The LaGreca Family

I don’t think this post will really “flow” — but, I have a ton of fun/cute/everyday/random pictures of NCL I wanted to post, so I will just start posting and see if anything comes to mind.

Joe bought these ‘tools’ for NCL a long time ago at the Parent Swap Meet (I think he paid $1 for an entire bag of tools).  NCL LOVES the pliers and recently he has been interested in “working on things.”  One afternoon, he decided he needed to work on his oil truck (just like Daddy does in the garage).

NCL successfully gets Daddy’s shoes on and goes for a “walk” (it only lasted 2 steps).

One of NCL’s favorite books “The Goodnight Train”

We borrowed Aunt Patty/Uncle David’s pick-up truck last weekend so we could furniture shop (I am SO excited! We found a used dresser for NCL’s room on craigslist and it’s absolutely PERFECT in there. When we are done with the room, I will take pics and post them.)

Anyway, we had the pick-up at the house and NCL was SOOOO excited to stand in the bed of the truck. I mean, you would have thought it was Christmas morning. He was dancing back there and yelling – huge smiles. It was super cute (this kid is ALL boy!)

Bath Time for Nicholas is a highlight.  As most of you know, this kid loves Nemo and ANYKIND of marine life. He especially loves sharks.

There is NO DOUBT that the best .99 cents we EVER spent was on this bag of cheap, Chinese made fish/sharks/octopus.  I am not kidding that it was .99 cents (we went to a cheap store before flying to Buffalo for Christmas and picked up stuff to give NCL on the plane.  This bag of “fish” was one thing we found and didn’t think much of it at the time).

3 months later – and NCL loves all the sharks, fish and octopus. You would think they are part of our family.

*Angie Pizz – here is another one for you And, actually – this picture is ALL about Buffalo (I just realized).  Monster towel from Aunt Angie AND Joe is wearing his Sabres shirt from Mary and Grant.

These LaGreca boys are just so darn cute.

Below, you will see – we have a new location for the train tracks (this was last week).  The livingroom has been transformed into “Grand Center Station.” NCL spends a lot of time on the tracks. We had to pick up the tracks last week because the cleaner was coming on Thursday… BUT….don’t worry, a NEW and IMPROVED track has been constructed in the livingroom. I am pretty sure that will be the last time I get on the floor and build tracks while this baby is still in my belly.  Daddy will have to engineer and build the next one.

Yesterday, I got home from work and NCL was napping (it was 5:30pm). He didn’t nap at preschool and he wasn’t feeling well. I just had to take a picture of him in his big boy bed.

And finally – tonight’s picture.  Mary & Grant – this one is JUST for you

I sure do love having a little boy in the house.  Yes, it’s crazy. Yes, it’s loud. Yes, there are a lot of crashes/accidents/bruises.  But, I wouldn’t change it for ANYTHING.  I honestly can’t remember what our house was like without Nicholas.  This might sound strange – but when he is napping on the weekend (IF I can get him to nap) — after awhile, I actually miss him.  I know he is in his room and I am busy doing a ton of other things, but I find myself thinking about him and wondering when he will wake up because I miss him.  That sounds crazy, right? I guess I just can’t help it.  He is a fun kid to be around.

Oh, the belly…..it’s huge.  My co-worker took this picture today to mark Week 33 and as she was taking it, she laughed and said “Man, you are HUGE!”

(Mom, compare these pictures:  Week 33 with NCL – not only do I feel like I am sticking out more this time, but I think it’s evidenced by the photo!)

Out of 24 guesses – it looks like we are in a dead tie, once again.  50% Girl and 50% Boy.  Hmmm….interesting.  I guess that 50/50 mentality mirrors how I feel about the whole thing.  I am really getting excited to find out what this baby is?!

We have 3 babies due in April at church – one is a girl, one is a boy — and then there is Baby LaGreca. I wonder who is going to be out numbered?

Remember 2 weeks ago, when I said I was freaked out that we only had 9 weeks to go (or 2 months)?  Well, now we are at T-7 weeks and I have changed my mind. I am not sure I can make it 7 (or more) weeks! I keep thinking “What if this baby has NO intention of coming out by the time we get to April 29th?” — What if this baby wants to be a “May” baby?

I really don’t think my back can handle this for too much longer.  I am SO darn uncomfortable sitting in front of a computer at work!  I might just have to telecommute earlier than I thought.

It’s really amazing – I can tell the baby is getting so much bigger.  I am so much more aware of the movements this time, especially since I am pretty sure I know the exact position of the baby.  It’s growing – no doubt about that! And, I am still hungry! Ha ha — that really hasn’t gone away this entire pregnancy.  I can eat! (I would still be able to keep up with our Buffalo family – if we were back there!)

This is a bit random – but I have been meaning to post this for awhile.

