The Biggest Loser

I've gotta say, I was excited when Helen fell below the yellow line last night. Ever since she wanted her daughter to go home so that she could stay on the ranch and keep losing weight, I haven't been able to let it go. (Seriously, her own child!!) Oh well, maybe next time.

I'm a little bit addicted to the Biggest Loser, but at least I can say that the show has positive results—and not just for the contestants. My best workouts are always Wednesday mornings after I watch it. I pretend Jillian's yelling at me, "LAST CHANCE WORKOUT, Erica!"

I know. It's no surprise—I'm kind of a dork.

So, does anyone want to chime in on who their favorite and least favorite contestants are?

Zoom for Zambia

Remember how I went to Africa a few years ago? (Most of you are probably wondering when I'll stop talking about it!) The nonprofit organization I went with, Mothers Without Borders, does incredible work in Zambia, as well as other underdeveloped nations. Two girls who are going on this summer's expedition to Zambia are sponsoring a 5k in Palo Alto on May 9th, with all the proceeds going to Mothers Without Borders. I'm planning on running it and would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE for any of you to join me!

For more info, click on over to Zoom for Zambia. And if you'd like to run or walk for these beautiful faces, please let me know!

A Wicked Afternoon

Merry Christmas to me! I've been anticipating this day since the moment I opened my Christmas present from Ryan and saw this well-loved image—

I fell in love with the music from Wicked when Kimber introduced me to it our freshman year at BYU. Now I can finally say I've seen it. And yes, the production is just as amazing as you're imagining. Our tickets were for the fourth row (Ryan tends to go all out when he does things), and the first thing I said when the show started was "I can see their lip gloss!" You could see every detail of each performer's face. Needless to say, it was incredible.


I think I will owe Amber for life for watching Trenton alllll afternoon. Thank you, dear!! And thanks to my sweet husband for such a thoughtful (and fun!) gift.

Wicked rocks!

Mobility is on the Horizon!

My boy is growing up! Today is day three of getting up on all fours. When he first started you could see him concentrating SO hard just to maintain the position. If I said "Good job, Trenton!" he'd lose his concentration and flop right on his belly to smile at me. But now it's almost looking natural! (By the way, no teeth yet, but hello drool!)

Yesterday he got to show off his new trick at Park Day with the other young moms and kids. Last summer when I first started going to Park Day, all of the babies were sound asleep in their strollers because they were so little, but now they're climbing on their moms and pulling each other's hair. It's so fun!

In this picture Trenton is showing off what I call his "seal pose." It makes his arms look kind of short, doesn't it? He's such a ham.

And here's Trenton's first time in a swing—it was a hit!

He's in this great phase where he's all smiles when I get the camera out. I know that won't last forever, so I'm enjoying it while I can!

I love those big blue eyes. He'll probably be a blond kid, but I kind of hope when he grows up that he'll have brown hair like his daddy's and blue eyes like mine.

Dear Trenton...

I could just eat you up.

Another Best Day

Maybe I use the sentence "This is the best/worst day of my life" a bit indiscriminately, but a lot of my time with Ryan—especially outdoors—merits the "best day" status.

One of the things we missed most in Indiana was being able to get up above our surroundings and enjoy the view. (We were spoiled in Utah.) It's amazing how literally getting above your surroundings can broaden your perspective and help you refocus.

We recently explored the trails above our favorite beach near Montera (north of Pacifica), and we were not disappointed. I would recommend this hike to anyone. (If you live here, ask me for more details!) It'll get your heartrate up, but it's not long or too strenuous by any means. And besides that, it is gorgeous! I wish the pictures could show how majestic it is, but just know that it's even prettier in real life.

Our Poor Baby

Trenton is officially sick for the first time this week. His breathing is more like wheezing with all the flem in his throat. The good news is that I think (and hope!) he's on the up side now. Here's a photo of us trying unsuccessfully to get him to smile right before bedtime a couple nights ago. He's looking pretty sorry, isn't he!?


Thankfully, he hardly seems to notice that he isn't feeling well, at least during the day. For the most part, he's still our smiling boy (whose breathing happens to sound like Darth Vador's).

Check out that arm strength! (And yes, I do dress him in pants most of the time—I promise. It's just that at home I can't resist those chubby legs!)


We love you, bud! Feel better soon!