A Little Udpate

Hello Friends! It's been a long month away from my little bloggy blog and I have to say I've missed you! Without boring you with all the whiny details of these past two months, I'll give you the in-a-nutshell version: tax season + 60 plus hour work weeks (don't get me started on this) + 6 month old baby + 28 year year old baby (ahem, husband) + two fur babies = one exhausted Mama! At least we are in the home stretch... about two weeks to go and I can't wait. I'm hoping to jump back into some fun DIY projects and more regular posts, but we'll see...

In exciting news... we bough a new bed! Guys, let me tell you this is the most excited I think I've ever been about spending that much money on a not-fun "adult" purchase, but it. is. AMAZING. In every way. We didn't know how bad we had it before (we were still using my old queen $300 mattress from college). We got an upgrade to California King!!! Honestly, I never thought I would get a King bed for some reason, let along a California King. But the husband insisted since he is so tall and his toes had been hanging off our bed for the past six years (poor guy!). Now we have an extra four inches in length (that's what she said) and the husband is a happy camper. I'm more happy for the extra width. Don't get me wrong, I love my husband more than anything, but clean sheets on a huge comfy bed where we can each have our own space is a very close second (OK, THIRD because of Em:). I'm always hot and am not a snuggler mainly for that reason (also, am I the only one that gets neck cramps from sleeping on his shoulder?). 

A couple downsides to buying a Cal King bed: 1) it takes up more room in our bedroom, which wasn't big to begin with (although this is a sacrifice we are glad to make, and it's not horrible); 2) we also have to buy all new sheets, duvet, duvet cover, bed skirt, headboard, mattress pad, and pillows (have you felt the pillows at the Sleep Country Store? we were hooked, but we ended up buying some knock offs on, where else, Amazon). But the pros definitely outweigh the cons - we get to buy all new bed stuff! I was excited! Some of the stuff we can buy/make over time, but we did get some new sheets, duvet, pillows, and duvet cover right now. I am missing my headboard though. We re-upholstered our headboard last fall (I still owe you guys a post on this) and I LOVED it. I still love it. And I basically want to recreate it in Cal King size now, but we'll see. Our queen headboard now resides in the guest room along with our old bed. I'll post pics once we get everything set up (the duvet cover I want is on back order until May) :( 

Well, apparently I could talk about our new bed all night, but on to other VERY exciting news in the Kane household. For those of you that don't know, Zach is in medical school and will be graduating this June! It's been a long four years, including a move to Arizona and back, but now all his hard work has paid off! Last fall he was applying to residency programs and last November-January he was flying all over the West Coast for interviews. It was a rough December in particular. If you haven't heard about the residency Match Program, here's the basics. You apply for programs, interview, then submit online your rankings for your choice of programs. The residency programs also submit online their rankings of applicants. Then, a computer algorithm matches everyone up! It's kind of crazy and VERY nerve-racking. But, I'm happy to announce that last Friday we found out that we will be staying in Seattle! Zach matched at Virginia Mason in their Internal Medicine program!!!!! He'll be there for the next three years so we don't have to move! We are so happy that we can stay local and Zach is thrilled to be with this awesome program. 

So that's what's new with us lately! Other than that I have been sick for two weeks and lost my voice last weekend which was awesome... and now I'm just trying to survive the end of busy season. I'll hopefully be back soon (or, soon after April 15th...). 

And just because I can't have a post without a little Emerson, here's her totally cutie pie little face. :)

Emails to Emerson

Disclaimer: I totally did not come up with this idea. I got it from Google. Do you remember this commercial?

I just watched it again. And cried again. Like lots of tears. I loved this idea from the first time I saw it. So great. When I was pregnant with Emerson I decided to start the same thing... get ready for some mushiness.

