A Day in the Life of Me, #2tonlaw, a Toddler Living in San Francisco

6.08a I felt like waking up, so I made some sounds and Mama pulled me from my crib. I took her hand and led her to the fridge where I eagerly watched her fill my bottle with delicious whole milk. Then we snuggled in bed with Dad while I drained the jug.

6.30a Morning traffic is fascinating and I could watch it forever. So I did, until Mama called me for breakfast: banana oatmeal with a little brown sugar and a few raisins. My favourite. She gave me the spoon and with the help of my fist, I managed to eat more than what ended up on the tray and all over my face.

8.15a I was pulling the trash can around (new favourite activity, seriously) when I noticed the rug monster in the hallway. I called out to Mama to make sure she knew the monster was out and then she turned it on! It’s scary so I made sure to stay close to Mama and protect her. Stuff gets sucked into this thing and then disappears forever. I screamed and cried out loudly and finally, the rug monster stopped and we left.

9.30a Mama strapped me in the jogging stroller and I lounged comfortably as the Bay passed by at a decent pace. My favourite part was when Mama unbuckled me from the stroller and I got to chase the birds around the green. It was a pretty day and I don’t know why we had to leave but I didn’t mind when we ended up at the grocery store. I love the grocery store. Everyone is so nice and Mama talks to me the whole time and lets me have a snack and put groceries in the cart. Plus I love sitting at the front of the cart and riding through the aisles.

11.14a Home finally. This diaper is sagging! I don’t love having my diaper changed but I super need it right now so I’ll be easy on Mom. She started to make chili and I tried to tell her I was hungry for lunch so she switched to making me her signature pb&j. Finally, she lifted me into my high chair and I surveyed the food on my tray: pieces of a cheese stick, pb&j, grapes, and some cheese puffs. She’s the best. I love a big lunch. We chatted while she worked on the chili and I smeared my lunch all over my face and in my hair. Then we read a couple of stories and, even though I didn’t really want to, I took a nap.

2.45p I should probably sleep a little longer but I’m sure Mama misses me and I want to go to the park so I’ll cry until she comes for me. Before we leave, though, we sit together and finish watching her cooking show (I don’t mind because I love sitting in her lap), then she drags me to Starbucks (Mom, that’s a lot of whipped cream!), and to a church where she drops a thick envelope into a slotted box, and then I saw a policeman on a motorcycle with flashing lights and then, there it is: the park!

4.38p The swings are awesome! And even though I landed weird the first time down the slide and walking hurts a little, I did it again. Then I found some cars to play with and some nannies that thought my talking was cute. But then Mom strapped me into the stroller and even though she told me it was dinner time I made sure she knew I wasn’t happy leaving the park.

5.15p Dad’s home! Mom gives me my milk cup, puts grapes in my bib scoop, and we share a big mug of chili. Christmas music is on. It’s nice. Mom sings a little and I dance. I love to dance.

6.20p I’m getting sleepy and luckily Mama notices. She’s patient, even though I fight with her while getting ready for bed, especially when she tries to brush my teeth. I really don’t like having my teeth brushed. Then I’m in my jammies, Mama is reading my favourite bedtime book, and I find a comfortable spot in my bed with my blanket.

6.54p Today was a super good day. I can’t wait for tomorrow! Goodnight everyone.

Originally written on November 6, 2108, #electionday2018. He sleeps later than 6.00a and now only gets milk at dinner. At the time of this posting, Lawton is 19 months old.

the list diaries. chapter 013 -- do you make goals for the new year?

image courtesy of tkow

the list diaries. 
chapter 013.

I’m not much of a goal-oriented person, at least, not to the extent of writing them out and looking back regularly checking my progress. It’s not like I float through life aimlessly but I’m no Jordan Ferney. I wasn’t even very good at coming up with goals when I was a working professional.

