Oh baby could it be...

Nah, not us. Not the couple who just got married and moved to SF to explore a new city together. Not the ones that wanted to wait at least a year to even start trying. Not us who thought there was absolutely no way it could be possible so decided not to take any preventative measures. Hehehahahoho! After dousing 4 First Response sticks it finally settled in that yep, we're having a kid.

Although not planned, we are tickled silly knowing we have our first little goober on the way. God's best gifts in life usually come unplanned and nothing can prepare us for this sweet little thing that's about to enter our lives. We're just taking it one step at a time and celebrating each victory as it comes.

Today we had our first big triumph...we went in for our 10 to 13 week integrated screening test, meaning they take a risk assessment for Down Syndrome and Trisomy 18 (disorder of human chromosomes) evaluating the patients age, blood work and ultrasound screening. After restlessly waiting for the test results and taking a few videos, even though we were told we couldn't, the doctor finally came into the room with a little smirk on her face and gave us the news of "well, it looks like you are negative, negative in positive way!" A relief washes over us in an awesome way. She continued to tell us super-duper news, not only are we negative, but our risk is lower than the programs cutoff. Sweet! Felt like a 10lbs weight just released from my heart strings. I know we're not out of the clear just yet, I still have this Brad Fine as my childs father to worry about :)

We saw our little ones profile, arms, legs, bladder, intestines, left & right cerebral hemisphere and heart. Babes is 3inches long, about the size of a lime and was bouncing around like a little nut (just like mama) even putting a hand in the mouth. We both looked at each other just hoping that didn't indicate a thumb sucker. You can suck your thumb all you want little one, just join this world healthy, happy and ready to be smooched on!





Little thumb sucker





12 weeks, 5 days

Trouble in SF

Two of my very best girlfriends came to visit me this past weekend for an overdue birthday celebration!! The monsoon actually held out two of three days they were here so we were able to rummage through the many things this city has to offer. After our 4 hour detour to the relaxing Burke Williams resort, we continued on with a stroll through bustling Union Square, drove through the "always crowded no matter the weather" Embarcadero, got our rubber neck on down Lambard St., joined the many voyagers on the Golden Gate, and made it to several of my treasured restaurants in this city. Oh and not to ever forget our final stop to Mitchells famous ice cream before we all crashed out. I've become a great peddler of SF, going on probably my 25th visitor excursion, but I've learned to create a new experience for myself and those I'm with.

My girls have made this place feel a little more like home and I am so ever thankful for their beautiful spirit and laughter they shared with me.

life in 2010

i'm in denial that the holidays are over...no more glittering trees in the window, no more christmas carols on the radio, trees lay horizontal on the sidewalks to be crushed - kinda depressing, but i'm excited to get on with this year. we've already had a pretty eventful 14 days. brad made his way to scottsdale az for his national sales meeting and i headed back to where my heart is, so cal, to see my bestest girls and celebrate erin's 30th birthday. there was nothing better than being in the warmest place in the country, as my mom called to tell me. they had been snowed in for the last two days and she was about to go crazy. all i could do was rub it in a little and say "see what you're missing out on?" but to be honest with you, i'm missing out on it too. i came home to 55 degree gloomy city weather. i guess it could have been worse. now it's back to reality and time to take down this christmas decor. can someone please send the tree fairy???? what a pain in the butt! and to make matters worse, i have nowhere to put this fake tree we bought. crapolio. i'm sure i'll figure out something. i always do.

well here's to an amazing year to come...2010 is going to rock our world. i just hope we can hold on for this roller coaster ride we're about to embark on. the coaster might get stuck upside down, we might have to wait 3 hours to take this 1 min ride, or it might be raining too hard to even take the ride, but hey, whatever god has in store for us we'll be ready. he hasn't disappointed yet.

The First Fine Tree

There are many firsts in life - first love, first car, first kiss, first move, but nothing as cool and exciting as a first Christmas Tree! Okay, maybe that statement isn't true, but I'm saying it. We never were compelled to own a tree back in Los Angeles since it was usually 70 degrees and it just wasn't the same as going home to Georgia or Missouri. Now that we live in SF we actually have seasons here and not only that, we are 'officially' a Fine family, so a Fine tree was needed. I found the perfect tree at Target for our Noe home: prelit, pine cones incorporated, 7' 1/2" tall, cashmere pine. I spent at least 2 hours trying to decide on what exactly my "tree theme" was going to be, because I needed one? I settled on earth tone colors (gold, chocolate, pearl/beige) with splashes of red. So very unique, I know. Oh and no angel, sorry mom :( I decided on a chocolate ribbon. Actually decorating the tree was the fun part. We enjoyed a glass of wine, listened to Christmas music (with of course football in the background) and laughed our butts off when I shattered not one, but five ornaments. Slippery little things! Good thing I bought 70 of them. After all said and done, it was a "first" that will be remembered and will carry us through many great memories.

