Redtights

kisses

2012-02-14T16:46:00.001-08:00

Kisses from Margaux this Valentine's Day!!

superbowl dancing

2012-02-06T12:16:00.000-08:00

After exploring a new neighborhood for farmer's market and lunch, we came home for a quiet little superbowl party. Margaux and mom shared an interest in the half time show. But you will not see a video of mom dancing.

She can still fit into her hand me down Steeler's jersey so we decided it was time to sport it. A lot has changed since last year!

discovery museum

2012-02-06T11:41:00.001-08:00

Kisses for the ducks.

A little scratch for the turtle too.

Margaux's first fishing expedition at the lazy river. You should have seen that pile of fish at her feet by the time she was done.

coupla steps

2012-02-06T11:37:00.001-08:00

Last week Margaux and I went back to Sausalito to the Bay Area Discovery Museum...it's become a favorite spot!

While playing in the nature area, listening to frogs and crickets, Margaux forgot for a second that she doesn't like to walk without holding onto a wall or couch.

She's done this several times now. We are just waiting for her to really take off and run once she realizes she can!

evening playtime and jam

2012-02-06T11:09:00.000-08:00

This may be our family's favorite time together...in the evening when Dad gets home; jamming and playing together.

This video is fairly long, but it captures playtime, a little dancing, and even Margaux playing the guitar.

picnic

2012-02-05T18:01:00.002-08:00

It's a special treat to have a picnic in your backyard in February. But next time we decide to dine al fresco, we'll try to remember the sprinkler schedule.

(It was a quick grab it a go departure. Fortunately the camera survived the deluge.)

little farm

2012-02-03T11:05:00.004-08:00

Its been a year since we've moved to the Bay Area. Its places like Tilden Park's Little Farm that I am still discovering and that make me very happy to be here. Taking advantage of all these wonderful children's activities is fun for the whole family. Also the possibilities seem endless.

Last Sunday we visited Tilden Park (adjacent to Berkeley and covering more than 2000 acres) to explore. We had heard great things about Little Farm (part of Tilden Nature Area and Environmental Education Center). As told, we brought celery and lettuce to feed the cows, goats, sheep and chickens.

This is a freebie and based on the feedback, it will be an activity that will be in constant "reply" in our activity guidebook.

playoff playmate

2012-02-03T10:58:00.002-08:00

Toddlers can watch NFL too ya know.

celebrating k lou

2012-02-03T10:42:00.004-08:00

What an occasion to get away over night for the first time since Margaux's birth : Kristi's birthday celebration in Santa Ynez! Nine of us rented a lovely home in Santa Ynez and had a great time wine tasting, dining, cooking, relaxing and laughing like a gaggle of girls will do.

Dusting off the dancing shoes @ The Maverick.

the special treatment @ Sunstone (thanks Ashley!)

Creating a canvas for Kristi @ Artiste in Los Olivos.

caught spicing it up

2012-02-03T10:36:00.003-08:00

Margaux is too short (yet) to be caught with her hand in the cookie jar. But I did catch her with her whole body in the spice cabinet!

bathing beauties

2012-02-03T10:31:00.004-08:00

Its fun to have a playmate in the tub!

Mila and Margaux enjoy cleaning up their act together.

drummer

2012-02-02T13:35:00.003-08:00

she loves the stick and drums it on whatever she can.....Bessie could do without all the racket and near misses

lily's mariachi party

2012-02-02T13:03:00.006-08:00

What better way to celebrate a 2nd Birthday than with a 3 piece mariachi band? Lily's party was a blast for all!

Happy Birthday sweet Lily!

Margaux pretty much took over Lily's new play kitchen. She made a new friend at the party as well. Like mother like daughter.

Mini mararacas were a big hit! so was the pinata! It cracked me up watching Margaux scramble along the floor with the other bigger and more mobile kids going after tootsie rolls...although she has no concept of tootsie rolls, she apparently understands the concept of "loot".

do it myself

2012-02-02T13:02:00.002-08:00

elice and naomi

2012-02-02T11:57:00.000-08:00

Mid January we had the pleasure of hosting Elice & Naomi as the moved from Portland to San Diego. Yay Sunshine! We had a lovely couple of days together, the weather cooperated and we were able to soak up some rays outside and picnic. Margaux was totally entertained by the 'baby whisperer'.

lonely boy

2012-01-29T10:02:00.001-08:00

This makes me what to recover FAST and get my boogie on!

recovering

2012-01-29T09:58:00.000-08:00

I'm 5 days post knee surgery and on my way to a quick recovery **hopeful**. I can now get around without wincing and chase this little active 14 month around. Thankful for ice packs, vicodin, a loving husband, a cuddly dog, and a wonderful mother-in-law who has taken care of us all for the last 5 days. Stitches out tomorrow.

