Us Girls Make a Great Team

I'm feeling lucky today. No, not lucky.

Accomplished.

I've got a lot on my plate these days...Don't we all?

But, today felt really good.

I had a productive work day before a great meeting in LA with an inspired, creative, thoughtful and strategic group of video production and, honestly, trend experts.

I've got three personal/fun/important projects in the works and coming together beautifully, if I do say so myself...

1. 79 memories for Grandpa's 79th birthday (by the way, please send me your notes if you haven't already). ;)

2. An amazing tribute to Audrey's first year, and birthday gift...

3. And, I'm planning a super 1st birthday party for a great little, big girl!! (Be there, Saturday, September 10th at Mayberry Park in Reno. Doggies are welcome!)

Audrey was brilliant today too.

What's new?

So what if she hasn't mastered the wave "hello" or "goodbye" yet.

She isn't blowing kisses.

She claps, but not every time you ask her to...

She DID, however, learn the one new trick I felt I needed/deserved/wanted the most today.

love her.

love, kerry

We've Got A Walker Girl!!!

Audrey's really moving now!!! In fact, we bought her shoes (finally)! She's much more confident walking barefoot at home and she threw the biggest fit wearing her new shoes during the car ride home from Payless Shoes, but we walked home from the park today (almost the entire way), and she's getting better with every step!! She'll probably be running by her first birthday!!

Can't wait!

Oh yeah, she's also figured out how to open the doors in our condo. That's been fun!

And, finally.

Audrey never really NEEDED a binky. Sure, she liked it and always took it around bedtime, but cutting it out of her life was a snap. No problem...The last few days though, for whatever reason, Audrey keeps finding binkys in her toy drawers/boxes/bins/etc...And, sure enough- she's in LOVE again.

{great.}

And, John's not helping the situation...

Yup. I know.

We're supposed to be taking them away, not encouraging her to try two at the same time!

Oh, but it is so cute... Just one picture, and that's it! ;)

love, kerry

Happy With Bows in Our Hair

I wouldn't really call myself a bow-kinda-girl...I like pretty things, but for me, bows are a little more prissy than pretty.

I'm not a total tomboy.

Not a princess either...

I'd like to think I'm a happy medium, and I'd like to think that Audrey will have a similar balance.

{Audrey, if you want to be a cheerleader, I'll support you 100%...But, wouldn't you rather be cheered FOR?}

Nevertheless, it was an all-girly, princess bow-kinda-day, and I loved it!

{So, did Jesse...Maybe}

By the way, I'm still collecting memories for Grandpa's gift- so keep 'em comin'! I've got 79 envelopes to fill, and I'm probably up to 25...We'll get there, but I need your help!

Also, I'm working on an AMAZING tribute to Audrey's first year...

I. Am. In. LOVE.

Good night.

love, kerry

Good Thoughts...

Summa, Summa, Summa Time

We had a GREAT weekend!!! Saturday was spent at Newport Beach with Travis and Tracee, and then Sunday we hung out in Mission Beach, San Diego with Mato and Amy!!! As usual, it was so fun to see everyone!!! We spent pretty much both days relaxing, and laying on the beach (trust me, I have the burns to prove it). It was perfect (and so is my tan...three days later). :)

The boys played games...

The girls stayed cool...

Audrey loved visiting with Uncle Mato...

She'll be a surfing in no time!

love, kerry

I Need Your Help!!!

Sometimes my best ideas come when it's too late...And, although this is still a bit of short notice {sorry, but...}, there's still time! Woo hoo!

As you likely know, my Grandpa Al will be turning 79 on September 1st.

It's been a hell of a year for him...You already know...

To make him feel even more special on his birthday, I ask you to please send me your favorite memory (or more) with him, about him, whatever stands out to you. In fact, send more than one memory (each on individual pieces of paper please)...I will be stuffing each note/memory in its own envelope (79 envelopes to be exact), and preparing as one, complete gift from all of us for Grandpa.