But last year I jotted down a few notes early in 2018 and they turned into a list. Bam! I think because they were on my phone and I saw them and was reminded of them frequently, a tiny seed of motivation was planted inside me and the list turned into a sort of contest against myself: how many can I accomplish in the year? My goals weren’t big, life-changing goals; some of them were kinda silly, like wearing more lipstick and statement earrings, and growing my eyebrows out. Others stretched me, like preparing at least one new recipe per month—I enjoy cooking and baking but I have a history of sticking with what I know. I liked having a list of attainable, measurable goals in 2018 and this year I’ve done the same. In fact, I just finished my list. Here are a few—take a look:

• Keep a cleaner apartment home (clean the bathroom and tub!)—my apartment is not a wreck but there’s always room for improvement when it comes to household chores, #amiright?
• Write a blog or Medium post each month—writing is a good practice for me to keep up
• Write a monthly family letter (month-in-review)—I used to be really good at keeping up with a weekly family letter and then I wasn’t anymore; isn’t Instagram enough?
• Send thank you and birthday cards—don’t you like receiving real mail, too?
• Prepare [at least] two new recipes a month—I’m discovering a true joy in taking the time to cook and bake; plus, cookbooks are so pretty these days!
• Finish compiling my [favourite] recipes online—maybe I’ll print them into a book of my own someday
• Less TV, more reading—I’ve compiled a list of books I haven’t finished reading and a few I already own or have downloaded that I need to read, all before I buy or borrow any new books; and honestly, I love TV a little too much so a break isn’t a bad idea
• Go out on a husband date each month—#keepthemarriedsparkalive

Do you start the new year afresh, ready to take it on? I’m usually ready for the new year but it’s often with loads of mixed feelings, usually eager to put the last year behind me and nervously excited for what the new year holds. 

Are you a hardcore listmaker with goals already in mind before the new year rings in? Not me. I do love a good list, like for the grocery store, but I’m honestly new to making a list of goals for the new year. And, admittedly, I’m digging it.

Are goal-oriented people more successful? Not in my case really, but I’m proud of myself and satisfied with my personal development in 2018, and that’s enough. Maybe I should do a solid year in review for 2018? Again, I refer to Jordan Ferney—she is a constant fountain of inspiration. #howdoesshedoit?

So much wondering. Good luck, and hello 2019!

the list diaries. chapter 012 -- does anyone blog anymore?

image courtesy and credit

the list diaries. 
chapter 012.

I spend a decent amount of time these days looking out my apartment window. traffic hustles by. people move from here to there. strollers and nannies and dogs and workmen and trees wave in the chilly breeze. clouds move from the direction of the bridge over the city. our windows are filthy.

- - -

our apartment is small for our family, but I love it. I love the combined efforts to make it as efficient as possible. we constantly purge and reorganize and micro-tidy every corner. right now I'm staring down our corner shelving unit, wondering how it can be better arranged. there's a possibility I watch too much Fixer Upper.

- - -

it's chilly in San Francisco and for the first time, I'm envious of summer weather in other places. I want to be out in the sunshine with baby boy and dipping our toes in the pool or stretched out lakeside. summer dresses and lightweight clothes are calling our names but jackets and sweatshirts win in the end.

- - -

I want to eat all the food: birthday cupcakes, Thai takeout, pizza pizza pizza, hotdogs with yellow mustard and chopped white onion, turkey sandwiches on toasted whole wheat, ice cream, chicken wild rice casserole, lasagna, kale caesar salad, cheeseburgers, popcorn, fried egg sandwich on an english muffin, japanese fried rice, my mom's fried chicken, salt and vinegar kettle chips, roasted potatoes, and so many others. food, please.

- - -

the truth is, I don't need all my nice sweaters and silk blouses and skirts and blazers. being a stay-at-home mom has changed my wardrobe and I like it. both wardrobes have fit my life at its current stage and that makes me happy. but it's time for some of my nicer duds to get the boot -- check out my eBay shop.

