Twenty.of.Thirty

I decided to bag the Sunday posts from here on out.

I'll be spending time with my family rather than blogging

Day 20 – The meaning behind your blog name

Both my blog address and blog name are pretty self explanatory.

Cat + Tadd = Sam

We heart each other, and because of that we gots ourselves a kid. We like him.

www.dietcokediaries.com

How many of my photos do you spot a Diet Coke in?

How many of my activities throughout the day do not include a Diet Coke?

How often do I go out of my way to hit up Crest?

How much of my life is influenced by Diet Coke? (alright, let's not give it too much credit...)

I could go on...

Nineteen.of.Thirty

Day 19 – Another picture of yourself. (who wrote these up?)

l-r: scrunchy face, mother's milk, stripey, blonde ends

So, I'm a picture whore.

Get. Over. It.

Eighteen.of.Thirty

Day 18 – Something you crave a lot.

.A 32 ouncer, of course

.Tomato Basil Pie from Molly's

.Sunshine

.My baby's giggle

.Striped clothing

.Watermelon

Well, that was a boring post. So, in hopes to liven it up, here's a play-by-play of my yester-day (rhymin' fool).

Awake at 8, el bebe no longer naps right away in the morning. There goes my sanity.

Fed Sam a bottle, of course.

Fed myself some cheerios and strawberries.

Sent Tadd off to work after making him a deluxe breakfast (False).

Watched the monster explore all over the house (must babyproof soon).

Naptime around 11. Of course for the both of us.

Readied ourselves for the day around 1, any other mothers this lazy?

Two jars of baby food, tried shielding myself from the joyous spitting from the baby.

Discovered peek-a-boo.

Pit stop at Crest.

Hit up Smith's for groceries, considered ditching my car and just walking home while basking in the sunshine straight from the store, cart and all.

Out for a walk pushing something I did not steal.

Stopped by Mally's and admired her face painting skills on Lauren.

Stopped by Iguana Ink and Metropolitan. (Goodness, this is not exciting at all...)

Strolled back to Mallory's, anger flared up as I see mom's car out front, and no missed call or text on my phone.

Anger subsides when I see she's here with Jack after taking him to the Army store for his birthday. Mother excused.

Decided with mom that Samson will be the type of teen that will eat us out of house and home.

Enjoyed some sweet potato fries. Wished Jacky-boy a happy birthday. Let Dash taste and sniff baby boy.

Headed home to put Sammy down for a nap. Bottle, books and bed.

Worked on tax stuff (why am I an adult?) while watching Easy A.

Let in electrician to fix our ridiculous wonky circut, resulting in my clumsy self waking up Samson after only a 45 min. nap. You'd think it would be the electrician who woke him up. Nope.

Two more jars of baby food. Gobbled up those bananas and apple&blueberries.

Made dinner (a granola bar and peanut butter pretzels).

Hit up Crest again (dessert).

Kids cut for Miss Ellie Thomas. She got bangs today, and couldn't stop giggling from excitement. Her mother tells me Ellie hasn't slept the last few nights because of her excitement! Will she sleep tonight anticipating her big debut at school tomorrow???

Home to make pizza for realsies dinner, and by make I mean pop two frozen Totinos in the oven (Mom, are you feeling ashamed yet?).

Bathe Samson. Observe the fun he has in the tub.

Head back to the salon for a consultation. Did NOT hit up Crest again. Baby steps, all. Baby steps.

Came home. Peek into baby's room, discover he's not yet asleep and make him really mad when I sneak out.

Settled in to do more tax stuff, watch trash on TV and try to drown myself by drinking water.

Do the dishes (my night) and engrossed myself in Lie to Me.

Seventeen.of.Thirty

Day 17 – A photo of you and your family

In the past when asked for a picture of my family, I would've posted the Peterson side or the Cox side, but now I'm proud to post a photo of my own little family. Just the three of us.

I really find joy in knowing Tadd and I have started "our side" of the family.

P.S. Happy Birthday Jack and Lyla!