Time to catch up here with many photos including my girls weekend in Santa Ynez celebrating Kristi's birthday!

yogurt my way

2012-01-18T16:35:00.000-08:00

Margaux is becoming rather insistent on feeding herself these days. I have to admit she's creative.

the chair

2012-01-18T12:02:00.000-08:00

Margaux is enjoying her new reading chair (Christmas gift from Grandma & Grandma H) ...sometimes she 'reads', sometimes she plays the drum and some times she has to duke it out with Bessie for a seat.

somebody that I used to know

2012-01-17T11:16:00.000-08:00

original

cover

both are amazing

7th annual New Year in Big Sur

2012-01-16T15:02:00.001-08:00

This was our 7th year celebrating the New Year in Big Sur! Our group included 12 adults, 4 kids and 3 dogs. The weather was amazing! (close to 70 in the sun). This year we moved out of the tent cabin into a trailer which we rented for Margaux's sake for heat. We are sold! We believe that there is a lot more camping in the Harding family's future. We are in the market for a tent camper. Here are some photos highlighting our trip.

View from our picnic table.

Fernwood site #11 did us right. Along the river with easy access for kids (rock throwing) and dogs (river exploration). We can imagine a summertime trip with camping chairs situated in the river just so.

Margaux and Lily enjoy dining al fresco and sharing Cheerios.

New Year's Eve afternoon was spent on Pfieffer Beach, enjoying the sun and surf. Dogs and babies alike enjoyed the sand and fresh air. We all dug the view and the peacefulness that an afternoon like this can bring. The spiked cider and vino helps as well.

Its such a relief that Margaux no longer wants to put everything in her mouth! Sand is fun now.

Lily and Margaux enjoy a Cheerio picnic.

After the beach, a necessary stop was made to Nepenthe for fries, ambrosia and libations.

AND most importantly, a BEAUTIFUL viewing of the last sunset of 2011.

Margaux can't keep her fingers off the fries dipped in sauce!

"An apple a day". Kicking off 2012 right!

New Years Day hike with the pooches.

The first day of 2012 comes to a close, and we enjoy it by the fire.

The rig for 2012.

Christmas day

2012-01-16T10:41:00.000-08:00

(still catching up on Christmas and New Year photos!)

Christmas morning we relaxed and with coffee in hand walked to the living room to see what we might find under the tree. Santa brought two HUGE stuffed cheetahs to Laura and Claire. Large enough to ride on!

Daddy (and cousins) helped Margaux open up some very stylish duds! She is very good at picking off the wrapping...one little teeny tear at a time. With each piece, she'd hold it up to hand it to anyone nearby and make a noise that sounds like "je?".

This is exactly what she does at home all day with laundry lint, teeny pieces of trash or whatever she finds on the ground. Thank goodness we are past the 'everything in the mouth phase'. We call her our Roomba (if you don't know what a Roomba is; its a robot that cruises your floor continuously and scoops of scraps). Who needs a robot Roomba when you have Gogo Roomba?

ok, back to Christmas AM.... Bessie received a very stylish sweater as well...and yes, she is smiling in it

The big hit of the day was the super awesome Jumbie Jam that Laura and Claire received. If only Margaux was a bit taller, we could get one of these and she could make reggae music all day long in our living room. Oh Darn. Seriously, this thing was sooo cool. Here it is being assembled the pro (Katie, not Margaux).

"Oh, a puzzle! Yay!"

"It's OK Bessie, I think you look very cuddly in your Christmas sweater."

Soon after the early AM nap, we hussled over to the Dumonts for a delicious brunch (including homemade doughnuts!) and more family present opening time.

Margaux and her Grandpa enjoy some Christmas day giggles.

After all that activity, a girl needs a serious nap!

christmas eve

2012-01-11T21:29:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve was a great time of family together-ness. A cooperative effort for a fantastic dinner and a surprise DVD of old family slides presented by the Matriarch were the highlights. Margaux had a great time once again playing with her "cousins" and aunts and uncles too.

Gogo and Aunt Lizzy (and baby Bevan too!)

Boys and BBQs

Ryan manned the Q...and served up some very tasty spicy shrimp and Tri-Tip.

3 generations

Margaux decided to stow away in our suitcase during Pajammy Time.

Cheers to all...and especially Lori for her birthday, only one week before Christmas.

The younger generation did a great job taking part in reading The Christmas Story.

Who can resist spoiling the unborn? No one can!

Claire, Kendyl and Laura...girl time!

family karaoke night

2012-01-11T20:10:00.000-08:00

Aunt Sandy arranged for a family Karaoke night at she and Pete's house on the Christmas Eve Eve.

Memories were made! We just may have to make this a tradition.

(Yes, I have lot so of video...and no I'm not uploading to Youtube...I don't think anyone would appreciate that)

I'm still trying to remember all the songs we sang, but here's what I can recall:
David: Piano Man (Billy Joel), Sweet Caroline
Ryan: Give it Away Now (RHCP), Dazed & Confused (Led Zeppelin)
Tim: Cherie Amore (Stevie Wonder) + about 10 others including
Wendy & Liz: Time after Time (Cyndi Lauper)
Lori & Patrick: Happy Together (The Turtles)
Aunt Sandy: Man after Midnight (Abba) , Super Trouper (Aunt Sandy)
Liz & David:
All Kids: Baby (Justin Bieber), Under the Sea, Christmas Carols, Doe a Deer
Dave & Katie:

punk rock

2012-01-09T16:05:00.001-08:00

"I have my maraca, my drooly shirt, my drumsticks and my headband. I am punk rock."

a "pierce" nose

2012-01-05T15:57:00.000-08:00

When I was young and begged for my ears to be pierced, my mom would always say "You already have Pierce ears." Well, now I have a Pierce nose as well.

