Mike and Music

This morning, our family suffered a loss when Mike’s Grandpa George passed away.  I thought I’d share a few of my favorite pictures of George, who will be missed, in tribute to this very good man.

In 2006, we took a cruise to Alaska to celebrate Grandma Ede’s 80th birthday.  George loved to take pictures, and it was very common to see him with his camera in his hand.  I love how happy he looks in this picture, which was taken on a gorgeous September day.

This picture was taken at the Children’s Pool in La Jolla when Mike’s grandparents came to visit us one year.

This is George and Dugan at Dog Beach during a December 2007 visit to San Diego.

Grandpa George could be very serious, but he also had a sense of humor.  This picture of George, wearing Ede’s hat, was taken at our wedding in 2008.  Our wedding day was a blur, so I was really excited to see the pictures once Mike and I got back from our honeymoon.  I remember laughing out loud at this picture and wondering how on earth I missed Grandpa George wearing Grandma’s hat!

Rest in peace, George.

We are lucky to have a really wonderful, supportive family.  Due to divorce and remarriage, we have a lot of relatives.  For Michaela, this means no shortage of doting grandparents: Grandma Janice, Nana Laura, and Grandma Lynda, plus Grandpa Bill, Papa Var, and Grandpa Bruce.  Needless to say, she is a very loved girl!

Grandpa Bruce and Grandma Lynda visited us a couple of weeks ago, and Lynda captured some really great pictures while they were here.  Here are a few of them.

Big smile for Grandma.

Enthralled by Michaela (who looks somewhat less enthralled by us).

Relaxing with Grandma and Grandpa after a long day.

Each year, we make a pilgrimage to Borrego for wildflower season…and this year, as it turns out, we were a week (or two) early.

That said, we had a nice day, and still managed to get a few good shots. Please enjoy!

Four years ago, MikeandMusic.com made its official debut, and I can’t help but think about what a crazy four years it’s been, and how far our blog has come.

In February 2006, life was pretty boring.  Mike was doing some work on the house we were renting, we took a trip to L.A., we watched “Grizzly Man,” and got haircuts.

February 2007 was light on posting:  only a rant about Richard Walker’s Pancake House (summary: don’t go there!) and a rave about our Roomba.

Big, exciting things started happening later in 2007– we bought a house and got engaged– so by the time we got to February 2008, I was writing about creating our wedding registry in addition to posts about trips to Vegas and the outlets.

I must have had a lot of free time last year, because February 2009 featured eight posts.  That’s a lot, especially for a short month!  There were musings on the internet and texting, highlights of  a visit from relatives, and a delicious recipe.  We also got rid of our old stove and got a new tv,  and I got a new job.

And now here we are, February 2010.  From boyfriend and girlfriend to husband and wife.  From renters to homeowners.  From DINKs to a working mom and part-time SAHD.  MikeandMusic.com has born witness to it all.  I hope you enjoy reading our blog as much as I enjoy writing it!

Things here at Baby Central are going pretty well.  When the weather was great last week, we took advantage and did fun outdoors things, like hitting the outlets for some shopping one day and walking to various San Diego hot spots other days.  Michaela is still very portable, so we’re able to take her out quite a bit, as you can see below.

Taking a break from shopping, Mike got a little hungry.  “Tastes like chicken,” he says.

We bought a jogging stroller this week, and Mike walked to Balboa Park with the baby for their Outdoor Education class.

Later in the week, the three of us walked downtown to the New Children’s Museum.

Finally, now that Michaela is bigger, we are able to put her in the baby carrier we got.  Hands-free baby fun!

Until next week!

Technically, this is two photos of the day, because you can’t quite see all the detail in the first photo.

The thing at Michaela’s feet?  It’s a red velvet cupcake I decorated with a “2″ in honor of her two-month birthday.

It’s so hard to believe Michaela has been with us for two months!  Even harder to believe she came a month early.  We’re so happy to have her, though!  Here are some cute shots from the last week or so.

Michaela reaching for the mirror on her play mat for the very first time.

Skype-ing with Nana and Papa.

What a cute tummy!

And what cute shoes!

All bundled up for a trip to Seaport Village.

HAPPY TWO MONTH BIRTHDAY, MICHAELA!

I’ll start by saying that it appears that I’ve turned into one of those people who can only talk about her child, as if my baby is the most fascinating subject on the planet.  In my case, it’s true.  Now onto the news.

Michaela had her two-month pediatrician’s appointment today.  She is quite the child!  She weighed in at 13 pounds, 4 ounce– up from 7 pounds, 8 ounces when she was born– and 23 inches long– up from 20 inches at birth.  Clearly we’re not dealing with the low birth weight problems that often accompany babies born prematurely.

She had her first round of shots, which was probably harder on me than on her.  She’ll forget the trauma, but I’ll be scared for the rest of my life.  Hearing her wail, seeing her little face turn red… oy.  But she was a trooper, and Mike and I were reminded of how good we have it.  Hopefully this won’t jinx it, but honestly, the only time we’ve ever heard her cry like that is when she’s been poked at the doctor’s office.  I know that’s not the case for all parents, and we’re very thankful.

Michaela should be smiling any day now.  Very exciting!  She’s scissoring her legs when she’s on her tummy, working on sort of rocking herself over onto her back.  She’s not there yet, but I think it’s coming soon.  And yesterday, she reached out for the mirror attached to her play mat, grabbed it, and looked at her reflection.  Needless to say, it was the highlight of my day.

Unfortunately, I didn’t snap a picture of the delicious tacos Mike made for dinner tonight.  I was too busy cramming them into my mouth!  These Tasty Lentil Tacos were yummy and are definitely something we’ll be making again.  Here’s our version.

Ingredients

• 1 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon canola oil
• 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
• Plus whatever tortillas you like (corn or flour, or tortilla chips if you decide to do nachos) and whatever you put on your tacos (salsa, cheese, sour cream, etc.)

Directions

1. In a large nonstick skillet, saute the onion and garlic in oil until tender. Add the lentils, chili powder, cumin and oregano; cook and stir for 1 minute. Add broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until the lentils are tender. Uncover; cook for 6-8 minutes or until mixture is thickened. Mash lentils slightly.
2. Put your taco filling on your tortilla, dress, and eat!