Nine Months

Our little monster is nine months old today. If at all possible, these last nine months have flown by faster than the nine months I was pregnant. He is growing so much and learning new things everyday. It's crazy to see his personality develop all the time.

Some things about Samson...

.He is absolutely everywhere, and would love to be into everything.

.Started pulling himself up onto his knees a couple days ago.

.Will sit still for half an hour watching Sesame Street.

.Says "ya-ya", "da-da", "na-na" (won't say "ma-ma" again).

.Imitates sounds we make, especially scrunching his nose and sniffing.

.Loves to eat. LOVES to eat.

.Tries using a sippy cup, and does pretty good with it.

.Loves reading books, and has been turning the pages the past few weeks while we read to him.

.Loves to blow raspberries while we feed him. WE don't love that, however.

.Loves to grab at our faces and give us what we perceive to be his way of kissing (open mouthed).

.We are still struggling with his gag reflex. Anything not pureed, he almost always throws up (or at least dry heaves). Sam's doctor told me not to stress; he's sure we won't be sending him to Kindergarten with jars of baby food. Let's hope!

.We still tote him around in his car seat most of the time (yup, making that 30 lbs to heave around), but he's so tough to hold since he wants to get down and play!

.Finally decided to drop his third nap four or five days ago. Bummer.

Samson weighs 22 lbs, is 29" long and his head circumference is 18.5" around, which is the 90th percentile. His doctor told us somewhere down the family line, someone is wearing really large hats. Pretty sure it's just that large brain of his!

Sixteen.of.Thirty

Day 16 – Your celebrity crush.

Yes please.

Who says I can't have a celebrity girl crush?

Nearly Nine Months Later...

Let's take a break from my oh-so-rigorous blogging schedule...

Both of my nieces Nora and Lucy just had their newborn photos taken, and looking at them (such beautiful babies, by the way) reminded me that I never posted Samson's! I have no idea why because I absolutely love them.

I really can't believe he is already nine months. The time period in which these photos were taken is now a blur. I wish I had taken more time to remember every little thing about him. I have hundreds of pictures and dozens of videos, but I still have trouble calling upon some of the details of his first few months of life. I suppose that is just the way life is, and now I've learned I need to savor these moments and the ones to come.

Is this why we continue to have children? To improve with the next child in areas we felt we fell short in?

Samson was three weeks and four days when he had his pictures taken.

Pleased as punch, you see.

Could you love this Logophilia print more? Sissy Meg custom made it for Samsy.

I looove wrinkly little baby skin.

Now do you see why we shaved his head? Later that day, actually...

Tried inching his way off the dresser. Little turkey.

It's impossible to describe how much love I felt for this little one then, and I have been amazed that my heart even has the capacity to love him even more now.

Such a sweet daddy

I should really take some pics of Sam's updated nursery

Blankie (that he now sleeps with in his crib) from Aunt Haley

Love. Love. Love.

It's quite clear I am absolutely obsessed with this little guy. Infatuated. Head-over-heels in love. And I don't care who knows it!

Courtesy of Stott Photography

Fifteen.of.Thirty

Day 15 – Something you don’t leave the house without.

Duh, and duh.

If I haven't left the house with a frosty bev in my hand, I'm leaving with the intention of stopping by the mother ship.

P.S Baby Lucy is being blessed today and I'm so excited to see that tiny beauty in her blessing dress! I seriously love babies in blessing outfits oh so much.

Fourteen.of.Thirty

Day 14 – A TV show you're currently addicted to.

A TV show? Singular? Ha, ya right. The amount of TV time I can log is shameful. Really. I'm not proud of it. Not like I'm proud of the amount of Diet Coke I consume.

And here's the current rundown...

First, and foremost - F.R.I.E.N.D.S

Will always be my numero uno. It's the perfect show to unwind to with Tadd at night and he actually enjoys falling asleep to it.

Glee. A favorite of mine and Tadd's.

Ahhh the scandal of Wisteria Lane. Such a guilty pleasure.

Yes, this is on Showtime. Yes, it's a little risque. And YES, it is brilliant!

Can't miss out on the shenanigans of Serena and Blair! And wow, the fashion!