- - -

do you ever roll your eyes at people who claim they've found their calling? I do. all the time. even when I say it about myself now that I'm a #SAHM. I love this new role -- being home with my baby and taking care of him and our living space. it's more satisfying than I imagined. 

- - -

can I buy a house yet? 

can Joanna and Chip be my friends? 

can Iron Chef America return for a couple more seasons? 

can I have a farmhouse sink? 

fresh flowers, please.

- - -

baby boy is awake. 💕

the list diaries. chapter 011 -- on my birthday, 39 things about me.

photo courtesy of my husband

the list diaries.
chapter 011.



I love being a mom and it strengthens my love of being an aunt, too
I eat ice cream almost every day
Growing older and developing an adult-to-adult relationship with my parents is a lot of fun
I love TV
The fanciest restaurant I've eaten in is Jardiniere
Red is not my colour
I cannot resist beautiful dishes and dinnerware
One of my regrets in life was not choosing a better occupational direction, like marine biology or pathology, until it came time to start a family
I've always felt behind compared to others in my same age category regarding life accomplishments
I eat fewer salads now than I did 3 years ago
On a cold winter night, a bowl of tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich with pickles always hits the spot
Only recently I've discovered a love for indoor house plants
Outside of my parents and life experience, Alice, as in the Alice in Alice in Wonderland, has taught me more about life than anyone else
One of my favourite places on earth is Hamlin Lake in Michigan
Making my own birthday cake is a tradition I look forward to every year
The Wizard of Oz and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory are two movies I've seen and will never watch again
I have a penchant for the classic trench coat, and beautiful coats in general
Sometimes I can't believe I'm a mother
I wish I had spent more time listening to the stories of my maternal grandfather while he was still alive. He was a most intelligent and wise man
Someday I want enough land out my back window for a Jersey cow and an alpaca
Art confuses me
Nobody makes fried chicken like my mother
And my dad's apple pie reigns supreme
I firmly believe #midwestisbest
I don't like sushi
I love classic and colourful balloons
I make a mean plain cheesecake
#stripesallday
I wish I could dance and swim
I miss playing the piano and wish for one
I'd like to be an ostrich in another life; they have such beautiful plumage
I'm a LeBron James fan, for always
My favourite time of year is Autumn -- football, Thanksgiving, pies, falling leaves, a smokiness in the air, the harvest moon -- it's the most perfect season
Once upon a time I had my nose pierced
I think Storm Troopers are totally sexy
Is there a better in-home fragrance than dried lavender?
In my musical days, I played the piano, oboe, flute, and piccolo
I am a very nostalgic person
Quietly observing life all around me


And now, time for cake! A 3-layer homemade vanilla funfetti with vanilla buttercream frosting.

thursday things I love--

images courtesy of 1, 2

ramona quimby -- happy birthday beverly cleary!

glossier cloud paint -- perfect tint for my cheeks.

if I wasn't 39 weeks pregnant and into 2-piece swimwear.

tomato soup and croissant lunches.

rainy san francisco days.

a good and soft back scratch.

making my own wild friday night while husband is out.

feeling the love from my team as I close in on my final days in the office.

dreaming up all the adventures #babyboybrooks and I will share together.

mariah carey: without you.

things I love.

happy thursday!

two weekends left--

before #babyboybrooks is expected. I keep telling him we wouldn't mind if he was a few days early or right on time.

hooray!
hurrah!
yippee!

How I feel about the weekend ahead-- 

images courtesy of 1, 2, 3

There isn't anything particularly exciting lined up for the weekend, I'm just glad it's here. Time has been slowing down as I sit in this waiting game for the little guy to show up, #38weeks. And since we're ready to receive him at home, I'm itchin' to spend my time and energy outside. Last weekend we walked a 4-mile trail and I felt great. I'm hoping to do the same tomorrow. Springtime in the Bay Area is delightful and right now I can't get enough. I would love to add a dog to our Saturday; sometimes having a dog around makes everything better.