79 amazing memories,

79 thoughtful notes,

79 incredible years.

It doesn't need to be anything fancy. Whatever works best for you- it's as easy as a handwritten note, signed with your name!

I really appreciate your time and effort for this project. I know it will be very special to Grandpa. Please forward this along to anyone you know who might also want to contribute! I have a lot of envelopes to fill!

Your notes should be mailed to me by Monday, August 29th.

Need my mailing address or email? Please call me...This is the World Wide Web, after all.

AND, PLEASE KEEP THIS GIFT A SECRET FROM GRANDPA!

Thank you so much!

PS- No, Grandpa doesn't read my blog... Too much "technology" involved. I have to print entries for him and snail mail them along so he can keep up. ;)

Need some inspiration? I have LOTS and LOTS of memories... But, here are a few that immediately come to mind. I hope some of these inspire your notes...

I have so many holiday/birthday memories...But, this is one from a joint birthday party we had at our house in Reno, for Grandma and me in 2006.

At my college graduation party in 2007...Also the day John asked for Grandpa's permission to propose marriage.

My wedding day...

Great Grandpa Al, 9.8.10.

love, kerry

Steps in the Right Direction

Home

Sweet

Home

Just in time for a fantastic weekend!!!

I had anther busy week in Reno... Great work, family, friends, news...Great time!

.

We're making MAJOR progress in the walking department, and with only about three weeks until Audrey's 1st birthday- we (more me/John than Audrey) are committed to getting it down ASAP!

Audrey is advanced, ya know.

OF COURSE she'll be walking before her first birthday...

Audrey, don't let us down.

I'm only joking.

Kind of.

She's getting there...Watch. Audrey. Go.

Superstar!

In other news, I spotted my first Real Housewife of OC at the airport.

She looked...as expected.

We've got Travis and Tracee in town today, and we're going to spend tomorrow with Mato and Amy in San Diego!

More to come, but hope you have a great weekend!

love, kerry

I Love Summer!

Look at this pretty little girl!!!!

So cute, enjoying the pool, the sunshine and her flower sunglasses.

JOY!

love, kerry

Fun Friday Night!!!

Friday nights have gotten fun again!!!

Strange because Fridays were always fun in college...Then, a little less fun actually the last couple of years (mostly because both John and I are so tired from working all week), but now with Audrey- FRIDAY is back!!!

We had a great dinner at a fun Mexican restaurant on Main Street tonight. Audrey enjoyed the rice, avocado, chicken, asada, tortilla (as you can see)...Then we had a nice walk on the beach. It's so beautiful here. We are very lucky.

Hope you had a great night too!

love, kerry

On My Love List: Professional Photography

You know me, I love getting my picture taken... ;)

And, go ahead and [insert tease here of me being obsessed with myself or something], but honestly, I just think professional photos are so important, and too often overlooked.

In my personal opinion, your photography should be among the biggest investments at your wedding. Period. The dress, the cake, the flowers, the favors...What do they matter if you don't have photos to remind yourself of that very beautiful day? I honestly couldn't even tell you off the top of my head what types of flowers I had in my own wedding bouquet, but I know they were beautiful and that a lot of thought went into picking them out. I'm really glad I have photos to refresh my memory, and that I can share with Audrey one day.

{Photo by Gina Munda}

And think about those old photos that you have and enjoy in your own life...

I love looking through-

My Grandpa's old high school football and police officer photos,

Mine and John's baby books,

My mom's old modeling portfolio,

Our families' old wedding albums,

and so many more...

And, I'd be so disappointed if I didn't have a photo to capture PERFECT moments like this...

{Photo by Gina Munda}

Or like this...

{Photo by Skye Snyder}

Or like this...

{Photo by Skye Snyder}

I actually didn't take photos like a crazy woman before Audrey...I will give you that. I made the commitment during my pregnancy that I would get professional photos of her every three months, just for the first year. Every mom I talked too while I was pregnant just went on and on about how much babies change in their first year...I wanted to capture as much as I could reasonably afford.

