venice beach

the weather has been heating up a bit here in LA, so yesterday we decided to get away and visit Venice. It turned out to be the perfect beach day - so much so, i think we'll go back today!

i finally brought a swim suit for lexie - but managed to forget everything else in the process. including: a 2nd diaper, a change of clothes, sunglasses, and even my house key. for the first time in the 3 years that we have lived here, I locked myself out.

the beach was more relaxing than i thought it would be. we played in the sand, played in the water, and soaked up some rays. i don't know how she managed it, but within 5 minutes of getting to the beach and our towels laid out, lex was already completely covered in sand. it's good she doesn't seem to mind sand, cause when i say "everywhere" that is exactly what I mean: eyes, mouth, nose, ears, and other delicate areas...

new love

I don't know how many people are familiar with the Internet site Pandora Radio... but, i think I'm in love!
initially i was set up with Pandora by the phone. and, as blind dates go, i have to admit we've been going strong ever since. the jist is that you can create your own radio stations by entering an artist, song, or genre - and, Pandora does the rest.
when it comes to music i admit that i could be described as "attention impaired". I can't listen to more than one or two songs by the same artist before getting bored and restless - actually, come to think of it, this really does remind me of my past dating life... this is why i have found my other half in Pandora - i can't get bored, cause I never know what is coming next!
if you have never heard of Pandora, i strongly recommend checking it out.

www.pandora.com

a couple of my favorite stations currently are:
flightless bird american mouth by: iron and wine
Paul Cardell (piano solos)
Carter Burwell (instrumental)

help wanted

For the past few years I have tried to tune out endless praises of how "funny" the Office is. Five seasons ago when the show started I remember watching the first few episodes and thinking it was possibly one of the most painful shows to sit through. The characters seemed neurotic and abrasive; the storyline seemed... nonexistent; and the humor felt forced and flat.

Recently on our trip to Miami one of David's classmates once again tried elaborate upon the good qualities the show possess, and offered to let us borrow the first and second seasons. I agreed to borrow them with the thought that we'd hold on to them for a while, but I wouldn't actually watch them. A few days ago, however, when I needed something new I put in the first disc.

I'm not sure if my taste has matured over the past few years or if I just wasn't paying attention the first time... but I am now a fan.

Truth be told it wasn't until after finishing the second season that I was actually hooked... It took me that long to build up a tolerance for Micheal, gain an appreciation for Dwight Schrute, and fall for Jim. But, miracles happen. The interplay among the characters is hilarious. Who hasn't had a boss that just wants everyone to overlook the fact s/he is an idiot, and be liked? Or the crazy co-worker who thinks they have more authority than everyone else?

Maybe that's what makes the show SO funny - it's real life. But by watching someone else play it out, the connection isn't made that maybe we are the crazy co-worker...

I must confess there is funny funny stuff to be found in the Office. I'm addicted - I'm a believer - and, I'm headed to Costco to buy my own copies!

As a side note: I am a big fan of being able to watch a whole season of a show with no commercials and without having to wait a week before being able to see what happens next! Instant gratification...

mud

what is it about the combination of water and dirt that kids fond SO irresistible? For Lexi i am determined to believe that she simply cannot pass up the union of two of her favorite things. She's a romantic at heart, after all.

We have a play area right outside our apartment building which Lex and I escape to on a daily basis. It is nice to get outside, but not have a massive production of "getting" somewhere. Lex has made friends with some of the other kids in the complex and - much to my dismay - they have taught her the joys of the water spigot.
Each day when we go down, after her Pavlovian lap around the playground to gather all the balls, she heads to the water spigot and assembles her ingredients for mud pies. I am not sure if it is the texture of the mud, or something else that intrigues her; but, she is in her element. She has a funny habit of wiping her hands off on the front of her shirt. i didn't really put 2 and 2 together the first time I let her play in the mud, and she came away looking like she's visited a spa but forgot to undress before the mud bath. She is such a little lady - doesn't want dirt on her hands...

