Trip to the Christmas tree farm

This Saturday we drove out 40 minutes to a Christmas tree farm and cut down our own tree. It was my first time. It was fun, but I only lasted a minute on the saw before I had to pass the saw to Mike. It is hard work cutting down a Christmas tree!

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

This morning we did the Towson, MD Turkey Trot 5K (since we couldn't be in CA to run the traditional Torrance turkey trot with the Robinsons extended fam). It wasn't the same, but it was fun. I am wearing the CA Turkey Trot shirt.

Then we had dinner at the Stonelys. It was fabulous--food, entertainment, everything. They grilled their turkey on the barbecue and it was so refreshing. They live in the most adorable place in Bolton Hill--I love the architectural detail in their home. Thanks to the Stonelys for a fantastic evening.

Happy Thanksgiving to all.
We are grateful for your love and friendship!

Pediatrician Appt

Andrew went to his one year pediatrician appointment. He weighs 27lbs 7oz (which we think means he's shrinking--he weighed 30lbs a few months ago).


This was a rough appointment for Andrew on several accounts.

First, he had been acting as if he was sick (for the first time ever), and the doc diagnosed him having two nasty ear infections. Bummer. Second, he had to get several immunization shots, and third, they had to take blood. So the last half of the appointment he cried incessantly, hence the red eyes in these photos.


While we were waiting for his prescription to be filled after the appointment, Mike took him outside to calm him down. The fountain helped him forget his misery for a bit.

Finally we got him smiling, although you can still see his red, watery eyes.

And once he started doing this, we figured he may be back to normal.

The last pictures from Andrew's birthday

Disclaimer: Despite the risk of making you angry from posting too many pictures of Andrew (even though his grandparents won't mind, I'm sure the rest of you do), I am posting the last of the Andrew birthday photos. We finally got the whole batch of photos from Katie and I plan to print a Blurb book from this blog.
You have my permission to refrain from reading this exhaustive post.

Wednesday, October 28: Andrew's first birthday

The evening began slowly. Mike was just getting home from work when Katie (our friend/photographer) arrived. While Katie set up the lighting, Mike hung out with Andrew and I finished Andrew's first slice of cake.

Then we took a few shots of the "official" Andrew birthday cake I made out of chocolate fondant cake. Andrew's favorite part was the wooden "A," and kept pulling it off and trying to eat it.

We were planning on Skyping with the Feathie family, but we were having technical difficulties. While Mike worked on resolving them, Katie and I took a few one-year-old birthday boy shots.

First I really wanted to get some of him in his crib/room, since for so long he slept in a pack-n-play (our Chicago friends will remember that)!

Then we took a few in the master bedroom. Since Mike couldn't get Skype to work, he ended up just bringing the phone back and Andrew listened to them sing Happy Birthday over the phone.

After the birthday phone call, we progressed to the part we'd all been waiting for: CAKE!

(Note: We decided to start a new tradition: instead of giving Andrew his slice of cake in his high chair, we would put him on a sheet on the floor in only his diaper so he could really go crazy on the cake.)

Attempt #1: Four layer chocolate cake with whipped cream & strawberry frosting, on a sheet on the floor
Here I am just about to set the cake down, and Mike is just letting Andrew loose.

Andrew gets a good look at the cake before he makes his move.

He cautiously picks up some frosting...

...and tastes it. Can you believe this face?

He quickly crawls away. He doesn't want to be anywhere near that cake.

Attempt #2: Just chocolate cake, NO frosting this time; this time with mom modeling how to eat cake

After trying it for the second time, he crawls off.

Attempt #3: Original slice of layered cake, but this time in the high chair (so he cannot get away)

He still doesn't like it, and no amount of parental convincing will change his mind.

Note: We did get all of these attempts on camera.

We eventually gave up on the cake and moved on to snap a few family photos.

And last of all, we opened presents!

Andrew says, "thanks everyone for my presents!"

All in all, I think Andrew had a wonderful birthday. Thanks everyone for making the day so special for our little boy.

Baltimore Favorites

If you ever plan to visit Baltimore, these are our favorites (so far). We'll add more to the list as we find great places.

Best restaurant for a special occasion: Woodberry Kitchen

This restaurant's theme is "from farm to table." Their food absolutely blew us away, partly due to the fact that everything is fresh from local growers, and they use organic meats and sustainable agriculture. The fresh local organic theme also translates into "expensive," but to be honest, this restaurant is in the top three best restaurants we've ever been to. Ever.

Best Crab Cakes: The Boat Yard

The Boatyard is in Annapolis, but it's worth the 40 minute drive (Annapolis is a must see place anyway). The Boatyard is a locals joint hosting neighborhood parties such as the fourth annual "Sock Donning Party" on Nov 12. I had their lump crab for the first time 6 years ago, and it is still just as incredible. Take my advice and order the open faced Blue Crab sandwich ("lump blue crab, artichokes, spinach, and parmesan cheese served open-faced on our house Ciabatta bread with tomato slices and cheddar cheese melted to a golden brown). And for $10.95, you will die.

Best Breakfast: Blue Moon Cafe

Start your morning early at the Blue Moon Cafe in Fell's Point (5 mins from downtown Baltimore) before you visit the National Aquarium or walk the Inner Harbor. It is mandatory that you order the Captain Crunch French Toast. Make sure you DO NOT pour syrup all over the french toast before you actually taste it. Trust me. Also, go early to avoid long waits.


Best chocolate: Glarus Chocolatier

Mike picked these up for my birthday. The creators are husband and wife duo, and Glarus is the name of their hometown in Switzerland. Their goal is to show us non-cultured, See's-eating people how amazing chocolates can be when you don't use preservatives (they also import their raw chocolate from Switzerland and hand make them with little to no machinery). They sure do a good job.