It's the photo journaler in me, I suppose.

And, I've really enjoyed all my pictures around the house too. In fact, one of my favorites is a 12-month frame that I bought at Pottery Barn Kids here. I update the frame on a regular basis (one photo for each month during Audrey's first year), and I'm amazed that it's about to be completely filled soon!!! I literally look lovingly, and in disbelief, every single day. Time goes so fast. (Great gift idea for any new mom you know, by the way).

So, I think I've made my point...Professional photography is something worth spending the time, effort and money on at least on an annual basis.

That said, to the purpose of tonight's post...I have Audrey's 9-Month photos from Skye Snyder Photography for your enjoyment, and I AM IN LOVE!!!

I should start by saying that Skye is a FANTASTIC photographer in Reno. She is such a kind person, so talented, and really captures the individuality and personality of the people she photographs. Her prices are fair, and I have trusted her to photograph some of the most important times in my life- my pregnancy, Audrey's one-week birthday, one-month birthday and nine-month birthday. She'll also be photographing Audrey's 1st birthday party next month. I highly recommend Skye, and encourage you to check out her website here, or to read her blog here. She's also always got fun contests, promotions and discounts on her facebook page here.

{These photos were taken in June, 2011 by Skye Snyder Photography at Bartley Ranch in Reno.}

love, kerry

Great Time in HB!!!

Although I'm a bit behind, I MUST thank Judy, Steve and Dan for visiting us in HB last week!!

We had such a blast!!!

It was a relaxing trip that included lots of great walks on the beach, and around town...

A beautiful drive along the PCH and through the OC beach cities.

We got to see some of the US Open of Surfing, and even got kicked off the HB Pier!!

{duh Steve...no dogs on the pier!}

We love you guys!!! Thanks again for making the trip!!!

love, kerry

Just Like Me? Just Like You? Just Like Who?

Oh man, what have we created???

This crazy girl's always into something, and pushing the limits...

She's the type who'll always have something up her sleeve.

Always calculating her next move.

But, because she's just so darn likable and cute- she'll always get away with being "bad".

Yet, despite the trouble she may get into at times, she's ridiculously sweet.

Already, extremely thoughtful.

Loyal and loving.

Intelligent and compassionate.

I also think it's safe to say that she's going to be an adventurer.

She can't even walk yet, but trust me- she's on the move.

She wants to explore.

GO

see,

meet,

smell,

touch,

hear,

enjoy,

sample something new.

She's not afraid of the unknown.

In fact, it excites and inspires her.

Audrey's Type-A, in control, independent, and takes charge too.

A chief, not an indian.

She'll tell it like it is, and demand your attention.

She's not even afraid to boss THE BOSS around.

And, she already learned that a little attitude can go a long way if played correctly.

{yes, those are baby scrubs}

She's so funny too.

She loves being with people, and making friends.

She's very social.

But, she's also got a great imagination, and can make fun happen for herself, all on her own.

She's easy to love.

THE happiest little baby I've ever seen.

Her smile is perfect.

So Audrey,

who can I thank/blame for all this AMAZINGNESS wrapped up into one little baby girl?

.

.

.

.

Maybe Dada???

{You are such a daddy's girl...}

Or, I don't know...

Maybe you take after me???

Hmmm....

Doesn't really matter.

We are just so in love with YOU!!!

love, kerry

Happy Birthday Audrey!!!!

Dear Audrey,

Your mommy and daddy

CAN

NOT

BELIEVE

that you are 11 months old!!!!!

Happy birthday sweetie!!!!

You're less and less baby, and more and more big girl every day.

We love every minute we spend with you.

You are just the best!

But, can we just slow things down a bit?

Seriously Audrey, you're already growing up too fast. Any day now you'll be walking by yourself, then off to school,

girl scout meetings,

volleyball practice,

high school dances,

college,

moving out...

JUST LIKE THAT!!!

{stress}

...

{deep breath}

One day at a time.