Topic that's been on my mind lately -- what is love? How do people show their love? It's demonstrated in different ways depending on the relationship. Some people like bold, grand gestures of love, while others like love shown in the little ways. Where do you fall? 

Hoping you have a great weekend ahead. Sending some love out there!

celebrating the resident teenager this weekend--

images courtesy of 1, 2

crossing out another week feels good on this rainy friday, and gets me closer to #babyboybrooks' birthday.

hooray!
hurrah!
yippee!

we are all things baby in this household as the days go by. things like preparing my birth plan for the office in case I go into labour there; washing all of the baby clothes and blankets and bedding that we've received (people have been so kind and generous); organizing clothes and diapers and toys; preparing to attend a day-long childbirth prep class on saturday; and all the other things that go into welcoming a newbie into the world. 

as I was folding and organizing clothes last weekend, I looked at some of the newborn onesies and couldn't help but wonder how my baby could possibly fit into them. they appeared remarkably tiny. and with my belly measuring big at each appointment, I can't help but think he's going to be a big newborn, like high seven pounds or low eight. it's exciting to think those details will be revealed very soon.

this weekend is also my stepdaughter's birthday. the big thirteen! we'll celebrate on sunday with her choice of meal and birthday cake. I love when she asks me to make her something, even if it's only once or twice a year. (she chimes in on our christmas tradition food, too.) coming from her it feels a tad more special. 

it's spring, right? 

wishing it was still the weekend.

images courtesy of 1, 2, 3

it was a great weekend. and it started with an evening walk on friday. it was warm and the moon was out and we just walked and walked -- holding hands, my arm through his, a pit stop to watch the last 5 minutes of a disappointing basketball game, and then home, where I found my joonie in the mailbox. yippee! (the warm weather and our casual walk made for a gently romantic evening, and that feeling remained in the air for the rest of the weekend.)

saturday was my baby shower, and it was wonderful. I felt so much love from the women that came -- through their thoughtful and fun gifts, advice, and pleasantries. it was nice to be spoiled and in the spotlight. the fact that the baby shower was for me was a bit of a surreal event, which this entire phase of life has been, and will probably remain until I'm holding #babyboybrooks. even then, I imagine I won't really believe it's true and that he's mine for some time thereafter. 

after my baby shower I met another friend and she continued the stream of great advice. we sat outside a coffee shop and talked and talked. I cannot recall the last time I wanted to be outside and enjoy the warm air as much as I did on saturday. is spring here? my pretty, pedicured feet hope so.

after dropping my stepdaughter off at a friend's house, husband and I relaxed at home until the sun went down on saturday, basking in the delight that enjoying quiet and simple time together brings us.

sunday was also quiet -- some hustle and bustle in the morning to get to church, catching up with friends and acquaintances before and after services, reading, and then naps in the afternoon. my favourite kind of sunday.

now it's monday and I'm feeling the effects of the daylight savings time adjustment. what I would give for an extra day to prolong the glorious weekend.

what was your weekend like? 

the list diaries. chapter 010 -- who's in my earbuds.

images courtesy of 1, 2

the list diaries.
chapter 010.

I love a good playlist, and for me, music is as seasonal as my clothes. I prefer my old rock and classics, like America and the Carpenters, Gordon Lightfoot, Fleetwood Mac, in the summer when windows are open and daytrips to state and national parks are the usual. spring is upon us in the bay area and soon it will be time to put my winter playlist to rest -- although some will likely overlap. for now, here's who's in my earbuds.

