The Santa Saga: Photo with Santa

We had such a great morning at Northpark this season.  We arrived bright & early to get our number for Santa.  It's a crazy system... arrive at or before 9am when they hand out tickets. Santa starts at 11am.  We got a ticket at 9:15 which allowed us a picture time of 1:30pm.  Crazy how fast those tickets go! Thankfully I learned from past years that there is a lul around noon.

After playing the Santa number draw, Dominic & I went back to the car to get our Angel Tree gifts. While I always pick a little one Dom's age as well as another child or two,  I was not thinking out the logistics as I chose this year.  Dominic & I ended up hauling into the mall: a telescope, large diapers,  learning (toy) computer and carseat along with some bags of goodies & clothes.  I DID IT IN ONE TRIP!  The boxes were stacked 3 high on top of Dom's stroller rain fly. Dom rode in the stroller with toys on his lap & we shoved a bunch under the stroller.  You should have seen the looks (and assistance) at the crazy pregnant lady with the loaded stroller.  Still, sooo worth it to know that little ones will have a happier Christmas. I always wish I could do more...

After the toy drop off, Dom marveled at the decorations in the mall & then we met Lori, Axel & Mr. Mills for breakfast.  What a treat! It was so much fun to catch up. Axel & Dom had a blast together. Good thing we got some fun in before the trauma of Santa!

Dom was not a big fan this year, of which I was 100% expecting!  I figure, every family needs the classic screaming-child-on-Santa's-lap pic.  My favorite was our post-Santa interview (posted brow)

Ax & Dom -- buddies like their awesome wrestler daddies

This was priceless. I was so not expecting him to do this. Ball under shirt = belly like mommy. 

The Santa Trilogy

Scarred

The Post Santa Interview

Babyville: 6 months

I am loving this pregnancy. So far it's been easier this time around, or maybe I am taking everything in stride because life is just so darn busy!  I cannot believe how fast it is flying by!  My favorite part is that Dom "understands" the baby bump. He loves to kiss the baby & makes a big "mwah" noise as he kisses the belly. It's pretty adorable.

While this time around is much different than the 1st time (something all of my 2nd/3rd time mom friends agree with), there are great upsides to the second go-round.  I can imagine the unborn baby a lot more vividly, since I've met a newborn once already in my life. I feel really bonded to this baby because I can really imagine this mini-version of a newborn stretching, kicking & sleeping soundly in this belly of mine.  The baby is moving a lot of the time & I love that.  The connection becomes so strong in the third trimester. I lie in bed at night just envisioning the glorious moment when we get to meet this little one.

CRAVINGS: just the things I normally like, but in MUCH larger quantities!  I went a long time without gaining much weight & have suddenly started packing on the pounds.  The cheese, bread, candy canes & chocolate that I love certainly aren't helping! HEALTH: I'm trying to work out as much as possible. We have a gym at work so I try to get down there at lunchtime. It does help with the occasional afternoon leg pain if I'm able to get the blood flowing.  GENDER: I'm getting really curious to know if this is a girl or a boy.  Both would be wonderful & would have their own upsides. Of course, I mostly just really want a healthy baby & safe delivery.

hello gorgeous!

no pants big brother shot

This is about how I zen I feel about everything - JOY!

Black Friday = Empty Zoo Friday

Black Friday = empty zoo Friday. It was special to experience a practically empty zoo. The fall colors were so beautiful - lots of yellows, oranges & reds. We saw the bird show because birds are one of Dom's most favorite types of animal. We also saw the new baby giraffe on his first day out. Mama was protective & the other giraffes kept a watchful eye. Overall, they seemed really happy. Our  brooed was happy as well. Loving our last few months as a little team of 3!

As many times as we've been to the zoo, we've never actually seen these little guys swimming!

This was funny - Dom was enthralled... until it came right at the glass to check him out.

...and then was instantly at mama's knee

Baby Kopano's first day out

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All of the giraffes were keeping their distance, but also keeping a watchful eye on little Kopano

Driving the safari truck

Intently watching the bird show

Daddy was feeding the Lorikeets... dom doesn't love when they get thaaaat close

first carousel ride ever! It was the 1st time he has ever expressed interest.

Happy Thanksgiving 2014

We had a great Thanksgiving day. It was relaxing, peaceful & surrounded by family... just as it should be.    We woke up & I made a sausage bake, some pastries, hot coffee & fresh fruit that we ate "picnic style" in front of the Macy's Day Parade.  The boys went to the park so that I could get a bit of cooking done. After some naps, we went over to Aunt Leslee's to meet the Curcio, Flatt & Heizenrader clans.  The food was FABULOUS.  My favorites this year were the mashed potatoes, stuffing, turkey & cranberries...and just about everything else!  I polished off a whole bottle of "kids wine' (sparkling cider).  Love being pregnant during the holidays.

Dom's Toddler Room

I'm in the beginning stages of creating Dom's new toddler room.  With work being chaotic & the holidays approaching, Dom's room design is my new zen place. I've decided on a Scandanavian look.  Think woodland creatures meet modern explorer. Imagine foxes & astronauts in the same playland.  Since the room doesn't get a lot of natural light int he afternoon, I wanted to make it a bright space.  Mom & Dad C helped us paint the dark beige walls a bright white/grey called Sodji White by Benjamin Moore.  I'm so excited that Nick is undertaking a wood wall. We bought knotty pine off Amazon & chose 3 stains. From those 3 stain colors, we made 7 total stains.  I think it's going to be so cool when it's finished.  I'm loving all of the design ideas I've found on http://www.spearmintbaby.com. Usually I love project nursery, but spearmint baby just brought me to so many new cool design & shopping sites.   Main inspiration:

• Scandinavian nurseries
• pallet walls on pinterest
• fox pillow from Etsy
• West Elm bedding (northern lights or circles... can't decide!)