I started writing things down in a journal about my pregnancy so I could remember these times, along with my weekly(ish) posts about my growing bump. But it was getting harder and harder to remember all the little details and to find the time to sit and write things down monthly (or even weekly if I remembered). I remembered the commercial and thought, Duh!, I should start an email account for Emerson so I can send her quick notes whenever I have a minute. I could send her photos and videos in real time so she could have a timeline of her life to read through one day. I gave the email address to Zach, too, so we could both share memories of our life with her. 

It's been one of my favorite things and makes me so happy that she will have all these memories to read back on one day (assuming we still have email by then!). While I was pregnant, I sent her an email when I felt her kick for the first time. When we found out that she would be our daughter. Random videos of her moving in my belly. Since she has been born, we've sent her a ton of photos and videos - sometimes once every week or two, sometimes three in one day. Videos of her rolling over for the first time. Sweet and funny pictures of her being a goofball. Little notes about how we are in awe of the little lady she is becoming. It's so much fun and I'm glad I can quickly put my thoughts down and send them off to her whenever I get the chance. It's very informal and has worked so well for me. I also like that Zach can email her so she can get his perspective too, and it's all right there in one place. 

Once she is grown, maybe on her 18th or 21st birthday, we will give her the email address and password so she can read through her email "scrapbook." I can't wait to give it to her. Personally, I think it would be so cool to have, so I hope one day she thinks the same. 

Now I'm going to go look through my own baby book that my mom brought over a few weeks ago! Part of it is actually a "baby calendar" where there are stickers and notes throughout for different milestones. Another great idea that I might keep up for the next one! Especially since it's so hard to remember years later when they started walking, talking, etc. 

What do you guys do to keep track of all the memories and milestones? Traditional baby book? Email account? Calendar? Shutterfly photo book? Do share!

5 Baby Items I Can't Live Without (So Far)

Hi all! Now that I'm two months into motherhood, I thought I'd share some of my go-to items that have made raising this little girl much easier. Before we had Em, I was kind of intimidated about motherhood and the impending Ineedtokeepahumanalivenow mentality. I had no idea how to take care of an infant - the little bit of babysitting I did when I was younger was with older kids. I was very nervous and wondered if I would get the "mother's instinct." What the heck was this supposed instinct that everyone talks about. What if I didn't get it? What if I was so super awkward and didn't catch on? Well, turns out no matter who you are or what you do, it will be super awkward at first. BUT, it's amazing how things happen and you just pick things up. There truly is this feeling where you would do anything for your baby and you just figure it out as you go.

Anyways, motherhood is wonderful and here are just a few items that make my life much easier these days!

1. Aden + Anais Swaddle Blankets - These are my go to for everything. We use these for swaddling, as a regular blanket, nursing cover, weather cover, for nursing and burping. The list goes on. They are so light weight and perfect to throw in the diaper bag too. These are definitely a must!

2. Nipple Shield - Seriously, this has been a life saver for me and probably was the sole way I could continue breastfeeding! After the first couple of days, Em wasn't latching on to one side. I had two different lactation consultants come to the hospital room to try to help and we ended up going home with a couple of the nipple shields. I didn't want to use them at first (mostly because I had no idea how helpful they could be and was determined to breastfeed the "regular" way), but after a few frustrating sessions once we got home, Zach suggested I try using them again. Such a relief! Not only did they save me from some major pain, but Em took to them very well and it made nursing so much more manageable. If you are having trouble, try these! So helpful!

3. Swing and/or Bouncer - We have both and waited until after Em came before buying since I wasn't really sure if we would need them. We got the Rock 'N Play too, to use as a bassinet in our room for her to sleep in, but the swing and bouncer have been life savers as well. If you ever want to put the baby down so you can oh, I don't know, go to the bathroom or take a shower (ha!) then these are a must. The swing is great for her naps, but also has the fun mobile and even plays music to keep her stimulated too. The bouncer is awesome because it is mobile. It's different from the Rock 'N Play because it has the mobile with fun animals and colors, so she can interact with it (or is starting to as she gets older and more active). 

