Kirsten and Mark

First–and update on my Lucky Me–Lucky You post.
The contest is still open… I have 5 commenters, but only 3 have followed the requirements so far. So, at this time, something fabulous is still up for grabs!

Apparently Mark and I are restaurant cursed. We don’t know what we’ve done to bring the wrath of the restaurant gods down upon us, but it must have been pretty bad. We’re sorry! And promise never to do it again! What’s the curse? Having our order get lost/not get to the chefs twice in a row! The first time it happened when we went to Taste–see previous post. The order got lost behind the stove, so we had to wait extra long for our food and my feet froze for an extra long amount of time. Then, this past Friday we went to our second symphony performance at Disney Concert Hall and decided to eat at Cafe Pinot beforehand since I had a gift card from my awesome bosses at CBS.

We weren’t planning on doing the Dine LA menu, but since it was there and it looked good, we decided to do that instead. We’re waiting, we’re waiting. Our show time is getting closer…and the manager came to inform us that when the order printed it got all crumpled up and never made it to the chefs. Yay! So, by the time we got our appetizer we had half hour to be our the door. It was terrible having to rush such good food. The french fries were fantastic! and the dessert–chocolate lava cake and apple crumble–were heavenly too. By the time we left, hopped on the shuttle and ran to our seats they were closing the doors behind us for the performance!

Sunday we visited with Auntie Pat and Uncle Ken and had a yummy dinner with them, followed by Oscar watching. Brit was sooooooo tired since he only got one nap–church totally messes up his schedule–but he refused to go to sleep. I think he just wanted us to leave, so right before the end, he pushed some button on the remote that changed us from the recorded tivo part to live–which was already over–so we missed the very end. Oh well. We had a great time.

Since last week Brit’s love of the balloons has not waned. They are seriously his favorite toy right now…that and his books. But, he’s also taken to kicking them. He has great aim and does really well. Add that word to his vocab. “Kick” “Kick” “Kick” he says it for every one. Yesterday Mark taught him how to catch the balloons too.

I think a full-blown “Catch” isn’t too far away. Yesterday Brit also stood on his own for about 3 seconds. He’s getting a lot more daring and will let go and take a step from the table to the couch.

New foods he loves–asparagus and tuna. He still eats a ton too. I think he’s done, but if I bring something out for me, he wants it too!

His hair has been out of control for a while. It’s super long over his ears, uneven in the back, and extra long on top. So, today he got it cut. It went from  looking like this:

to this:

What a super cute, stylish baby!

We’ve been accused of making this more like Britton.com, but, when he’s the most interesting thing happening in our lives, it’s kind of hard not to write all about it.

Here’s what you’d get about us: Mark–”Napster is great. I’m working on some interesting new projects that I can’t tell you about because they’re top secret and haven’t gone live yet. I don’t have to worry about getting laid off because Best Buy has a lot of money and our department is actually growing a bit–woo hoo!” Or something like that. More in depth and your eyes may glaze over and your brain could hurt. That’s what Mark.KirstenAndMark.com is for, even though he hasn’t been very good about updating it recently.

Me: I’m taking care of Britton and Sprout Shell, trying to find retailers and more customers. We’ll be doing some expos and be featured on some blogs/websites in the next few months trying to get more recognition.

See, Brit stuff is way more interesting. So, here we go…ok…a few more things about us first:

Friday we participated in Dine LA, where restaurants offer a prie fixe menu in 3 different price ranges and you get to try stuff you probably never would because you can actually afford it a little bit. We went to a place called Taste. It was really good! They did go a little overboard with the white truffle oil, but on the whole we’d love to go back and try some other good things we saw on the menu.

Valentine’s Day was great because I got my ring cleaned and inspected on it’s bi-annual schedule. It’s now a 3 year old ring! Mark also had a wonderful day because he finally got his BLU-RAY player! Merry Christmas/Valentine’s Day/Birthday! Best Buy had a discount day for Napster employees (since they’re technically Best Buy employees now too) and we got a great deal on it.

He smiled the rest of the day.

Brit loved my roses. He loves all flowers, but these were especially appealing.

Brit was in love with that elephant at the store, so that was his V-day gift. It took some getting used to again, but after we put the camera away he snuggled it and carried it around.