I absolutely have a crush on David Bromstad, and I don't care who knows it. I love his designs, paintings, flamboyance, everything!

And of course Grey's! Although I no longer sit on the edge of my seat during each episode, I can't miss a single one. Anyone else feeling like Meredith is looking more and more haggard?

Some Vids'

Proof that he crawls. And in his own funky way.

Lindey and I were sitting on her couch talking and watching TV, and suddenly Samson had quickly gotten himself over to Milo's crate. None of this army crawl, scoot on tummy with the foot...real hand and knee coordination.

And please, I just enjoy his tiny teeth and his obsession with "da-da".

News of the day...Samson FINALLY said "ma-ma"! It's been months, literally, that I've been trying to get him to say it. Maybe I got a little teary eyed. Just maybe.

Thirteen.of.Thirty

Day 13 – Your favorite musician and why?

I have many favorite musicians, and I usually get myself in music phases. Current phase(s)? Anything Glee, The Bieb, and Air Supply. Whaaat?

I'm really not a music buff, never have been. Some may consider that a flaw of mine, but I've accepted it. I just ride the musical wave of others, and their musician discoveries.

I may not always be listening to the King of Pop, nor do I know every song he's sung, or every fact about him, he is my ultimate favorite. Why? I was raised on Michael Jackson. Michael Jackson was motha's milk to me. Me and my sisters.

He is my favorite because of the memories his music conjures...rockin' out on slave saturday, jammin' to "Black or White" on road trips, trying to moon walk while listening to "Bad", imitating the knife fight in "Beat It", and closing the blinds in the basement to watch his music videos in the middle of the day.

I have more memories of my childhood listening to Michael Jackson than any other musician. And wow, that's some serious talent to grow up on.

So Mom, thank you.

Twelve.of.Thirty

Day 12 – A photograph of the town you live in. A photo of the street you live on.

My street.

And from what it looks like, there is a ghost in our midst.

In other news, I ventured up to SLC tonight to attend BIL Jon's culinary school restaurant (The Savory Palate). Unfortunately, he wasn't cooking this week, just serving, but in my head he actually made every dish himself.

I went with Haley and her FIL, Hugh. Tadd claims he wasn't invited, but I did bring it up a number of times, and each time he was skeptical of the type of food they served. "Fine dining" doesn't really sit well with Tadd. Hamburgers and pizza, however, sits very well. Bless his heart.

Each course offered a variety of textures and flavor. It was really fun to pick out the flavors that Jon had described. My favorite was the tamale cake with braised pork (bottom right). Notice the avocado smear, the photo below was taken as I dropped my phone into it.

Lovely.

I loved that the whole hour and a half was spent JUST talking about and enjoying our food.

I'm a bit of a fatty-fat at heart.

Eleven.of.Thirty

Day 11 – What’s in your makeup bag?

I ditched the make-up bag a few months ago, and I must say I really enjoy all my facial needs (also a couple staple hair products) laid out for me in my top drawer. Just a couple dollar store organizers, and I'm converted.

Ten.of.Thirty

Day 10 – A photo of your favorite place to eat.

Toss up between CPK (got a good share going on with KBC {above} - Margarita Pizza and Waldorf Salad, dressing on the side), Crest and Cheesecake Factory (please enjoy the Roasted Artichoke Appetizer on me. Except I'm not paying).

Happy March to all. May this be a spring-y month.

"Who Are You Wearing! You Look Fabulous!"

Celina and I hosted a party of all parties in celebration of the Oscars, complete with hor d'oeuvres, mocktails and a red carpet photo op!

Welcome to the 1st Annual Academy Awards Mocktail Party

Mr. Samson was certainly thrilled about the party before church, but had already changed into his jimjams by the time our celebs-of-the-hour arrived.

Celina&Adam, Meagan&Callin, Mallory&Nick, BonoRandy&Felicia, Chelsea&Jake, Cat&Sam&Tadd

Samson couldn't help sneaking in another picture before heading off to bed.