Whenever we are out playing in the mud, there is always a few other kids standing around watching Lex as she gives herself facials. They usually run to me pointing their fingers with looks of, "well aren't you going to stop her?!? If I don't get to play in the mud, I'm pretty sure she doesn't get to either!"
Even other moms look at me like I am crazy when the see the mess, formerly known as my daughter. But, I figure if all it takes it a little mud to make her happy, than I wont complain. I mean, there are people paying hundreds of dollars for toys to entertain their kids, and my kid found something that I don't have to pay anything for? I'm going to sit back and keep my mouth shut, or one of these days California will try and tax the mud to make up for the ever growing deficit...

organization

i have been trying to organize my pictures on the computer. curently, i have one LARGE folder of pictures, and I need to break them up into muliple folders with fewer pictures.

The first folder i decided on was an "Alexis" folder.

Now... I'm pretty much back at square one, but now my folder has a name...

water

One thing that I don't do often enough is take Lex to the beach. There really is no excuse. We live 5 miles away; on a daily basis I have NO prior commitments; it's not like the weather forces us in doors...
I think what it may be, is the fact that Lex has absolutely no fear of the ocean!

Recently when my mom was in town, we decided to spend Lexi's "b-witching" hours at the beach. What are the b-witching hours? Daily between the hours of about 3 and 5 Lex decided to practice her drama queen routine, and is satisfied with nothing and no one. Thus while my mom was babysitting for us, she aptly named the aforementioned time.
Now that Lex knows how to / enjoys walking I have been pretty nervous about having her at Venice Beach. This fear is unfounded and irrational, but there are so many people there, and the thought of someone walking away with her and her just disappearing scares me to death! Scared or not, we ended up in the heart of the Venice freak show and quickly made our way to the sand and water.

This is not the first time that we've had Lex at the beach, so you would think I'd have learned my lesson but apparently not. I should know by now that regardless of my plans, Lex is going to get in the water; and, clothes on or off she will end up soaked. Yup, I chose to ignore this reality, and left her fully dressed... even as I sit writing this, I cant help but shake my head... sigh.
It didn't take long to regret the decision to leave her dressed. After being knocked down by wave after wave not only was she drenched, but she shared with me! I kept thinking that as the waves smashed into her, and even completely covered her once or twice, that she would get hesitant about the water. Nope, not even close! As each wave got to her, she simply got more courageous and wanted to walk further and further OUT into the ocean. I think for our next family night we may have to sit her down and watch Jaws - she can use a healthy dose of reality.
By the end of our little adventure she had sand everywhere and resembled a drown rat more than a drama queen; so mission accomplished, I guess!

In a very distant memory I can vaguely recall that the beach was once a place of relaxation. Sunscreen, beach towel, good book; that was pretty much my equation for perfect day. Somehow, beach + Lexi just doesn't come out the same. I never claimed to be a mathematician, though, so maybe I am just factoring something incorrectly...

Shy?!?

Recently, Lexi has hit a bit of a shy stage. Shy? You may be asking. Are you sure we are talking about the same child? This is in fact the child who could care less with whom she is playing as long as there is a bouncing ball involved? This is the child who will allow anyone to hold her, regardless of the fact she may have never seen them before? The same child who smiles and flirts with anyone with little more encouragement than eye contact?!?

Yup, it's true! My super-social, must-have-gotten-that-from-her-father, just-wants-to-be-everyones'-friend child now cringes and hides on a daily basis. This is the part where I talk about how excited I am for her to grow out of this stage and be social again. Sadly, I can not... I am REALLY enjoying this!

For instance, when we were at the zoo waiting for our turn at the petting zoo, the man in line behind us started making faces at her and trying to get her to smile. What did she do? Put her head under my chin and covered her eyes with her hands. Not that I blame her really, I tried to hide behind David, but he was too busy talking to the guy and making friends.