• Say Lou Lou
• Bat for Lashes
• Rationale
• Leisure Cruise
• Laura Mvula
• Wet
• Katy Perry
• Sia
• Cat Power & Coldplay
• Color of Clouds
• Kina Grannis
• Karen O & Ezra Koenig
• Feist
• Natasha Khan & Jon Hopkins
• The Bird and the Bee
• Susanne Sundfor
• The Radio Dept
• Amason
• The Secret Sisters
• Beck
• Florence + The Machine
• A Man Called Adam
• Poe
• Rachael Yamagata
• Ray LaMontagne
• The Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger
• Glass Animals
• Lorde
• Angus & Julia Stone
• Cat Power
• St. Vincent
• Koop
• Zee Avi
• Flight Facilities
• Charlotte Gainsbourg
• Keren Ann

I need music for nearly everything. I listen on my commute to and from work -- sometimes I rest my music and turn on NPR. I'm plugged in when I'm writing -- this usually requires something classical, like Mozart's Requiem. I'm plugged in when I'm walking about the neighbourhood and when I'm running errands. I'm not often listening to music when I'm at the office, however. is that surprising?

thursday things I love--

image courtesy of the madewell blog

asscher: my husband chose well -- understated and elegant.

observing my husband wield the drill to fix our rocking chair.

the suede heel boot by everlane.

a day driving through marin county -- swoon.

when my husband endearingly calls me "mama."

the newest glossier product -- cloud paint!

only a few more weeks.

hints of spring.

the storq dress.

cake for breakfast.
amason: california dreamin'.

things I love.

happy thursday!

the list diaries. chapter 009 -- things I can't live without.

image courtesy of tkow

the list diaries.
chapter 009.

we all have those things that we cannot live without, like water or a hot shower, salt and pepper, our collection of hot sauces. below is my random, incomplete list. what's on yours? 

• my suzy cat
• my dreams of someday
• sundae spoons and ice cream
• my glossier products
• black tights
• eggs and toast
• my family. my whole family
• my phone
• butter
• a cast iron skillet
• the morning kiss goodbye
• opportunities to write
• a good dictionary and thesaurus
• grilled cheese sandwiches
• sunday afternoons
• lip balm
• a hair tie
• nivea body lotion
• my faith
• classical music
• my husband

her outfit alone is worth a post: whitney pozgay

there's the fact that she's a fashion designer, a favourite of anthropologie. no surprise considering her incredible style. now, the joyful designs she's used in her clothes can be seen upholstering beautiful furniture, exclusive to anthro.

images courtesy of the anthro blog

you can get a snapshot of her life from the anthro blog post. I enjoyed the questions they posed to her so much that I included them below and chimed in with my own answers, too, just for kicks. (hers are in italics; mine are in normal text.)

a great day begins with the snooze button.
the fog horn sounding off in the distance and a few clouds keeping the sun at bay, at least for a little while.
 
the last song I listened to on repeat was Devo’s cover of “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction.”
amason's cover of "California Dreamin'."
 
I never leave home without red lipstick and something to write on.
my phone, lip balm, a snack, and my sunglasses.
 
I’m proud of my partnership with my husband, Parker. We’ve managed to live and work together happily. 
how well my husband and I have partnered to edit our one-bedroom apartment to fit our growing family -- 2 adults, a teenager, a baby on the way, and a kitty cat. while looking for a larger space is on the horizon, the idea of moving saddens me because of the beautiful effort and the way we've come together in maximizing the space of our san francisco apartment.
 
I’ve always wanted to go to Kenya.
ride in a cattle drive.

my dream dinner party guests include Tina Fey, Wes Anderson, David Bowie, David Hockney, Maya Angelou, Jon Stewart and Grace Coddington.
lebron james, mr. and mrs. obama, princess kate, ellen degeneres, and tom brokaw, with ella fitzgerald and louis armstrong providing the music.

my most prized possession is a box of old letters and photographs.

my self-designed lace wedding dress. 

 
if I wasn’t an artist I’d be a candy maker.

if I wasn’t a startup recruiting operations professional I’d be on a marine research boat, focusing on orcas, sharks, or narwhals. 
or I'd be in my old farmhouse in the midwest proofreading and editing manuscripts and other writings, breaking to collect eggs from the hens in the barn.

 
the next place I want to travel is Mexico City.

paris. I've been once and I want to return and go deeper into exploring neighbourhoods, the countryside, and historical sites.