Thank you Katie, for being my inspiration and support! We are forever bonded now with our subtle and sexy decorated noses.

pre-Christmas @ the zoo

2012-01-05T15:37:00.000-08:00

We spent a fun day before Christmas at the Phoenix zoo with the girls (Katie, Laura, Claire and Grammy). What an awesome day in the sun with the animals (and NOT the animals at the mall!). Margaux's first zoo experience was splendid; the highlight being able to feed the giraffes and pet the goats.

Laura and Claire's turn to feed the giraffes. Laura makes a video-documentary at the same time. Talented girl!

Next up..Margaux and I. We were equally impressed with that long black tongue.

Tiger...just chillin in the Phoenix sun.

At long last...the petting zoo....yay!

Grammy and Margaux give some attention to a goat. Thankfully we had a fun time and made it out without a purse invasion.

piece by piece

2012-01-05T15:24:00.001-08:00

It was such fun to see Margaux with Grammy and Pap-Pap this Christmas. It had been awhile, but she warmed up quickly...especially when she was opening presents and reading books! (smart girl).

Margaux prefers to open her gifts one itty bitty piece at a time.

keyboard!

2012-01-04T20:47:00.001-08:00

Mama got to open an early Christmas present. Apparently Santa was saving fuel and couldn't lug a KEYBOARD to AZ.

Cheers to more music in the Harding house!

christmas jaunt @ crissy field

2012-01-04T20:36:00.001-08:00

Even Bessie came with us to the City and got to have a pre-Christmas jaunt on the beach!
This old man was hard core and apparently didn't realize that the water temp was in the low 50s.

lunch in north beach

2012-01-04T09:37:00.000-08:00

after taking in the Christmas sights and sounds of Union Square we headed over to North Beach for a yummy authentic pizza pie in a fantastic little cafe...Margaux enjoyed feeding dad.

christmas time in union square

2012-01-04T09:16:00.000-08:00

The weekend before Christmas we ventured into SF to do some last minute Christmas shopping, but more to enjoy the sites and festivities of the beautiful city.

It was a gorgeous day!

Maybe next year we'll have to get out there on the ice with Margaux instead of just observe.

chipotle

2012-01-04T09:15:00.000-08:00

Margaux and Mommy enjoy lunch dates @ Chipotle. Margaux especially enjoys the guacamole.

christmas catch-up

2011-12-29T22:02:00.000-08:00

Its been a whirlwind couple of weeks! We were in AZ celebrating Christmas with the Pierce family (my folks came in from PA) and had a great time. A quick turnaround and we are out the door tomorrow for the 7th annual Big Sur New Year Celebration. This year we have 12 adults, 4 kids and 5 dogs. I love wrapping up one year and kicking off the next with this tradition.

When we return....stories/ photos and more of:

Weekend before Christmas in San Francisco
Margaux's 2nd Christmas
Margaux w/ Grammy and Pap Pap Pierce
Cousins!
Family Karaoke night
Mama gets nose jewelry

Here's a teaser: Margaux and Pap-Pap on Christmas Morning

go bolts

2011-12-18T20:50:00.000-08:00

4th row @ Chargers vs Bills last week compliments of Ryan's buddy Josh and family

morning visitors

2011-12-15T21:28:00.000-08:00

Every morning we have visitors at our window during breakfast.

This makes Margaux very happy.

Thanks Grammy for the cool hummingbird feeders!!

strange bearded man

2011-12-15T14:48:00.000-08:00

While in SB, we paid a visit to Santa. Although our sweetie-pie was in a perfectly cheery mood, the moment she was placed in Santa's lap the tears exploded.

Mom and Dad had to join in the fun. To be honest, I'm not such a fan of Santa's lap either. As one friend pointed out, I should be happy that Margaux isn't thrilled to be on a strange bearded man's lap.

december down south

2011-12-15T14:24:00.001-08:00

Catching up from a week down south...Santa Barbara, LA and San Diego. Its a tough time of year to be away from home (hard to wrap gifts, do Christmas cards and enjoy our Christmas tree when you aren't at home). But Margaux and Bessie and I had a great time with friends while Dad worked. We also got to see Zoe (Marji & Brad's baby girl), go to Dad's Christmas party, have dinner @ the Tee-Off, walk on the beach at sunset and take in a Charger's game.

Breakfast with friends in Santa Barbara.

