Working Mom

Sometimes being a working mom is hard. I mean, I know that it is what my family needs from me, but still its hard. I am also incredibly blessed to have Sydney and Dean home everyday with loving hands, nana, nanny, and Lindy all shower them with love.

I started a new job 2 weeks ago and have some time on my hands throughout the day. I peruse mom blogs, get ideas of fun things to do with the twins or just gather ideas of how to be a better me (mom, daugher, and wife in no particular order).

One of my favorite memories of growing up was seeing my dad walk through the door after work with his club bag. We had a tradition - I would rush to meet him at the door, forever hopeful there was a little treat inside the bag for me. Sometimes it might be a piece of Sees candy, other days a special folder or pencil from the office supply door. It didn't matter - I loved whatever goofy new thing he brought home for me. So carrying on the tradition, I love to scour the web, go to the Spectrum or to Target to find a new "thing" to bring home to the twins to show them I missed them and thought about them during my day away from home.


Yesterday - I discovered Stride Rite was having a buy one get on half off sale - every twin's mother's dream. So off we went to get our feet measured and buy our first pair of shoes.


Brown sandals for Dean's cute feet and pretty white sandals for little Sydney's feet.


Today - I hit the jackpot at Nordstroms baby section. Irvine Spectrum baby section is the best - and definitely a spot I need to visit with my wallet in the car. But today, I shopped and found.


Sidewalk chalk with plastic holders and 2 new board books. This one is my favorite and I can't wait to read it with them.

For Every Summer - A New Suit

Like TV shows, my favorite bathing suit brands always seem to get canceled. Unlike my favorite TV shows, I try to be age appropriate in my choices. Not to skimpy that I embarrass everyone from teen stepkids to myself. Not to conserverative that my husband wonders why I am already dressing like I am 50. Aaron Chang was at the top for a handful of years - complete with coordinated rash guards and sweats perfect for the boat. But, like Gilmore Girls, its a thing of the past. I stumbled upons Coco Rave at Macys and they are a perfect find for me - conservative enough, but not too much. And even more perfect considering that I will almost always have a twin or two in hand this summer - matching coverups - to avoid any overexposure issues. I couldn't find the coverups on line - and to be honest I only looked at macys - but here are my 2 new suits for this summer. I am a firm believer or quality over quantity when it comes to bathing suits and jeans. You just feel and look better in them. Oh - one more perk about Coco Rave - they are sized including bra sizes so they fit even better - really dreamy.

Mine is the same fit - but white with light blue and candy pink strips. I feel like an ad for a candy store.

And a good black suit for the feeling fat days.

Target Shopping - Calypso

Normally I end up being really disappointed in buying anything from Target for myself. The quality always seems lacking and the clothes never fit the same after one washing. I end up at Target once a week buying formula for Syd and Dean. I always take a look at the clearance rack for them. It is very rare I buy clothes for them full price - I'd rather buy ahead on a good sale.

Last week, I stumbled across a darling jumper for Syd for full price $12.99. It was part of their Calypso collection. After checking out the baby pieces for Sydney, I had to go check out what they might have for me. And low and behold - the dress below which might just be perfect for Briana's graduation.

Dean - 8 months

Dean is the golden child - you couldn't ask for an easier baby.
- Dean is happy all of the time, unless he is hungry, tired, or a few other fun quirks that we'll get to in a sec
- Dean loves to give the air zerberts - out of no where he will start and laughs at himself or others when they do it.
- Dean loves his mobile - its like is Am Ex, we don't go anywhere without it.
- Dean loves his puppies - unfortunately Suki doesn't return the favor. He is dog repellent to Suk. Apparently there must have been some ear pulling, because Suki used to love him, now she runs in the other direction if he gets within reach. Moo is a little more tolerent.
- Dean is a toy hog! Nothing makes Dean more frustrated than when he has every toy in the house, except one. And Sydney has that one... He doesn't really want it, he just doesn't want her to have it.
- Dean loves to roll. And he's quick. Leave the room and come back and almost guaranteed he's in a different location. He found out yeterday that the tile floor is not a fun place to roll.
- Dean is a do-it yourselfer. He loves to feed himself his bottle. Often he will refuse it, if you try to feed him. But, lay him on his back, hand him his bottle and he's good to go.
- He is a handsome baby - frequently we get compliments to our face and behind our back about little Dean. Already a ladies man!
- Sydney is his favorite. Again - like the puppies, its not always a 2 way street. She loves him from out of reach, but he gets a little too up close and personal for her.
-Dean decided on round 2 this weekend - that rice cereal might be ok. Of course, he had to have his own spoon and pretend to be in control. But, its progress. A few week's ago as soon as it touch his mouth - he screamed out like we were killing him. He totally wasn't into it.