weekends are for trying new things.

rest, errands, baking, and making out with my husband.

 
happiness is the beach.

eating grilled cheese sandwiches in the kitchen with my husband and laughing well beyond bedtime. 

a normal weekend ahead.

a weekend to sleep, watch a show, and bake a cake.

images courtesy of 1, 2

hooray!
hurrah!
yippee!

there's a new monet exhibit opening on saturday at the legion of honor and we might attend. or we might just stay home and tackle the growing pile of laundry and take naps. I love having a weekend with no set plans.

what are you up to? 

weekend: I'm jet-planing back home

hooray!
hurrah!
yippee!

image courtesy of vogue

my brother and sister-in-law are back from their vacation in hawaii which means it's time for me to hug and kiss my nieces and nephews and return to san francisco -- but first, one more movie and pizza night. 

the parent-child reunion is quite sweet to witness and I'm looking forward to a reunion of my own, with mr. brooks. I've missed him terribly. while I've been away (11 days total) and we've had to rely on phone calls and text for keeping in touch, I've been reminded how funny he is, and that I can fall in love with him again -- anytime, and almost without realizing it. (isn't that delightful?) 

monday is a holiday for me -- mr. brooks has to work -- and I figure I'll spend my time washing baby clothes and picking up stuff from the office that shipped while I was away, like my fawn design backpack. baby still has 2 months before he's due but I figure that time will fly by and I should make the most of my time while I have the time. there still remains much to do, and I'm growing a tad anxious. albeit, if baby showed up tomorrow, we'd be fine to make it work with what we've got. 

happy long weekend to you, lovies,
kcb + baby

thursday things I love--

images courtesy 1, 2

it's still winter here in moses lake.

the fawn design backpack.

the smell of banana bread baking.

this q&a with style icon, iris apfel.

hilarious. and slightly creepy.

the fragrance of johnson & johnson sleepy time.

watching my nieces and nephews dance it out to kidz bop.

putting together my baby registries -- 1 and 2. totally surreal.

peeking at my baby nephew as he sleeps.

kidz bop: I love it.

things I love.

happy thursday!

the list diaries. chapter 008 -- things I like to eat.

images courtesy of ohhappyday and gthegent

the list diaries.
chapter 008.

I love food and I love to eat. as my appetite has fluctuated during this pregnancy, I've come to learn there are staples to my diet -- foods I love more than others and, simply, can't live without.

• ice cream, particularly breyer's strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla
• a juicy cheeseburger on a hearty bun, topped with lettuce and mustard, pickles and onion; salty fries on the side
• fried eggs from the cast iron skillet on my own stovetop and toast -- one of my favourite dinners; I like my eggs for dinner, not breakfast
• a toasted turkey sandwich with mustard, pepperoncinis, crispy romaine, tomatoes, and havarti cheese with applesauce or cottage cheese on the side
• green curry with beef from our favourite local thai restaurant -- for takeout, please
• one of my husband's signature grilled cheese sandwiches
• steamed broccoli with salt, pepper, and some butter
• a bowl of homemade granola or kashi's heart to heart honey toasted oat cereal and the milk that's leftover
• steamed milk with a hint of vanilla and cinnamon sprinkled on top
• oven-roasted yukon gold potatoes with salt, pepper, and olive oil

unlike other women, I haven't experienced any weird or odd food cravings (mr. brooks hasn't had to make any middle-of-the-night-runs to in-n-out or 7-eleven) or aversions. my diet has remained mostly the same as it was before becoming pregnant, the only difference is sometimes I can eat a little more than I could (or should) before. occasionally I'll crave more salt or a super sweet treat, like a cupcake with a mound of frosting on top, or I'll give in to that tiny bag of cheetos and eat a handful, tossing the rest in the garbage. 

eating is as fun as it was before I was pregnant -- the major difference being that I like eating at home with mr. brooks rather than go out. home food tastes the best, lately, and it's more comfortable for this growing belly.