Also, at church on Sunday I was geared up for another installment of "Sunday Survivor" wherein my one objective is to threaten her enough with being 'voted off the island' that she's literally afraid to make noise. Of course, I do think she has caught on that 'off the island' means outside in the hallway with Dad - and oddly, that does not appear to hold a threatening power with her. As luck would have it, however, someone two rows behind us smiled and waved at Lexi, and for the whole first hour she sat in my lap with her head on my chest. Every now and then she worked up the courage to peak up over my shoulder, but would quickly resume her cowering after eye contact was achieved. It was AWESOME! Most relaxing hour of church I have had in ages!

So, although I know that this stage will probably end soon, and she will return to her true social nature. I am still holding out hope that by scaring her more rather than comforting her in these situations she will see the very real danger of strangers... and cuddle with me longer...

Lady Luck

When it comes to Lexi, there are two things that I hear on a pretty regular basis.
1- Lexi is a Gerber baby
2- I am such a lucky mom

With regards to my daughter being the heir to a pureed fortune, all I can is she must have gotten the best of both of us. Whether I am out for a morning walk, in the grocery store, or wandering around the mall (hey, it's something to do) I am bound to hear someone mention that my off spring looks like a bottle of baby food. Frankly, I'm still not sure it's a compliment. But, I guess it is better than having the word "Purina" be the first thing that comes to mind...

Now to address the fact that I am such a lucky mom. Is it lucky that I have a child who enjoys to be in her crib for a nap, whether she is sleeping or not? Is it lucky that I have a child who would rather smile than frown? Is it lucky that I have a child who would rather eat spinach and zucchini than ice cream?
I don't know if I would consider myself lucky. I am still the one that has to hear her giggling all day... I am the one who has to pick up the slack on the eating of the ice cream... I have to try and keep a straight face every night as she runs around wearing nothing but a towel on her head because she wants to be a super hero. Truthfully, this really is the most exhausting job - emotionally, mentally, economically, environmentally, logistically, ergonomically...

Happy Birthday!

Another year older, and hopefully wiser too...
Today David turns 27 - we're finally the same age - nothing like an even playing field.

And... by the time I finally get this written and posted - the day has come and gone. Yesterday turned out to be just as David would have it - completely centered around him! (if you can't get that on your birthday, when can you?) He was able to get out of clinic earlier than normal so we started the birthday festivities by taking a road trip to Costco for passport pictures - since a passport was the only present that David said he wanted. After the photo shoot we had a nice dinner and birthday-apple pie at home.
David is very much a kid a heart, which was made quite evident to me when he saw a few presents on the table and immediately started into, "can I open them now?!?". Which he preceded to repeat every 30 seconds until I could hold out no longer.
Lexi enjoyed having David around more than normal, but nothing could grab her attention away from the balloons! Balloons and balls are her two obsessions right now. Initially, after picking up the balloons we ran home to put them in the apartment so they could be there before David got home. As I tried to spread the balloons out around the living room, Lexi followed right behind me gathering them all in her little fists. It took a bit longer to accomplish my goal than it probably should have.

Happy Birthday David! Hope you know how much we love you and how much you mean to us... Your hard work and dedication for our family does not go unnoticed or under-appreciated.
Here's to another fun-filled year!!!

LA Zoo

Last Saturday David had a master plan to surprise me by planning an activity to get us out of the house. However, early that morning when I said, "i'll do anything - as long as it's not Disneyland..." and watched his face fall - I instantly knew it was going to be one of those days. I have absolutely nothing against Disneyland - however, Disneyland on a Saturday of both Spring break and Easter?!?! After weighing the pros and cons - while driving to Disneyland - we decided it would probably be better another day. So, before they could take our money, we turned around and headed to the zoo.

The zoo is about 20 minutes from our house. We had been once before, but after seeing how much lex loves the animals and watching all the kids, we knew it would be a place we'd go back to often. Like everything was bound to be, the Zoo was packed! They had special Easter activities set up, so Lex made her own bunny ears and also touch a bunny.

