The LaGreca Family

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).

Sometimes, Joe and I feel like our house is a zoo.  NCL will get a MILLION toys out and scatter them ALL over the place — then take one of the toy bins, put it on his head as a “hat” – and run ALL over the house, screaming.   OR – he will get his big firetruck (given to us by my boss) and turn the buttons on and drive that all over the place. The noise of that firetruck would drive anyone crazy – but it especially drives Joe crazy. I am really surprised that thing hasn’t “disappeared” yet..he he.  Oh – and then..the dog will start his routine of running crazy all over the place and barking.  I tell ya – a zoo.

Since I had President’s Day off this year – we decided to get outside, in the 80+ degree weather, and visit the zoo.

Note to self: never visit the zoo on a holiday.  The parking lot was INSANE and I have never seen so many people at our zoo (probably because we go when no one else is there – since we have annual passes).

Joe dropped us off and parked the car. So, we decided to have a snack and watch the flamingos and ducks.

Nicholas wanted to visit the elephants. I wish I could type out the word he uses for elephants…but I can’t. It’s more like a sound and it’s long.  It’s almost the sound a rooster makes – we laugh everytime.

On the way to the Elephant Odyssey – we had to stop to play with the coin machine. We didn’t have to put any money in – NCL was perfectly happy to turn the crank a few times.

(These two pictures will have to serve as my Week 29.5 pictures. It’s all I have during the time I was sick)

After 400 miles of travel (did I mention it was 80+ degrees?), we finally made it to the *New* Elephant Odyssey exhibit (it’s probably the newest addition to the zoo, but it was finished awhile back. I hadn’t been before).

(Yes, Nicholas needs another haircut…oh Gina…I wish you lived closer. I am actually thinking of trying to re-create your haircut on NCL…what a joke that will be – I was not meant to cut hair!)

Although NCL enjoyed watching the real elephants – he thoroughly enjoyed playing with this giant, fake elephant:

Being that it was almost lunch time, AND I was starting to run out of energy, (the day before this was the day I was in the urgent care for the sinus infection — we went on this little adventure, after I battled a 2 hour pounding-headache in the morning) it was time to make the 400 mile journey to the Zoo’s Exit (mostly uphill) and then the 56 mile journey to the car once outside the gates.

The rest of the afternoon went like this:

(1) Turn A/C on FULL BLAST in the car – all the way home

(2) Eat lunch – Mexican food we picked up on the way home

(3) Mommy and NCL – Take a looong nap

..and back to reality!

It feels like forever since my last blog post (yes, 12 days in-between posts is a LONG time for me).  I have a good excuse though – after the last post and my week long cold – I got my very first sinus infection….and nearly fell off the face of the Earth for over a week.

I will spare the gory details since most of you have been keeping up with me the last week on facebook.  I will leave this sinus infection behind me..as soon as I say — WOW! That was a PAINFUL week and I hope NEVER to get another sinus infection again — especially while pregnant!

Now – onto life at the LaGreca house.

We live with a “little monster”

NCL’s Aunt Angie got him that cute bath towel while we were back in Buffalo for Christmas. He was actually scared of it in December — he kept saying “Uh oh – Bite!”  (he thought the “monster” was going to bite him).  Now he is ok with the towel and it just looks so darn cute when he gets out of the bath.

The bedding arrived for NCL’s Big Boy Bed — he likes it.

I wish I could say the transition to the new room/bed had been done..but it hasn’t.  It’s totally our fault.  We still don’t have a dresser for his clothes (which isn’t the MOST important thing in the transition, but it adds to the list), the closet hasn’t been completely cleaned out with our stuff, and Joe is working through some electrical work in that room.  I had said before that we would probably paint in there, but I don’t think it’s going to happen (Joe says it’s definitely not happening).  We are running out of time and it’s just not necessary at this point. More important to get him in the new room/bed before Baby LG #2 arrives!

NCL’s grandparent’s took him to Balboa Park for the morning.  They had a BLAST!

(Our poor boy has scrapes/bruises ALL over his body — it’s a really good day if there isn’t a new one added to the mix…those days are far and few between).

(I absolutely LOVE the above picture..thinking about framing it for our bedroom).

Grandpa & Grandpa took NCL to the Model Railway Museum in Balboa Park.  I probably don’t have to tell you how much NCL loves that place..it’s all about GEE GEEs!

NCL kept himself entertained while Mommy wasn’t feeling well last week (at home).

—And, no, we don’t let him sit on the coffee table to watch his Chip & Dale shows.  But, I walked in the livingroom and caught him up there – I had to grab the camera and snap a picture before telling him to get down and sit on the couch instead.

Joe and I are continually amazed at HOW MUCH this kid LOVES Donald Duck/Chip & Dale cartoons.  It’s so awesome because there are tons on youtube – and they are only 6-8 minutes long.  I have found that it’s the easiest way for me to take a shower in the morning.  I take him in the bathroom with me — I start a Donald Duck cartoon on my iPhone (youtube) – I am always careful to pick the longer episodes, at least 7 1/2 minutes or so, and then I take a shower. He watches the “Duck” the whole time..and behaves. It’s wonderful.

And finally, time to wrap up this post — but first, I HAVE to post pictures of NCL’s 1st Day of Preschool (Thursday, Feb. 11th)

I snapped a quick picture of Daddy and son in the parking lot, on the way into NCL’s first day of “school” – (yup, I am one of “those” Mom’s – the camera goes everywhere with me — but that is no surprise to anyone, right?)

NCL was a little skeptical at first. He didn’t want us to leave….then he saw the box of cars/trucks/trains and he went right over to them. We tried to sneak past him, but he caught us. THEN – he saw the playdough on the table – and that was it…our get-away was flawless. (I won’t lie – I was a little sad….our baby is growing up – BUT, mostly, I was SO excited for him. The sadness didn’t last long for me).

An hour after we dropped NCL off at preschool – we got an email update from the preschool director (Thank YOU, Robin!)  She said NCL was doing great & snapped this picture of Amos and Nicholas playing dress-up. (These 2 boys are 3 weeks apart and have been together at church since they were teeny babies. When we tell NCL we are going to church, the first thing he says is “I wanna see Amy” — that’s what he calls Amos).

And a few hours later..we got ANOTHER email update…with the sweetest picture EVER.

(NCL took his first nap at preschool..on a little person cot. I just LOVE this picture — HUGE thanks to Robin for making us feel so special on NCL’s first day at FHPP. We are so happy to have Nicholas there!)

And, as if 2 emails with attached pictures wasn’t enough – we got the cutest little personalized “report card” (NCL is “eating” plastic corn on the cob from the play kitchen)

Time for bed (it’s almost 11pm!)  More pictures/updates to come….