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Pretty Happy Funny Real - The Baptism Edition

2012-01-25T22:29:00.000-10:00

~ Capturing the context of everyday life ~

Every Thursday, at Like Mother, Like Daughter!
{pretty}

I was shielding Miss Boo from the sun at the beach and was struck by how pretty her eyes looked.

Miss Boo felt very pretty in her baptism dress.

{happy}

Happy smiles :)

So very happy.

{funny}

Miss Boo really wanted to grab at Father's robe :)

Her godfather let her grab his lei after the service :)

{real}

tired baby face

"Let's get a family photo with Father!"
Please ignore my frantic screaming child... >.<
(everyone was very understanding, it was a long day for a small girl and she did very well until just after the service!!)

crashed. out. in the car on the way home.

Miss Boo's baptism was a beautiful experience for us.

BatFit Update

2012-01-22T10:07:00.000-10:00

First BatFit Post Here

So, how am I doing with my goals?

My first goal was to cut down on the amount of processed carbs I was eating. So far so good! Instead of cookies or something like that, I've been buying clementines to snack on during the day - sweet, satisfying, freaking adorable, and way better for me than a sugar-loaded cookie.

My second goal was to exercise more. Also so far so good! TeacherMan, Miss Boo, and I have been out for a family walk at a park or the beach every night for the past 2 weeks or so! I've also been taking the stairs as I said I would (every time I don't have Miss Boo with me).

I feel great.

I can run up the 4 flights of stairs to our apartment without losing my breath.

I can walk and walk and walk while wearing Miss Boo in a carrier - even hike! - and not be completely dead afterwards.

I can see the difference in the way my clothes fit.

I've only two more pounds (putting my total at 18), but I feel so amazing!

My goals stay the same: eat whole foods, be more active, and feel good.

So far, so good!!

Happy Birthday, TeacherMan

2012-01-21T21:51:00.000-10:00

TM's girls!

Today at the beach.

He's all ready for treasure-hunting!

Where we were.

Watching her daddy.

Evening at TM's parents'.

Look alike? Nah.

Playing ukulele.

Chatting with Gramma and the dog (Lani).

Brothers, 4 years apart with the same birthday, blowing out their candles.

Their funny mama put two trick candles on the cake! They kept lighting back up :D

cake by me :)

Cutting the cake!

Happy Birthday, TeacherMan and BeachBoy!

Pretty Happy Funny Real - The Catching-Up Edition

2012-01-19T09:28:00.000-10:00

{pretty}

MissBoo checking out her toys.

Pretty girl in her blankey.

Yep, still pretty even with the teething face!

{happy}

Happiness is a cute baby :)

{funny}

Close-up!

"What, you're trying to take a nice photo Mama? Oh, okay."

Windy + beach = sand in your eye!!

{real}

The diaper bag handle is the best toy.

You still have to nap at the beach.

You can find all kinds of things if you're persistent!

And there will always be Japanese couples getting married or having wedding photos taken at Magic Island!

Pretty Happy Funny Real - The Teething Edition

2012-01-12T10:05:00.000-10:00

My {pretty} girl is teething.

She's still adorable.

Showing off her sore mouth? She looks pretty {happy}...

But you can tell from how she holds her mouth these days that things are sprouting in there.

We've been taking baths as distractions and relaxation.

Feet!

I think she's quite {funny} :)

"Oh really, Mama?"

"I will nom you, duck!"

"Grrrr..."

Mmmmm....

There we go - that's how she's really feeling. Poor baby.

~ Capturing the context of everyday life ~

Every Thursday, at Like Mother, Like Daughter!

Wonder Week 19 and Teething

2012-01-10T16:48:00.000-10:00

Growing up is hard to do.
The first year is full of so much.
So many new things to learn.
All Mamas and Daddies can do is try to make it more comfortable.

Wonder Week 19 is a big one:
Week 19 - world of events> Ability to understand the world around them becoming more developed
> Will experiment with events - ie, now understands that they can reach for a toy, grab it, shake it, turn it around and put it in their mouth
> Vocalisations becoming more complex
> Beginning to understand object permanence, objects continue to exist even though we can’t see them
> Trying to roll

So much chomping and finger/thumb-sucking is going on.

She's been rolling for a while now - front to back happens once in a while, and she is a master at back to front (trying to get as close to Mama as possible!).

It's hard to see your child miserable. And it's so sweet to see your 4-month-old trying to be happy when she's feeling so grumpy.

We'll be having lots of extra snuggles for the next while.
Soon this Wonder Week will just be a memory...

Belated Beach!

2012-01-08T16:17:00.000-10:00

Miss Boo waiting for it to be time to leave!

On the way.

Playing on the towel while Mama and Daddy get things set up.

Off to hunt for treasure!

Baby toes buried in the sand.

Waves!

Playing in the water.

A wave came!

Bye bye, wave.

Cute baby.

Inspecting the sand on Mama's shorts.

Time to dry off!

Looking out at the water.

Brolly!

Down the beach.

Sandy snoozes.

Awake from her nap.

Checking out his finds (lots of bottle caps).

Time to go in the water again!

Dipping her toes.

Yay, water!

Lots of fun.

Sunshiney smile.

Happy girl.

Daddy and Boo.

Beach Bum Family.

Playing on the grass.

Pretty park.

Hello...

Play time.

CHOMP.

Practicing sitting on the grass.

Grass is interesting...

Back on the towel.

Another nap.

Sunset.

Time to go home!

Molly Videos

2012-01-07T11:44:00.000-10:00

We're going to the beach today so I will have more lovely salty-sandy photos to share soon, but for now please enjoy my little Boo:

10 weeks Old

15 weeks old

4 Months Old

Bat Fit 2012

2012-01-03T14:16:00.000-10:00

My goal for this year is to get into a healthy weight for my height/body type. I've been overweight for most of my life! I had my baby girl 4 months ago. I want to get healthy for her. So far so good - I've lost 16 pounds since having her!

I joined Bat Fit to have a group to keep me accountable. Even though right now I'm losing weight without doing much (except breast-feeding, and lugging my baby around) I know that I could start gaining again at any time.
My definition of health is eating whole foods, being more active, and feeling good. :)

Now that the holidays are over (with all the cookies and rich foods and such >.<) I'm going to have goals to work towards. My goal for this week is to start cutting down on the amount of processed carbs I eat. I have to continue eating carbs because I'm breast-feeding my daughter, but I'm only going to eat a few at each meal and snack! I'm also taking the stairs (I live on the 4th floor) every time I'm going up or down, and of course doing the daily 20-minute Dance Party!! :)

Me right now, 5'4" and 245 pounds.

My goal weight is 145 lbs!

I am not saying "I will lose 100 lbs in 2012" - that would be a goal I am sure I would, at some point, see as unobtainable. I am saying that I want to lose as much weight as I can while sticking to a healthy meal plan that includes cutting out a lot of carbs, eating fresh fruits and veggies, and of course getting more exercise.

I think with Miss Boo, the Ice Bats, and the BatFit Facebook group, I am in good shape to attain my health goals!

New Year, New Experiences! Number One -The Beach!

2012-01-03T11:10:00.000-10:00

Happy New Year to everyone who reads this blog! A wonderful New Year gift to me would be for you to leave a comment - it would let me know that there ARE people reading this ;)
Yesterday, we took Miss Boo to the beach for the very first time. TeacherMan had the day off because of New Years and we decided, what better way to start 2012 than with our first family trip to the beach?

Miss Boo all ready to go in the water.

Unfortunately I was not organized enough to get photos of Miss Boo actually IN the water. Oops. Next time!

Post-ocean blinks.

She has a funny little expression here, but I promise - after an initial few moments of being unsure about this Giant Bathtub, she adored the water!

The view from where we stuck in our umbrella.

Gotta get some sandy feet photos! Aren't her baby toes adorable?

Sittin' in the sand...

Asking for her turn with the camera.

Our new beach umbrella! A great idea from TeacherMan, now we have our own portable shade!