Thanks to Celina, the Internets-searcher-of-all-searchers, we had a couple mocktail recipes to add to the party, the Mint Mojito being my favorite. Here's our Shirley Temple's. Typically virgin, but a Dirty Shirley isn't unheard of, so we were sure to keep the Vodka stash unstocked (winkety-wink).

She also supplied us with Oscar bingo, Oscar predictions and Match the Celeb Smile!

Co-host, Celina, and Adam enjoying their Shirley Temple's. Don't judge the incorrect glass. These are much more fun than tumblers! Also, I think I may be sugar-rimming all my drinks from now on. But maybe Splenda for Diet Coke...

Just a bit of the delish food before everyone had arrived.

The guys and gals

And some creepy stalker in a purple sweatshirt

Would you say I got the red carpet pose down? It was my one goal for the month. Next goal: keep volume in my hair.

The Oscars this year? Not the greatest. Does James Franco always look high? Does Anne Hatheway always act like a cheerleader live? Anne and James, let us hope you are never invited back. Unless Anne publicly burns that vinyl catastrophe she wore, and James arrives in a dress.

Had there not been a fabulous party to attend, the Oscars almost wouldn't have been worth watching. I say almost because I was thrilled to see The King's Speech win Best Picture and Collin Firth win Best Actor, and could Natalie Portman have looked more gorgeous?

Until next year!

Nine.of.Thirty

Day 9 – A photo of the item you last purchased.

Apparently just by cancelling my Amazon Mom Membership doesn't mean it cancelled my reoccuring order of these diapers. Shame that I've been re-converted to Pampers. However, I do like the smell of Luvs better. Is it weird that I won't buy Huggies because they smell gross? Yes, pre-use.

Anyone interested in 180 size 4 Luvs diapers? 24 bones. Regularly $34.

Eight.of.Thirty

Day 8 – A song to match your mood.

Not a single mood-matching-tune is coming to mind right now. I've thought about it all day, and I'm trying hard to search my inner soul to even discover what mood I'm in, and I'm just tired. Tired and blank-brained. All you music buffs out there, what song matches blank-brain?

I did, however, listen to my fair share of Justin Bieber today, and my, was it enjoyable. I'd love to just carry that little kid around in my pocket. Well, and of course I'd make him grow his hair back out because did you hear? He cut it. Cut the Bieb 'do. Now what will the Bieber look-alike passing the sacrament in my ward do with himself? He'll feel lost, I'm sure of it.

While we're on the subject of music, you should know it seems I'm hard of hearing. Especially when it comes to song lyrics. I really live in my own world when it comes to music. For example did you know the lyrics are "I have a tendency to wear my mind on my sleeve" in the "One Week" song by Barenaked Ladies ? Not "I have a tendency to wibble my numbersey"? Been singin' it that way for yeeeeeears.

Oh, and Mandy Moore's "Someday We'll Know" does not say, "Mighty Mouse outside your cargo", but rather, "Ninety miles outside Chicago". Who'da THUNK!

Tired. "Over and out".

Seven.of.Thirty

Day 7 - Your dream wedding

To say the exact wedding I had was my dream wedding would be a lie. My dream wedding would require tens of thousands of dollars, of course. A couture gown, Amelia Lyon Photography, a soda fountain machine, Rockwell Catering, a lengthy tropical honeymoon, and a reception in Nordstrom, to name a few.

HOWEVER, my wedding day was an absolute dream. I look back on it with nothing but joy, fondness and complete happiness. That was one of the two best days of my life (one guess as to what the other day was). Embarking on the adventure of life as husband and wife was a dream I always had, and our wedding day was FAR from a disappointment.

(And give me a break about my dark window. I swear I was in style; don't forget we got married 5.5 years ago. )

Six.of.Thirty

Day 6 – A photo of an animal you’d love to keep as a pet.

An animal called The Soph.

The coolest Ewok doggie you'll ever meet. She is a breed of her own, and the one four legged creature I'd take home with me.

Unless tea cup giraffes are real...

Five.of.Thirty

Day 5 – A photo of yourself two years ago.

Almost to the day

February 23rd - PeterDaddy and me at Nick and Mal's wedding

While we're on the subject, can we please drool over Mallory's custom ring a little?