Apparently they miss us @ the Tee-Off.

leek and asparagus frittata

2011-12-15T14:20:00.000-08:00

This has become a staple. Leftovers are as good as hot out of the oven. (Thanks Michele for the recipe!) Margaux enjoyed gobbled up a whole slice for lunch today.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter
1 cup chopped leeks (white and pale green parts only)
1 12-ounce bunch thin asparagus, trimmed, cut on diagonal into 1-inch pieces
(about 2 1/2 cups)
1 cup sliced stemmed shiitake mushrooms
8 large omega-3 eggs
1 cup diced Fontina cheese, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation

Preheat broiler. Melt butter in heavy broilerproof 10-inch-diameter nonstick skillet over
medium heat. Add leeks and sauté 4 minutes. Add asparagus and shiitake mushrooms,
sprinkle lightly with salt, and sauté until tender, about 6 minutes. Whisk eggs, 3/4 cup
Fontina cheese, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in medium bowl. Add egg
mixture to skillet; fold gently to combine. Cook until almost set. Sprinkle remaining 1/
4 cup Fontina cheese and Parmesan cheese over. Broil until frittata is puffed and cheese
begins to turn golden, about 3 minutes. Cut into wedges and serve.

mickey mouse pancake

2011-12-04T18:33:00.000-08:00

Margaux's first tast of a pancake was this morning at the Alamo Cafe. Our local old timey diner (opened 50+ years ago). They have about 5 tables and seating at the bar and that's it. Margaux was first here (as were we) the first morning that we woke up in Alamo and asked ourselves....where should we go grab a bite? We stumbled upon Alamo Cafe just down the road.

That morning Margaux was snuggled up in her infant carrier because she was still itty-bitty. We saw a "big kid" get served up a cool mickey mouse pancake next to us and we thought...it will be such a long time before Margaux eats one of those. Well, the time has flown by. In case you are wondering...she considered it delicious. Although she had already filled up on Os and banana, so we took most of it home for her. Cold pancakes are also good for lunch.

evening laps

2011-12-04T10:42:00.001-08:00

Some evenings Margaux likes to do laps around the family room while Ryan plays the guitar and I take a break from meal prep to do some filming. Bessie typically tries her best to avoid all the action.

y bike break

2011-12-04T09:45:00.000-08:00

"Sometime I like to take a break from y-biking around the house and rest on Bessie's bed."

1st birthday party

2011-12-01T19:36:00.001-08:00

Our little peanut celebrated her 1st birthday at a fun party at home last weekend.

You are my Sunshine!

The Baalmans

Stella, our youngest guest...going on 11 weeks...all the way from Santa Barbara

Galvin girls...looking pretty.

We had a houseful!...36 guests, 12 of them kids/babies.

The weather cooperated, although it was a bit chilly, the kids were able to play outside a bit....and grownups could mingle around the BBQ, like grown-ups like to do.

Auntie Kristi was a huge help!!

Margaux and Mila were due on the same day. We'll celebrate Mila's birthday this weekend.

The Cross Family made it from Santa Barbara.

Party Hat and "HAPPY BIRHTDAY to you" time.

Does she like cupcakes?

YES!! indicated by the nosedive!

I can't believe I'm ONE.

Gifts for me?

The monthly red chair photos decorated the mantle.

Party Favors: Sunny Songs CD.

Margaux's 1st birthday time capsule...to be sealed and not opened until her 20th birthday.
Friends and family contributed photos, letters, current music, magazines etc... It will be quite a treat to open in 20 years.

thanksgiving

2011-12-01T10:11:00.000-08:00

So much has changed since last Thanksgiving. Last year, we had take out Thanksgiving dinner from the Tee-off It was the first day that I came down the stairs since Margaux's birth. We were extremely thankful, but also extremely tired. This year we made up for it!

We hosted the SD Hardings and Kristi. It was fun team effort making our meal. Ryan roasted his brined turkey, Kristi made Parker House rolls, Grandma did the stuffing, her special sweet potatoes and the gravy, I made a warm brussel sprout salad w/ bacon. Auntie Sarah set the table and played Margaux and Grandpa did the most of the dishes. It takes a village...or at least a family.

Post dinner pie and games by the fire.

Margaux also got to open some birthday presents from Grandma and Grandpa & Aunt Sarah. Maybe she didn't have enough dinner?

peek a boo!

update!

2011-12-01T09:50:00.000-08:00

Not more than 12 hours after I posted the 1 year stats. Margaux "cruised"! We were at the Lafayette Library looking @ board books in the big wooden alligator book shelf. She saw a particularly sparkly book on the other end of the alligator and took long steps while holding onto the alligator. I was so proud I nearly teared up.

1 year stats

2011-11-28T18:54:00.000-08:00

This picture typifies all things Margaux right now. The highlight of her day is waving (A LOT) and saying Hi! She waves to people who aren't looking and tries to capture their attention...and when she does, it like she has succeeded and she gets a bigger grin of satisfaction.

She is now:

30.5 inches (90% ile) & 23 lbs. 15 oz. (94%ile).

She says:

Hi
mama
dada
yah

She recognizes a lot of things like: Where's Bessie? (she points), Where's your nose? (she puts her hands incorrectly on her head, but oh well), Give me your spoon (and she does).

She points to things she wants (water, binki, my cell phone, remote control).

She crawls FAST, and pulls up to standing, and stands unsupported for a few seconds, but she does not cruise.