Sydney - 8 months

Sydney at 8 Months - is my real wild child.

This post is long overdue. Hopefully I will get to her brother soon.

Sydney at 8 months:
- is tiny and mighty
- Sydney just passed up the 1% in weight and is "thriving" her way up to the 5% level.
- Whatever she lacks in size, she makes up for vocally. She can babble all day long, when in the mood. She has not yet discovered how nice it is to use her "inside voice". She definitely prefers the neighbors across the street to also hear what she has to say.
- She has become fearful of one thing - Deanie attacks. When little Dean is near, the yelling is not far off.
- She loves to fly - in daddy's arms, getting her own air in the jumper or activity center. The bigger the better - she is on the road to following in her dare-devil dad's footsteps.
- Until yesterday she had no need for tummy time - until Dean got praised for making small gains in crawling. Not to be left behind, she lunged off my lap, tummy to the floor and wanted to push off my hand to try to crawl. Then, also for the first time of her choice, practiced rolling over by grabbing a large toy from her back and pulling herself to her tummy. Who knew competition could begin this early. Syd finally decided it was time to step it up!
- Loves her Sophie the giraffe, paci, walks, sitting in the swing looking out into the front yard.
- Dislikes personal hygiene (baths, fingernail clippings, lotion). Definitely need to change this.
- This girl is as nosey as they come. She has to be involved and know what's going on at all times. This includes being a night owl, loving to mad-dog anyone in public, twirl around in the jumper to view where the action is.

-Syd has a natural mohawk. It just seems wrong to try to tame anything about her at this point, including her hair. If you try to rub it down, it just pops right back up. It just seems to be the right bow on top of this little package.

Am I getting old

Because I went to a Charlie Brown Christmas music concert last night, featuring "smooth Jazz" grammy pianist David Benoit and la-la-love it!!! He was so good. I am a fan. And the restored Fox Theater in Downtown Riverside is pretty fun too.

Can't stop shopping

This year, we were going to do a small Christmas, because we are in the midst of a bathroon remodel - a gift to all. One big gift for everyone and stockings. Well, after the shopping was done - I found an excuse to spend more money....stockings. I can't stop shopping and I am spending too much money. So, I am trying to use some sort of self control and not buy anything (more) for myself. But, if Santa still visited me - this is what I'd want. And these are just my finds from today - clearly I have too much free time during the day.

Gorgeous Necklace from here

Cute Romper to wear at home

Making me happy today

Getting pictures like this from home, while I'm at work

Finding Vegan, Gluten-free and Dairy-free cupcakes to bring home to the new "adult" at home as a day late birthday surprise from here.

The Birthday Girl

You can call her M'am - now that she's 18.

If I were a billionaire

I'd blow tons of $$$$ on cute baby clothes like baby bean. Why does Target Clearance have to be more aligned to my budget. sigh..... Sydney would look so cute.

Christmas 2010

I'm mentally ready for Christmas. Maybe its because I have a week off from work (with twins and family!). Maybe its because the plan is to have a completed remodeled bathroom complete with a cast, iron claw-foot tub. Maybe its because I might get to snowboard. Or maybe its because I can shop mostly guilt free. Brian and I are thinking about skipping presents for each other and doing a weekend trip, just the 2 off us. The "big" kids - well they are teenagers so I need to wait for lists to come in. The twins, I am trying to be smart. I don't want endless useless toys in the house and I want to stick to a budget. I love wood toys and educational toys and nice clothes.

