Summer as Three — Jan's Spring

From even before we were married three years ago, my husband Carl and I have always lived a busy lifestyle. We always have plans for the weekends and even if we don’t have plans, we find something to do, LOL. When I became pregnant, some people started telling us to say goodbye to that life because we would no longer be able to have fun and go out as often. When Julianna joined us, I admit it: things were definitely different, however, we just had to adjust to the new lifestyle. When Carl and I decided to have a baby, we promised each other that when feasible, we would not let Julianna slow us down at all. And although challenging, she has made us stronger and has made us grow as adults and as parents. Instead of bars and late night outings with friends, we go to breakfasts and to dinners and whatever else we want to do. Our schedules haven’t changed much at all : we still have something going on all the time, and we take Julianna everywhere with us. This summer has been the best summer yet because she has been apart of it. We have explored and done different things as a family of three. Below are some of the things that we have done this summer that have worked for myself as a working woman and mother and as a family of three.

The Park: I know this may sound like a dumb one. BUT! We have a park that is a three-minute walk away that Carl and I never visited until now. We recently started walking almost every weekday to get in better shape and I cannot tell you what this does to me physically AND mentally. Being inside an office all day drains me mentally so much and being able to go outside feels amazing. Carl and I actually talk more on our walks as well; I feel it has really changed me. More importantly, this has gradually helped me get back to my pre-pregnancy weight, Carl has also lost weight, and Julianna loves people and dog watching from the comfort of her stroller.

The Beach: Living in Los Angeles equals great weather year-round, and we love to take advantage and spend time at the beaches. beautiful beaches. Carl and I love going to the Shoreline Aquatic Park in Long Beach. It really is a picture-perfect spot, as there is a lighthouse at the end of the park and it overlooks the RMS Queenmary. We first came here when I was desperate to get out of the house right after having Julianna and we love to come back with her. It is so nice to just sit there and watch her play while we relax.

Backyard hangouts: Carl and I have worked hard to make our backyard look nice. At our old home, the backyard was definitely bigger but we never were able to make it “intimate” and at our new place, we have definitely done that. This is a place where we want to create so many great memories with family and friends. Before we never used to hang out in the backyard – now, Julianna doesn’t want to go in the house anymore because she loves being outside!

Family friendly brunch or dinner spots: Carl and I are always looking for new brunch and dinner spots: there is nothing better than finding one that is kid-friendly as well. Au Fudge, owned by Jessica Biel, opened this year and it is targeted towards parents and their children. They have a play area for children and have au pairs, or caretakers, that can watch over your children while you wine and dine away. The food, which is very yummy, is mostly organic and seasonally-driven, making this place a must visit if you have children in Los Angeles.

With my girl

Julianna playing in the Creative Space – she loves wooden toys!

All of the little details inside this place are beautiful – they even have their own little marketplace

Food was delicious. Why is it so hard to get a family selfie these days?! haha Julianna is not a fan of pictures anymore.

Our summer is about to get a thousand times better real soon! As I am writing this post, we are prepping to go on our first family vacation as three. Our excitement is through the roof and we can’t wait to share all of our fun memories with you. We are probably a bit too nervous about the almost six-hour flight with Julianna, but Carl and I are hoping for the best. Having a good attitude is definitely needed when traveling with a baby/toddler. Wish us luck!!

XO, JAN