I love maternity pants.  I know..they aren’t very “cute” (although, compared to years and years ago – I would have to say that they have come a LONG way!) In fact, some people ask me “are those maternity pants or your regular pants?”  I have to laugh because there is no way on EARTH I could fit into regular pants – are you kidding me?!  But, my maternity jeans really aren’t that hideous.

I have 3 reasons for loving maternity pants:

#3: It’s just more comfortable.  When your belly sticks out as much as mine does, you really need comfort — I need the stretch!

#2: It doesn’t matter how big your meal is, the pants still fit you the same. I have definitely been known to have to “release” a button on my jeans before – because I ate too much and felt bloated (pre-pregnancy).  I don’t have that worry right now.

And, the #1 reason why I LOVE maternity pants:  I can go to the bathroom at least twice as fast as normal. There are no buttons to undo or zippers to unzip.  It’s awesome (and for those of you who know me really well, you know this is HUGE for me – because I don’t like to be in the bathroom.  Anything that can speed up the process is welcomed!)  **Interesting trade-off…when you are pregnant, you go to the bathroom 4-5 times more than normal — so, what am I really gaining?

We have seen a BIG difference in NCL’s growth since he started preschool (only a few weeks ago!)  He is trying SO many more words and making sentences now — it’s awesome.  I guess he really wants to be like the bigger kids at school (or he quickly figured out that he HAS to use words to communicate with others, to get what he wants).  Whatever his reasoning – I don’t really care – I am just so excited to hear him talking more.

Nicholas is now 28 months old (2 yrs and 4 mths).  Wow – it’s amazing how FAST 2+ years just flies by!  I know all parents say the same thing – but man, it’s so true.  Before we know it, NCL will be a big brother…and then, he will be off to real school, and then eating us out of house & home with his teenage friends after swim practice.  Ok – maybe not THAT fast – I will try to slow things down from here on out…ha ha.

Here are some fun/random pictures of the little guy from the last few weeks.

Above: I made homemade Mac & Cheese (yes Mom, your recipe – I have had to practice a few times to perfect it…although, I still need some work) and NCL LOVED to lick the cheesy spoon after.

Above: NCL wanted to wear my jacket – it looks HUGE on him!

Above: Just another Saturday morning — listening to a little Christmas music (in February) while lounging in the laundry basket (isn’t that what everyone does on Saturday morning?)

Above: NCL is finally learning that the way to win over Roscoe is to “sneak” him scraps of meat from the table. NCL thinks it’s funny…Roscoe loves the food!

Above: The next “American Idol” ?

Above: One Sunday morning, NCL wanted to carry my Bible to the car. He was so proud of himself — he kept saying “My Bible…Mommy’s Bible…My Bible”

And finally, the latest obsession just this week — his “gees” — he wants to play with them ALL the time.  It’s the first thing he asks for in the morning and the last thing he talks about before bed.  We have had this little track set up in the kitchen/dining area for the past 3+ days (Joe finally took it apart today).

Who would have thought that camping on the beach in February, in Orange County, would result in a beach evacuation for a Tsunami Warning?  I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t been there. In fact, when my Dad knocked on our door and said we had to leave – I totally thought he was kidding.

Despite the evacuation, we had a successful weekend camping trip in Huntington Beach.  NCL always loves to be outside, no matter where we go.

On Friday night, he and I went for a little walk along the sidewalk and the sand. He found a stick, of course.

He enjoyed walking in the sand and looking at the fire pits on the beach.

He got to try out his new Bass Pro sleeping bag – a Christmas present from Grandma D (my mom). He also sat in his in his little Bass Pro folding chair at the Friday night campfire (I don’t have a picture, but it was cute).

We were told to leave the beach around 8:30am on Saturday morning due to the Tsunami threat along the coast. They said the beach would be open again around 1pm and that we could leave our RVs parked there — we just had to move to the other side of the PCH (which was about 15 feet from our RV).  Dad had his RV and we had ours – we decided to take both and go to the local mall (we figured there would be plenty of parking and at least we could walk around inside while it rained).

Target was celebrating Dr. Suess with Storytime for the kids.  NCL and Daddy listened to one story and then NCL had enough “sitting”!

This mall had a great kiddie play area AND a train to ride.  I will HAVE to post the video of NCL riding. He really was in heaven.  Kind of funny because the little boy in front of him was crying SO hard. I couldn’t believe it. He was petrified of this train and wanted his Mom.  NCL was completely opposite. As he went by each time, he said “Bye, Bye” – and waved to us.

After NCL’s train ride – we went back to our RV – I made lunch for everyone and then we all laid down for a nap (ah – the joys of bringing your home with you, wherever you go.)  NCL took a 2 hr nap. It was awesome.  We headed back to the beach around 4:45pm and it was COLD! Decided that a beach campfire wouldn’t work Saturday night because it was just too cold and windy out there.  The boys improvised with a “BBQ-Parking lot Fire” – see below for the prep.

We ate dinner inside (Penny made homemade lasagna – YUM!)  NCL watched the Jungle Book on Dad’s travel DVD player, while we waiting for dinner to cook.

