Just because...

Nothing particularly special was happening when I took these pictures this weekend. I just thought I would post them just because I like 'em.

Whoa horsey!

Georgia's vocabulary spans a broader spectrum than it did just a month ago. She is putting words together to form rudimentary sentences. My favorite is when she asks for horsey rides (see pictures above) by neighing like a horse and saying papi. She also enjoys saying "no wa wa" (meaning no wally). She can now say "mommy" instead of just "mama" and does so at length whenever she wants out of her crib. The "y" sound extends to papi and wally too, but she often defaults to the easier "papa" and "wawa". "No" is actually becoming a popular response and I was hoping it would hold off for another month or two, but it looks like it is here to stay. She calls herself "Nena". You ask her, "Georgia, what is your name" and her response is "Nena". When you ask, "can you say Gigi" her response is also "Nena". This makes me laugh. She likes to show ownership by saying "Nena" and then the item... for example, "Nena agua" or "nena elmo". The language teacher in me is loving this developmental stage. Unfortunately she only says one French word, which is "main" (hand / mano) and I'm assuming she is actually trying to say the spanish "mano". Still, it comes out in French and so I guess I can claim this one word. I need to start speaking to her more in French. We only read books and listen to music in French, I hardly ever try to converse with her in this language. It sure would make my degree more valuable if I could be disciplined enough to teach it to her.

Okay, now onto another topic, first of all I want to say that I have not been able to eat non-processed foods. That stuff is everywhere and quite frankly, living in Oklahoma one would have to be cooking all the time to avoid eating processed food. I'm perusing the internet, magazines, etc. in search of ideas on how to be more healthy. I've discovered one intersting lifestyle, it is called the Raw Food Diet. I certainly don't want to only eat raw food, but perhaps this branch of foodies might have some helpful recipes for a mom. I've even called into The Splendid Table and left a message for Lynn Rosetto Casper asking for ideas, but no one from her show has called me back. Ho-hum.

This leads me to something that I have wanted to do for a long time. I am going to list and review my favorite restaurants in OKC. Here they are (in no particular order):

The County Line - Best bar-b-que brisket, sauce and POTATO SALAD I have ever eaten in my life. The restaurant itself has a great history as a 1930's speak-easy and classic art-deco architecture. I love eating at this place.

Sushi Neko- This restaurant is a cliche as a great place to eat sushi in OKC, but I love it because everytime we go, Georgia is distracted just enough by the atmosphere to eat her food and not complain about it. Plus, their sushi is truly delicious.

Cafe do Brasil- The food is simple, warm and spicy Brazilian fare. Anna the owner always makes us feel welcome and like family. I've known her since 2000 when I used to visit her cafe as a teacher at Classen. Now her restaurant is in a beautiful mediterranean style building and is painted a dramatic yellow inside. Fun place for lunch.

Bellini's- Everytime I eat here I can't help but feel the thrill of the Red Bud Classic. The outdoor patio is dreamy during the late spring/early summer and even fun in the milder part of the fall. I haven't ventured too far off the chart in terms of food. I usually order spaghetti or a pizza margherite and some wine. For me, Bellini's is comfort food and a great atmosphere.

OKC Museum of Modern Art Cafe- Light, bright and modernly elegant is how I would describe this happy retreat from cowboyish OKC. When eating here I feel like I am in a major urban chi chi environment. The huge windows are their best asset! Food is tricky here, it is either fab or just bad. I love their pizza margherite. Much, much better than Bellini's becaue of the goat cheese. Also, on Thursday evening's during the warmer part of the year they open up their rooftop for "drinks under the stars". Escape here when you wish you were a movie star. :)

Old Kaiser's Building- I always forget the name of this restaurant but it houses a terrific old-fashioned soda fountain. There is a squirly lady who comes in and plays the piano at lunch time. She warbles in a wobbly, off-pitch voice that is highly entertaining. I've only been at lunch time. They have yummy, warm German potatoe salad and decadent ice cream sundays. One of my old students works here. Hi Cynthia if you are reading this!

City Bites- This sub shop is Oklahoma born. Their sandwiches are addicting! They also have fantastic cookies. My favorites: Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl, Sooner-Doodle and Snicker-Doodle.

Victoria's- This greasy, tiny restaurant was voted the most romantic restaurant for the OU student back when I went there (1995-99). I wouldn't call it romantic now-a-days, but they sure do make one ridiculously delicious marinara sauce. I think they might put nutmeg in it. Whatever their secret recipe, I haven't found anything that compares. This place is cheap too-- great date place for any OU alum. Go down to Norman, eat some pasta, drink some wine and then walk on the campus reminiscing about your college years.

Boulevard Steak House- Strange to write this, but I had the best scallops of my life at this Oklahoma steak house. Whoever buys their food does a great job. I've only been once but have been dieing to go back.

Saturn Grill- Mouth-wateringly satisfying Asian cold noodle with broccoli salad. Wish I could remember what they call that salad. This place is packed like a sardine can at lunch time. Call ahead and take it out, otherwise you might just be miserable waiting!

