Big News!

Our family (as well as my belly) is expanding! We are thrilled to announce that Baby Ogg #2 will make his or her debut into the world sometime in early April. My due date is the 10th, and I'm hoping this baby isn't as late as his or her sister was. Speaking of Carina, she is pretty excited to become a big sister, although I'm sure the concept is not entirely clear yet. We told her there is a baby in Mommy's tummy, and it will need to grow big and strong before it can be born. We (really I) decided not to find out the sex of the baby. Mike isn't thrilled with the idea, because it is rather unpractical. Sure, it would be nice to know if we could donate all of Carina's baby clothes that we have saved, or what color to paint the nursery. I just love the idea of a surprise, and waiting for that moment when Mike can say, "It's a boy!" or "It's a girl!" seems so exciting and maybe worth the pain of labor. So Mike, being the awesome husband that he is, admitted defeat and is going along with not finding out. Let's face it, I was going to win this one anyway.

We told Mike's parents by giving them a picture frame with the phrase, "Grandchildren make life grand" written on it. The picture of Carina holding the 8 week ultrasound above was in the frame. At first they didn't get it, until Carina said she was going to be a big sister! They were very happy once everything clicked!

We told my parents via Skype, and we had Carina hold up the ultrasound picture and say she had a surprise. They were confused, and thought for some reason Carina was showing them my sister's ultrasound picture (She is due in January!) So after a little more explaining they figured it out and were happy too. It's really fun letting Carina be the one to share the news, and we're hoping it makes her feel important, which of course she is!

3 year stats

Here are the basic stats from Carina's 3 year old check up:
Height- 3 feet 1.5 inches
Weight- 30.3 pounds

She even had her blood pressure take , and had to do the hearing and vision test too! I can't believe how big she is getting. I was so proud of her reading off all the shapes from the eye chart. Bring on the one with letters next time, she knows those too! (Blogging is equivalent to bragging)

And yes, I am horrible at updating this thing.


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Our Disneyland Trip!

We took Carina to Disneyland for the first time back in June. We didn't tell her where we were going, but instead let her figure it out when she saw the castle! It was really an amazing trip, and we were so lucky to have some of our family and friends join us there. Needless to say we took hundreds of pictures, but Mike put together a slide show with our favorite ones that you can watch if you click on the link below. You can also watch a video that he took of Carina asking her what she thought about the trip. Enjoy!

Our Disneyland Trip 2010

6 Years and counting!

Mike and I celebrated our 6 year wedding anniversary on Saturday! Our wedding was SO much fun and everything we had hoped the day would be. It's fun to take Carina there now and show her where Mommy and Daddy met and got married! Here are only a FEW of my favorite pictures from that day...

Happy Anniversary Mike! Here's to many more years of happiness to come!

We celebrated this past weekend by going to San Francisco. Mike actually had a conference to go to there, so we thought it would be fun for me to join him. We went down Saturday afternoon and explored Chinatown and shopped in Union Square.

That evening was the big opening event for the conference, and they held it at the Academy of Sciences. The whole place was closed for this event, so we were able to see all of the aquarium and other exhibits without the usual large crowd. We also got to see a planetarium show all about how stars are born. After gorging ourselves on yummy food and wine it was time to head back to my new favorite hotel, the W. We were surprised to find that the hotel's front desk staff had left us a bottle of wine and some snacks as a little anniversary gift! Unfortunately we were too full to eat anything!

Our room number was 2004-the year we got married!

Mike and I in the Rainforest exhibit

The next day I enjoyed myself immensely by sleeping in and waking up to a Starbucks delivery from my fabulous husband. I went a did a little more shopping while he was at his morning sessions, then met up with him and a few friends of ours from the university for lunch at 'Wichcraft. I drove home later to pick up Carina from Dave & Gloria's house-yet another HUGE thank you to them for watching the Bean while we got some mommy and daddy time!

I ended up bringing her back to the hotel the next day. (I am really going to miss the "do whatever we want" summer lifestyle) We went swimming in the indoor pool, watched a movie, and had dinner at Bucca di Beppo with our friend Laura (who Carina says looks like Princess Aurora...which I found very sweet even though I apparently do not resemble any Disney Princess)

Mike can't believe we actually ordered a dessert this big!

Neither can Carina!

The next morning we took her to Yerba Buena Gardens (across the street from the W) to ride the carousel. It was such a fun family getaway (even though Mike was working). Carina said the best part of the trip was the elevator in the hotel, and the Bliss Lemon Sage Soapy Sap.

Leave it to our daughter to enjoy the little things...when she's a little older I'll have to take her to the Bliss Spa at the hotel...right Mike?

Rescued Blog: And baby will make 3...

I used to keep a blog on my Myspace page, which I haven't used in a REALLY long time (facebook is so much more fun) and I was going to cancel my account. I remembered that I had a few blogs that I wanted to save, so I copy and pasted them into this one. I'll post them over the next few weeks-a little series I will call the "Rescued Blogs". Enjoy!

