Change of Plans...

Alright, well here it goes...
Two days before we left on our AZ trip we got a very interesting email.... From UCLA. Jared was accepted to their program! We were so shocked and confused we spent the whole night talking logistics about whether or not we should change our plans and go there, or keep on with finalizing our move to AZ. We intended to find and sign at an apartment, have Jared interview, and check out the school the upcoming week-long trip.
After the crazy few days, we decided that ultimately UCLA will be the better school for Jared and his future career. I am also excited because they have married student housing there. Finally we can be around other families and kids!
Anyways, that's the scoop. I know we have been vague on our decision up til now, but its official. We might even sign on an apartment soon!!
More pics to come from our vacation!!

Nicholas on vacay

Here we are, alive, well, and still pregnant, this time in another state. For anyone who's ever wondered, yes, it is really hot here. I've been experiencing some small doses of swelling and sweating due to said heat, but we seek solace in my aunt's pool on a daily basis.

We were lucky enough to have Jared here for the weekend to hang out and help my massive-ness.

Nicholas has loved being around his "new" relatives (his memory goes back about 4 months, tops), and has latched completely onto uncle Jake, who is only 8. They operate more like siblings than uncle-nephew at times, but in general are having tons of fun following and being followed around the house.

We're Keeping our Legs Crossed...

This week Nicholas, Jared, and I depart on our first (long-overdue) summer vacation. We head to AZ for a week and a half, then Carlsbad in SoCal for a week.

I am very excited.


very, VERY excited.


I am a summer person, a vacation person, a beach person. I love the ocean, the sand, the smell of sunscreen, the sunshine. Its one of my lifetime goals to live on the beach. I have lived in dread fear of early labor for the simple fact that it would prevent me from my week on the sand.


So far, so good!

edited for family audiences

apparently this time last year i was a bit thinner

Busy Baby Bellies

Back by popular demand, the "belly shot"


That's right, I am 34-ish weeks preggo and (mostly) loving it.

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In other news, in case you slept all day, or misread your calendar, yesterday was the 4th of July!

We had a super-duper fun day, beginning with an American breakfast of bagels and OJ...

followed by a parkdate with Nikko's adorable bff Lo-Lo and his parents...

super daddies

another truly american meal of Mac 'n Cheese for lunch...

and then a trip up to Roseville to see our favorite relatives, Brad, Emily, and their 3 little kiddies!

Nicholas absolutely loved the boys and all their cars, guns, and energy! He fit right in and was very sad to leave when the time came!

Not a baby, not yet a big boy....

With all the focus turning to our move and new addition this august, a bit (ok, maybe only a tiny fraction) of attention has shifted away from poor Nicholas. In the last few months he has become quite the funny, energetic little boy. Some days I just marvel at how much he has learned and changed as he transitions away from being my baby to my little boy. I sometimes am sad to think he has to grow up so fast, but am confident he will make a wonderful big brother.