She LOVES to empty anything...my purse, my wallet, the laundry basket, any drawer, the big box of (unused) diapers.

She has started to eat with a utensil. By eat I mean she really gives it a try and demands to try. About 3/4 of the food really ends up in her mouth (Bessie is gaining weight). I find that feeding her thicker/ stickier food keeps the clean-up more simple.

She wants to brush/ comb he own hair. She doesn't do it all that well, but she definitely knows what the brush and comb are for. She is more successful @ hitting herself in the head than styling her hair.

She LOVES bath time. She squeals. She squirts toys. She loves you to cover her head in the wet washcloth and play peek a boo. She is a tease. She will actually leave the wet washcloth there for several seconds and then rip it off in a big sudden surprise like..."hey, here I am..did you wonder where I was? I am so sneaky." She also loves to have water poured over her head. I don't even try to cover her eyes and prevent water from getting in her face. Clearly in her opinion the more water the better. I will hold a cup with a hole in it (a toy designed that way) near her and water will stream out and she will rush to put her head under the steady stream before all the water has been poured out.

She giggles a lot. Especially post bath/ massage time/ PJs on time. She's really ticklish under the chin and around the neck...and the thigh. Ok all over. She loves her massage. Why shouldn't she..she's a chick.

She's still an adventurous eater, though her taste is refining. She likes things properly buttered and seasoned...and no leftovers please. Cheerios are still a hit 100% of the time.

She is becoming very affectionate. She shows this affection by "head hugging" (leaning into her intended hugee). She hugs Mom, Dad, Bessie, Grandma and Grandpa H, Auntie Sarah and "Aunt Kristi". Every once in awhile I get a REAL hug too.

She is showing signs of self weaning! (yay). She only nurses about 1x a day now and is more happy with her milk in a bottle.

She no longer has a bottle/ nurses before bed. She motions toward the pile of books by her rocking chair. In heavy rotation are "Goodnight Moon" (Thanks Grandma P), "Hello Boston" (Thanks Pam!), "Guess How Much I Love You" (Thanks Sue) , "No Matter What" (Thanks Liz and David). 2-3 of these a night and she's ready for night night.

She is sleeping from 630pm til 745am. ( Generally with a couple of interruptions, most of which are short lived and don't require mom or dad). Typically she wakes up when Ryan leaves around 615, so I change her and nurse her and she's back down for another 90 mins. This is mommy coffee time!

She naps from 9-11 and from 1-3 like clockwork.

She's the sparkle in our lives, the sunshine in our day.

leftover soup

2011-11-28T16:48:00.000-08:00

Sweet Potato, Carrot, Apple, and Red Lentil Soup

I used the leftover turkey bones to make a stock and made a big pot of this. Helps that we also had leftover sweet potatoes and that its a chilly day.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup butter

2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and

chopped

3 large carrots, peeled and chopped

1 apple, peeled, cored and chopped

1 onion, chopped

1/2 cup red lentils

1/2 teaspoon minced fresh ginger

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon paprika

4 cups vegetable broth

plain yogurt

Directions:

1.	Melt the butter in a large, heavy bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Place the chopped sweet potatoes, carrots, apple, and onion in the pot. Stir and cook the apples and vegetables until the onions are translucent, about 10 minutes.
2.	Stir the lentils, ginger, ground black pepper, salt, cumin, chili powder, paprika, and vegetable broth into the pot with the apple and vegetable mixture. Bring the soup to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the lentils and vegetables are soft, about 30 minutes.
3.	Working in batches, pour the soup into a blender, filling the pitcher no more than halfway full. Hold down the lid of the blender with a folded kitchen towel, and carefully start the blender, using a few quick pulses to get the soup moving before leaving it on to puree. Puree in batches until smooth and pour into a clean pot. Alternately, you can use a stick blender and puree the soup right in the cooking pot.
4.	Return the pureed soup to the cooking pot. Bring back to a simmer over medium-high heat, about 10 minutes. Add water as needed to thin the soup to your preferred consistency. Serve with yogurt for garnish.

turkey trot

2011-11-27T16:53:00.000-08:00

We kicked off the Thanksgiving Festivities by participating in the Walnut Creek Turkey Trot along with 4000 other runners/ walkers. The race started off a bit wet, but we finished and managed to stay dry. Sadly, I am still not able to run. I am plagued by another injury...this one to my right knee. I have an MRI this week. It's been a tough year for getting back into shape.

happy birthday sunshine

2011-11-22T10:46:00.001-08:00

One year ago this morning (6:56 precisely) we first held our baby girl Margaux. At that time we had no idea the love we could share for a little tiny being like her.

Margaux you are our sunshine! You light up each and every day. Some days are tough and tiring, but no matter what , you manage to bring laughter and happiness to it. We can not imagine life without you!

This morning we were fortunate that Dad could stick around until Margaux woke up. Mom and Dad and Bessie walked into her room singing Happy Birthday. I think she was happy because she jumped up and down and squealed.

Today I am trying my best to fill the day with her favorite things: library time, lunch out with a friend, perhaps afternoon playtime @ Kids World @ the gym, a walk w/ Bessie and of course rotisserie chicken and peas for dinner.