And baby will make 3... (May 2007)

...or 5 if you count our other two children, Gizmo (cat) and Bailey (dog)! Oh they will be seriously de-throned, and they have no idea! As everyone probably knows, Mike and I are expecting our first baby in September. We are of course thrilled and anxious at the same time, which all of the books and websites say is normal. It's kind of nice to know we're normal We found out on January 15th, but it took me 3 pregnancy tests to really believe it! It really sunk in at our first appt. when we had the ultrasound-the baby looks like a peanut, but there is no mistaking a human heartbeat, even at 152 beats per minute. Our parents are completely ecstatic as this will be the first grandchild on both sides. The future aunts and uncle are excited too!

Luckily, things have been uneventful so far. I was nauseous from about weeks 8-10, and saltines and ginger ale were good friends of mine. The first food that sounded remotely appealing was yellow cake. No frosting, no ice cream, just plain yellow cake. If you want to let someone know you're preggo, leave a half eaten cake on the counter-apparently it's a big clue according to our friend Sara! We kept the news to ourselves and just our parents for a while for several reasons, and I admit it's kind of liberating now to have everyone know. It was pretty easy to keep a secret since I only recently started to really show a bit...about a week ago I crossed the line between looking chunky and looking pregnant, which was a relief. I'll admit it's hard to get used to my own reflection! Note to all those hubbies out there: The saying, "It's ok, you're pregnant!" isn't all that comforting as the big weight on the scale keeps sliding along!

And as everyone can see from my page, our 20 week ultrasound this past Monday revealed that we are having a girl. I was totally shocked because I was convinced it was a boy...my mother's intuition hasn't kicked in yet I guess! I was really torn about finding out the sex-I said for years that I wanted it to be a surprise, and Mike has always said he wanted to find out. I held my ground...until that 8 week ultrasound, then I caved. I'm patient... to a fault! It was just waaaay too tempting. We compromised and said that the next one will be a surprise. As for names, that will be a surprise until she's here and the ink is dry on the birth certificate...then you can judge all you want! jk

So many people find out what they're having these days, I figured our decision to take a sneak peek would be no big deal. In the last two days however, I have been chastised by people for finding out! One lady even went so far as to say "Shame on you! You ruined the surprise!" Seriously!? I immediately launched into our rational for wanting to know, while I simultaneously had a conversation with myself in my own head..."Why am I defending myself about this? Am I a bad parent already?" I have always been sensitive to what other people think, but really, why do some people feel the need to critique a pregnant woman for finding out exciting news? And on a hot day when I hadn't had lunch yet? Bad move...oh well I suppose I had best get used to unsolicited advice and criticism. Anyways, that's enough for now. Thanks for reading this even though it is my most lengthy blog to date. I'll do my best to keep everyone posted from here on out!

20 week ultrasound picture

Me at 9 months-ready to pop!

My 30th Birthday

Yes, I know my birthday was back in October, but I can't believe I didn't blog about it! It's a big deal, joining the "30's" club. I didn't have any big exciting plans, or so I thought....

Mike told me a few weeks before my birthday that he wanted me to take off work my actual birthday (Friday) and the following Monday. I'll admit I complained a bit about this because it is way more work writing sub plans than it is to actually BE at work. However he can be very persuasive ("Just take the time off will you??!!") so I figured he must be up to something.

That Thursday night, he told me he had some work function to go to after class and would be home late. I was a teensy bit suspicious, but he was pretty convincing. I was sitting on the couch folding laundry and watching T.V. when the front door opened...and MY SISTER poked her head in!!! I started jumping up and down (quietly because Carina was asleep) and hugging her like crazy. It was such an awesome surprise! After his class Mike had gone to the hotel where the air-porter dropped her off. He had flown her in from Colorado so we could spend the weekend together!

The next day, Lori and I went to Coldwater Creek Day Spa (yet another surprise) for a day of pampering. We both got massages, facials, and the best pedicures on the planet. It was totally relaxing and really fun to do it with my sister. When we got home I got to open presents (yes I am THAT spoiled) I got a beautiful Mommy & Daughter birthstone necklace from Carina, and Mike completely surprised me with my own iPhone!!! I think he was tired of me always borrowing his :o) Later that night we went to one of my favorite restaurants, Monti's, for dinner with some friends.

Mike, me, Lori, Tracy, Neil & Stephanie with the Monti's bear

Now with Kelley-she took the last pic.

The next day we went to a pumpkin patch in Petaluma. We all had a great time-Carina was so excited to have Auntie Lori there with her!

Later that day we had my birthday dinner (pot roast!) at Dave & Gloria's house. Sunday night we had girls movie night and watched Beauty and the Beast with Carina...she made it about half way through before going to bed, but Lori and I finished it. It reminded me of when we were little watching movies together...especially because we knew all the words!

It was sad to take Lori back to the air-porter the next day. (She insisted that we didn't have to drive her all the way to SFO, which was very nice) It isn't easy living so far apart, but it makes us cherish our visits that much more. I can't wait to see her again soon...and rub her belly! That's right- I'm going to be an AUNTIE! We are going to have a little niece or nephew in January. Carina will have her first cousin! Congrats Lori & Steve!