4. Diaper Genie - Again, wasn't sure we would need or actually use this since I'd heard some mixed reviews, but I love it! It's so nice to have this little garbage can right next to the changing pad that locks in all the smell (and there is some smell). When you empty it out it also makes the diapers super compact so it takes up less space in the outside garbage can by compacting everything.

5. Baby Nursing App - This has been so awesome - I use it to keep track of everything, most importantly diaper changes and nursing schedule. I'm constantly referring to it to check when I last nursed and what side I left off on. You can also track immunizations, bottle feedings, pumping, baths, doctor's appointments, medications, measurements and solids. I've used every feature except the solids so far and for the $5 price tag it was SO worth it. It's probably my most used app now and has helped me tremendously to stay on top of the most important things for baby!

That's it! Just a few things that have definitely worked for me so far that I thought I would share. I wasn't paid or anything, just wanted to share my experience in case it could help make it easier for someone else!

50,000 and Apartment Therapy Feature!

We are back from our Arizona vacation (unfortunately) but we are so glad to see our puppies again! It's been a little difficult coming back to the gray clouds and rain... I miss the Arizona sunshine already!

First, I just wanted to say a big old THANK YOU to all of you for reading! We reached 50,000 page views this past weekend here on Make Bake & Love and that is all thanks to you! I have a lot of fun sharing my projects and pictures with you on this little blog and I hope you stick around for many many more. So again, here's a big old Internet/blogosphere hug from me to you. :)

In other blog news, our pregnancy announcement photo was featured on Apartment Therapy this past week! How cool is that?! Check it out right here.

I have to say, this was my first experience with negative comments though... haha. I never knew people were so opinionated about announcing a pregnancy! Anyways, we had a lot of fun doing the pics so we could share the news with our family and friends. :) PS more of our announcement photos right here.

I hope you all had a lovely weekend and can't wait to start sharing more with you in the coming weeks including a recap of our trip, baby bump pics and some projects!

Busy Season's Coming...

Husband is home finally. It's been a rough week. Rough. Week. I'm finally feeling a little better after staying home sick from work four days last week. Ugh. Isn't it the worst? Something's going around and there was no way I was going to be "that person" that still goes into work when sick. OK, I did try to go in on Thursday for a couple hours, but that plan failed and I was soon back on the couch at home. This, whatever it is - flu, bronchitis, etc. - was nasty. I was hacking up a lung, nose completely stuffed and utterly exhausted. Probably top three worst times I've been sick in my life. And Zach was gone (he's in Shelton for five weeks doing his OBGYN rotation - luckily home on the weekends). 

But now he is home and I am happier. It's just nice having that support from him to help out with the pups, pick up my trail of kleenex (if the pups haven't gotten into), and cook me a non-saltines and gatorade meal. I'm so glad he's home and so glad he's so good at taking care of me when I need him to. 

So that's where I've been for the past week... how have you been? I'm looking forward to getting back into blogging after a little bit of a break. I think I have some fun projects in the works! 

But, busy season is coming. So I'll be working a lot more with a lot less time for blogging/ projects/ cookies (booooohooooo). Probably my least favorite time of the year, but at least at work I can stay busy and feel like I'm accomplishing a lot. 

So fear not, if I'm posting less, it's just because there are not enough hours in the day and I want to try and put awesome stuff on here! 

I hope your new year is starting out better than mine right now!

Pretty flowers found here.

My Life List

I've been thinking about doing a Life List for a while (and seeing this post yesterday reminded me that I've never posted about it - and made me add an item to my list!). A list of some of the things I want to see, do and accomplish in my life. I'm hoping that writing it down will help keep me accountable and encourage me to actually do some of the things I might not usually do (but have always wanted to do). I'll be adding to and updating my list as time goes on, and of course I'll share all my crazy (or not so crazy) adventures right here!