We are busy preparing for hosting Thanksgiving in two days and then Gogo's 1st bday party on Saturday (guest list close to 30). I will be catching up when the dust settles.

barbera

2011-11-18T09:04:00.000-08:00

The first vintage of barbera is underway! ( Read more about the varietal Barbera here)

The winemaker takes a sample of the "must" to test via the hydrometer for sugar content.

....calculating....

punching down

re-calculating

a few days later.... punch down again (w/ volunteer winemaking assistant Kristi)

tasting the "wine"

hydrometer test

acid test

~ 10 days later, when brixx + -1....PRESSTIME!

for the next ~ 7 months, these carboys are stored in our living room where the temperature is fairly moderate

This is called a ferm-lock. It allows CO2 to escape and blocks O2 from entering

The name/label for this home made Barbera is TBD. Any suggestions??

(it should be noted that I am NOT the winemaker....this is completely Ryan's hobby and pursuit. I expect good things from this detail-oriented huz of mine.)

the smile that starts at the nose

2011-11-17T21:54:00.001-08:00

The last couple of months Margaux has perfected this big smile...one that literally starts @ her nose and moves down to her mouth.

"I'm just so excited to be here! It was one year ago tonight I was expected to arrive...but I wasn't ready yet, so I waited 5 more days. heeheehee."

one year

2011-11-17T08:00:00.000-08:00

Its very hard to believe that this was only one year ago. Then again its hard to believe its been a whole year already. The peanut's due date was one year from today. We were yet to meet our sweet baby Margaux. I can't imagine life without her in it. What a love-filled year this has been.
We are celebrating Margaux's 1st birthday on the Saturday after Thanksgiving with a little party themed "You are my Sunshine"....because she truly is...our Sunshine.

fall colors

2011-11-16T10:38:00.000-08:00

We are enjoying our first fall in Northern California. This is the first for me since moving from MA in the early 80s...and a first ever for Ryan who has lived in So Cal his whole life.

Only two days after all the leaves were raked! (there is a walkway beneath all that.)

The view from every window is very colorful.
And see the hummingbird feeder? Margaux is starting to really notice and enjoy ( I assume that's what the pointing and grunting means) visits from these colorful little creatures.

a bird and a bee

2011-11-10T10:36:00.000-08:00

Halloween afternoon...with buddy Max, the chicken.

messy

2011-11-10T10:31:00.000-08:00

It gets a little messy at dinner time around here these days. Margaux loves the deep conditioning effects of bananas, and the bib is clearly better used as a cape.

bridge school benefit

2011-11-04T14:30:00.000-07:00

Its been close to two weeks since this fabulous show, but I am reliving the lovely (and hot) day via some video and photos.. now here to share.

First...a little background on The Bridge School Benefit Program and history.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Bridge School Benefit is an annual non-profit charity concert held in Mountain View, California, every October at the Shoreline Amphitheatre. The concerts are all organized by musician Neil Young and his wife, Pegi.

Proceeds benefit the Bridge School, which assists children with severe physical impairments and complex communication needs. One of the thrusts of the program is the use of advanced augmentative and alternative communication and assistive technology.

The first concert was in October 1986, and, with the exception of 1987, the concert has been held every year since. It is known for having a relatively high-profile lineup and strong performances, primarily due to Neil Young's extensive connections within the music industry. Young also performs every year. As a practice, but not a rule, the performers use acoustic instruments.

Details:
Shoreline Ampitheatre, 10/23
Line Up:
Neil Young
Dave Matthews
Arcade Fire
Los Invisibles, featuring Carlos Santana, Cindy Blackman Santana & Guests
Eddie Vedder
Foo Fighters
Mumford & Sons
Tony Bennett
Beck
Norah Jones
Devendra Banhart

The show started @ 2pm and it was nearly 85 on the lawn. Fortunately we had wonderful friends who arrived early and SAVED us space on the lawn next to them. Thanks GINGER!!

It was tough for Margaux to nap, but she got to relax for a few hours in this beach chair. Kristi is hired as a personal A/C!

Next to us on the lawn was a family who came down from Achorage with their 9 month old son. He and Margaux had a good time playing together.

Highlights for me were: Beck, Mumford & Sons, Tony Bennett singing "I Left my Heart in San Francisco", Foo Fighters and Dave Matthews. Scratch that...I loved it all. Another new family concert tradition is born.

Here are some other videos I found from the day that bring back chills.

Marcus Mumford, Tim Reynolds, and Dave Matthews covering "All Along the Watchtower"

Eddie Vedder and Neil Young "Don't Cry No Tears" ( in this video you can see many of the Bridge School Children)

Tony Bennett

its all about the unpacking

2011-11-04T14:25:00.000-07:00

not typical

2011-11-01T15:18:00.001-07:00

This isn't the way I sleep at night. You?

dim yum

2011-10-31T20:24:00.001-07:00

We wrapped up Staycation with dim sum in Oakland Chinatown. Margaux's first of course. She was entertained by all the action and enjoyed the steamed pork bun as much as her folks.

punkin patch

2011-10-31T20:19:00.001-07:00

Petaluma: Destination for choice pumpkins and choice IPA!

mt. diablo

2011-10-31T20:10:00.000-07:00

The base of Mt. Diablo (elev. 3849) is approximately 5 miles away from our front door. Ryan frequently bikes this route, but for our staycation outing we decided to have a family picnic and explore the camping potential.

