Visit from Auntie Nalani and Uncle Jason

Nalani and Jason are two of our closest friends who live in Hawaii.  I have known Nalani since 4th grade at Holy Trinity School.  We also went to Kamehameha Schools together from 7th through 12th grade and Loyola Marymount University for college where we were roommates.  Needless to say, we have spent a lot of time together and it was a "no-brainer" as to who we would like to be Ke'alohi's godmother.  

Nalani and Jason were on their way home from a trip to Peru when they had a three-day stopover in Los Angeles.  They were meeting up with Nalani's family who were on a trip to California to visit all the major theme parks.  We were lucky enough to see them a couple times during their stay so that Ke'alohi, Nalani and Jason could hang out.  We hit up the local food joints that they don't have in Hawaii like Chipotle, Kabuki and Olive Garden.  

We had a great time together and can't wait to see them again in Hawaii during Christmas.

Happy Birthday Opa...

Today is my dad's birthday!  We love him dearly and can't wait to see him and my mom this weekend in Missouri!

This is one of my favorite pictures of him and Ke'alohi when he was visiting us in June.

Love You Opa!

Three Months Old!

Our little girl is three months old today!! Now that she is three month old, she is technically not a "newborn" anymore, but I am going to hold out until she is "over" three months old.  I need this next month to come to terms with my baby being an "infant."

Ten Facts about Ke'alohi at Three Months:

1. Weighs 13 pounds and 12 ounces and measures 24 inches.
2. Smiles and coos at Mommy and Daddy.
3. Likes hanging out in her Bumbo seat.
4. Drinks almost six ounces of formula at each feeding.
5. Eyes are getting even darker, almost a light brown color.
6. Still sleeps great and mostly through the night!
7. Duke, Harley and Ke'alohi now like to smell and watch each other.
8. Loves to pull on Mommy's hair.
9. Had her first booboo on her arm and took it like a little champ.
10. Starting to grab and bring toys and blankets to her mouth.

Visit from Cousin Jorge

We got to spend some time with Lucas' cousin, Jorge, who is from Spain, last night and today.  Last night, we took him to a sushi bar at the Third Street Promenade.  We all shared our favorite sushi rolls and I got to learn a lot about Spain and that side of Lucas' family.  We spent the night talking story and planning our trip out to Spain and Portugal to visit family.  The highlight of the night had to be Jorge's first Pinkberry experience.  Pinkberry is a Los Angeles staple and probably the best frozen yogurt out there. We definitely got him hooked on it and wanting more.

Today, we met up with him and Lucas' parents at the Gene Autry Museum in Glendale.  It was a blistering 105 degrees and made me feel like I was melting.  We all grabbed lunch in the cafe where we tried a buffalo burger for the first time.  After lunch, we headed into the museum and got to see lots of western history from back in the day.

After making our rounds there, we headed to the Griffith Observatory to check out the museum and the best views of Los Angeles.  We got to see lots of displays about the different planets, stars and the sun. Our favorite part of the observatory has to be the different scales showing what you would weigh on each planet based on their gravitational pull to the sun.

We ended the day meeting up with Uncle Dan and Bailey, who were up in Los Angeles for a soccer game, and got dinner at The Grove.  The Farmer's Market has a variety of foods but most of us settled on cajun food.  Jorge jumped at the opportunity to eat Pinkberry again and tested out new flavors.

We were sad to see Jorge go but are excited to see him again, hopefully in Spain!

Visit with Auntie Kasey Again

We got to see Auntie Kasey again!  Today, Kasey had the day off of work because she and Connor had just gotten back from their babymoon in Hawaii.  Some of you might be wondering what a babymoon is and it's kind of like a honeymoon.  It's essentially a trip that you take before the baby comes so that you have one final relaxing time with your loved one.  Kasey and Connor sure know how to babymoon because they went all way to Kauai!  So jealous!