Trying for a nice shot. I love that you can see Diamondhead behind us! Just in case you forgot where we live ;)

Awww, smiles with mama.

Playing on the towels.

Such a busy little girl!

Crashed out :)

This is the only photo of TeacherMan I got - remember what I said about organization?

>.<

He was busy playing with his new toy - a metal detector!

parting shot - showing off my new hair-color!

I hope the start of your New Year was as fun as ours!

When Daddy Comes Home

2011-12-28T14:26:00.000-10:00

Molly playing with one of her Christmas presents - an Ugly Doll Ice Bat.

She's getting so good at making her toy do what she wants it to do!

Sweet little girl... She was so quiet and relaxed having her tummy time, and then...

Daddy Got Home!!!!

Mama, look!

It's Daddy!

He's making weird faces at me...

What a funny guy!

She loves her Daddy so much.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T07:29:00.000-10:00

Our Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T22:52:00.000-10:00

Molly is sleeping, snuggled into her blankie on the bed beside me. TeacherMan is on his computer in the living room. We just finished watching "Nightmare Before Christmas" together and now we're winding down to bedtime. It's an early morning tomorrow, we're heading to TM's parents' place for breakfast and gifts to start off Christmas Day.

But I want to tell you about tonight...

Tonight, Molly discovered presents.

I piled all the gifts around her and, well...

She was mesmerized.

First present: Ice Bat dolls from Mama and Daddy.

More presents - lots of onesies! Molly's Gramps and Gramma sent presents, too - a stack of wonderful books. "Goodnight Moon", "Peter Rabbit", "Are You My Mother"....

Daddy got presents from Mama...

like a gift certificate to buy music STUFF!

And...

a really awesome t-shirt (that was a total surprise and I loved his face when he opened it)!!

Mama got presents from Daddy, too - earrings, "Coraline" on DVD, and a beautiful ring. So pretty.

Funnest part of the night was watching Molly with her presents. Her funny little face!

I can't wait for tomorrow morning...

Happy Christmas Eve!

Wedding Anniversary

2011-12-23T08:45:00.002-10:00

It’s our second wedding anniversary today.
Two years ago this morning, I was waking up with butterflies in my stomach. My parents-in-law-to-be were sleeping in my sister’s room and my sister-in-law-to-be was sleeping in my other sisters’ room. My best friend had come to help me get ready.
That morning is a total blur. I remember A snapping photos while we did my hair and makeup. I remember my sisters and my SIL-to-be watching as I put on my lipstick. I remember having my little brothers all pile around me after I was ready. I remember the look on my parents’ faces when they saw me in my wedding dress and veil.
It’s funny to sit here in our little apartment on our $20 couch, with my baby kicking my leg, and remember that morning. It feels like yesterday and it feels so very long ago.
I remember everyone leaving for the church except my dad and I. I remember sitting in the armchair in my parents’ living room and waiting, watching the clock. I remember chatting with my dad while we waited but I don’t remember what we talked about at all.
I remember arriving at the church and the pastor coming out to say hello before the ceremony. I definitely remember that he’d put his earring in, because he said “if there was ever a wedding where he could wear his earring, it would be yours, Holly!”
I remember walking up the aisle on my dad’s arm, surrounded by our family, while my beloved’s voice (recorded) sang “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”.
I remember that the pastor talked about The Velveteen Rabbit in his sermon during the ceremony.
I remember TM’s mom’s voice when she read a verse aloud.
I remember almost signing the wrong line on the papers.
I remember that kiss.
I remember walking back down the aisle as a married woman on my husband’s arm while our families blew bubbles and “I Love You” by the Barenaked Ladies played.
I remember it was incredibly, amazingly cold outside that day.
But mostly I remember love.
It’s been two unbelievable years as Mrs. Teacherman.
Living in one room with no kitchen. Worrying about money. Missing my family. Learning each other’s habits. Making plans for the future. Being pregnant. Moving. Having a baby.
I am more in love with TeacherMan now than I was on that day two years ago. Then, I couldn’t imagine that being possible.
Now, I know I fall more in love with him every day.
Happy Anniversary, Teacherman.
I love you.

16 Weeks Old

2011-12-22T06:16:00.001-10:00

Where has my tiny baby gone?

She weighs between 16 and 17 pounds now and is 24 inches long. Caught up to my friend's little boy who used to be MUCH bigger than Molly (he's 10 days older and was 8 pounds something at birth).

She talks all the time now - cooing and oohing and awwing. So cute. She also "burbles", my term for her not-quite-raspberrying while oohing. It's adorable and drippy.

She's found her feet and has grabbed them a couple times. She loves playing with her hands and often brings them together like praying. She can nearly sit up alone - she starts leaning though and ends up on her face! She adores her baths and kicks like crazy to make splashes.

In the morning, after she and I have been up for a little while, she likes to go back to bed and wake up her Daddy. She tugs on his blanket, grabs his arm, and (I swear) says "hiiii" in a breathy little voice until his eyes open and he replies. It fills me with so much love and joy to see my man with our daughter. They love each other so much - she smiles so big for her daddy.

I adore my daughter... Even on mornings like this, when she wants to get up at 5:30am! She is the light of my life.

how much difference 14 weeks makes

2011-12-21T15:41:00.000-10:00

2 weeks old

16 weeks old

Molly and Her Blankies

2011-12-16T13:20:00.000-10:00

Blankie Sling!

2011-12-15T11:57:00.000-10:00

A friend asked how I make a blanket sling - so I snapped some photos this morning!

Start with a nice big (but not thick) blanket. This is our Aiden&Anais blanket.

Fold it in half on the diagonal.

Wrap around your body so that the point comes down around your hip area.

Knot the ends together using a square knot. I do left side over right side then right side over left side.

Move the knot to between your shoulder blades - this is a tip from Aunty Judi!

All ready for a baby!

I also use this blankie (Molly's favorite) as a sling - this one is actually a sarong that I bought in Waikiki!

Now you have a cozy comfy baby carrier wherever you go!

Photo Cuteness

2011-12-14T14:57:00.000-10:00

Miss Boo's new adorable diaper! I love it.

Blankey as sling? Oh yes.

Playing with Daddy.

My two face-makers...

Cutest photo ever of my two favorite people!

Random Photos and Thoughts

2011-12-13T11:14:00.000-10:00

Not much to say today, really, just that I am feeling very happy today.

There are a few reasons for my happiness... Not least of which is that I am currently wearing a pair of new-to-me jeans that cost $4.70, fit exactly the way I like jeans to, and are a size smaller than what I was wearing before I got pregnant!

Another happy-making thing - we received a package containing 6 new diapers yesterday, and I got them all washed and assembled this morning. We now have 18 Sunbaby diapers and I feel prepared for anything - even my little chunky monkey outgrowing the three dappi wraps we have.

all our Sunbaby diapers, minus the one Molly is currently wearing

The last reason for my great mood is that tonight I get to see a friend that I haven't seen in nearly two years! She's been visiting Hawaii for the past few days and will be heading home to Canada tonight, but not until we've had a visit. :)

I hope your day is as happy as mine :)

Le Professeur Gothique's Monthly Homework Assignment: Comfort and Joy

2011-12-12T21:40:00.000-10:00

More Info Here

The TropigothMama Recipe for Unwinding:

You will need:

1 chubby happy 3-month-old baby girl

1 soft snuggly blanket

How to:

Find a comfy spot (a bed or a couch) and snuggle up with the baby in the blanket. Make faces, blow raspberries, listen to her coo and whisper, and forget everything else for a while.

It's a never-fail remedy for holiday blues!

Pretty Funny Happy Moments From The Week

2011-12-09T08:30:00.000-10:00

Forgive the lack of posting. Have a photo-heavy post to make up for it.

- Holly

Our First Real Christmas Tree

2011-12-03T22:13:00.000-10:00

My parents-in-law gave us an early Christmas present this morning - a 7 foot tall Douglas pine tree!
After dinner we took Molly and went shopping for tree decorations - Teacherman picked our color scheme :)

tree topper - a sparkly poinsettia!

detail shots

more details

ze whole tree!

no flash... very hard to capture!