The potential is great. Group campsites, view galore....except we'll make sure to camp when its NOT tarantula season!!

polenta @ pizzaiolo

2011-10-31T20:06:00.000-07:00

Its fair to say that Margaux really dug the polenta @ Pizzaiolo.

Locally sourced, chickens on the premises, bocce on the patio, handmade cocktails...what's not to love?

bay cruise

2011-10-31T19:51:00.000-07:00

We have had a touristy Groupon for a bay cruise for months...and just waited for the best weather day to redeem it. We scored!

Although Margaux napped in her stroller below deck for 3/4 of the cruise, she woke and was able to join us in the sunshine for a final cruise around Alcatraz.

lunch @ the ferry building

2011-10-31T19:47:00.000-07:00

back to the staycation...

it was a glorious day on the bay...and we enjoyed the view while lunching at the Ferry Building. Margaux's first seaweed salad with chopsticks.

No one should leave the Ferry Building without a snickerdoodle from Blue Bottle. They have saffron in them. Duh!

bzzzzz....happy halloween!

2011-10-31T09:20:00.000-07:00

The BeeKeeper is busy taking good care of his busy bee girls...and his queen bee.

Saturday we participated in the Lafayette Trick or Treat event. Photo op (minus our furry bee).

waaaayyyy behind

2011-10-31T09:18:00.000-07:00

We've been so busy (and sick and traveling)...that I am way behind. I still have staycation photos, Bridge School Benefit videos, photos from our trip to San Diego last week...and of course Halloween! Gettin' to it!

hamming it up @ fish

2011-10-19T11:26:00.000-07:00

Margaux hams is up for her dad during dinner at Fish in Sausalito.

rodeo beach

2011-10-18T10:32:00.000-07:00

After our visit to the museum we ventured up to the Marin Headlands and walked on Rodeo Beach (75 degrees in October!) and out to Point Bonita Lighthouse for some awesome views of the city/ bay.

arrr....a pirate ship in the bay?

little critters like the view too

bay area discovery museum

2011-10-16T20:59:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, the weather changed dramatically. We headed over to Sausalito to the Bay Area Discovery Museum, which is at at the at the base of the Golden Gate. It was an exceptional day!

Museum, exploring Marin Headlands (Rodeo Beach), and dinner @ Fish in Sausalito. Memories made!

Picnic time. Margaux's hand me down shades...Thanks Alabama!

The view from Point Cavallo.

peek a boo time

2011-10-14T10:34:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday of Staycation Ryan joined us for Peek a Boo time @ the Orinda library. Margaux and I have been going most Tuesday's since Margaux was about 4 months old. Miss Robin is a lovely story time leader and really enjoys the babies...and vice versa. At the close of story/song time, the babies (usually about 6-7) get to play together with some books and toys.

After Peek A Boo time, we went across the street for lunch at a La Cocina Mexicana in downtown Orinda.

We had quiet afternoon around Walnut Creek. And then Tuesday night we had a sitter so Mom and Dad could go see "Drive" and grab a drink at Ol Beer Cafe.

city visit #1- staycation

2011-10-13T20:21:00.000-07:00

Monday was a pretty poopy day in the Bay, but we hit the City to explore Hayes Valley, have some lunch, do a little shopping, venture out to Ocean Beach surf shop Mollusk, drive around the Presidio, and explore Crissy Field.

It was like driving in a cloud all day.

Gogo market!
Speaking of Gogo, she wore her hip kicks for the trip.

practice

2011-10-13T20:17:00.000-07:00

I am hoping that this does not mean trouble.

if you're happy and you know it

2011-10-09T10:23:00.001-07:00

...clap your hands!

sonoma

2011-10-09T09:45:00.000-07:00

We are on "Staycation"! We have a full itinerary of local activities over the next week. Yesterday we kicked things off with a day trip to Sonoma.

Sonoma Town Square

"I'll have the moulles & frites, mommy." At The Girl and The Fig.

A pastry and a cappuccino break. A very brief break.

the best game

2011-10-09T09:23:00.000-07:00

Lately Margaux's most favorite activity is taking things out....taking the toys out of the basket, pulling (and throwing over shoulder) the laundry out of the hamper, pulling the blankets out of the drawers, yanking the clothes out of the clothes bins, and taking the chip clips out of the chip clip caddy. FUN!

cold snap

2011-10-09T09:18:00.000-07:00

The weather changed dramatically this week. Last week we had the A/C as temps topped 90. This week we had a day in the high 50s and rain. It was time to get out the winter gear for our walk!

a visit from michele

2011-10-05T20:49:00.000-07:00

Michele came and visited for 5 days! We had a fun girly time together...and with Ryan too! Michele and Margaux got a chance to bond like girls should.

back @ our cheers

2011-10-05T20:47:00.001-07:00

The weekend before last we had a blissful weekend back in the hometown of Santa Barbara. We even managed to get a sitter and have an adult night out. It was fun!

france

2011-09-29T10:44:00.000-07:00

I heard a live performance of Keb Mo singing "France" on KFOG recently. Love it.

backyard in a tutu

2011-09-29T09:38:00.000-07:00

pea soup

2011-09-29T09:33:00.000-07:00

beats by dr dre

2011-09-20T19:51:00.000-07:00

Daddy, do you mind if I borrow these?

figgy pudding anyone?