So here's what I'm thinking:

Something of a splurge from the usual Target clearance rack - co-ordinating, organic clothes.

Something practical and useful - baby food maker

Something for now - Zebra Activity Center.

Something for a few months away - Chomp and Clack Aligator.

And if Santa wins the lottery - a Phil and Ted's double stroller (unlikely :( )

seeking matilda jane

I have just discovered Matilda Jane clothing. They are only sold through trunk shows. I am on the hunt for a "trunk keeper" in southern california. They do not make baby clothes, so I have a little bit of time before Syd can wear it. But, I'm in love!

source: http://www.matildajaneclothing.com/

Spring Break 2010

A much needed trip together is just a week away. Its Park City or Bust! I hope I make it - I get super motion sickness having two hitch-hickers tagging along in my body.

In typical DuRocher Style - we are cramming in as much fun as we can.

Day 1 - Lunch at Sundance - 2 hour Snow Mobile Ride in Park City.

Day 2 - Visit University of Utah and Westminister - things you do, when you have kids in high school. Visit Temple Square.

Day 3 - Snowboarding for the 3 of the crew - then I still need to figure out something for Rebecca and me. I couldn't interest her in a day at the spa - but I'm sure we will find something fun. Any suggestions - we are staying in Park City. Alpine Coaster for everyone but me :(

Day 4 - Cabella's, Park City Main Street - hit the road to Moab

Day 5 - Day in Moab

Day 6 - Day in Cedar City where Brian spent time growing up with his dad

Day 7 - Visit South Utah University - and go home

If you have any must dos - eats- shops - let me know!

Sierra Nevada College

This is where Briana wants to go. Looks like Heaven on Earth. I'm jealous. I want to go. Plus - she can get a Masters in Teaching with 1 extra semester. Do you know anything about this school?

Meet Moo

She comes home Saturday for Rebecca's Birthday. Suki is going to be stoked!

Tennis Champ

Last weekend Jake played in his first ever tennis tournament. After 3 hours of play - he walked away with the runner-up trophy. That's our Jake!

The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

I had a busy day before 9am this morning.

The Good: I just got a I-Touch from work, as an appreciation gift. Now I just need the step-kids to tell me what it is and how it works!

The Bad: I was in a 4-car traffic accident on the freeway this morning. The car behind me was hit so hard that it caught air before hitting me. I hit a $70k BMW.

The Ugly: I think I have whip-lash and my car is en-route to the shop- but at least I'll have my I-touch to keep me company should I need to stay home.

Goodbye Downey...

Koi Pond Bridge


The decision was made about a month ago. No one knew it would happen so fast. My grandma's house went up for sale, 2 weeks later sold. Brian and I went up to the house today to pick out some things to bring home - so many memories, so many fun times came rushing back. Goodbye Downey.... it's been great..

14 YEAR TREND ENDING

So it's official. We are moving. We get the keys tomorrow. I am sooo excited! I la-la-love our new house, the neighborhood, the city-lights view, the bike ride to the club, the cute shopping center to do my grocery shopping, the trees, the plants, the peacfulness of it all. I can't wait. All I need is a Vespa, WWII safety goggles and helmet so me and my guy can cruise around sans-car. Anyone who knows me, knows driving solo on a scooter is nothing short of life-threating Dangerous, that's right a capital D.

Even more exciting - borrowing no catrastrophies and my life has been prone to them of late- this will be my first time living in one place for more than 2 years for the past 14 years (and that was only 1 spot - the beloved Rose House in P-town). I can't wait not to move again for at least 5 years!

Unexpected Conversation

our new house

So I called up our landlord to give her 30 days notice since we are hoping to closing escrow in 2 weeks.

It went something like this...

Me: I just wanted to let you know that we finally found a house and plan to move out in a month. We've loved living here, but are exciting to move into our own home.

Her: Don't feel bad. I've been meaning to call you. We're letting the house go and you'd probably have to move out in 3 months anyways because it will be foreclosed.

Fingers crossed escrow goes through so we're not homeless.

Don't Stop Believing