He chose blue and silver. Because we got married two days before Christmas and our original wedding colors were blue and silver. The wedding actually ended up being red and black, but the reception was blue and silver!
I think it's safe to say we like blue and silver/blue and white - case in point:

Molly on our bed. Blue and white quilt, blue sheets, white pillows :)

Our tree is so pretty and sparkly - and it smells of Christmas.

Is your tree (or trees) up yet?

-Holly

Pretty, Funny, Happy, Real

2011-12-01T13:15:00.000-10:00

{pretty}

MollyBoo and me. I love her expression!

{funny}

Miss Boo looks so much like my brother J here.

{happy}

Happy little girl.

{real}

Moments after the previous photo - the reality being that spit-up can strike at any moment!

- Holly

Another Tender Hawaiian Christmas

2011-11-28T17:16:00.000-10:00

This afternoon while Molly napped, I decorated the apartment for Christmas. I even got some gifts wrapped!

next to the stove

top of the fridge

top of the microwave - the Bible is open to Matthew 1:18

this Bible is open to Isaiah 9

When do you decorate for Christmas? We wait till after Thanksgiving and my momma's birthday.

- Holly

Happy Birthday to My Momma

2011-11-25T06:37:00.000-10:00

On my wedding day.

with my big-little brother at my wedding reception

with my daddy

snuggling her babies (my twin brothers)

and with my baby

when she and my sister came to visit.

Happy Birthday, Momma darling. I love you so much. Thank you for everything. We miss you and we're coming to BC to see you ASAP.

- Holly

Tuesday Thoughts

2011-11-23T10:49:00.000-10:00

Yesterday, Molly didn't want to nap unless she was on my chest or snuggled into my arms.

Today, she drifted off happily and has stayed asleep in bed.

Babies are funny.

I have a cold. It's a head-cold, it's making my sinuses ache and my eyes feel heavy and watery.
I knew I shouldn't have stayed up late two nights ago...
Hind-sight is 20-20, right?

That night when I stayed up too late, I was on a cleaning/organizing/decorating spree. No, not Christmas decorations - it hasn't been Thanksgiving yet! Just house decorations.
Specifically, photos.
We haven't had photos up since we moved in.

Now we do.

Above Molly's change-table, a retrospective of her life so far. From the first ultrasound photo, to just after birth, to Halloween, and beyond.

Above the shoe-shelf in the hallway, first thing you see now on exiting our bedroom is this wall of photos of Teacherman and I. From the weekend we first met in person till now with our sweet little girl.

Last but not least, our family wall. My side is, well, much fuller than TM's side.

It makes me happy to have our families' smiling faces on our wall. And I show them to Molly and tell her who each person is. :)

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving in this country. I'm making pumpkin crunch bars to bring to our family get-together. :)

- Holly

Cloth Diapers

2011-11-21T22:51:00.000-10:00

We got more cloth diapers today.
So now we have a real "stash" of fluffy cuteness.

Would you like to see?

Of course you would.

And if you don't, just go read someone else's blog. Okay?

Okay.

All my new diapers (except the one that Molly was wearing) stacked up and ready to go. How CUTE are they??

This is pretty dang cute. Hello Kitty diaper? Yes please!!

MollyBoo showing off her diaper collection. The boring white ones are the ones we had already. They are boring. The new ones are the opposite of boring.

And as an extra treat:

Miss Molly Kuhilani Elise is 12 weeks old tomorrow. The clothes she is wearing in the above photo, the clothes that fit her perfectly, are sized for 6-month-olds.

Where did my 6-pound newborn go??

- Holly

I'm an 11-week-old Mama

2011-11-16T14:16:00.001-10:00

I've been a mama for 11 weeks and one day now.

Every day is an adventure.

What time will she want to get up this morning?

What kind of day are we going to have?

Little things, how am I going to... make the bed? Take a shower? Cook dinner?

So I take each task as it comes.

Making the bed becomes a giant game of peek-a-boo, with my gummily-grinning baby beaming as I float sheets over her head.

Taking a shower becomes a duet, we both emerge clean and smelling of baby wash and (let's face it) ready for a nap.

To make dinner, I become a cooking show host - I am as entertaining to my baby, with my mushrooms and sausage and spinach, as any Iron Chef in Kitchen Stadium with the most rare of Secret Ingredients.

And blogging? A team sport, now, where I type one-handed as MollyBoo looks on from my lap.

I'm an 11-week-old mama. And I love my life.

- Holly

Monday Poetry

2011-11-14T11:14:00.000-10:00

apartment strewn with blankets
purple, pink, and blue

couch populated with soft toys
of every size and hue

tiny towel in the bathroom
board books upon the shelf

diapers drying in the kitchen
dishes stacked to dry themselves

mama, daddy in the main room
trying not to make a peep

and small lady of the blankets
is laughing in her sleep.

- Holly

Le Professeur Gothique's Monthly Homework: Naked (face) November

2011-11-13T10:08:00.000-10:00

Lately, I sport a naked face 5 days out of 7. Being a new momma means my focus is on MollyBoo, not my makeup routine!
And you know what? I like my naked face more and more! Yes, I still love to play with makeup, and winged black liner will always be my "signature" look, but I'm more and more comfortable going out with just a dash of balm on my lips and nothing else.

- Holly

Remembrance Day/Veterans Day

2011-11-11T10:06:00.000-10:00

by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae

Pretty, Funny, Happy, Real

2011-11-10T09:50:00.000-10:00

~ Capturing the context of everyday life ~

Every Thursday at Like Mother, Like Daughter!

{pretty}

I felt pretty yesterday and decided to get a photo of myself. Newly dyed hair and a fun new shirt :)

{funny}

I make funny faces at the camera when I try to get a photo of myself (doing the old camera-at-arms-length trick).

{happy}

Happiness is a sleeping baby...

{real}

In reality, only one of these toys was bought for Molly... the others we had already. Guess which one was specifically for the baby? ;)

- Holly

Best and Worst Wednesday

2011-11-09T21:41:00.000-10:00

{best and worst Wednesday with A Baker's Dozen and Apollo XIV}

Best part of changing to cloth diapers?
Saving money in the long run, and knowing that there are no weird chemicals against my baby's skin.

Worst part of changing to cloth diapers?
We're still waiting for a dozen diapers to come in the mail so right now I am doing laundry every.single.day.
>.<

I do so love her cute fluffy bum...

Best part about Teacherman working two jobs, one in the morning and one in the afternoon?
He has two hours free in the middle to come home for lunch.

Worst part about the two jobs?
Working two jobs = weird hours and working on the weekend sometimes. Well, with one job he works every Saturday. With the other, not every Saturday...

"I miss my daddy! Also, what is UP with the flash??"

Join up with Best and Worst Wednesday here!

- Holly

Tuesday Thoughts

2011-11-08T22:14:00.000-10:00

My little girl is 10 weeks old today.

Last night around 10:30, I said to Teacherman - "10 weeks ago, I was having my first real contractions right now."

10 weeks doesn't sound like a lot of time. Two and a half months.

But it's amazing how much we've changed over those 10 weeks.

Teacherman and I have gone from a couple figuring out a newborn, to a mom and dad confident in their ability to care for a young baby.

Impressive, yes - but then I think of how much our little MollyBoo has changed.

In just 10 weeks - just two and a half months - she's gone from this:

To this:

From a tiny little 6-pound 10-ounce newborn, who was perfectly adorable but couldn't do much more than cry and stare, to a 14-pound baby who can "talk", hold her head up, roll from front to back (oh yes, 6 times now over the past two days), and so much more.

It's amazing to watch her grow and learn and change. I am blessed.

- Holly

Pretty, Funny, Happy, Real

2011-11-03T09:42:00.000-10:00

{pretty}

BooBoo is so pretty in her new hat from my friend Maeve!

