aloha friday, y'all!

Happy Aloha Friday, y'all! 

Let me tell you a little bit about that picture above. Christian looooves trucks (duh) and every time we're out and about, we usually see a UPS or FedEx delivery truck driving through the neighborhood. One day when UPS was delivering us a package Christian and I went outside so Christian could get an up close look at the truck. The driver told me he had these cool UPS trucks for kids and that he'd bring one by. Well last night, he did just that! Christian was SO excited to receive his new "present" this morning. (Yes, Christian asked for "doodles" for breakfast.)

Today Rob and I are off to Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore for our Weekend to Remember marriage retreat! I can't believe the day is actually here! I'm so excited, yet a bit sad because I know I'll miss Christian like crazy. I'm hoping we can workout at least one FaceTime/Skype session with him this weekend. 

Have a good one!! 

Aloha! 

throwback thursday: our honeymoon

Hopping on the "Throwback Thursday" bandwagon, I thought it'd be fun to share a few pictures from Rob and I's honeymoon in Belize in May 2006. We had a bit of honeymoon drama, as some may remember. We had already planned our honeymoon to La Paz, Mexico. EVERYTHING had already been reserved and payed for.

A few weeks before our wedding, the airline we were going to take, Aero California, was shut down. Read about that jank ass airline here. But seriously, this was a HUGE blessing in disguise. I couldn't imagine a more "us" and perfect honeymoon than the one we had. We did a lot of last minute emails and phone calls, and our trip to Belize was set. And it only took us 6 months to get our money back from the airfare on Aero JankAssAirline.

Belize was beautiful and tropical and just our speed.

Waiting at the El Salvador International Airport for our flight to Belize City. 

Getting ready to hop on our itty bitty airplane to Placencia, Belize.

On the aforementioned airplane. We took off and landed several times, on gravel runways/roads, before we made it to Placencia. 

Welcome to Placencia!

SoulShine Resort and Spa. We slept in a cute little thatched cabana. It was a pretty far cry from a "resort."

Hiked in the jungle in Monkey River Town. My first time seeing monkeys in the wild, as opposed to in the zoo.

Spelunking! We explored some Mayan Ruins. This trip also included river tubing and jumping off cliffs into the river.

In order for us to leave the resort, we had to take a little canoe across the water. We wanted to explore and the canoe was parked on the other side. Rob hijacked a random kayak, threw it in the canoe, put the kayak back where he found it, and across we went. 

I suppose this post is unintentionally appropriate. On April 29th, Rob and I will be celebrating 7 years of marriage - the best 7 years of my life. 

mish mash

I think this week is kind of crawling by because I'm so excited about THIS WEEKEND. Rob and I will be attending a marriage retreat called Weekend to Remember. And it'll be at the Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore. Christian will be staying with Mimi and Papa for a sleepover for the first time ever. While I'm definitely a little nervous that he won't sleep, I know that he'll be having a TON of fun... while he's not sleeping. We've been pumping him up all week. "You get to sleep at Mimi and Papa's house this weekend!! You are SO lucky!!" And I'm so excited to just be able to spend this weekend with Rob relaxing at a beautiful resort and learning more about the biblical principles of marriage. 

And in a little less than 2 weeks, Christian and I will be on our way to the east coast to visit the family and see some friends. We're keeping this trip low key since we'll only be there for week. Our long visit to Virginia will be happening in August. Honestly, I was missing my Mom just a little too much and didn't want to wait until August to see her. And I know she really just wants to see Christian. (I kid, I kid!) Christian and I are flying HNL-JFK with no stops in between. Prayers and happy-baby-on-an-airplane vibes appreciated. 

The triathlon is sneaking up on me. I've been training, but not as much as I'd like to be. Such is life. Most of my running has been with Christian in the stroller, and my swimming happens on random days we decide to go to the beach. I don't remember the last time I hopped on the bike. It's been a few weeks. I'm still excited! Which reminds me... I need to actually register for it. Oops. 

Unfortunately, Christian took a digger on Monday and has some serious scrapes to show for it. Poor baby. He doesn't seem to care except when he sees himself in the mirror and then he's like, "oh hey, what's on my nose?" 