Ke'alohi was very excited to see Auntie Kasey, so much that she smiled and made sounds the whole bath time before leaving to see her.  When we got there we had a great time talking about her trip, her pregnancy, maternity leave and most importantly SHOPPING for babies!  I have given her all my tips for savvy shopping because there are so many things babies need!

I'm sure you're wondering if Kasey gave in and told us what they are going to name their daughter and that would be a negative.  They have narrowed it down to three names and they are going to decide on the perfect name when they see  their precious bundle of joy.

Only a few more months until she will be here in November!  Can't wait!

Visit from Karen, Bailey, Selma and Teresa

Aunt Karen, Aunt Selma, Bailey and Teresa were all on a trip to Hong Kong this last week for Selma's Cookies.  If you haven't had a Selma's cookie, rice crispie or brownie, you need to do so now.  Go to your closest Vons, Pavilions, Disneyland/Disneyworld or go to their website.  I'm telling you it might be one of the best sweets you have ever eaten.  

Aunt Selma had to go to Hong Kong for a Disney vendor meeting where they recognized their best vendors, her company being one of them and one of the longest serving vendors of Disney.  She provides the parks with cookies, rice crispies, brownies and chocolate covered marshmallows.  You know those rice crispies in the shape of Mickey? Yup, those are made by Lucas' Aunt's company.  You can also find her crispies in the shapes of flowers, slippers and seasonal things like footballs, hearts, Christmas trees and cupcakes.  Because her trip was in such a cool location, Selma took Aunt Karen, Bailey and Teresa with her!

They landed this afternoon at LAX and then decided to visit Ke'alohi and I for the rest of the afternoon.  We had so much fun talking about their trip, how Teresa is starting at Yale University next week and making faces at Ke'alohi while she worked on her tummy time.  

It was a great afternoon and I hope we can do it again soon!

First Time Finding Her Hands!

Our little girl has hit another milestone:  Ke'alohi has officially found her hands.  She is now very busy looking at them and bringing anything and everything to her mouth.  Her favorite things to grab are blankets, deedas (burp cloths) and my hair.  We are almost to the point where I think she will want to grab and play with toys but we will see.  

For now we are enjoying this stage of her life and loving it!

Maxine Eleanor Conlan is Here!

If you were now wondering who the cutest little girl born in August was, we have your answer: Maxine Eleanor Conlan! Our wedding / maternity / newborn photographer, Janel Conlan at Focus Photography, Inc. and her husband, have welcomed a beautiful baby girl into the world.  She was born this evening at 7:58 pm, weighing 6 pounds, 10 ounces and measuring 19.5 inches.

We could not be more happy for them!  We all know that our two girls might be the most photographed babies out there!

Noah Matthew's Baptism

We have known Joanne and Brian Custer since our engagement.  They volunteer at LMU to help coordinate weddings at Sacred Heart Chapel.  They helped make our special day perfect and have been our friends ever since.  Today we all headed back to LMU's Sacred Heart Chapel for another special occasion; their son, Noah's baptism.

It was a beautiful service that showed the Custer family's devotion to their faith! Congratulations!

Road Trip for Jenn and Jon's Baby Shower!

We are so excited for our friends Jenn and Jon who are expecting their son, Jacob James, in October.  Jacob is one lucky boy because he will have the best parents.  I think what makes us so happy for them is that we have been lucky to share in each other's lives and special times.  When we were all in college, Jenn and I studied abroad together in Oxford, England, after graduation, we both got engaged and were married in the summer of 2009 and now we are both starting our families.

The road trip started at 4 am with us all getting up and hitting the road.  Luckily, we were able to get in the car by 4:45 am and cruised into Roseville at 11:15 am.  All in all, Ke'alohi did great in the car and slept most of the way.  We did pull over a couple times to switch drivers and to feed and change her.  We changed and headed over to Jenn and Jon's house for the shower that was hosted by Jenna (who got engaged the week before) and Jenn's Nana.  We had a blast and a few times laughed so hard that our stomach hurt.  The highlights of the day were Nana reading everyone a "bedtime story" and all the girls helping Jenn put all the gifts away in Jacob's room.  The next morning we got up bright and early to have brunch at Jenn and Jon's house and then headed back down to Los Angeles.  Our trip up north was too short and we wish that Roseville was closer to us.