{funny}

Funny face!

{happy}

BooBoo is such a happy little girl in the morning.

{real}

Really, this hat is a bit big yet - but it's so sweet and I wanted some photos to show how much we love it already!

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~

Every Thursday at Like Mother, Like Daughter!

Tired Tuesday

2011-11-01T15:36:00.001-10:00

Thankfully, this Tuesday our nine-week-old is tired and sleeping.

I think her first Halloween wore her out - we did stay up pretty late!

Boo slept through a lot of it, tucked into her Ergo and snuggled into Mama.

When she wasn't asleep, she totally ignored the crowds of costumes around us (at Waikiki) in favor of staring at her Daddy.

His costume was quite something.

I think her first Halloween was a success!

Welcome to the holiday season, everyone!

- Holly

This is (Boo's First) Halloween!

2011-10-31T15:12:00.000-10:00

More photos tomorrow :)
- Holly

Pretty, Funny, Happy, Real

2011-10-27T12:54:00.000-10:00

{pretty}

my baby girl is so pretty. look at her sparkly eyes!

{funny}

something struck Molly as funny during our impromptu photoshoot this morning :)

{happy}

mama found Manic Panic. oh yes she did. and having "vampire red" bangs makes her happy.

{real}

sometimes you're taking a photo with your baby daughter and she gets tired of lying on the sheet-covered bed beside you instead of being snuggled and she starts to cry... so you snap the photo before it is too late and you get a very cute little disgruntled expression instead of the smile she sported moments ago.

- Holly

Tired Tuesday

2011-10-25T14:21:00.001-10:00

We are having one of those days.

A day where development and learning and all the growing and changes combine to make it hard for a little someone to get the sleep she needs.

A day where she wants to be held and she doesn't care if Mama gets to get breakfast or a shower or dressed, just as long as she is snuggled constantly.

A day when she cries and looks at me so needfully that my heart hurts and all I can do is rock her and hug her and whisper in her ear that everything is okay.

It was a long morning. There were lots of tears. Even her beloved window and traffic didn't do the trick.

Daddy brought Mama lunch so she didn't starve.

There were multiple diaper changes and many repetitions of "Baby Mine".

And finally, she is asleep. Asleep, with her hand thrown up beside her little face, with a look of peace, and I know I did exactly what I should have done. I gave her what she needed.

Sleep well, little darling.
- Holly

Fluffy Bum

2011-10-22T18:45:00.000-10:00

Well, we've finally done it - she's finally in cloth diapers!

cutest lil fluffy bum...

I had hoped to have her in cloth when she was two weeks old - but she was too tiny to fit the diapers (which were size small)!

happy boo-boo

Now that she's bigger and chunkier, the diapers fit perfectly.

gazing out the bedroom window

(Why have we chosen cloth? My favorite local store's website explains it better than I could, here.)

Face of a woman who is now a
- baby wearing
- co-sleeping
- breast feeding
- amber using
- cloth diapering
mama.

- Holly

Molly Smiles

2011-10-21T16:26:00.000-10:00

Molly smiles with the dawn
Molly smiles and she radiates a glow around her halo
When she plays, Molly smiles
On a summer day, Molly smiles
A new day, Molly smiles

Molly Smiles (Uptown Girls) video here

- Holly

Our Little City Girl

2011-10-20T09:43:00.000-10:00

She wakes up early in the morning and I bring her to the living room so we don't wake Daddy. She nurses for a while, then she wants to play.
We listen to the cars going by and talk about the pattern on the couch, the books on the bookshelf, the blanket hanging on the drying rack. She coos and smiles and practices standing.
Daddy wakes up and comes out to kiss us good-morning. I take her to the bedroom and get her ready for the day - clean diaper, clean clothes.
She's smiling and happy but in a moment it changes and she's tired. Ready for a nap, but she fights it. Angry kicking and crying, flailing arms. She's only seven weeks old, she knows she feels off somehow but she doesn't quite understand yet.
I wrap her in a blanket. Daddy kisses her good-bye and leaves for work. I take her into the living room again and stand by the window, swaying with her on my shoulder and my cheek pressed to hers.
I sing softly in her ear as she watches cars go by on the highway below. She blinks and the blinks get longer and longer until finally, she sleeps.
Our little city girl, soothed by the sound of traffic.

- Holly

Playdate!

2011-10-19T10:18:00.000-10:00

Catching a few zzz's before her very first playdate!

My friend T is coming over today and bringing her sweet baby boy. We met when we took Lamaze together, and T had Lil Guy exactly 10 days before I had Molly. We're excited to get together and have the babies meet!

- Holly

Monday Musings

2011-10-17T16:50:00.000-10:00

It was one of "those" weekends.

TeacherMan worked Saturday morning as usual, till 1pm. As soon as he got home, we were busy and it feels like we didn't stop till this afternoon!

Saturday, we grabbed a quick lunch and then went downtown to catch the tail-end of Occupy Honolulu's big Action (in solidarity with Occupy Wall Street). We missed the march but said hi to people we knew and watched some videos of Occupy L.A.
After that, we went to the bookstore for a while - Molly woke up while we were there and was fascinated by the mural of author-portraits on the wall of the coffee shop! She kept pulling away from nursing to stare at it :)
We had Mexican food for dinner at the restaurant in our neighborhood. It's owned by a man from Puerto Rico who just happens to be the world's best bartender/waiter - I swear he's a mind reader. If he's waiting your table and you happen to say to your fellow diner, "Hmm, I could use some more _____", he'll appear with it moments later. Even if he wasn't in the room when you said it. Mind reader. Plus the food is absolutely wonderful.

Sunday, Molly woke up early and we had mama-and-me playtime in the sunshine that peeked through the bedroom window (TeacherMan decamped to the couch to catch a few more winks). She is such a funny sweet little girl - she ooohs and aaahs and coos when she's happy, now, and smiles like she's been doing it forever.
Later, we went to a park across the highway to celebrate TeacherMan's friend K's birthday. It was breezy and cool under the trees, perfect for "talking story" and reminiscing over school days (TM has known K since grade 3!).
After all day in the sun, attending Mass was a nice way to wind down. Molly slept through the service, but she woke up on the drive to her grandparents' place. TeacherMan and his dad discussed current events after dinner while his mom and sister and I played with Molly.

Today was another early morning for Molly and I, but after TeacherMan left for work we went back to bed. :)
The three of us met TM's aunt for lunch (between TM's morning and afternoon jobs) and now, finally, we have no more plans for at least a day. I love visiting and seeing people, but I love being home with my baby and husband just as much.

How was your weekend? Was it busy?

- Holly

Pretty, Funny, Happy, Real

2011-10-13T12:11:00.000-10:00

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~

Every Thursday at Like Mother, Like Daughter!

I think my baby Boo is very pretty. Look at those eyes!

She makes very funny faces :)

She makes me very happy.

There we go, she's got the real deal.

Molly was very expressive in explaining just exactly what she wanted, yesterday after her afternoon nap!

- Holly

Smile!!

2011-10-12T17:11:00.000-10:00

Can't believe my timing with this photo!

- Holly

Sunday Night Family Time

2011-10-10T13:58:00.000-10:00

On Sunday nights, we go to TeacherMan's parents' home for a family dinner. Everyone is all so busy during the week, it's nice to have some family visiting time!
I love watching Molly with her grandparents and aunt and uncle. She is usually nice and awake after we eat dinner, and cracks us all up with her funny little faces.

Molly and Grandma Malia - Molly is wondering what Mama is doing with that rectangular clicky thing again!

Even though she's focused on me at this moment, Molly spent most of this time watching and listening to Grandma Malia sing and talk to her.

Molly is fascinated by Aunty N.

I'm so glad that while we are far away from my side of the family, we do have family here.

- Holly

Occupy Honolulu and Molly

2011-10-08T21:03:00.000-10:00

First try at a family photo - we'll be trying again :)

Molly watching an old music video of her Daddy.