^^This is Christian having "blanket time" while Baxter has "cushion time." Blanket time is a "thing" I read about in a parenting book. We're just trying something new.^^

I'm currently really into the teeny bopper TV show, Pretty Little Liars, and I have Sarah to thank for that. :) Sarah writes a blog I've been following since I was pregnant with Christian, like in the early days. I googled something pregnancy related and her blog popped up, as she was also pregnant with her son. I was immediately drawn to her and her blog for lots of reasons, but our lives seemed to parallel in many ways. We've been emailing lately, and I feel like we're old friends. And now I am completely sucked into Pretty Little Liars. Toby Cavanaugh really needs a better haircut. 

Aloha! 

and aloha friday!

Why, hello there Friday! 

This morning was lovely, low-key, and relaxed. Christian never left his room! We sat right down on the floor and just played with all the toys in his basket, dumped all of his cloth diapers on the floor, and a few other random drawers for good measure. Let me tell you, this morning was a million times more relaxed than the other day when we had the TV going and Christian was trying to play games on the iPad. Yeah, no. That's not happening again. We don't watch TV everyday, but when we do, it's usually in the morning... but paired with him insisting on playing games on the iPad at 8am... while trying to watch TV, I could only think, "we are not this family." The meltdown and tantrum(s) that ensued the rest of the morning after turning everything off and taking it all away, solidified that we are in fact, NOT going "there" again. Way too much stimulation, for everyone. 

Mimi also came over this morning and we took a trip to the Goodwill. She watched Christian as he played with all the toys, while I browsed. I found 2 pairs of shorts, a pair of swim trunks, and a book for Christian... totaling $11. Score! It was a pretty fantastic morning. Thank you, Mimi! 

Also, isn't Christian just looking so handsomely boyish in the picture above?? He was so happy that I put his new shirt on... courtesy of Brandi. For my birthday... Brandi sends me presents AND outfits and toys for Christian. That's a best friend right there folks. So thoughtful! Thank you, Brandi! He loves both of his truck shirts... and of course, the trucks. 

And this picture... 

I was washing dishes and all of a sudden it got really quiet. And those who have spent a lot of time with toddlers know that quiet never equals good. So I peeped around the corner and this is what I see. Christian just chillin' in downward facing dog. 

But it has been an emotional week. Boston, you're in my prayers. As a human, the whole thing makes me sick. And as a runner, it especially turns my stomach to know how many races I've ran where my family, people I love, have cheered me on and waited for me at the finish line. Life is so fragile, and special, and could be over in an instant. My heart breaks for the families of those affected. And Texas too. 

Rob comes home tomorrow from New York and we have the entire weekend together. I'm looking forward to lots of quality time together and with friends too. 

I hope you have a relaxing weekend!

Aloha.

20 months

April 18, 2012

Dear Christian, 

Last year on this day, you were still doing your best to harass Baxter while scooting around, and totally obsessed with that guitar toy at WeePlay. Today, you flew Dada's airplane at the Discovery Center, and carried your very own brand-new potty proudly all the way through the store and to the truck. 

You are 20 months old, and I can hardly catch my breath. You are four (very short) months away from being TWO YEARS OLD. And then I promise I'll stop referring to your age in month "value."

One of the best things of MY LIFE is watching you discover something new. You really "stop and smell the roses." Some days I think it's going to take us two hours to walk to the park two minutes away. You inspect every little thing, crack in the sidewalk, bug, and plant. And I try, I really do try, to not rush you along... because this is a new world you are exploring. You point to things and turn to me with such an inquisitive look, and I know you are taking it all in, trying to make sense of everything around you.

Your vocabulary is expanding, slowly but surely. My absolute favorite new word is: turtle. It is just so sweet. I think our week with the Bishops helped because now you're waving and saying, "hiiiiiii!" just like Miss Kira. The physical therapist said that sometimes a change of routine and pace will sort of "jump start" new things, and that definitely seems to be what has happened. You now refer to mac & cheese as, "noodle." Which actually sounds more like, "doodle." And yeah, you eat mac & cheese a lot. A gourmet chef, I am not.

