Grateful

Because I live abroad I have a different life then most. I know we are so lucky to travel and experience things that most people will never be able to do, but with my expat life I do miss out on things that most people do have. Case and point, my baby shower. When my sister brought up throwing me a baby shower while I was home it made me uncomfortable. It has been almost 5 years since I have lived in California so many of my friends have moved away from here, or are not from California at all. When thinking of a shower, most people have all their best friends, family and family friends there to celebrate. But my best friends live all over the world now, a lot of my family does not live very close to where I grew up and I felt uncomfortable inviting family friends to bring me gifts when I never see them. I had stuck in my head that I needed to have a big guest list to have a shower, needed a registry like most expecting mom's do and I thought I had to have my shower be like all the other showers I hear about. It took me awhile to realize it is OK that I am not like everyone else, I don't have to do things like everyone else has done, and it is OK that my shower only had 5 friends there. In fact my shower was absolutely perfect in every way. My few good girlfriends mean the world to me, especially because we are separated by miles and miles. Even though all my invites were not able to make it due to not living in California, I was so grateful to spend quality time with the friends that could make it. There was no one else in the world that I would have wanted there, so even though I didn't have 30 plus people at my shower and I didn't get every thing I need for my baby like most people do, I loved my shower and will hold those memories with my great friend's and sister forever. My son will have many women in his life that are going to spoil and love him. I continue to learn and need to keep reminding myself that I can not compare myself or my situation to others, I am different then most people I know and I could not be more happy about that. I have always been an individual and I am grateful for the life I have.

Here are some pictures of the shower.As a fun game, we all decorated a onesie for baby Nicolson to wear. Here are a few of ours.
I made baby a sheriff (is it bad I gave my baby a gun already?!)Gina gave baby a six pack, chest hair and a bow tie. Haha.Sam made baby a business man, of course he needed a watch and pens.Everyone gave me ADORABLE outfits for our little man. It was so fun opening all the gifts and imagining a real baby being in them soon!5 months and 1 week pregnant! The belly is growing!My mom came even though she had spine surgery one week before.The adorable favors for all the guests.My sister was an amazing host, thank you Sam.

Sweet Home California

I have been home in California for the last week. It has been so nice to be home and see my family and friends. My mom had a surgery on her back so I came home to help her with the recovery. I am so glad I am here because she really needed more help then any of us realized after the surgery. She would have struggled not having someone with her throughout the day. I also have had a few friends come into town to visit me as well which has been so fabulous. I love my girlfriends so much and cherish the time we get to spend together. It has been so fun to show off my bump! It has totally grown in the last 2 weeks. Updates and pictures to come in the next few days.

Sorry for the lack of blogging recently. xoxo

1 Year

Last year during all our wedding festivities I thought I could never be more happy or in love than at that point, but I can happily say I am more in love with Justin today than I have ever been. We spent our anniversary talking about our amazing wedding week and honeymoon and looking at photos and videos of our big day. We had a relaxing day together and went out for an amazing Italian dinner to celebrate.

The day started out with 2 dozen red roses
Before dinner at the Fullerton Hotel, 5 months pregnant! Half way there!
After dinner on the private rooftop deck of our restaurant. Such great views!

What a year it has been, can't wait for many many more anniversary's to come.

Sweet Memories

This Saturday, October 9th, will be my one year anniversary with my husband! This past year has flown by! We have done so much traveling and have had so many changes, e.g. baby on the way, that it truly has been one of our best years together. With that said, ever since I met Justin at the ripe age of 19 I have never laughed with, smiled at or loved anyone as much as him. He really does complete me. Without getting too mushy I thought I'd share some old photos of us, starting back in 2004 when we first really fell for each other. These photos seem like they were taken ages ago, we both look so much younger and Justin still had long hair! :)

Rimini, Summer 2004
Florence, Summer 2004
New York, October 2004
The Lion King musical
Florence, NYE 2004
We DANCED the night away
Hawaii, 2005
New York, March 2006

Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies = Heaven

I found this cookie recipe on carrots 'n' cake blog, click here to see her post on it. The cookies have no eggs, no sugar and have my favorite ingredient flax seeds! They definitely taste like a healthier cookie but in a good way!

Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Makes approximately 25 cookies
Ingredients:
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup oats
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp ground flaxseed meal
1/4 cup agave nectar (or honey)
1/4 cup soy milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp canola oil
1 ripe banana
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/4 cup walnuts (optional)
Pinch of salt

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350*F.
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well until batter is blended evenly.
Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes


I followed the recipe pretty precisely, except that once I start mixing the ingredients I realized I was out of agave. I wanted to make this recipe because it had no sugar, but out of fear that they would not be sweet enough I put a tablespoon of brown sugar in. I didn't see the option to substitute honey instead. But, with the sweetness of the banana and the chocolate chips I am not sure if agave is necessary, or at least not that much. Also, this recipe made about 12 cookies for me not 25. I think I made my cookies a little big and let's be honest I also ate some batter. These will be making an appearance again soon!

Active Weekend

I had quite the active weekend. Saturday I had a work get together, our boss organized a private spin class at a gym for all the instructors from our studio. It was a great class, and the gym was in downtown on the 10th floor and the whole room was windows so it was such a cool view to have while working out. We all love challenging ourselves when working out and we all get along really well so it is fun when we are all able to get together at one time to work out.

Sunday Justin and I and some friends of ours went to the MacRitchie Reservoir for a long walk. The scenery there is just amazing, you don't feel like you are in Singapore. We saw lots of creatures, the biggest ants I've ever seen and tons of monkeys! We walked for about 2 1/2 hours before heading to lunch for a much deserved hamburger. My legs are so sore today! I love feeling like myself again and being able to enjoy an active weekend like this.