Totally amazing!

Visiting with her Aunty N!

This morning, all ready to go protest with Occupy Honolulu!

Fellow protesters.

Family photo at Occupy Honolulu - TeacherMan is in costume as a billionaire banker who steals your savings/job/pensions...

I love wearing Molly - today we used the Ergo!

Our little activist, all zonked out after a busy day!

- Holly

Pretty, Happy, Funny, Real

2011-10-06T13:23:00.000-10:00

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~

Every Thursday at Like Mother, Like Daughter!

{pretty}

My baby girl is such a pretty baby! Also I can't get over how she's looking right.at. the phone as I snapped this photo.

{happy}

playing with Molly makes TeacherMan happy! And it makes Molly happy, and it makes me SO happy.

{funny}

they are looking in opposite directions and neither is looking at the camera and this is funny to me. :)

{real}

this is reality for me, so much of the time! But it's also Happy :)

- Holly

Sunday Smiles

2011-10-02T16:24:00.000-10:00

No better way to spend a Sunday than with my two favorite people in the world. And check out the smile!

-Holly

Thursday Thoughts

2011-09-29T21:18:00.000-10:00

Molly had her one-month Well Baby checkup this morning. We all got up early and got out the door, battled Honolulu morning traffic down to the clinic, and met our pediatrician. TeacherMan came to the appointment, which made him late for work but that was okay and I'm glad he was there!

We found out that our wee girly is tall for her age (22 inches!) and has gained 3 pounds since she was born - which is a pretty great gain and made me feel proud (exclusively breastfeeding, in your FACE first pediatrician we saw who said to supplement with the fake stuff!).

showing off my new nursing necklace - isn't it pretty?

After the appointment, TeacherMan rushed off to his morning classes and I loaded Molly into the Moby wrap (okay, she had to eat first) for a walk. For the second time this week, we trekked together down Honolulu's King Street to get to the State Library.

I know I posted this photo already but she wore her little bonnet again today and it's just SO sweet.

The library was cool and inviting when we arrived - Molly was sound asleep against my chest so I got to read a little, tucked in a corner with my baby and a book. When she woke up, I took her outside to the courtyard to nurse and look at the trees (yes, trees in the middle of the library - palm trees, in fact!).

not my photo (source) but isn't the courtyard lovely?

I can't wait to take Molly to the library when she's older and more appreciative of the books - not just looking out the many windows ^.^

- Holly

4 Weeks Old

2011-09-27T18:05:00.002-10:00

This being-a-mom thing is pretty amazing. I can't believe my baby girl is 4 weeks old today! It feels like just yesterday that we brought her home from the hospital, a teeny-weeny little 6lb-10oz baby - and now she's this chubby sweet thing!

Doesn't she have the funniest hair? It just sticks up all over on top ^.^ So cute!

onesie - Child of Mine by Carter (Macy's), blanket under head - aiden & anais

She's growing and gaining so fast, soon she won't be able to wear this little onesie she's got on today. We'll find out just how much she's grown and gained this week when we see the pediatrician.

Molly had her first-ever trip to the library today - it put her to sleep! ^.^ I think in time she'll love it though.

- Holly

Star Child - 3 Weeks Old!

2011-09-20T14:57:00.000-10:00

My little starry-eyed girl is 3 weeks old today! Wow.

She's continuing to be a wonderfully cooperative little miss (knock on wood!) who eats and sleeps beautifully.

TeacherMan and I are still adjusting to the world of being parents but with such a little sweetheart it's pretty easy ^.^

- Holly

Time for An Update Post

2011-09-16T11:05:00.000-10:00

I'm a little over two weeks in to this "I'm a mama with a baby" gig. And wow, is it ever amazing.

Molly is a little girl with her own quirks and personality, and she's been that way since Day One! Whether it's when she wants her diaper changed (immediately after it is dirtied) or how she prefers to be held when nursing (forget the traditional cradle-hold, this girl is all about a 45-degree angle), she figures out a way to let me know what she wants.

My mom and one of my sisters were here for two weeks helping TeacherMan and I out, which was amazing and we are so grateful.

visiting with Grandma L

snuggling with Aunty E

But on Wednesday night, our helpers flew home - so yesterday was our first full day of having just our family, just TeacherMan Molly and me, here at home.
I think it went pretty well.

I'm figuring out a new daily routine, fitting in chores and such around the nap-feed-wake schedule that Molly sets for the day. She watches me bustle around tidying the bedroom after her breakfast, she naps on the couch while I do dishes. I pack her into the Moby Wrap to do laundry...
We're a good team, Molly and I.

And then in the evening when TeacherMan is home, we have family snuggle and visit time on the bed. She loves her daddy, loves to stare at him and make faces while he talks to her. Any day now she'll coo back at him and I can't wait...

Well, she's napping beside me and I have dishes in the sink - time to get busy before she wakes up!

How has your September been so far?

- Holly

I Haven't Disappeared

2011-09-13T10:35:00.000-10:00

Just getting in as much visiting time as possible with my mom and sister before they head home to BC tomorrow night!

More regular blogging will resume soon... I think ^.^

Can't believe I'm Mama to a two-week-old! Isn't she a doll?

- Holly

Molly Kuhilani Elise

2011-09-06T10:53:00.000-10:00

Molly Kuhilani Elise was born at 6:25am on August 30th, 2011.

At birth, she weighed 6lbs 10oz.

Mama and Molly stayed in the hospital for just over 24 hours.

Today was Molly's due date - I am so glad she came early!

Our sweet girl has grown so much in just a week!

Happy One-Week Birthday, Molly-baby! You are so, so very loved.

- Holly

Wee Bit Wednesday

2011-08-24T06:20:00.000-10:00

{one} what's your guilty pleasure tv show?

It was "The Secret Life of the American Teenager" but I kind of stopped watching it.

{two} ear piercings on men: yes or no?

depends on the man.

{three} do you have dish or comcast?

neither.

{four} what's your favorite current fashion trend?

layered tops.

{five} if you could learn to do anything, money not being an issue, what would it be?

Oh wow. Hmm. Drive a racecar! haha!

{six} red or white wine?

White.

{seven} what type of food is your favorite (ex. italian, mexican, etc.)

Oh goodness. Indian. Mmmm. Saag paneer, naan, samosas...

{eight} hp or mac?

I have an acer laptop and we're a PC family.

{nine} what color is your bedroom?

White with blue bedding.

{ten} what's your favorite form of exercise?

walking.

- Holly

Monday Update

2011-08-22T09:09:00.000-10:00

First - no, Miss M has not arrived yet. She's still gestating away getting ready for her Birth Day. :)

I haven't posted because all I can think to post about is how much I can't wait for her Birth Day and how much I want to meet her, and I figure that would be kind of boring to read every day. :)

TeacherMan and I are now as ready as we'll ever be for our baby's arrival - we have a crib, we have a car seat, we have a change table, we have an Ergo... :)

I'm also looking forward to my mom and sister's arrival in Hawaii! They're coming to visit and help out and will be here at the end of the month. I can't wait to see them!

My mom hasn't been to Hawaii since she was a little girl, and my sister has never been. I know I'll either be learning about my newborn or massively pregnant the whole time they're here, but I'm looking forward to showing them a little of where I live.

I want to take them on a drive around the island, out for shave ice, to the beach, out for malasadas (Portuguese donuts)... :) It'll be a good time.

What are you looking forward to at this end of the summer?

- Holly

37 Weeks Pregnant

2011-08-16T09:09:00.000-10:00

Miss M is the size of a watermelon...
I can believe it.

Yay! Baby has reached full term. She likely measures around 18.9 to 20.9 inches and weighs about 6.2 to 9.2 pounds. She's gaining about 1/2 ounce each day. (from thebump.com)

Not long till we get to meet her in person...

- Holly

Baby Shower 2 Photos

2011-08-14T19:31:00.002-10:00

TeacherMan's family had a baby shower for us yesterday.

Waiting for my ride to the shower.