You put your little hands together to say prayer at dinnertime... and for breakfast, and lunch. Hey, ain't nothing wrong with thanking the Lord for our blessings all day! It is so precious, your innocence. And I want to protect you from every single bad thing and person in this world. Because some days, this world terrifies me. However, in the spirit of not becoming a family of recluses, AND that I trust the Lord, we will continue to leave the house. You're welcome.

One of my favorite things to do is sing you songs at bedtime. When Dad is home, he reads you books, but I always get to sing you songs. After I'm done, you snuggle up to me with your head on my chest and I pray for you. I pray for your future, your health; I pray for anything I can think of. I pray that you will grow into a boy and man, who will trust the Lord with all of your heart, you will rest in the peace He brings, and accept the never ending grace He provides. I pray that you will find your purpose in life, and that you will be happy and know that you are loved so much it sometimes makes me cry.

Your Dad and I were laughing so hard last night talking about all your shenanigans throughout the day. For example, the way you pop in front of the mirror in our bedroom and say, "hiiiii!" Your Dad also told me the other day, "I never knew how awesome it would be to be a parent." And you have a Dad that loves you to the moon and back, a million times. But you know that.

You are still our little lover, giving Baxter more hugs than he knows what to do with. Saying to me, "Mamaaaaa" or to Dad, "Dadaaa" and throwing your little arms around us. Oh good grief. Your heart is so pure. And please never, ever stop giving your Mama hugs.

We love you Christian Reid Makana, our baby boy,

Mama (and Dada, too)

Today

hawaii's most dangerous beach

Hanakapi'ai Beach, Kauai.

It's considered one of Hawaii's most dangerous beaches, and also one of the most dangerous beaches in the world. THE WORLD. And I'm convinced. I should have taken a Xanax when we got there... if I actually took Xanax for anything.

This was the beach we were trying to reach the last time we hiked the Kalalau Trail on the north shore of Kauai. And last time we were SO close and didn't even know it. I can't believe we turned around. But this time the hike seemed to zoom by... I guess it was because of the most fabulous company of the Bishops, duh! Christian was a bit more fussy this time around, but eventually pooped out during the 2-mile hike to the beach.

And when you're tired of hiking, just take a nap. 

After an hour or so, and a few naps later... we made it to the beach. Let the anxiety of keeping a toddler with no fear of the ocean OUT of the ocean set in. 

Christian still sleeping... with a hat over his face to keep the sun out.

Just to make us really work for it, we had to cross a surprisingly cold stream before getting to the beach.  (Christian's still asleep...)

And then we arrived! 

Duke immediately decided to tempt fate...

...while we tried to keep the kids on the rocks with us as much as possible.

The boys building... something...a wall? A sand castle?

Looking back at the smart people sitting far away from the ocean.

We had a picnic lunch, hung out for a bit longer and then headed back out. The entire hike is a total of 11-miles, and then you camp at the end at Kalalau Beach. We talked to a girl working at Muumuu Heaven that did the entire hike. She said there were people dancing naked at that beach. I believe her. I'd probably dance naked too after hiking 11 miles. And there were plenty of people that looked to be going the distance. Go them. If you continue hiking "only" a few more miles there is very beautiful waterfall. (So I hear.) 

Hey there, Bishops!

On the way out we got rained on a little bit, and Christian HAD to hold my hand. Let's talk about trying to hike while holding your toddler's hand while he's riding on dad's back so he doesn't have a total meltdown. It's not easy. But it was such a fun hike, probably one of my favorites ever (in my limited experience of hiking). I have a feeling that Kauai will be a semi-regular destination for us, and I can't wait to do it again! 

Photo of Christian zonked out courtesy of Duke Bishop. I stole it off his Facebook page when I reactivated in secret and then deactivated again. Thanks Duke!  

happy birthday to me!

Yesterday was my birthday! Woot! I can't believe this is the last year of my 20s... again.

Since Rob had his last day of recurrent, the munchkin and I headed to the zoo. But not before a serious manhunt in Waikiki to replace a hat we LOVED and lost. Sigh. Life with a toddler. And trust me when I say... if [insert person or thing] brings me to Waikiki, I must REALLY love [it]. Because Waikiki drives me bananas. On the plus side, it always smells like vacation.