Go sky diving

Visit all 50 states

Become a mother

Become a grandmother

Take a cross country road trip

Go to New York City during Christmas

Go back to Europe

Be able to speak a foreign language fluently

Buy a house

Plant a garden

Host a family holiday dinner

Read through the entire Bible

Take dancing lessons

Start my own business

Go on a tropical cruise

Learn photography

Learn photoshop

Ride in a hot air balloon

Ride a trolley in San Francisco

Go bungee jumping (5.1.10)

Dip my toes in the Atlantic Ocean

Ride a tandem bike

Swim with dolphins

Learn to ski

Ride on a motorcycle and/or vespa

Run a 5k

Watch a live episode of SNL

Grow old with my husband

Beat my dad at cribbage

See Andrew Bird in concert (4.9.12)

Learn to drive a stick shift

Go to an Olympic event

Renovate an old house

Meet someone famous

Go to a taping of The Ellen Show with my mom

Go on a Duck boat tour of Seattle

Climb to the top of the Statue of Liberty

Watch a Broadway show in NYC

Go to a Super Bowl (preferably when the Seahawks are playing)

Go to the Grand Canyon (1.29.11)

See Roller Derby

Go to Australia

Go sailing

Cut down my own Christmas Tree (12.2012)

Go to Niagara Falls

Go to a black tie event

Lead a bible study

Write a book

Ride on a double decker bus in London (7.2011)

Get a dog (8.24.10) and again (7.14.12)

Go to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Drink a Guinness in Ireland

Fly in a helicopter

Be part of a flash mob

Stay in the best suite in a 5 star hotel

See the Eiffel Tower in Paris (7.2011)

Take a full day at the spa
Bake all the cookies in one of my cookbooks
Go kayaking on Lake Washington
Go to Forks, WA
Live somewhere other than Washington (7.2010-6.2011)
Be completely debt free
Try for a world record

Do you have a life list? What's on your list? I'm curious to hear!

Photo found here.

Life Is Too Short...

Been thinking a lot about this lately... especially with 9/11 this week. Remembering those that we lost eleven years ago. Also looking forward to the future and making sure to take advantage of everything God throws our way. Life is hectic. Life is busy. Life is stressful. Life is crazy. But life is also lovely and beautiful and fun! Make the most of it you possibly can. I know I'm trying to...

Photo via

Duuuuuuude. Have a Happy Weekend.

Hey everybody! It's been a couple days hasn't it? A crazy busy couple of days, that's what it's been. Yes. It. Has. I'm so glad it's the weekend! How have you been? Good, yeah? 

The husband had his first big board exam yesterday (his second is June 18th) and he is so relieved it's over! Literally six months of studying has finally come to fruition! And you know what that means... it's time to party! So we're going camping this weekend (even though it's supposed to be rainy) and are looking forward to some much needed de-stressing. Bboy is looking forward to playing with his best bud Chloe and I'm looking forward to s'mores (and s'more cookies!), playing cards, bonfires, beach, and some reading (still need to finish book three of 50 Shades...).

I don't think it's any surprise that we've been watching a lot of Lost lately. We are hooked. Big time. Just thought I'd share this picture the husband sent me the other day. Haha! So funny.

Since this is a very random post, let's also catch up on some random Buster pics. But first, this week Buster has been such a pain! Ever since he was a young pup, he has always slept in his crate in the living room. This week, however, he does not want to go in to his crate when it's time for bed. And when we do finally get him in there (either lure him in with a treat, or force him in there) he whines and yelps and won't go to sleep. Even if he's just been asleep on the couch right before. The other night we even let him sleep in the bed with us for the first time ever (and never again!) just because it was the night before Zach's test and none of us were sleeping well anyways...

We think something in his crate might have spooked him? Or maybe it's the diet with have him on (he's 27 pounds and should be 20!). Or maybe he is just being a teenager and decided he doesn't like it anymore? We will probably never know for sure, but hopefully it is just a phase. Have your dogs ever gone though something like this? If so, please help!

Alright, now on to the cute Bboy pics. Did you know one of his favorite chores is doing the dishes?

This is what I come home to every day in our front window.

Just because he's so cute when he sleeps.

He loves when Gramma Vonnie comes to visit!

