It's a BOY!

19 weeks

Anatomy Scan (top pic is 3D image... he covered his face the whole time)

It's official, we are having a baby boy! He was not shy at all and showed us his goods right away. We are thrilled to be expecting a boy and Natasha can't wait to meet her baby brother!  This poor baby isn't even born yet and is already so neglected on this blog. Doesn't that always happen with the second one anyway? Looking back to when I started this blog, it was all about my pregnancy and Natasha and now I have barely talked about my pregnancy this time around. Well, baby boy this post is all about you (and a little about your mama too). Today was the anatomy scan where we got to see our sweet baby boy again. I don't think I will get another ultrasound, so we will have to wait until he comes out to see him again. Everything looked great with his heart, brain, bladder, kidneys, etc. He is measuring right on track and weighs about 11 oz. He was pretty active during the ultrasound and we saw him opening and closing his mouth a couple of times. And when we tried to get the 3D image of his face he kept covering his face... little stinker! All my blood work came back normal so very low risk of down syndrome or trisomy 18... always a relief to hear.

As for me, I am feeling great. I love the second trimester. I am still doing stroller strides about 2-3 times a week. I'm not running as much, but I am still getting a great workout. The one and only thing I will complain about is my sciatic pain. Usually by night time, I am limping around. By morning it is gone, so maybe I just need to rest more! That is easier said than done, with a toddler to chase after. Other than that we are so excited to be welcoming our son into the world this December. Stay tuned for more updates on our baby boy!

Beach Babe

 At Laguna Beach last Friday

 My little California girl

 At Baby Beach in Dana Point today

 My new favorite beach... great for little kids

 No waves, so Natasha can actually splash around in the water

It was such a beautiful day at the beach!

Now that our swim lessons are over, we now have time to hit the beach.  The weather was beautiful both days that we went.  Laguna Beach was fun, but with the bigger waves, Natasha didn't venture close to the water too much.  So, today we checked out Baby Beach in Dana Point and I think we will be spending the rest of our summer there!  Since it is protected by the harbor, there are no waves to knock little ones down (or drag them out to sea).  Natasha could actually walk about 10 feet out before getting too deep.  We had a blast playing in the water and building sand castles in the sand.  She is definitely a California girl!

Now that swim lessons are over, we are still practicing her skills at the pool.  I am going to try and get her to the pool two to three times a week. She still needs the practice and I don't want her to forget.  Yesterday, after nap time, we headed across the street to our little pool and Natasha did great swimming to me from the stairs and flipping over into her back float to catch a breath.  Don't worry, it is not all hard work and no play.  Natasha gets plenty of fun time with her floaty ring and noodle.  That is one of the things that our instructor insisted on that we do.  Swimming should be fun!  She also said for us to "pay it forward."  So, if any of you out there want me to show your little ones some water safety techniques, just let me know!

Future Rock Star

We have a future Rock Star in our family!  Natasha loves to play the drums and sing songs.  And she dresses the part too!

Swim Lessons

Natasha just completed 8 weeks of swim lessons and Zac came to watch and take some video of our little fish.  Today was our last day and it was safety day, so the kids had to wear clothes and shoes in the pool.  It was also test day... throwing Natasha off of the diving board!  She did a great job and I am so happy that we put her in these classes at this age!  Listen for the huge belch at the end of the video.

This video is of Natasha jumping off the wall (from a seated position) and going into her back float by herself.  She knows how to jump from standing (and has done it many times), but she wasn't feeling it today!

 

 Natasha's favorite time of class... floaty time

Summer Fun

 Natasha's first car... thank you David Fliegler!

 We are in trouble!

 A red Mini Copper convertable

 Self photography

 At the Angels Game

 With Kiki

 Sharing a seat and cracker jacks

 Can you tell it is past their bedtime!

Wild Wild West day at Toddler Time:

Splashing in puddles

 Loving her pink cowboy boots

 Sharing some ice cream with dada after lunch

And a cookie... what a special treat!

Happy 4th of July

 Our little firecracker and her lollipop

 Enjoying a snack during the parade

 One of the many reasons why we LOVE living in Ladera!

 Having a snack and waving a flag

 Look at all the patriotic spirit!

 

Natasha is wondering why her dad is smiling that way.

This morning we participated in the 4th of July Parade here in Ladera.  We probably had 25 ladies from the 2010 Babies Club there with their kids and hubbies.  It was so much fun walking together and seeing all the decorated wagons with our little patriotic dressed kids along for the ride.  It was about a mile walk and Natasha had a great time waving her flag and snacking.  We will definitely be doing this again next year!  Hope everyone has a fun and safe 4th of July!