2011-09-20T15:09:00.000-07:00

"Hey Sweetie, What are you doing up there?"

"Picking Figs of course!"

Fortunately for us the neighbor's tree is very overgrown.

biggest fan

2011-09-20T14:45:00.000-07:00

Margaux loves Daddy's guitar...and QOTSA.

shadowcliffs

2011-09-20T14:09:00.001-07:00

While at the local dog park recently, we chatted it up with a woman who told us about Shadowcliffs...for our dog that loves to swim. We ventured out there this past Sunday.

A lake for people and one for dogs. This was an outing just for good ole Bess.

Margaux was front row for the Bessie Lake Show.

lafayette art & wine festival

2011-09-18T19:45:00.000-07:00

Apparently the Lafayette Art & Wine Festival is a big deal. We checked it out for the first time yesterday. I think it may become a regular Mid Sept event for the Hardings.

I have gotten involved with a non profit moms group called Lamorinda Moms, and we had a booth @ the festival, which I volunteered at yesterday for an hour. Afterward, Ryan and Margaux met up with me for the afternoon / evening of walking, socializing, wine tasting, art perusing...and eventually dinner @ Pizza Antica, along the festival.

Margaux's first balloon! Balloons are awesome!

winemaker husband

2011-09-18T10:44:00.000-07:00

Ryan is making his first batch of wine this fall. His announcement yesterday on Facebook:

Picked up my home winemaking supplies at Oak Barrel Winecraft, made deposit on grapes, 15 gallons of Barbera coming soon!

This was his first father's day gift from Margaux. I think he will be a natural.

dads and babies

2011-09-18T10:41:00.000-07:00

Margaux and Mila enjoy the Walnut Creek Wine Walk with dads (and moms too).

what?

2011-09-18T10:35:00.000-07:00

Do I have something on my face?

i'm with the honey badger

2011-09-16T13:47:00.001-07:00

bathtime = funtime

2011-09-15T22:24:00.001-07:00

lafayette farmer's market

2011-09-15T22:18:00.001-07:00

Margaux and I have made a late Thursday afternoon habit of hitting up the Lafayette Farmer's Market for our weekend stash of freshness. This Thursday we were lucky to have dad join us. We made a family event out of it and had dinner on the grass listening to the guy on guitar.

eating mush

2011-09-11T16:17:00.000-07:00

Margaux insisted on feeding herself the other night. Its fun...and not so neat.

That mush stuff is a mixture of steamed kale and blueberries mixed up with barley. I had a taste and it wasn't bad, but it sure looks terrible...on the way in, and on the way out.

photo booth

2011-09-10T19:25:00.000-07:00

The last time we did a photo together was quite awhile ago. Click here to see it.

the safe shelf

2011-09-10T19:19:00.000-07:00

Margaux has one cupboard that is safe for her entrance and destruction. Notice Bessie looking for the scraps.

gladiators

2011-09-09T18:10:00.000-07:00

Gogo sports her new gladiators.

Those are >97%ile legs by the way...to accompany her >97%ile height.

At her latest check up yesterday she measured:

30 inches (>97%)
22 pounds (92%)

labor day in the backyard

2011-09-07T14:17:00.000-07:00

We made good use of the backyard this weekend. It was BBQ galore. 3 Qs in three days.

Ryan was the brave grown up to venture in for a dip.

Bessie got in the excitement and did hot laps 'round the kiddie pool.

Margaux and her new friend Mila play a intense game of binki swap.

Margaux and Mila were due on the same day (11/15). Their actual birthdays are one week apart. They are doing swim lessons together now...with us moms.

Margaux opens her first ever gift! Thanks Mila!

percussion

2011-09-07T14:13:00.001-07:00

Margaux joins Dad for a little jam session. That's a shaker shaped like a banana in her hand. She IS the percussion section.

concert for ucsf benioff children's hostpital

2011-09-07T14:06:00.001-07:00

We lucked out with gifted tix to this benefit event which featured Alanis Morrisette. (It sure is a great thing to know some connected people! Thanks LB!)

There's Ryan putting out the vibe in the lobby of Davies Symphony Hall in SF last week.

An MC Hammer siting!
MC Hammer and Wil.i.am DJed the after party across the street.

You betcha, I'll have a glass of that champagne and some of those tasty morsels.

julie's shower

2011-09-07T13:59:00.000-07:00

Julie & Gregg are having a baby girl, named Savanna in November! This is a very exciting and blessed thing!!

We showered Julie @ Old Venice in Point Loma. She was absolutely stunning.