Playing the "Identify the Melted Candy Bar Inside The Diaper" game.

Guessing...

Cousins and aunties talking and visiting.

Combination my-birthday and baby-shower cake. YUM.

Enjoying cake together.

TeacherMan at his first baby shower ever :)

Gifts! Including an adorable diaper cake put together by TM's cousin. Awesome.

And as a bonus:

Yep, that's an Ergobaby carrier. That we got today with baby-shower gifts, for... Let's just say, for less than half of new. And it's gorgeous and I'm thrilled!

Hope your weekend was as fun-filled and fabulous,

- Holly

Happy Birthday to Me

2011-08-12T09:37:00.000-10:00

I have turned 23.

Fun family fact: my mom turned 23 the year she had me (her first-born). My nan was 23 the year she had my dad (her first-born). And now I will be 23 when I have my daughter, who is my first-born.

23 is a good age.

TeacherMan is taking me out for dinner and a movie tonight, and tomorrow his mom has planned a baby shower for us, and my birthday will be celebrated too. :)

Off to enjoy my day...

- Holly

36 Weeks!

2011-08-09T18:30:00.000-10:00

36 weeks! My goodness, we really are getting close now.

I had my weekly checkup today and everything is looking great, right on track.

I've also gotten started with packing my hospital bag! That's it in the foreground - behind it is the stack of newborn-size clothes I have, and a pack of newborn diapers I was given.

This is posted on the fridge now so we don't forget anything! Although "pajamas" can actually come off now, because I got nice new ones today and they are all packed into the bag already.

And that handsome piece of equipment is in the car, all ready (well, nearly - TeacherMan gets to figure out how to install it!) for Miss M's first ride home! ^.^

Getting so close now...

- Holly

Favorite Things Friday

2011-08-05T09:48:00.000-10:00

First ultrasound

Second ultrasound

Third ultrasound, today

My daughter is my favorite thing this Friday. We had an ultrasound this morning that proved that she is growing perfectly, all her measurements are where they should be.

34 days until the due date, we're so close to meeting her in person. I'm so in love with her already...

- Holly

Wee Bit Wednesday

2011-08-03T10:03:00.000-10:00

{one} what was one thing that you valued when you were a kid?
spending time with friends - we lived kind of in the middle of nowhere so getting to go to a friend's place or having a couple friends over was a big deal!!

{two} what was your favorite (+ least favorite) subject in school?
I loved English and History and hated Math.

{three} do you remember your first love?
Haha, yes.

{four} what one pet would you love to have?
A West Highland White Terrier.

{five} would you rather live in the country or in the city?
I grew up in the country and now live in the city and can say that I like both. And I'm content with where I am right now.

{six} what do you love about blogging?
Keeping in touch with friends and family all over the world.

{seven} what is the first website you visit everyday?
My email.

{eight} will you or have you joined google+?
Probably not.

{nine} what is your favorite scent of candle/air freshener?
vanilla, cinnamon, and pumpkin.

{ten} how would you describe your style?
Slightly boho, slightly goth, all comfort (I'm 35 weeks pregnant!).

- Holly

Bump Pic Tuesday

2011-08-02T19:03:00.000-10:00

With a bonus!

We have a crib!

Picked it up this afternoon, came home, and TeacherMan got it all set up. Then I made it up with a sheet and receiving blankets.

So nice to see when walking into the bedroom!

And of course:

Bump! Shadow-in-sunset bump...

35 weeks pregnant today, just 5 weeks left till the due date. We have lots to get ready, a baby shower coming up, weekly check-ups... These last 5 weeks are going to fly by in the same way the whole pregnancy has!

^.^

Can't believe how soon it is till I'll be holding my daughter...

- Holly

All Moved In

2011-07-30T21:14:00.000-10:00

The view from our new home - we have a GIGANTIC window (its a wall of window) in the main room!

Kitchen. That's a real kitchen.

With a real stove. Including an oven. Color me thrilled!

Looking out the window from by the fridge.

Standing in what will be TeacherMan's office corner, looking out to the front door.

Little hallway to the other part of the apartment.

Bathroom :)

Bedroom, complete with a napping TeacherMan (he deserved it, worked his butt off with the move yesterday then got up and went to work this morning - and then cleaned our old place [with help of course] this afternoon).

The rest of the bedroom, which will be the nursery for Miss M!

Closet...

The kitchen and living room (we need a couch yet) from the hallway.

I'm so happy we're all moved! We had so much help - TeacherMan's parents and sister, and his friend K, were invaluable in the process.

First bump shot in the new home! I think Miss M is suitably impressed with her new home.

- Holly

Today

2011-07-29T04:51:00.002-10:00

Today, we are officially moving.

We got the keys to the new place last night and moved our new bed straight in.

Tonight, we will be sleeping in our new place for the first time.

I'm very, very excited.

^.^

- Holly

Bump Pic Tuesday

2011-07-26T08:26:00.002-10:00

Last bump pic in the studio!!

Can't believe how close we are now.

- Holly

Moving!!!

2011-07-25T09:59:00.000-10:00

We're moving this week (I started packing last night) so after a week of almost-daily updates I'm thinking this week will be much, much thinner for posts.

But when I return, there will be photos of our new place! Tra lalala...

Have a wonderful week, Fearless Readers! I'll be packing and directing a move while 34 weeks pregnant ^.^

- Holly

Home Planning

2011-07-22T13:48:00.001-10:00

{bedroom}

{bathroom}

Virtual nesting since we don't move till next week...

- Holly

We're Moving!!

2011-07-21T11:06:00.000-10:00

We chose our new apartment last night and we'll be moving next week! Hurrah! I am so happy and excited ^.^

Our new apartment building is across the street from where we've lived since getting married. It's an airy 4th floor apartment with more space than we know what to do with, coming from our little studio.

I can't wait to move in and make it our home.

- Holly

Wee Bit Wednesday

2011-07-20T12:23:00.000-10:00

Halfway through the week and so close to TeacherMan's vacation week! Yay Wednesday.
Also yay because today we get to head over to our new apartment building to see the apartments available and choose which one we want to move into! Hurrah hurrah!

And now for Wee Bits.

{one} what is your dream job?Being a stay-at-home mama. I'm on my way!
{two} how many best friends do you have?I have 3 best friends, plus my momma, and of course my husband.
{three} what’s the longest road trip you’ve ever taken?The summer we got engaged, TeacherMan and I road-tripped all over the Pacific-Northwest. It was fantastic, we had a wonderful time. Vancouver, Portland, the Fraser Valley, Terrace, Hazelton.
{four} if you had to do one single thing every day for the next year, what would it be?Talk to my BabyGirl.
{five} what’s one story your family always tells about you?When I was ten or so, I was rather scatter-brained. My momma asked me to do some vacuuming, and while I was vacuuming my bedroom (shared with my sisters) my little sister decided to pretend that the vacuum cleaner was a monster to hide from and she hid under the bed. When I'd finished vacuuming the rest of the room, I bent over to tell her to get out from under the bed so I could vacuum there...And my hair got sucked into the roller bar of the vacuum. I couldn't reach the off-switch on the machine and it was pulling my hair and it HURT and I was screaming...My momma came and rescued me and I've never lived it down.
{six} how did your parents pick your name?They liked the way it sounded - I don't think there's more to it. I love my name :)
{seven} what’s the one thing that scares you more than anything?Seeing a bug and not knowing where it went. ^.^
{eight} are you a good cook?My husband tells me I am :)
{nine} where do you see yourself in 20 years?20 years. I'll be almost 43 and my BabyGirl will be almost 20. Hopefully she'll have at least one sibling! And we'll all be happy and content.
{ten} what’s your best childhood memory?So many. Hay-barn with my brother and friends, imaginary games, discovering my favourite books... So many great memories, I can't pick one.

- Holly

Bump Pic Tuesday

2011-07-19T01:00:00.002-10:00

Oh my word I can't believe how soon it is now. 7 weeks till Due Date!!

Wow.