We finally put Brit’s books in the living room where he can actually get to them and read them rather than wait for me to get them off a high shelf. He’s loving it! They’re constantly all pulled off and he’s surrounded by them. He picks them up and lifts their flaps or turns the pages and goes on to the next one. Great idea…

And, the balloons! Oh, he’s been in heaven with the balloons. They’re so fun to play with and make float around. Seriously, for the past couple days when it’s a little quiet I go looking for him and he’s sitting in the middle of his books or playing with the balloons. So funny. He is also a good kicker. He walks up to them and kicks and kicks–with his left foot–until it gets in a spot he can’t get out of.

The past few days have been full of new things. He started signing “More” when he wants more food. It’s the only one he’ll do. He understands a lot more, but won’t do them. Also, he mimics words  a lot. Like kick, bye, banana, apple, hi, yeah, that, etc. When we say it he tries really hard to copy us.

There is no standing on his own yet, but his balance has improved greatly over the past couple of weeks. He can do pretty good with just one hand now, and last night he let go of the coffee table for a second to try to get me. So, it’s coming along…maybe by his 1st birthday–a month from today–he’ll be there. We’ll see.

Oh-and he loves to play peek-a-boo if he’s the one doing it. Yesterday he was pulling his bath hoodie down and up “hiding” and “being found” and laughed his head off when I “found him.” Then he did it later by hiding his head in his arms on the coffee table and looking at us. He thinks he’s so funny–and it’s true. We’re laughing our heads off these days.

Monday February 16, 2009 Mark turned 30!

We had a “Favorite Things” day, which included ice skating because he used to play hockey. He had a great time out on the ice, and so did Brit!

But, sadly, after only a few trips around the ice, Mark was told Brit wasn’t allowed to be carried. He was pretty bummed the rest of the time. He kept watching and reaching for the ice.

But, a few other friends came to skate with Mark…like Ray,

And Kristie twirling, and Jared was there too, he just never did any cool, camera worthy tricks. =)

And me…so graceful.

Then it was home, to Reeder’s Rancheria for some other favorites–like Mexican Food!

The peeps…chattin’ and having a good time…

Then…it was time for another favorite: Music! at Reeder’s Rock Arena and (though, we were a little light on rock, or music in general…)

He’s a great candle blower! This is his Flourless Chocolate Cake…no basic white or yellow for him.

Just so people know, we do spend time together and exist together. See, here’s a picture even.

It was great getting together with friends and celebrating Mark’s milestone. Happy Birthday honey, I love you!

I couldn’t stand it anymore; it had to go. That boring website was no longer welcome. It was cute at first, when it was our wedding website, because it was our wedding colors and everything matched and all. But, then when we had to change it to acomodate a cool photo trick Mark did in the “developing Britton” era we didn’t do a great job of making it very attractive.

Well, that time is over. We picked a new theme and I can change it about 100 different ways. This Word Press thing isn’t as “user friendly” as Blogger, so there aren’t all the cute backgrounds and things. But, we do what we can.

So, hope you enjoy. I’m might even like looking at our site now.

Also, we’re almost pictureless this week. This is all we’ve got:

Yes, he does sleep like this. Bum in the air, arms tucked under. Sometimes he tucks his back up against the rail or side too. Funny sleeper.

This picture is from a couple of weeks ago when he was sick. He just looks so sad and miserable, but so adorable too I had to put it in.

Last week our stake had a Youth Fundraiser Auction and Bakeoff. My friend Kristie and I made some homemade Oreos with Funfetti cake and Spice cake. The frosting was rose, teal and lime green Awesome! Then, we made the most delicious chocolate cake! It was really moist and fudgy, but also light and fluffy. It was meant for a 9×13 pan, but we thought that wasn’t very pretty, so we made 2 rounds and put cream cheese frosting–from the Oreos–in the middle. Then, a chocolate icing went on top.  I’m really bummed we didn’t take a picture of our masterpieces. We were sure it would win first place. Then, after seeing the competition, I was even more convinced. But alas, Mormons don’t like different or delicious or something because it didn’t win a thing!  Truly, a dark day for bake offs when chocolate fudge cake doesn’t win.

So, have you ever ordered something, been escited about it, and then when the day finally arrives and you open the box, your heart drops because it’s not what you expected?

