Mummy Goes Camera Crazy on Saturday Mornings

Friday Night at the Smiths

Our Friday nights used to consist of figuring out where to go out and eat, and then cuddling up to a DVD, or to our favorite Pay Per View movie. Friday night has changed quite a bit. Here are some images to explain this change...

Visiting Shamai, Shapai, and Uncle Marlon

Yesterday evening we took Maya to her Indian grandparents' home. Shamai and Shapai were so happy to have her over. Maya was awake (it was just before her feeding) and alert. Shamai held her and fed her and sang to her in Konkani. Shapai is a little more wary of her small size, but soon he was singing to her and talking in the silliest language. Maya turns her grandparents to mush. Uncle Marlon soon came home and as soon as he took Maya, she calmed down and stared in his eyes. He has a very calming way with her. After our visit, we bundled up tight and headed out for the minute drive home.

Shamai and Uncle Marlon playing with Maya











Shapai and Shamai with Maya in the kitchen








Some strange man giving the family the "thumbs up"








Shamai with Maya - does she have tears in her eyes, again?











Bundled up in the car seat ready to head home.

Date Night at Benihanas

Brad and I were lucky enough to get some time for a date night. We joined our friends Simon and Lisa, with their houseguest Mike, at Benihanas. After drinks, we were led to our table where we got to enjoy the artistry of the Benihana chefs. Brad ordered his tradition chicken, while I relished in ordering a seafood plate. Conversation was adult, the company was adult, and it was nice to get back into the "normal" world for a little bit.
Maya was at home in the capable care of Gramma Betty. When we got back, we got an excellent report on Maya, who fed, yet again, and got a good night's rest.

Our First Family Outing (November 6, 2007)

After having been in the house for a week and a half, only venturing out for doctor visits, Maya, Brad, and I decided to take our first family outing. We drove all the way from Canoga Park to Agoura Hills and visited Paramount Ranch. The afternoon was a typical Californian one with lots of sunshine, blue skies, and fairly warm temperatures. This outing was a good test for the Graco Metrolite stroller, and it passed with flying colors. Riding over rough western terrain, the Metrolite took our little angel through the set of Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman and over the old bridge to the picnic tables on the grassy knoll. We rested and enjoyed our McDonald's Happy Meals and reminisced of the gestational diabetes days when a burger was just a fantasy.
Maya slept during the entire outing, but from the look on her face we knew that this outing was just what she needed...sunshine and fresh air.

Maya and I.











Brad and I.








Brad and I hamming it up.








Brad and Maya at the old train station.








We packed our Baby Sac and hung it onto the Graco Metrolite.











Maya and her Daddy.









After all the rough riding in the stroller, Maya was still asleep.











Looking onto the Old West set at Paramount Ranch.








Brad and Maya at the old General Store.








Walking through the old buildings.











Leaving Paramount Ranch after a wonderful afternoon.

We Can't Stop Staring at Her Pretty Face

When Maya wakes up in the morning, I feed her, change her, and give her a little wash. If I have done the feed prior to the morning feed, her Daddy takes over while I get some extra sleep. This morning, the two of them were in the nursery listening to the Disneyland soundtrack - songs from all the rides. Being a huge Disney fan, and having worked at Disney for a long time, her Daddy wants to school her early on all the quaintness that Walt Disney created for children of all ages.
After her feed, we lay her down and just stare at her. Today, I took my camera and just started clicking away.