I've been having about one uncomfortable Braxton Hicks a day since last Tuesday. TM has noticed that when I'm in the middle of it I hold my breath and he's watching me for that (a good example of what I'll probably do in real labor). He's also reminding me to drink lots of water, since we read that dehydration can cause Braxton Hicks and also premature labor.

We really want to avoid premature labor... So I'm downing the water like a person coming out of the Sahara after a week.

BabyGirl is super-active and seems to still like Her Spot, snuggled to the left of my belly-button. I've done some reading about baby positioning and I'm pretty sure we're off to a good start! I know she's head-down and I'm pretty sure she's facing to the right.

She's also gotten over her little shy thing and has absolutely no problem kicking TM's hands now! That makes me grin.

When we were at the grocery store tonight, there was a little girl (under 2) being pushed around in a cart by her daddy and every time she saw us, she called out "Hi!! Hi!!" and waved - so cuuute. I know I was a lot like that as a wee one (my two first phrases were "Hi dere!" and "What dat?") and I just can't wait for BabyGirl to get here and grow up to be that cute.

33 weeks... I love being pregnant, I love this time of my life, but I am also getting ready for it to be over. It'll be great to not have swollen feet, to not have to pee all the time, and to not be quite so warm!

Anyone else remember when all the girls posted photos at this angle on their MySpace pages? Ah, memories...

Here's to a fantastic Tuesday! ^.^

- Holly

Planless Monday

2011-07-18T11:52:00.000-10:00

Sending all my Fearless Readers sunshine from Hawaii ^.^

Have a wonderful Monday!

- Holly

Happy Saturday

2011-07-16T23:01:00.000-10:00

early morning sending TeacherMan off to his Saturday class
quiet breakfast enjoying the birds
tidying the house while "Bride & Prejudice" serenaded

lunch together while BabyGirl kicked my ribs
snuggling after lunch and BabyGirl showing off her kicking skills for her daddy
making afternoon plans
trip to the library
a stop at the market
reading at the bookstore in air-conditioned bliss
Indian food for dinner
movie night at home

I hope your Saturday was as great as mine ^.^

- Holly

The Deathly Hallows Part Two (aka The End of an Age)

2011-07-15T11:12:00.000-10:00

I'm sure BabyGirl thinks her mama is absolutely crazy, since we were up so late (and in a loud theater) last night but I am so happy that I got to see the midnight showing of the last Harry Potter film.

I cried throughout most of the movie, trying to keep my sniffles quiet but probably failing. There were just so many sad parts and so many memories and since I've read the books so many times I think it was far, far worse.

Of course there were things I'd have done differently - parts of the story I'd have fleshed out more, that kind of thing - but it was a satisfying, tear-filled conclusion to the saga.

So thank you, J.K. Rowling, for writing us the story of Harry Potter.

And yes, BabyGirl will be introduced to the world of wizards when she's old enough. ^.^ I can't wait to share it with her.

- Holly

I Love My Husband

2011-07-14T20:29:00.000-10:00

I mean, of course I do. Because he is amazing and he loves me and he loves our daughter and he's the love of my life and my man.

But right now I really really love him...

Because he bought tickets to a midnight showing of this:

And he did it not because he really wants to sit in a crowded theater full of Harry Potter fans after midnight on a week-night, but because he knows his wife is one of those Harry Potter fans and he loves her and likes to do things that make her happy.

And that is a wonderful thing.

So yes, in a few hours when sensible people are in their beds, we will be off to see the Harry Potter finale in a crowd of people (some dressed in costume).

We are going to have a fantastic time.

- Holly

Pretty, Happy, Funny, Real

2011-07-14T08:13:00.003-10:00

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~

Every Thursday, at Like Mother, Like Daughter!

Tuesday evening, I'm standing in the laundromat experiencing my very first Braxton Hicks while TeacherMan has run across the street to 7-11 to get change for the washing machines. The owner of the laundromat and his wife (who are either Japanese or Korean, the jury is out on the verdict there) are tidying up and getting ready to close the non-24-hour part of their business.

The wife comes around the corner and sees me and grins. "So, how long?" She asks, coming closer and rubbing my bump.

"September, two months." I say, holding up two fingers.

She nods. "How many baby? Single? Or twin?"

"Just one." I reply, holding up one finger now.

She nods again and laughs before walking away.

Moments later she returns with a plastic bag containing two papayas.

"Here, you take. You try, ripe papaya from the North Shore. You try, for baby!" She orders, handing me the bag with another grin before walking away.

I take the bag and smile. A few minutes later TeacherMan comes back and gets quarters from the wife just before they leave.

And on Wednesday, I enjoy my very first half of a fresh, juicy papaya.

Yum.

- Holly

Wee Bit Wednesday

2011-07-13T11:15:00.000-10:00

Wee Bit Wednesday is back after a brief vacation! Hurrah!!

{one} what’s the #1 most played song on your iPod (or whatever you use)?Hmm. I mostly listen to music on my laptop. I'm guessing something by Amanda Palmer, or possibly "I love you sweet baby" by Kimya Dawson.
{two} what’s your favorite type of exercise?Walking.
{three} what’s your least favorite mode of transportation?Probably... Hmm. I actually can't think of anything.
{four} if you could choose to stay a certain age forever, what would it be?I've pretty much liked every age I've been so far, and I definitely want to continue growing older and wiser :D
{five} when you have 30 minutes of free time, what do you use it to do?Read.
{six} what do you miss the most about being a kid?The total losing-yourself into imagination.
{seven} when was the last time you were nervous?Right now :p But not super-nervous.
{eight} what was the first thing you bought with your own money when you were young?Candy and slushies ;D
{nine} what is your favorite month of the year?When I lived in a place with real seasons, I liked September because changes are happening. Everything feels new - I always thought the New Year should start in September. Now, this year, I'm looking forward to September for a different reason!
{ten} what are 3 songs from the soundtrack of your life?"I Love You" by the Barenaked Ladies, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow", and then something totally random like Green Day or Amanda Palmer :)

Head over to Leigh's blog and join in the fun!

- Holly

8 Months Pregnant

2011-07-12T22:17:00.000-10:00

First, I am Terrible Blogger who has not blogged in almost-but-not-quite a week. I have no real excuse save that Netflix finally put the 4 seasons of "The Tudors" on streaming... And that is quite honestly a terrible excuse.

I will attempt more regular posting this week!

Let's kick it off with a bump pic:

BabyGirl, we had a great visit with the midwife today. She's very pleased with all your recent wiggle-worminess! Your heartbeat is strong, although you dislike the Doppler - I know you move away from it! And you're measuring perfectly on schedule.
After the appointment when Mama was reading at the library, you sure made your opinions on being used as a book-rest known! *boot boot*
Daddy and Mama love talking to you and feeling (sometimes watching!) you move around in response. We love you so much, BabyGirl.

I can't believe I'm 8 months pregnant! I can't believe how soon it is until my daughter is in my arms.

We're still apartment hunting - we'll keep looking until either we find The Place or it's time to move to the Approved Place. TeacherMan's brother and a friend have both offered their help (and trucks) for when we actually move, so that's good as I will obviously not be lifting boxes/TV/bed, etc!

We had a very funny time looking at apartments this past weekend - both places we looked at were wrong. The first one, there was a mix-up between us and the lady showing the property (she had two listings and told us the wrong one). The second one though... My goodness.

When we arrived at the property, we saw a crowd of people. We walked up and met the landlady/owner, who immediately struck us as a bit... odd. She looked slightly panicked. As we stood there unsure of what to do (the door to the cottage was not open, it wasn't a "walk on in and take a look" type scenario), the landlady began explaining rather querulously that there were 3 units on the property- the one-bedroom cottage, a two-bedroom apartment, and a 3-bedroom apartment. However, she'd neglected to bring along the keys to any of the apartments.

Because of the no-key situation, she then decided the best thing to do would be to try to describe the interior of each unit from the outside. Oh my word... It was all I could do to keep from laughing as she pointed into windows above our heads and tried to remember if that was the kitchen, or the bathroom, or maybe the bedroom...

