Berkeley stuff, but as it will attend Davis for 9 months, I say it's an Aggie! Ha!

This is the 3rd test I took to confirm my first one!

The Mama-To-Be, 4 weeks pregnant!