It might be stepping over our parental boundaries but we have already decided that Jacob and Ke'alohi will be friends and will be going to prom together in 2028!

First Time to Gymboree Class!

For the last couple weeks, Ke'alohi and I have been on a quest to find a Mommy and Me class.  We looked at a couple places and finally decided that Gymboree was the place for us!  You may be asking, "what could a two-month old possibly do at this age?"  Well, right now we are just working on singing songs to the babies, tummy time, tracking with their eyes and and getting them to bat at toys.  Honestly, the class at this point really is more for me to talk to other moms and and get out of the house with Ke'alohi.  We are having so much fun going to class on Tuesdays and Thursdays and it is well worth it!

Once I go back to work, we will be going to the Saturday classes with Lucas!

Visit from Auntie Mikaela

Today, one of my sorority sisters, Mikaela, took some time off from her crazy busy schedule in the entertainment business to hang out with us for a while.  We loved having her over and Ke'alohi was just mesmerized by her facial expressions.  I think Ke'alohi was just trying to butter up Auntie Mikaela to take her to the Oscars one day.  

We all know that Mikaela is going places and it's just a matter of time before she is famous!  She better remember us "little people" when she is on the big screen!

Auntie Jenna's BBQ

Today, we went to Auntie Jenna and Uncle Aaron's BBQ at their house.  I am friends with Jenna and met her through my good friend Jenn, who is 7.5 months pregnant with Jacob.  Jenna was Jenn's Maid of Honor in her wedding and is pretty much one of the nicest people I have met.  Jenn and her husband, Jon, were able to come down to Los Angeles for the weekend to help out with this BBQ and celebrate in the festivities.

I didn't think anything of Jenn and Jon coming down for Jenna and Aaron's BBQ but then Jenn told me that there was going to be a "little" surprise from Aaron near the end of the BBQ.  This little surprise was actually a huge one because Aaron was going to PROPOSE!  Lucas, Ke'alohi and I were so happy and excited to share in this beautiful moment and were able to catch it all on our camera.  

Jenna of course said yes and we are more than thrilled for them.  We can't wait for Jenna and Aaron's wedding. If it's anything like their BBQ, it's going be a fun and unforgettable night!

We are excited for more celebrations next weekend for Jenn and Jon's baby shower!

Two-Month Doctor's Appointment

Today is the day that I have been dreading since Ke'alohi's second doctors appointment.  This is the appointment where she gett her first set of shots.  At this appointment with Dr. Ouchi, she weighed in at 12 pounds and 3 ounces, measured 22.25 inches and her head circumference was 16 inches.

Dr. Ouchi said that Ke'alohi was doing great and seemed to be a grand master at "tummy time." She assured us that Ke'alohi is growing well, in the 75th percentile for weight and 50th for height.  After the doctor left, we waited a couple minutes for the nurse to come in with the dreaded shots.  We all knew the shots would be harder on me than they were on her.  They gave Ke'alohi one oral vaccination and three shots in her legs.  Luckily Lucas took the day off of work to come with us for support and was able to calm her down in a few minutes with some cuddling and a bottle. 

Like the dentist gives you stickers and toothbrushes when you are good, our doctor gives us more formula to take home!  Score!  We love going to the doctors now.  Well not really but we will be going back in two months for her four-month appointment to get her next set of shots.

Two Months Old!

I can't believe that she is two months old!  How is the time flying by so fast?  I need to have a conversation with God and ask him to slow this time of her life down because I don't want to miss a second of it.