Give me some Kale, yes I said Kale

I have just recently become completely obsessed with Kale, that curly green leafy vegetable that looks very boring. I used to be a frequent shopper at the Whole Foods in El Segundo and they made this amazing Kale salad at the fresh bar, but not here in Noe so I decided just to make it myself. It's much cheaper and it's actually better :) I know you're probably thinking I'm crazy for liking Kale as it's bitter, a super green food and not so pretty. I'm telling you, if paired with the right ingredients it can be so yummy and the health benefits are out of this world! Here are a few reasons why Kale should be part of your daily food intake.

excellent source of...

• Manganese
• Iron
• Copper
• Calcium
• Dietary Fiber
  
• Vitamin C
  
• Vitamin B1, B2, B6
• Vitamin E

...as well as a host of other phytonutrients.

But where Kale gets an A+ is it's vitamin A content. It is a great source of beta carotene. Just one portion of Kale is only 36 calories but it provides a massive 192% of your daily vitamin A needs. Australian research has found that people who eat beta-carotene rich foods are less likely to develop skin cancer.

Kale is an excellent source of Vitamin C too. A daily portion of the green stuff provides a whopping 89% of your daily vitamin C requirement. One portion of Kale will cater for 10.5% of your daily fiber requirements.

It helps to reduce cholesterol and stop arteries from becoming clogged up. It helps to keep blood sugar under control...great for diabetics.

It is good for people with irritable bowel syndrome as it aids constipation and diarrhea. Also fiber helps provide protection against colon cancer.

Must I say more? It's one of health's superstars!

Raw Kale Salad Recipe

1 bunch Kale chopped
2 tbs olive oil
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup roasted pine nuts
1/2 diced tomatoes (optional)
Sea salt to taste
Toss and serve



Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

October Over Rover

I can't believe October is already over! Dang where has the year gone! October was such a fun month of pumpkin' pies, pumpkin' carving, pumpkin' farm, $26 pumpkin's (way too much mula), harvest festivals and of course one of my favorite holidays, Halloween!

I love it how everyone in this city gets into hween. Every shop, restaurant, salon has their place decked out with spooky attire and all the homes have at least one carved pumpkin out on their front door step.

This year was pretty special since this was our first Halloween as residence of San Fran. We spent our evening celebrating with friends from Orange County/San Diego at the Regency Center with one of our favorite DJs, Miguel Migs.

Until next year!

This was a kids paradise. Pumpkins galore, roosters, rabbits and a play pin.



Carving away...thank goodness Mr. Krug brought the carving tools and design book :) Not sure what we have done without them!



These pumpkins finally got faces, the day before Halloween!




Paula Deen Pumpkin Pies

Who wants H1N1????

Visit back south

So 2 weeks ago I decided it was time to head back south, south west that is, to pay a little visit to my west side friends that I miss so very much. It worked out perfect as Brad was heading to Vegas for some boy toy time and to win us some mula! Vegas didn't get the best of him this time...he ended up paying for his entire trip. woohoo! We had an eventful weekend planned with a hike in PV, El Cholo dinner & James Beach drinks in my old neighborhood of Venice, Pinkberry/Penguins/Menchie's (we hit all three), Temecula Wine Tasting on a party bus and a trip to beautiful Dana Point to hang with the Longs. We didn't miss a beat. I am so blessed to have such amazing friends in my life. Huge thanks to Sara and Erin for letting me invand their home and being a permanent fixture on their sofa ALL day Sunday.

Beautiful PV






There were crabs everywhere underneath the rocks. Seems as though they were accustomed to having visitors.



and the rocks that we maneuvered around.



Tracey, Kristin and I at El Cholo. The best Mexican restaurant EVER and they have very yummy pomegranate margaritas :)



The entire wine tasting crew. We were a hit at every winery! How could you not be when you roll with 20+ awesome people.



Here is the fabulous party bus we took to Temecula!