The Artist at Work

A couple of weeks ago, we had a playdate at Mia's house and Maya had her first experience with markers.
Mama Michelle pointed out they were washable ones, and yes, her clothes did come out clean, and so was their dinner table after she wiped it down when they were done. I was instantly a fan. And well, Maya was hooked. I got some for her, and she now spends ALOT of time in her hi-chair drawing. She calls them crayons, but in Maya-speak it kinda sounds like "nail", knows exactly where we keep them and loves to play with the tops stuck on her fingers while saying "top!" after shes done with her masterpiece.

Duck says Quack Quack

So the mom/friend I most strive to be like, my girl Elizabeth made this precious duck for Maya.
Over the years (we met in college), she has taught me about numerous things including books, blogs, babies, baking, and general awesomeness.
And how she somehow finds the time to crochet on top of being a busy mom of 2 amazing kids, I will never know, but I am SO excited to have 1 of her creations-I mean Maya is so excited to have one of her creations. I have seen many of them on her blog, and am amazed at how easy it is for her to just bust one out. I have zero talent in that department, so Maya is 1 lucky kid to have something homemade and super cool just for her.
Bonus! Its also a great teaching tool, since she is learning about animals and their sounds.

fisherman

Here is Luka with one of the 8 fish he caught Sunday and brought home.
He is cooking it for dinner tonight.

Beach house

Pedja had to work, so I took the kids up to Oxnard to my dads beach house for a sleep over.
Saturday we all had dinner at a dive Mexican joint, and while I had one of the worst meals ever, (and by the way, got an instant migraine from the pine-sol they were cleaning with while I was eating said terrible meal), Luka had "the best fish tacos EVER"
Funny how it happens that way. And once again, Maya chocked on a tortilla chip.
Why would I give her tortilla chips ever again if she choked one one? Because Im a work- of-a- mother- in -progress and she loves them.
But yes, she chokes on them pretty often. They are actually the only thing she has ever choked on. THANKFULLY.

Sunday my dad took Luka fishing at 5am, and he caught not 1, not 2, but 8, YES 8 fish!
Needless to say, this was "the BEST FISHING TRIP EVER!!!'
It's really nice to seen him
1) sooo happy
2)succeed at something he loves
3)enjoy time with my dad.

Maya and I hung out with "nana" (Maya decided Nancy was now nana) while they were gone
We went to the teeny Oxnard farmer's market, drove around town in the golf cart, played some soccer, and went to the beach. Maya rolled around in the sand, and threw it everywhere. She had a blast but had no desire to go near the big scary cold ocean, which was fine with me.

Tonight, they will be enjoying his catch of the day for dinner.

brotherly love

friends

My friend Melissa brought her 5 month old daughter Noa over to play this weekend.
Maya just couldn't get close enough to her. She kept waving, saying "hi!!!" and bringing her all of her toys. She also tried to kiss and hug her over and over. It was so sweet.

Nor Cal

Here is Maya wearing my Oakland shirt -which is kind of Luka's now- showing off her Nor Cal pride.
For some reason I can't turn it around.

new shoes

Both kids got new shoes recently, here they are showing them off.
Yes, Luka's foot is growing at lightening speed- he is now a size 12.5 to be exact.
Every time Maya gets a new pair of shoes, she does this dance, which we now call "the new shoe dance"
Its hard to describe, but if you walk up to her at any given time, and say "new shoe dance! new shoe dance!" she will totally do it.

new man

Luka got a haircut a couple of weeks ago, and so far everyone that sees him says "wow, you look like a new man!"
He is not really a fan of it, but I think he just needs to get used to it.
Between you and me, he smiles alot more now.

yum yum!

In last months Food Network Magazine, there was an article by Tyler Florence about making your own baby food at home. I am not new to that, but these recipes were different in that you roast the fruits and veggies first, then puree them. Maya eats table food now, and not really many purees anymore, but the roasted Blueberry Banana recipe sounded too good to pass up. Here is what she thought of it. I must admit I did have it for dessert on more than one occasion.

show off

This is obviously and old pic. Here she is showing off her hello kitty band aids after her vaccines last month. She was quite proud of them and pointed them out to anyone who would look at her.

friends

Maya and her friends are all so sweet and loving towards one another. There are always hugs and squeals and excited hi's upon arrival. This is her friend Vivienne.

catching up

I know, I know, I am such a slacker when it comes to this blog. I either post like a mad woman or disappear for a long time-almost a month to be exact this time.
BUT- I am happy to report that everyone is great, and I have been working a ton. I have a new position at the culinary school I work at, which is shopper, so thats been keeping me super busy. The best part is that I can take Maya with me.
Aside from that, Pedja is working mucho, Luka is going to camp, swimming every day after camp, and has his final ice sating lesson this weekend. He will be back to school after labor day.
Maya is blossoming into such a wild flower. She is jumping and running, and chatting and full of light and energy. She asks for "Gabba Gabby" 24/7 That means "yo Gabba Gabba" to you and I. We went to their live show last November and she was not too interested, but I have a feeling things will be quite different this November!
As of now our family and another family are planning on a Yo Gabba Gabba halloween.