Ten Facts about Ke'alohi at Two Months:

1. Weighs 12 pounds and 3 ounces and measures 22.25 inches.
2. Definitely smiles at Mommy and Daddy (especially when we make silly faces).
3. Kind of cooing here and there.
4. Drinks a full four ounces of formula at each feeding.
5. Hair is getting lighter to a pretty dark brown.
6. Eyes are getting a little darker, almost a grey color.
7. Still great at tummy time.
8. Sleeps great!
9. Likes going on walks with Duke and Harley.
10. Loves to be carried and now likes to grab Mommy's hair and Daddy's shirt.

Visit from Auntie Cristina and Auntie Michelle

We we are blessed for all of our friends and family who have visited us the last two months!  Tonight, my two sorority sisters Cristina and Michelle came over to play and hang out with Ke'alohi.  Cristina is the fabulous woman that designed our wedding program, rehearsal dinner invites and baby shower invites.  She is the woman to know when it comes to graphic designing.  Michelle on the other hand is equally talented in the entertainment industry.  Hopefully when these two amazing women become famous, they will remember us "little people."  They both took to Ke'alohi like ducks to water.  Cristina's brother and wife are expecting a boy in a couple weeks so this visit gave Auntie Cristina some practice for her nephew.  Ke'alohi liked Michelle, especially when she fed her a bottle.

Their visit was much too short and we were all sad to see Auntie Cristina and Auntie Michelle go.  They are both amazing aunties and we can't wait to have them over again!

First Time Sleeping Through the Night!

Yup, you read that right, Ke'alohi slept through the night for the first time! We are so lucky that she is such a great sleeper and has finally showed that off to us last night!  She went to bed around 10 pm and didn't get up until 6:30 am.  She did stir a little around 3 am but didn't need me to pick her up or feed her.  When Lucas got up this morning he asked me what time she woke up and how long we stayed up for and that's when I told him that our princess slept through the night!

We are so happy and proud of Ke'alohi!

Grandma Paloma's Birthday

Lucas, Ke'alohi, Duke, Harley and I ventured out to Riverside today to celebrate Lucas' Mom's birthday.  This was the first time we were able to see Lucas' parents' new place and it was so cute.  It is nestled in a little quaint neighborhood just outside of downtown Riverside.  While we were out there, the dogs got to explore the area and definitely liked the freedom to roam inside and outside their "casita."  We had a great sushi dinner at a small little sushi bar close to his parents' place and ordered the big "chef's boat." We ate until we were full of awesome food and drinks!

Here's our favorite picture of Lucas' parents with Ke'alohi from the hospital.

Ke'alohi's Legal!

That's right, Ke'alohi has her papers!  Last week, we received her social security card in the mail which meant in California that we can now go to the LAX Courthouse to get copies of her birth certificate.  Since I wasn't feeling too well this morning, Lucas decided to stay home from work to help me with Ke'alohi.  Around mid-morning, we decided to venture out to get me some soup and stopped by the courthouse to pick up a few copies of her birth certificate.  On our way home, we decided that since Lucas has family in Spain and Portugal, it would be a good idea if Ke'alohi had a passport.  We then headed over to the LAX Post Office to take her passport picture and to fill out the application.

Lucas loves her passport picture but I think Ke'alohi will be less than thrilled when she sees it in a couple of years.  Hahaha.

Mommy's Six-Week Check-Up

This morning I had my follow-up visit with Dr. Wyatt to see how I was feeling and if my c-section scar had healed.  Not many of you know but this recovery has been a tough one that included four visits to Dr. Wyatt's office, three visits to the ER, two sets of stomach x-rays and one re-admission to the hospital for me.  I had what the doctor called severe postpartum nausea to the point where I couldn't keep any food or water down for days.  They had to readmit me into the hospital, perform an EGD (invasive stomach probing test) and insert a feeding tube through my nose so that I could get nutrients in my body.  After being in the hospital five days and having the feeding tube in for the first three of them, I was able to start eating and holding liquids and soft foods down again. 

Since being discharged from the hospital things are looking up and I am finally able to be the Mom I wanted to be to Ke'alohi.  I can't wait to spend the next coming weeks with our little girl having fun and going on adventures!