{repeat}

One day at a time.

{repeat}

One day at a time.

Audrey, happy 11-month birthday!

You are beautiful, and perfect, and fun and smart.

You have a hot temper, but it's adorable!

You are so happy!

You love to make new friends!

You have a beautiful smile!

We are so proud to be your parents.

This was another big month for you!

YOU.....

learned to dance,

went bike riding for the first time,

are talking more and more,

mastered the wave hello and clapping,

are crawling faster {too fast} and even scooting along,

standing for longer periods of time,

went to the zoo,

took your first plane trip,

wore sunglasses for the first time...

WOW!

Your current obsessions: Dogs, more dogs, dog books, stuffed dogs, dogs at the park...

DOGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Favorite song: Britney Spears "I Wanna Go"

Favorite foods: watermelon, mushrooms, bread

It's been another great month, baby girl.

And, next month...

Next month is going to be HUGE!!!!

Just wait.

But, tell all your family and friends now to save-the-date:

Saturday, September 10th

11am-2pm

Mayberry Park in Reno

BIG. FIRST. BIRTHDAY. {DOGGIE}. BASH.

Just for you.

love, mommy

Happy Birthday Jesse!!!

Dear Jesse,

Happy birthday (yesterday)!!!!!!!

You are 12-years-old, and have been such a good boy! Mom and I picked you up from the scariest trailer park ever, in Mark Twain, Nevada. We saved your life that day. Trust me.

And, you've been such a fun little doggie! So playful, loyal and well-behaved. Audrey loves you so much, and so do we!

love, kerry

Good Thoughts...

Our Day at the San Diego Zoo

I couldn't wait to take Audrey to the San Diego Zoo.

Sure, she's a 10-month-old baby. She won't remember the trip. Maybe not even the next day.

But, so many new discoveries, sights, sounds, smells...all in a single afternoon.

How amazing and fun for all of us!

And, let me just say now that she was so....

entertained,

confused,

afraid,

excited...

Such a happy girl.

{love}

All day I couldn't help but wonder,

What is she thinking of all this?

.

.

.

.

.

.

I wish I could read her mind.

.

.

.

.

.

Audrey, this is a polar bear.

He lives where it's cold.

Brrrrrr....

And don't be scared.

Mama's got you.

Let's wave!

Hi Mr. Polar Bear!!

Daddy, baby wants a better view of the Polar Bear.

Ok, let's Clap! Clap! Clap!

Mr. Polar Bear, nice to meet you!

{walk}

{walk}

{walk}

Audrey, look!

There's a mama deer and her baby...

Yes, you're so smart!

They do like the deer at Grandpa's house.

{let's move on}

Now, what's this big, huge, slow thing with the long nose???

Daddy, is he going to get me?

{fear}

No sweetie, he's our friend.

Ok, ok. I couldn't resist.

John, just one picture please!

{walk}

{walk}

{walk}

Audrey, how's your day so far?

Comfortable?

Well, you just sit back and take in all this zoo excitement!

You're doing so good!!!!

.

.

.

Audrey, look!!!

What's that???

I'll give you a hint...

Looks like Sophie, and is our family favorite in the WHOLE zoo.

.

.

.

That's a good-looking family of giraffes if you ask me.

.

.

.

Yes, baby girl. I know.

The birds at the zoo are boring. And there are SOOO many darn birds everywhere!!!

But, these are PINK!!!

Let's stop for a minute.

{Four Hours Later}

So Audrey...

How's your day?

We've tried to keep it fun, and stick to the bigger animals that actually move.

And, we're so sad too that all your favorite ROAR animals from the books we read at home were sleeping...

No fun

lions,

tigers, or

bears.

{next time}

Where to next?

Should we head to The Outback?

Back to the Safari?

Over to Asian Adventure?

YOU PICK!

.

.

.

{So Sweet}

Ok baby girl.

We'll head home.

Sleep tight, and sweet dreams.

We had a wonderful day with you at the zoo.

xoxo

love, kerry