We spend time in the petting zoo - which oddly only had goats. Wandered around by the sea lions, saw the alligators, and finished off with kangaroos and koalas. We now have a year pass to the zoo, so it's nice to not feel like we have to see everything in one trip.

Easter!

I am astonished that Easter '09 has come and gone! I was reflecting yesterday how much has changed in a year since last Easter... Lexi was only about 5 months old last Easter - she didn't eat solid foods, she couldn't get around on her own, and she didn't talk back. Ah, changes...

We had a really nice Easter day/weekend. We were able to attend church, have dinner in Orange County with Grandma and Grandpa Clarke, show Lex the joys of her first Easter egg hunt, and simply enjoy the-ever-temperate California weather.








Lexi on a stick...

e.r. premiere

Last Thursday while playing on the couch, lex fell backwards to the floor and hit her head. As you can imagine this turn of events did not make her happy, so i quickly scooped her up and tried to calm her as she screamed. While I was holding her, she decided that I should be just as uncomfortable as she was. I think that her master plan was to scare me - and it worked - as her eyes rolled into the back of her head and her body became completely limp in my arms.

Now, this was certainly not the first time that Lex has hit her head, but I figured that losing consciousness was probably not normal. Even I can be deductive in a high stress situation: falls and hits head + not conscious + never done that before = abnormal. And, David tells me I'm not scientific... phhff

Anyway, after calling my parents, her pediatrician, and the nurses hot line (I tried to call President Obama, but apprently he was in a meeting) - the consensus was reached that I should take her to the e.r. to make sure nothing serious happened. Why, you may be asking, did I not call David? In fact, I did call him a number of times. You can imagine my messages on his machine when I thought that we has merely sending me to voice mail as he talked with patients... not pretty by the 10th call! He was actually doing ENT rounds at a hospital off campus, and maintains that he had no cell service.

Thus with no car, no husband, and little emotional control Lexi and I made our way to the e.r.. The hospital e.r. was thankfully pretty empty - and the visit took about 4 hours, so I can imagine how long it would have been had there been actual sick people. Lex hated every minute of the process, except for the moments I was shoving animal crackers in her mouth.

treatment for head injuries in toddlers, i was told, is an all or nothing deal. And, in the end the doctor decided that lexi looked normal so we were to assume she was in fact normal (yes, I paid for that diagnosis...) She had no other symptoms, aside from the blackout, so the Dr's didn't feel the process of sedation and a CT scan were warranted. His recommendation was for me to watch her and return if further symptoms arose. I believe his exact words were, "we'll need you to step in as the neurologist". To which I responded, " I have nervous wreck covered, but I'm pretty sure you're being paid to do everything else!" Sadly, yet another case of a professional with little or no experience of his authority being 'questioned'....

Lex seems to be fine. She is getting a little tired of my constant supervision, but overall back to normal.

Everything's HOT in Miami

Shortly after returning from our separate vacations David and I headed out on another adventure and ended up in Miami Florida. Miami was where this year's IADR (International Association of Dental Research - - honestly have no idea what the letters stand for, but dental and research are incorporated somehow, and this looks pretty official to me...) conference was held. Research has been a big part of David's day-to-day life over the past year and so when he was accepted to come and present his research he jumped at the opportunity, and I jumped at the chance to get out of the apartment!

Initially, the plan was for Lexi to come with us. However, after arriving in Utah without a supervising adult in the car, I realized that my parents still view me as a teenager. And thus, mom accompanied me on the road trip back to Cali - and also volunteered to be a babysitter so that Lexi would not have to endure a 5.5 hour flight (and by Lexi endure of course i mean, 'me endure with Lexi').