• http://www.spearmintbaby.com/2013/03/scandinavian-minimalist-nursery

ICE!

ICE! Who knew that 8 degrees could be so much fun?  Omi & Granddad treated the family to Friday night pizza & then ICE at the Gaylord Texan.  It turned out to be a magical night for the adults & babies alike.  We had a fun family dinner at Palio's and then caravanned over to the Gaylord.  It started with a little movie about ICE, which was really cool. It centered around a big ice festival in China & the artisans that travel across the globe to do the carving in Grapevine.

Magic in his eyes - love a toddler at Christmastime

ICE itself was super chilly but worth it.  Dominic threw a massive tantrum about wearing the big blue parka. I fought my battle & lost.  oh well ;)  He also didn't want his gloves which panicked me because I swore he would get frostbite.  He came up about 5 minutes later pointing to his hands & wanting gloves. lesson learned, toddler. I will wait for your cues!

"I DON'T WANT THESE MITTENS!!!"

The ice carvings were beautiful & the ice slide was so much fun.  We didn't know until at the top that the babies could not ride on our lap. So, Ben & I made the decision to let them go. Dom screamed & cried as I let him fly. I felt terrible!  I quickly scooted down after him hollering "I'm coming!" as the guide at the bottom looked forlorn & helpless at this sad toddlers' rolling tears.   Then, down came Levi all by his 14 month self. About halfway down he started turning sideways & I totally packed that he may hit his head.  Becky had the same concerns & I could hear her screaming at the top of her lungs. oh man!  I caught him at the bottom but the little dude was going REALLY fast.  Oh man, it's funny looking back but not at that moment. ha!  Then, Beck, mom & I decided to do the big ice slides. It was so fast & so fun.

After ICE, we gathered for cupcakes & hot cocoa. The boys then spent a lot of time in the center of the Gaylord looking at the indoor river, playing on bridges, watching Christmas lights. That was magical.  It was well worth the drama & tears of earlier.  Happy Holidays, as they say!

Not sure about ICE... at first

family pic

lights at the Gaylord

hello levi, meet cupcake!

Granddad & Dom doing somersaults

The Ben Curcio Fam

The sugar rush hits & the boys are hollering & pulling on the bars.

Possum Kingdom Camp Out

We had a blast camping with the Chapmans @ Possum Kingdom. It was a little crazy getting out of the house on Friday because Dom had been a little under the weather that week. I didn't want to do my normal camping prep if we were going to need to cancel (flashback to our Sept camping trip.)  So, when the boy woke happy & ready to go on Friday, mom & dad had to get into gear.  We loaded our traveling circus into the car & started out on the 3 hour drive.

We've never been to Possum Kingdom before. It was fun driving through the countryside.  We arrived at the campground at a beautiful time.  It was 5pm, water was calm, sun was setting... so nice!  We set up camp & waited for the Chapmans.  They arrived after dark & their tent set-up/dinner was funny because it was SO dark & we forgot the big lantern.  This mama went to bed at 8:30 pm but Dom & dad chilled around the campfire until late. Sleeping was so cozy b/c our little man wanted on the air mattress with us & practically in my sleeping bag.  I did wake with a sore hip but the creaks of pregnancy went away after a morning walk.

The morning was FREEZING.  Winds at 30-40 mph & 30 degrees.  brrrr!   The moms took a Wal-Mart trip & it was fabulous.  a 45 minute drive (one way) with coffee, conversation & much to catch up on.  When we got back to the campsite, the gang had lunch & went for an awesome afternoon hike. The wind died, the sun was shining & we were warm.  I loved that our campsite was right on the water & so was the hiking.  After a perfect afternoon, we ended up calling it Saturday night & heading home. The Chapmans rain fly kept coming off & I was concerned that the wind (which had picked up) would keep dom up all night.  I was sad that we left early, but when we woke on Sunday I was happy to be in a snuggly bed, downloading all of the fun pics of the weekend.  We went to breakfast as a fan & it was SO the right call to end the weekend :)

We're so lucky to have such great friends in Erin, Chris & the boys.  What a fab time!

Dom's Favorites:  throwing stones into the water. hanging out with the chapman boys.  mini glow-in-the-dark light swords from Omi.  seeing various dogs at the campsite.  the neighbor kids play balls.  chex mix.  his super warm sleeper. 

One of my fave pics.  Happy Camper!

Night #1 - Mamas & their babies

Hiking!  The little man is in charge

Family of 4... for now!

The best way to nap at a camp ground

The moms' trip to Wal-Mart was a highlight of the trip. WARMTH & snacks. I had no shame. 

Lunchtime

Afternoon hiking. Much warmer than the morning!

I love that I married an adventurer & that the little mister is an outdoor guy

Dom is calling the shots on where to go

Nick & the Chapman boys having some deep thoughts (turns out they were talking about bathroom matters - ha!)