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.