Well, since you’re smart readers, I’m sure you know where I’m going with this. We ordered Brit a big-boy carseat that was supposed to look like this:

This is what we got:

Yeah, that doesn’t quite do it for us. They don’t have any more of what we wanted, so this is what we’re getting instead:

Oh well. This is more neutral.

Hope you all have a great week! Happy Valentine’s Day!

ps–my friend Paige is an awesome designer and just started a blog/site displaying her fantastic kids clothes. You can find them here: RockerRoos.blogspot.com.

Well, here’s a special non-scheduled post because my amazing friend Ashley posted this to her site, and anything made by her is guaranteed to be fantastic, so I want it!
But,  this is also a chance for some of you to get something made by me! Lucky you–I hope.
The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice. For you. This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:
1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!
2. What I create will be just for you.
3. It’ll be done this year.
4. You have no clue what it’s going to be. I have no clue what it will be. I’m not the most creative and crafty person, but when I do undertake such an activity I’m pretty perfectionist about it, so unless I’m satisfied and would be proud for someone to know i made it, said item will not be given until it meets those criteria or a new item will take its place.
5. I reserve the right to do something I’ve never done before. The catch? Oh, the catch is that you must repost this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog. The first 5 people to do so and leave a comment telling me they did win a creative and crafty homemade gift by me!
* * *Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you win when you get it! That will be lots more fun!

Last weekend we entered the world of Dr. Seuss for Mav’s birthday party. Mav is Brit’s friend (well, in the sense that they sit in the same room to play while Paige and I talk) though, they are interacting better as they get older. Anyway, we had lots of fun. There were lots of toys, other kids and yummy fish-shaped Jello jigglers that Brit loved!

This week Brit got a fun package in the mail–a box packaged like it was containing very fragile materials–from Grandma Karen. They’re a couple of Christmas presents that hadn’t made it yet. He was thrilled.

First he loved the bow. That was as good as it got as far as he was concerned. But soon…

He discovered the yummy horse.

Oooh, there were even more cool animals…a little horsey and a sheep! Look Mom, see?

Woah, and a book too? There are fun things to touch on it. (And, the Alphabet is easier to make out in this photo than when you actually look at the book…Maybe it’s an up close thing.

We must read it right now!

So, these gifts all put together were a “barn” with a mommy and baby horse, cow  and sheep. He really likes them. The book is full of touchable textures with a an animal from every letter of the alphabet. Even Zorillas, which look a whole lot like skunks to me. Thanks Grandma!

And, Brit has a little bit of a hard time with “screams.” He can do it, but when another baby does it, he freaks out and starts crying. I thought he’d gotten over it, but apparently not. My friend Jenna was over yesterday. She has an 8 1/2 month-old girl who is super sweet. When Brit woke up from his nap and came out she was excited to see him and started squealing. It totally scared him and he started crying hysterically. This pattern repeated itself about 5 more times. I just had to comfort him, but couldn’t help but laugh too. He is such a sensitive little soul. By the time they were leaving he was fine. We decided he just needs to keep being around squealers and he’ll get used to it.

I am also proud of him–and myself–because he’s stopped eating at night! I know this is something I should’ve stopped MONTHS ago, but it was so much easier to just feed him and get back to sleep in 5 minutes than try to deal with getting him back to sleep without it,  so I didn’t push it. But, I decided I was done and could be strong and just went for it. Uh…what took me so long? He was fine! I gave him a drink of water when he woke up and held him for a bit, then put him down. Last night, he woke up at midnight, I gave him his teething tablets and then he slept till 4:30. I got up to go in, but he went back to sleep on his own! Let’s see how long this lasts.

And, yes, we’re back to teething tablets because he’s getting more teeth. It appears to be 2 more on top.

This week I’m super excited about the fact that Sprout Shell is now only 4 from the top of the 2nd page on Google when you type in “infant carrier cover.” It’s thanks to all the links that other people have posted and given us. Now…to have that generate some sales would be great!

As I type, we’re getting some rain. Yay! We’ve needed rain here. SoCal is in a serious drought. The weather has been so strange though, going from 80 to 60 back up to 80 from day to day. I wish it would just decide and give us a winter or not at all.