The picture below has to be my favorite of the trip.  NCL wasn’t shy about giving out kisses and hugs the whole weekend.  Everyone EATS that up!

The picture below is LOVE

After dinner, the boys got the BBQ Parking Lot Fire going, and Joe enjoyed a S’more.

With NCL tucked into our bed, watching the Lion King – the adults headed over to Dad’s RV to play games.  A little Skip-Bo first. And then the dominoes came out – Mexican Train, our favorite.

And, since Saturday was Penny’s official birthday – we sang and enjoyed Tiramisu (we didn’t have real birthday candles, so we improvised….see, we do “rough it” when we camp).

First things first – looks like the GIRL guesses have taken the lead. 10 for a girl and 7 for a boy.  The good news about that (if the majority is right) – we have a list of girl names.  (“List” defined as 2 or more complete baby names — we have exactly 2, so we qualify that as a “list”).  We still have nothing for boy….but, we are starting to work hard on it.

The Baby Guessing Game will probably be open for at least 3-4 more weeks – so make your guess now (or enter another one).  I have done 2 so far – I totally felt like it was a boy when I guessed the first time. Then a few weeks passed by and I just felt like it was a girl (trust me, I have NO insider information – I have NO idea what the gender is — my gut feeling just depends on the day, I guess?)

(**To go directly to the game page – you just click on the Expect.Net box above – it’s pretty easy from there)

Ok, so here is the update on me and Baby #2.

We went to the doctor today (the normal monthly check-up).  He asked me if I knew the position of the baby and then he checked for himself. I said that I was pretty sure the baby was head down, the bum right above my belly button and the knees/feet off to my right side.  Based on his checking (which was quite painful, by the way. He just pushed around all over my belly and it didn’t feel very good) he thought the baby was in the exact position I said.  He wants to make sure it’s still head down, so we get a quick ultrasound at the next appt. I was SO excited to hear that. We didn’t get a “late in the game” ultrasound with Nicholas (and I can’t remember why – he must have been sure that the baby was head down).  Oh and for those of you who are thinking: “Oh sweet – it’s ONE last chance to find out the sex of the baby!!” — Nice Try!!  Do you really think we would go 34 weeks and then blow one of the biggest surprises we get in life?! I don’t think so!

We got to hear the heartbeat and it sounds so good – very strong.  Within a second of the Doc finding the beat – the baby moved out of the way.  I guess it didn’t really like the invasion of privacy?

Let’s see what else I have for you (I had a whole list in my head today – and knew I would forget most of it as soon as I sat down at the computer):

** I am definitely feeling the Baxton Hicks contractions this time around.

** My body is so much more achy this time. I am having the hardest time getting comfortable at night – which causes sleep problems. My hips are sore and I am feeling quite a bit of pressure down low.

** Sitting at a desk/computer all day is making my back very mad.  When it’s time to go home at night – the LAST thing I want to do, is SIT in the car for the drive home.  I am constantly squirming in my car seat because my back hurts.

** We were watching a movie the other night with the Harris’ and Joe got to feel the baby moving a TON! He just sat with his hand on my belly for at least 15 minutes and the baby put on a show for him.  That was really the first time he felt significant movement. He probably believes I have a baby in there now – and it’s not just a beer-belly (and no, I still don’t like beer – never have, never will – sorry Joe).

** When I say “I only have 9 weeks to go” – it sounds like that isn’t a long amount of time. But if I say “I have 2 months to go” – it sounds longer.  Does anyone agree?  Maybe I will stick with the months instead of the weeks, just so I don’t get too freaked out about the fact that this baby is almost here (either way!)

** I made all the rest of my appts w/ the doctor today – up until the 39th week.  That freaked me out a bit.

** The baby gets the hiccups 2-4 times everyday. It’s not as vigorous as the  hiccups were with NCL. I remember all the girls at work would come over to feel it and it would be really strong bumps.  This baby seems to get them more often, but they are deeper in my belly, so its hard for someone to feel them from the outside (especially Joe).  It just feels like a little heart beating.

** I asked the Doc if he thought there was a better chance that I would go into labor on my own this time – and he said, with a smile “yes, you have a better chance” — but he said we would have to see how I was doing towards the end.  He said I will start getting more cranky as time goes on (if the baby hasn’t come a little early or on time).  Thinking about this baby being late is not really the most pleasant thought — but, it’s a possibility–so I need to expect anything.   Then the Doc said, “you never know, you could go into labor a few weeks early” — Joe immediately said “that would be awesome” — (A sign that he is nearing the end of his patience with my “growing pains”??? Hmmmmm)

** I just looked at my “31 Week” picture with Nicholas and I am PRETTY sure that my belly is bigger this time. I can’t even believe that it’s possible….but, it might be true.  Man, I am TOO short for this!  It’s no wonder that people in the office GASP when they see me (if they haven’t seen me in a few days or a week).