roasted pears w/ lavender sugar, ricotta and raspberries

Out of this world delicious.  Pears were slightly tart but with a sweet caramelized coating topped with raspberries.  Heaven on a plate!


I like days when my husband requests what dish I should make.  I create menus all the time for my clients and so at home I welcome special requests with open arms.  

Photos from today...

Some pictures I took today while getting to know Chris' Nikon D700.  Pretty sweet camera.  Of course, my models- Leon, Chris and Lucy

 

1 week away...

... before Leon's 1st birthday bash!  I'm so excited it seems as if the celebration is for me!  

In a way I see the party as a celebration for us as a family.  We made it through the 1st year- wow.  I recall times during the first couple of months of having Leon when I thought the sleepless nights and continuous crying were never going to end.  Leon was a really good baby- was never colicky, slept real well but he had his moments.  Chris and I were so new at being parents that there were many times when we were unsure of what we needed to do for our new baby.  I have to admit it was not easy.  Newborn phase is not my favorite stage.  But here we are just a week away from Leon's 1 year birthday.  It definitely calls for a celebration!  We LOVE our 'lil boy.  He is a constant source of entertainment around the house and pretty much everywhere. 

Yesterday we checked out "The Coop" the venue of the birthday party.  After checking out the coolest kid play place I've ever seen I got even more excited.  Chris and I walked around this place like we were kids again.  So fun.  Leon found the lit floor totally amazing and of course he loved being submerged in the pool of balls.

I was 33 weeks pregnant when this picture was taken.  Thank you so much Emily Sue- from the bottom of my heart.  There were many days during pregnancy when I felt like a huge whale unable to roll over in bed but days like our photo shoot- I felt like a million bucks.
I'll forever cherish my preggy photos.

no longer a 'lil baby

My sweet 'lil baby is fast becoming a full pledged toddler.  He is unstoppable and in complete exploration mode.  In fact, naps have been hard to come by and it seems to be because he doesn't want to miss out on anything.  Ever since he discovered he can navigate around on his own he has been roaming around the house like a busy bee.

March 16, 2011 Chris' 40th birthday.  We didn't have anything elaborate planned because we had a party for Chris with very close friends the weekend before.  Instead we drove down to Santa Monica for some Irish Pub grub.  Leon had his packed lunch made by his momma and drank watered down apple juice from his sippy.  It was a beautiful day.  We couldn't think of a better way to celebrate Chris' actual birthday.  Chris' favorite spots are Irish pubs and we even stopped at a Harley Davidson store before heading home.  My husband was all smiles.  Shiny momo's and ice cold beer made his day.  The birthday boy should have been in the picture but he is most times camera shy.

In just two weeks Leon is turning 1!  I'm busy planning an animal zoo themed party at The Coop in Studio City.  My very talented cousin Beth is baking the most delicious cupcakes.  I can't wait to celebrate a big milestone.  

I'm surrounded by loved ones celebrating birthdays... guess who's birthday it is today?!

The one and only Lucy Mae turned 9 years old today!  

I love you Lucy.  You're my best friend for life.