In addition to all of that, she'd listed the apartments for the wrong prices.

We got out of there fast and laughed for a few blocks as we drove away, thankful that we are not going to have her as our landlady!

And so the hunt continues.

I hope all my readers have had a wonderful week!

- Holly

31 Weeks!!

2011-07-06T10:42:00.000-10:00

I can't believe we're so close! 9 weeks away from the due date, so much to do!

BabyGirl, Mama and Daddy are anxiously waiting to meet you, we love you so much already. You are such a little wiggle-worm these days, constantly rolling and kicking when Mama lies down. We can even see you making her belly jump and move!

Keep growing strong and healthy, daughter of mine.

- Holly

Happy 4th of July!

2011-07-04T10:21:00.000-10:00

Happy Birthday to the country I live in!

Hoping your holiday weekend was wonderful and if you are celebrating the 4th, that your plans go smoothly.

- Holly

Apartment Search Update Episode Two

2011-07-02T16:40:00.000-10:00

So....
Like I said, our apartment hunting strategy changed a bit after the first few places we looked at turned out to be not so awesome. We decided to look for smaller places in better neighborhoods, and got right on that.

On Wednesday, we looked at an apartment across the street from where we live now. The apartment was a nice size, the building was clean and well maintained, the property manager was friendly and helpful, and we liked the place a lot. So on Thursday, TeacherMan took an application for the apartment to the landlord's office. On Friday, the landlord called and said that we are approved for either the apartment we looked at, or for a different apartment in the same building that is being renovated and will be ready in a couple weeks (we can't move till the end of the month anyway). We were very happy and excited that we got approved so fast! And for a nice apartment in a neighborhood we know already.

Today, we looked at another apartment. This one is the same size as the other, the building is clean and nice, and the man who is moving out had nothing but good things to say about living there (he's moving off-island because of a family emergency - otherwise he would not be moving at all). Additionally, the building is in a quiet residential neighborhood, across the street from a big park that has a pool and tennis courts in it. On the corner of the street, there is a church that hosts a community Farmer's Market each week. The building is walking distance from a small shopping center, suitable for quick errands... And, the apartment has a balcony. And on-site (cheap!) laundry facilities.

Since it's a holiday weekend, TeacherMan hasn't been able to get a hold of the property manager to get an application but he has called and left a message saying we are very interested and want to apply for the apartment. We're hoping he can apply soon and that we will get approved for this place as swiftly as we did for the other!

Fingers crossed and praying,

- Holly

Happy Canada Day!

2011-07-01T10:25:00.000-10:00

Happy Birthday to the country that raised me!
I may live in beautiful Hawaii, but I am most definitely...

And wearing my maple leaf tattoo (permanent, on my right wrist) with extra pride today :)

Have a wonderful holiday weekend, my Canadian and American readers!

- Holly

I Have Very Little to Say

2011-06-29T13:15:00.000-10:00

Except to say that the apartment hunt continues into the rest of this week.

Hunt, hunt, hunt!

Away we go... Our strategy has changed but we're on track and thinking positive!

- Holly

Tralalala....

2011-06-27T17:19:00.002-10:00

Things this post doesn't have: photos. We're making do with some clip-art...

Things this post has: good news in two different categories!

First up, I had an appointment with a midwife (yep, not a doctor a midwife) today and I am so glad I switched to her! She was great - very open and informative, helpful and supportive, she didn't make me feel like I shouldn't ask questions or that she had no time for me. Also she talked to TeacherMan, too, not just me. Exactly what we were looking for in a care provider! Everything is going well with my pregnancy, BabyGirl is growing right on track. We're going to arrange a tour of Labor and Delivery at our hospital in the next little while!

Second bit of happy news is that we are officially apartment hunting! We emailed and called places over the weekend and today, and tomorrow we have two appointments to see two different apartments! Both are 2-bedroom places within our budget, so I'm hoping and praying that maybe one will turn out to be The Place! Of course we have to see them and check out the neighborhoods first...

So that's what's new and exciting around the Starlit Home!

- Holly

Pretty, Happy, Funny, Real

2011-06-23T11:29:00.000-10:00

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~

Every Thursday, here at Like Mother, Like Daughter!

{pretty}

pretty red roses my MIL gave me on Sunday :)

{funny, real}

do you see our little visitor?

hello, anole lizard...

why exactly are you on the computer tower??

-Holly

29 Weeks Pregnant

2011-06-21T12:55:00.000-10:00

from babycenter.com:
Your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and his head is growing bigger to make room for his developing brain.
Your baby's very active now.

Really? Very active? Haha... Yes, I'd agree with that! Miss BabyGirl has been kicking and rolling constantly today.

Can't believe we're at 29 weeks already!

- Holly

Father's Day

2011-06-19T10:42:00.000-10:00

Happy Father's Day to....

My Daddy. Father of 9. The man who introduced me to science-fiction and the writings of William Gibson which in turn introduced me to the love of my life.

My husband's Dad. Father of 3. The man who raised the love of my life.

And to my grandpas, my uncles, and all the men I know who are fathers, as well.

But most of all, a very special Happy First Father's Day to this man:

TeacherMan!!

who is already the best Daddy to our little BabyGirl. We love you, honey.

I'm off to make a delicious Father's Day brunch for him now.

- Holly

New Hair!

2011-06-18T15:53:00.000-10:00

I made a decision today and just went for it.

Now I'm singing the praises of short hair! I feel all light and cool and free....

^.^

- Holly

Starlit Home

Pretty Happy Funny Real - The Baptism Edition

BatFit Update

Happy Birthday, TeacherMan

Pretty Happy Funny Real - The Catching-Up Edition

Pretty Happy Funny Real - The Teething Edition

Wonder Week 19 *and* Teething

Belated Beach!

Molly Videos

Bat Fit 2012

New Year, New Experiences! Number One -The Beach!

When Daddy Comes Home

Merry Christmas

Our Christmas Eve

Wedding Anniversary

16 Weeks Old

how much difference 14 weeks makes

Molly and Her Blankies

Blankie Sling!

Photo Cuteness

Random Photos and Thoughts

Le Professeur Gothique's Monthly Homework Assignment: Comfort and Joy

Pretty Funny Happy Moments From The Week

Our First Real Christmas Tree

Pretty, Funny, Happy, Real

Another Tender Hawaiian Christmas

Happy Birthday to My Momma

Tuesday Thoughts

Cloth Diapers

I'm an 11-week-old Mama

Monday Poetry

Le Professeur Gothique's Monthly Homework: Naked (face) November

Remembrance Day/Veterans Day

Pretty, Funny, Happy, Real

Best and Worst Wednesday

Tuesday Thoughts

Pretty, Funny, Happy, Real

Tired Tuesday

This is (Boo's First) Halloween!

Pretty, Funny, Happy, Real

Tired Tuesday

Fluffy Bum

Molly Smiles

Our Little City Girl

Playdate!

Monday Musings

Pretty, Funny, Happy, Real

Smile!!

Sunday Night Family Time

Occupy Honolulu and Molly

Pretty, Happy, Funny, Real

Sunday Smiles

Thursday Thoughts

4 Weeks Old

Star Child - 3 Weeks Old!

Time for An Update Post

I Haven't Disappeared

Molly Kuhilani Elise

Wee Bit Wednesday

Monday Update

37 Weeks Pregnant

Baby Shower 2 Photos

Happy Birthday to Me

36 Weeks!

Favorite Things Friday

Wee Bit Wednesday

Bump Pic Tuesday

All Moved In

Today

Bump Pic Tuesday

Moving!!!

Home Planning

We're Moving!!

Wee Bit Wednesday

Bump Pic Tuesday

Planless Monday

Happy Saturday

The Deathly Hallows Part Two (aka The End of an Age)

I Love My Husband

Pretty, Happy, Funny, Real

Wonder Week 19 and Teething