Anyway, here's the hat we're still on a mission to replace:

It was a gift from the Fishes, our beloved Fishes that have moved back to the mainland. And we accidentally left the hat behind at an event we volunteered for as a family. I'm pretty sure we'll never see it again... because how rad is that hat? So yesterday, we popped in about 15 stores on Waikiki's main drag that sells Quicksilver. No luck. We did find the adult version of that hat, which Christian thought was hilarious when I put it on his head. Luckily there's about 39823947 other stores on Oahu that sell this brand. I'm a mom on a mission! 

After all that, we headed to the zoo. Which IS technically in Waikiki but on the outskirts, so I'm not afraid to go there. Christian has this OBSESSION with pushing the stroller. And yesterday he wanted me to carry him while he pushed the stroller, where I push the stroller. That lasted about 30 seconds, and then he had a full on meltdown. Right there in front of the elephants.

We had a quick picnic lunch, watched at the tiger "roaring" (or whatever that noise is they make), played on the playscape, and headed home for a nap.

Later Mimi came by and rescued me... I mean, took Christian to the park so I could sit on my butt for 10 minutes without thinking about one thing, and then get ready for AN AMAZING dinner with my hubby. Papa came by after work, so Christian was in his glory. Mom and Dad who?

We ate at Asuka Nabe + Shabu Shabu. If you don't know what Shabu Shabu is, you are missing OUT. It's like the very less expensive original Japanese version of The Melting Pot. We ate ourselves silly.

I chose pork and beef, and it comes with lots of other yummy stuff to throw in the hotpot too.

Rob and I got two different broths - I had tomato which tasted like tomato soup and was DELICIOUS, and Rob got something spicy. Which he also said was delicious!

We definitely wanted to have dessert afterward but we were stuffed. So we walked around Kaimuki for a bit until the sketch factor was high and then got some Tutti Fruitti Froyo. Here in Hawaii we have fun flavors like Taro, which is surprisingly delicious. And if you've ever had poi, you might think I'm lying.  But I'm not.

It was great end to a great birthday. And Rob let me sleep in this morning since I couldn't yesterday. BONUS. I slept until 9am y'all! Unheard of.

And thank you for all the birthday cards, gifts, wishes, phone calls, texts, and love from friends and family! You made my day extra special! I am thankful to have been blessed with another year. Cheers to the last year of my 20s... again!

we're back/home/here/alive!

We are just trying really hard to get back into the swing of things. It's been a jam packed almost two weeks of Bishopy goodness, Roseola (our Google diagnosis for Christian's high temp and rash), a trip to Kauai, getting stuck on Kauai (ok, not really, but almost... we got on the LAST flight), and Rob is kinda back to work. He's been in recurrent for the past few days... so it's almost like he has a "real" job. He leaves in the morning, and comes home in the evening. It's so weird.

I wish so badly that the Bishops lived in Hawaii. We arranged Christian and Kira's marriage long before they met, and watching them together this time around just solidifies that they're a match made in crazy parent heaven. They were seriously so cute together it made my teeth hurt! What one did, the other HAD to do.

Their first date. Chaperoned, of course. 

I mean, really? I can't handle the cuteness.

And this video!! 

(Link to video)

Now we're thinking we need to go to California sooner rather than later. We are most definitely traveling to Los Angeles in September for a friend's wedding. Originally we were thinking of leaving Christian with Mimi & Papa, but now... we've already planned a Sunday afternoon at Disneyland. September just seems so far away. 

I'll be back with more pictures and stories from our trip to Kauai! I just can't get over the beauty of that island. We had lots of fun in the amazing house Liisa found for us... after we baby proofed it, but not before Christian knocked over a lamp. We hiked the Kalalau Trail again, but this time we made it to the beach! Woo hoo! We snorkeled at Poipu Beach with the dolphins and sea turtles (I kid), and we somewhat resembled Tom Hanks in our version of The Terminal on our last day trying to get off the island. 

Aloha!