Isn't he the cutest? I think so. But I'm just a little biased. :)

Have a great weekend!

Happy Weekend!

What are your plans for the long weekend? Zach will be studying (two weeks to go until board exams!) and I will be attacking some fun projects (namely, my wing back lady!) and possibly doing a little shopping (bring on the sales!).

Have a great weekend!

(source)

Well, Hello There.

It's been a while. I've been super busy with work lately and that means this little blog is getting neglected (sad face here). It doesn't mean I haven't had good intentions... I have lots of fun DIY ideas, but just haven't had the time or energy to type them up or take any photos (but I can't wait to share them with you soon!). 

Anyways, just wanted to pop in and say hi. We are just plugging along in the Kane household... Zachary studying for board exams and school, me with busy season. It's definitely a "this too, shall pass" kind of time in our lives. But, we have a each other and our puppy and that makes us happy (if you want to see more of my little stinker check out my #dailybuster photo and follow me on instagram! @mykane). 

I hope to be back soon with some fun posts, but if I take a while, don't hate me! In the meantime, here's some fun sayings from pinterest that pretty much sum up our life right now. 

coffee, flow, breathe, enjoy, make it happen!


P.S. Andrew Bird's new album, Break It Yourself, came out today! I can't wait to listen! He is our favorite... Are you a fan?

Snow Days!

A couple weeks ago we had a huge snow storm here in Seattle. And by huge snow storm, I mean we had about 6-8 inches of snow and ice. It may not seem that bad to those of you that grew up in Michigan, Wisconsin or where you have snow on a regular basis, but to us "rainy" folk here in Seattle, it's a lot! Especially since Seattle is basically on a huge hill and has no infrastructure for snow (i.e., no snow plows). 

Anyways, we got a couple days off to enjoy the snow. It was all great until our power went off on Thursday about 10am and didn't come back on until we got home from work on Friday. Thursday was probably one of the most miserable days - we couldn't really venture out because of the ice covering the snow, no power = no heat, and the big window we have in our front room is single-pane, so we had to keep the curtains closed to keep the heat in, leaving us with less light. Snow just causes problems! But it sure it fun and pretty for the first couple of days. :) 

Of course, Buster was all over the snow. He was our little vacuum cleaner - went around the yard, nose to the snow. He also liked to catch the falling snowflakes and just eat the snow in general. Here's some pictures...

After 24 hours of snow and some freezing rain, the trees were heavy with ice! So heavy, that with the little bit of wind that came, some of the huge trees were losing branches. All Thursday night I heard the smaller branches fall from the trees and I was scared the whole tree was going to fall through the roof! Luckily, we came through with just a big branch leaning against the house. No damage, thank goodness!

Happy Blog-Day!

I can't believe it's already been a whole year since I started this here blog. A whole year! Happy Blog-Day to us! It's been a great year - exploring Arizona, moving back home, baking lots of goodies, traveling to Europe, and doing lots of projects, just to name a few (see more of our year in review here). 

I've learned a lot this year, and a big part of that was through this blog. It makes me happy and I love that it pushes me to try new things and get inspired. I had gone so long without any creativeness in my life, so I'm glad this blog has brought part of that back.

I also want to give a HUGE shout out to all of YOU. Thanks for reading my little blog this past year. I love sharing my recipes, projects, travels, and inspiration with all of you and I hope you get a little inspired in return. 

Here's to many more years of enjoying the little things and getting inspired!

P.S. Don't forget to follow my blog to get the latest posts. I'm also on Pinterest and Twitter, so you can follow me there too!

Balloons, Happy

Week 1: Photo-A-Day

Maybe you might have seen (here) that one of my "resolutions," if you will, was to take a Photo-A-Day for all of 2012. Well, I am happy to report that we are right on track! Week one: Check! For now, I'm having fun doing this little experiment so hopefully I can keep it up. Here's all my photos from the first week.

January 1

January 2

January 3

January 4

January 5

January 6

January 7