Thanks again to Mike and Lori for making my 30th birthday so incredible. I will never forget it! I love you both so much!!!

Look what I can do!

I can do a somersault!




I can play "baseball"!




I can go potty on the toilet! (Don't worry, this is not a video!)

Happy 4th of July!

Honesty

The other day Mike and I were in the kitchen making dinner while Carina played in the living room. It got a little quiet out there, so I asked her what she was doing. She said, "I'm in the laundry!"
Sure enough, she was literally in the laundry!



I had to take a picture before we got her out. Yes, she is also holding a toilet paper roll. Clearly she doesn't have enough toys to play with!

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Mike's M.B.A. Graduation!

After two long years of hard work and many hours away from home, Mike completed his Masters in Business Administration degree! I am so proud of him! When he first got accepted to the program, we knew that it meant some very long days for him which would in turn mean days/nights of just me home with the Bean. There were a few semesters where he would leave for work at 7:30 in the morning, and then get home close to 11 p.m. That meant he wouldn't see Carina until the next morning, and even then it was only for a little bit as we were getting ready for work. They really enjoyed having cereal and milk together in the morning! So it was a big sacrifice because he hated not getting to spend as much time with the family as he would have liked, but he made it through and we know that it will end up paying off in his career.

Graduation at SSU was Memorial Day weekend, and his ceremony was in the afternoon. It was really hot, and because of the timing Carina was going without a nap. She was very patient-commencement ceremonies are SO long-and luckily she had Grandpa and I to walk around with her while we waited for them to call Daddy's name. I do have to say that I was seriously impressed with their "port-a-potties". Good thing too, since we made at least 5 trips to them. They were these big air conditioned trailers that had multiple stalls and sinks. We didn't have to hold our breath or anything! I know, I am easily pleased, but when your child has to go it's nice to go in style.

When they finally called the MBA graduates we raced back to our seats, cheered loudly for Daddy, and not long after she laid down in my lap and fell asleep! This is highly unusual for our child, but again, no nap and lots of heat will make you exhausted when you're 2! She stayed asleep throughout the rest of the ceremony, and while I carried her across campus to where the Business Department had their reception. She then promptly woke up after Daddy asked if she wanted a strawberry and a cookie.

Me, Mike, Gloria and one wiped out kiddo
Future SSU alum? Only if you promise strawberries & cookies in class!

Afterward we went to a nice sushi dinner with Dave and Gloria. It was a great way to celebrate Mike's big accomplishment. Congratulations babe! We love you!!!

This one is my favorite!

I am so happy to have him home on weeknights now!

More from the So. Cal Trip

Carina and I had so much fun on our little trip together. We had great quality time with my parents, which of course included a few golf cart rides:
No, that is not an official police golf cart, just a fancy emblem. Once a cop, always a cop :o) I guess some people in their community do think he is a security officer sometimes. That is until they see him holding a pitcher of margaritas on his way to karaoke at the lodge. Love you Dad!!!
Carina and Chesty enjoyed some Sesame Street in the mornings. I didn't get a picture of the ever elusive Darla. She prefers to have a little distance when people other than my parents are around. Obviously this made her even more intriguing to Carina who made it her life's mission to search for Darla all over the house. She would patrol the grounds yelling, "Darla! Come here girl! Woooo-woot!" That last thing was the closest I could get to describing Carina "whistling" for Darla to come to her.

We even squeezed in a trip to the San Diego Wild Animal Park! I had never been there before, and I knew Carina would love it since she loves zoos so much. We had a great time, and I thought I took a bunch of great pictures but I didn't realize my camera was on video mode. What I ended up with are a bunch of 1-2 second videos...yes I know my attention to detail needs work. Luckily my Dad took some so I'll have those. I did take this picture of her with my phone just as we walked through the gates.

Thanks for everything Mom & Dad! You're the best!!!

We were also lucky enough to get to spend some time with my best friend Jenny and her son Aiden! We drove out to Claremont and met them at Aiden's preschool, My Gym, where we got to be guests for the day. It was so cute-their preschool program is wonderful, and Carina had a fabulous time playing, singing, and of course having snack. She has a new found love for trampolines too!


After nap that day, Jenny and I took them to one of our favorite Claremont parks-Higginbothom Park, otherwise known as the "train park". I was still having the same issue with my camera (ignorance is bliss you know) so I only have this picture of Aiden and Carina going down the slide. They played so well together!

The next day Jenny and I took the kiddos to Victoria Gardens to have their picture taken at The Picture People. The picture of Carina and Aiden turned out cute, and I absolutely love the individual ones they took of Carina. I don't know if the link still works so I will have to try and scan the pictures in later. After that we met my good friend Meg and her daughter Corinne for lunch. It was so great to see them, although now our visits mostly consist of chasing our kids around!

Thank you Ballesteros Family for letting us crash at your house and eat your food! We love you!