Life of Larisa or LOL

Our little guy turned nine months old on Monday. So, I have three months to get my act together for his first birthday party. Not. Enough. Time. Speaking of which, the past nine months flew by. Zach is standing, crawling out of his crib, throwing toys, biting mom, having laugh attacks, busy, the Lance Armstrong of crawling, and exploring everything. He keeps all of us active and entertained. Here's nine photos of our Z-man. Happy 9 months little rascal.

...and you have a fussy, teething baby, you don't feel up to going to the store. But you DO feel up for chocolate cake. So that's what Zach and I did today after our inaugural visit to TJ Maxx. Zach loudly banged my pots and pans while I made eggless chocolate cake...with cherries...and Nutella for frosting. These cupcakes, otherwise known as "Sweet Jesus" cupcakes (thanks Sheri), came about as a result of trying to get rid of random ingredients before our townhouse gets tented (fumigated for you mainland folks). When life gives you bugs, make eggless chocolate cake. And add in a can of cherry pie filling for an exciting bonus. Behold a sinful trifecta. Perfect for rainy days and Mondays...and moms with fussy babies. Recipe: 1 1/3 cups flour 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 2 teaspoons baking powder 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1 dash salt 3 tablespoons softened butter 1 1/2 cups sugar 2 eggs, beaten (or not if you are me) preheat oven to 350°F put cupcake l

...brought to you by the Majors. I went away for a relaxing mommy/baby vacation (which seems like an oxymoron) and returned home to this amusing safety feature for the stairs. Gotta laugh. The railing and posts are coming, but for now there's this...

...it was bound to happen sooner or later, I was just hopeful it would be later. Zach was attempting to walk (it's too soon!) and toppled over, bumping that soft baby skin on a hard chair leg. The first of many scratches, bumps, and bruises to come, but the first one is always hardest for...mom. For several days my cute little Zachy looked like Locke from LOST...or affectionately known as Scarface. Not that either picture does the new nickname justice, but I was trying to find the humor in an otherwise pout worthy event. Luckily babies are resilient and heal quickly...now he's as good as new...ready for the next big bang.

...on the cupcakes, in the name of the restaurant, and most likely in Jessica's belly. Today we showered her with food, gifts, butterfly themery, and girl time before baby number two makes her appearance next month. I always love a shower (the baby kind) and an excuse to eat at Mariposa in Neiman Marcus. Although today was boys day, it felt a lot more like girls day...even have pictures to prove it. Congratulations to Jessica, Brian and big brother to be Dylan. We can't wait to meet baby Joni.

...turned photo shoot. I am obsessed with my baby. Taking pictures of his blue eyes with the ocean in the background never gets old. To break up the monotony of the same old same old, we packed up the boys for a middle of the week beach adventure...with a stop at Wendy's. The weather was perfect for a dinner picnic on the beach...and a little reading while the boys played in the sand. Lucky we live Hawaii. Lucky I have three beach boys.

...or Pinterest Baking strikes again.  I found a recipe for a two ingredient, supposedly delicious cake on Pinterest.  I decided to give it a try.  Then, I decided to go one step further and tweak the recipe I found on Pinterest.  That is how the peach bundt was made.  Hang on to your hats, here's the recipe.  Pour one bag Betty Crocker Angel Food Cake mix into a bowl.  Open one can or jar of peaches (can't find the fresh ones here).  Pour the peaches in the bowl with the mix.  Stir.  Pour into greased bundt pan.  Cook on 350 for 20 minutes and you have yourself a masterpiece.  You have yourself a recipe you can make while holding an eight month old baby.  You have yourself a recipe you can remember due to sleepless nights from said eight month old baby.  You have yourself a recipe your eight your old son can make when you are in the mood for something sweet. Ta da!  My work here is done.