It was a quick trip, only two nights. Miami was very hot and humid, which both David and I liked. Having lived in Ohio, and David in Texas - we were both used to the general sense of 'moisture'. Our hotel was classified as an "Art Deco Masterpiece" which probably should have sounded some warning bells... though, it was right on the beach so I can't really complain about that. Most of the trip was spent outside sitting in the sun, or outside looking for something to eat - overall, a success if i do say so.

Miami as a whole is not a place i really need to revisit though. It was definitely not a family place - i practically had to walk around with my hand over David's eyes the whole trip. Let's just say not much of left to the imagination in South Beach! But, it was fun to go somewhere new and have a couple of days to go longer than 10 seconds without having to say "no lexi".

Happy Birthday!

Although I am a little late in getting this posted - I have to wish my amazing SIL Kristen Happy Birthday!!

Kristen joined the family almost 2 years ago - and we have all been the better for it. Kristen - I hope that you had a great birthday - even though you had to work, and probably had to make your own dinner, and probably didn't have a husband cause he was studying for tests... Know that i love you and was thinking of you!!!

Next year we'll have to work something out so that I can wish you a happy birthday in person... you work on that from your end and I'll do the same from mine.
Thanks for making the boring Provo to Ogden drive not just once BUT twice so that we could hang out. I miss our late night talks and having the chance to laugh about anything and everything that comes up :)

I love you!! Happy (belated) Birthday!!

he said

In an attempt to keep his streak up of "being as productive as humanly possible", David used his week of spring break to visit a couple of Orthodontic programs as an extern.
Almost immediately after finishing yet another week of finals, he boarded a plane and headed to Virgina. he tells me that the best part of that trip was not the chance to visit VCU (Virgina Commonwealth University), but rather to have a few days with his sister Merrilee. VCU has a great ortho program that is a 2 year program.
After leaving Virgina, he headed to Oregon to visit OSU (Oregon State University). He had the chance to visit OSU and observe their program and meet the faculty and current residents.
To round the week of travel off, David's mom and dad made the drive from their home to Portland to pick him up so that he could stay a few days before coming back to Cali.
All in all the travels were a success. It was great for him to have a chance to see the programs that he will soon be applying to. but, in the end, the best part was the chance to have time with his family. Thank you everyone for taking such good care of him!

she said

While David was flying to and fro, i decided to take a road trip and drove to Utah. i didn't actually tell anyone that i was going/coming because i was afraid i may chicken out at the last minute and stay home rather than face the 11 hour car trip. In the end, to no one's shock, i was far too stubborn to let something silly like 'driving alone' get the better of me.
My master plan was to leave early in the morning - like 2:30 or 3am - and drive in the dark at the beginning of the trip rather than the end. However, none of my planning could have prepared me for David's finals-week-stress-caused snoring, and finding that I was not going to sleep anyway i got on the road a bit earlier than planned. We left at about 1:30am and arrived in Ogden at about 1:30pm. It was a long trip, but with a book on tape and yelling child in the back seat i had plenty of motivation to stay awake.
Since my mom and dad were not expecting me to pull up in the drive way - I decided come from the back way and let Lexi break the news to them. With little more prodding than, "where's Harley?", Lexi headed to the front door with me hiding in the shadows. it didn't take long to hear the screams of both confusion and delight as mom and dad finally decided that they were not simultaneously seeing a very short ghost walking up to their door.
It was nice to have a chance to stay with them for a few days before heading back to Cali in time to pick David up from the airport as his travels came to an end. Over the week in Utah we saw sun, rain, and snow... it was a busy week. We started by helping plant the garden in the sun, and progressed to being stuck in the house during a blizzard. I got a years worth of seasons in only a few days - that is definitely something that i don't get here in Cali.
Lexi found her soul mate once again in Harley. She absolutely loves dogs - the bigger the better. Harley was a good sport about the whole thing - mostly cause she understands who mom and dad would choose if it ever came to that point.
love you mom and dad! Thanks for letting us come and crash for a few days - and even pretending to be excited when we show up unannounced!