Deep Fork Grill- The only thing, and I do mean only, I like at this restaurant is an appetizer of brie cheese with some sort of raspberry/cranberry relish. It is to die for! The rest of the food here is fair and rather smoky tasting.

Cafe Nova- I covet the marble slab on the bar in this restaurant. It would look so good as my kitchen countertop. This place is a little like Deep Fork but in a trendier sort of way. What I do enjoy here is their chocolate Martinis. Actually, I just enjoy sitting at this bar pretending to be someone I am not. The owner of this place was on the Bachelor.

Bahama Breeze- Alas, this restaurant is no longer here, but I write this in fond memory of the many times I sat on its deck looking out onto lake Hefner at the beautiful sunsets and imagining that I was on a Caribbean Beach. Someone needs to buy that building and get something up and running. I would definitely visit!

That is all I can think of right now. Hope you have found this list helpful!

Bye bye processed food

Today was gorgeous. Thought it was spring. We went to the park and rode the slides. Here are some pictures. Also thought I'd throw in one of the Gigi "talking" on my cell phone when we were at the mall.

Now onto the good stuff...

I've had another epiphany about life. Yesterday I was at the Affair of the Heart with my friend Jehan. We were having a jolly good time and stopped to eat some lunch. Lunch choices at the Oklahoma Fair grounds are not that exquisite but at least I had an option between a strawberry crepe and a hot dog. Do you know what I chose? A hot dog. Why? you might ask. Well, the reason is because I eat hot dogs about 3-4 times a week. Add on to that Mac n' cheese and then frozen pizza and you might suggest that I'm turning into a processed food foodie. Isn't that horrible? When the lady at the hot dog stand handed me one of the most giant hot dogs I have ever seen in my life the lights finally clicked on. I've got to stop the processed food before I myself turn into a giant hotdog. I used to be such a healthy eater. I read in Parenting magazine that 54% of moms surveyed said that their eating habits have improved since having a baby. I wonder how this is possible because mine have plummeted. So, I am now adding onto my list of self-improvements that I will no longer eat (very many) processed foods. I think I'll allow myself one processed food day per week and that will be all... Let's face it, Kraft Macaroni and Cheese is just too good to say goodbye to for forever. But hotdogs I should have no problem with.

Art Museum

Georgia is taking a class at the Museum of Art. The class meets twice a month and is surprisingly fun. The first time we went Georgia finger painted. This last time we made a puppet. The class began with the teacher reading a story that was very similar to the song "Old McDonald has a Farm". She asked the children in the class what their favorite animals are and then took them on a tour of the museum pointing out animals in the different paintings. When we returned to the classroom each child (and parent) created an animal puppet. Georgia, Rodolfo and I decided to make a bee. At the end of the class we all sang "Old McDonald" inserting each of the puppet's sounds. It was really fun! Here is a picture of Rodolfo, Georgia and her teacher. And there is also one of me and Georgia. Apparently the teacher is kind of famous. She just finished being on the reality show "The Biggest Loser".

Papi & Gigi

Yesterday we went on a walk and snapped some cute photos before the adventure. The weather was so beautiful and it was such a nice respite from all the rain that we walked around for over an hour. Towards the middle of the walk, when we were furthest from our house, I realized how far we had gone. With no car close by there was nothing to do but start trekking back. By the end of our journey we were exhausted. In fact, when we were one block from our house Wally refused to go any further. So Rodolfo carried him back the last block. Poor poochini. Still, it was nice to be outdoors!

Happy Father's Day!

Today we celebrated Father's Day. We had a nice time hanging out at Granny & Grampy's house. Georgia gave her Papi some orange swimming shorts. Hopefully these will be put to good use at the beach this summer! Papi says that he has had a very nice day and the best gift he recieved was Georgia's beautiful smile. :)

Tip-toeing through the Tulips

The weekend is here!!!! Yea!!! We have been having gardening all day long. First we went to TLC and bought hostas, hydrangeas, and other potting plants. Then we came home and Rodolfo edged while Georgia and I planted. Then I decided to pull out the camera and snap a few. Georgia enjoyed being outdoors and didn't complain once. She might be true to the meaning of her name. It was a little overcast outside, and I worried that the photos wouldn't turn out, but actually I think they look great.

Spring Chicky

Well, if spring hasn't sprung around here then I don't know what has. It has just been gorgeous outside. Today is a little chilly but beautiful all the same. Rodolfo, Georgia, Wally & I have gone on a walk every day except one. We have had lots of fun suiting up Gigi in her baby Bjorn and taking a nice stroll around the block.

The pictures here are of Rodolfo and Georgia right after a walk. Also pictured is Gigi with her furry friend Fifi, a Christmas present from Normita, Cesar Agusto, Andrea, Lucito, Yuyu & Titi. Gracias a ustedes por este regalo perfecto!