Marine World

Pop treated us to Marine World on Monday and we had so much fun. We went to the Whale and Tiger shows, rode some rides, played in the water and saw lots of animals. It was the perfect day with the family (although we missed everyone that had to work.) My Dad is such an awesome grandpa and it was fun to have some special time with him.


All 3 boys could have played in the playground all day. Roman loved climbing around in the nets.


This boy has a slight obsession with water. He was in love with the fountains and I had to remove him kicking and screaming after playing in the water for a half an hour.


Tyler loved the fountains and Roman liked sitting on them. These 2 were so cute together.


Scott and Tyler riding the elephant together. Tyler just made the height cutoff and was so brave to ride with his big brother. It was such a sweet moment watching them together on the ride.


Scott driving the jeep.
Cute side story: Scott and I went on a boat ride that had a no pregnancy warning. Scott told me while pointing to the picture, "Aunt Heather no babies allowed on this ride." I told him it would be OK since the ride didn't go too fast. He said, "Well we should double check. It is always good to double check these things." I had to distract him when we got on the ride so I wouldn't get kicked off for being pregnant. He is getting so smart!


Roman and Aunt Heidi going on a jeep tour.


Pop and Tyler relaxing after a fun day.


Time to go home.

Summer Pregnancy

I am now 25 weeks pregnant and loving the summer: the warm weather, park outings, afternoons at the pool and playing outside at 8pm. It doesn't get much better than this. This summer is already flying by and I am trying to enjoy every moment with Roman before our Baby Girl arrives in 15 weeks. Everything seems so easy and simple right now that I am wanting to freeze time. I am feeling especially grateful for Roman these days since he has been such a happy boy. He is a busy boy, but so joyful. His smile is contagious and everyday with him is so much fun.


As far as the pregnancy, all is going good. I am someone that loves being on the go, but realized a few weeks ago that I need to slow down a little (which is not easy for me). Pregnancy Round #2 is so different. My body just isn't the same and I feel much more aches, pains and discomforts with this pregnancy. I even still get waves of nauseous in the mornings and especially with my prenatal vitamin. I am thinking it must be a girl thing since I felt great with Roman. I am still craving sweets, but luckily my appetite has slowed down a little (thank goodness since it is swimsuit season.) My 3am insomnia hit a few weeks ago and feeling lots of kicks. Cheers to 15 more weeks to go.

We've Got A Walker

At almost 15 months, we have a walker. For the last week or so, Roman has been taking some steps. Each day he gets more courageous and a little more stable. I got a cute video today. He has also become obsessed with crawling in and out of anything and everything. I know it is only a matter of time before he crawls out of his crib since he doesn't have much fear. I am so proud of him. He has been a little late through all his milestones, so each one is such a victory. I have learned an important lesson through his first year... that milestones are something not to stress about and to remember that each baby has their own timetable. As long as they are happy and progressing, it is important to just relax and let it all come natural.

Happiest Place On Earth

We just got back from our trip to Disneyland and Orange County. It truly was the best trip. I loved every minute of it and I think Roman did too. He was such a fun, great traveler and such a happy boy. I loved seeing him smile with all the new experiences.


We traveled with our dear friends, The O'Briens. They have a 16 month old daughter, Hunter and it was so fun to share in the adventure with them. She is such a sweet girl and starting to talk so much. She even calls Roman, "Ro".


We didn't know if Roman would like the rides, but he loved every one of them. He went on the Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Carribean, Winnie the Pooh, The Haunted Mansion, Small World, Bug's Life, Buzz Lightyear, the Carousel, and Snow White. We would have gone on more, but we simply ran out of time. We were at the park from 8:00am to 6:30pm and went non-stop.

Here are some of my favorite pics...

One of the cutest rides was Winnie The Pooh. I loved it so much that I got Roman a stuffed animal, Piglet.


Roman was bummed that he couldn't join his Dad on Thunder Mountain. Maybe next time.


A friend from the petting zoo. Roman loved all the furry friends, even though this one got a little close.


It's A Small World. Always such a magical, fun ride. Roman loved all the dolls and stood the entire ride.


The Bug's Life water park at California Disney.


The men were unsuccessful at winning any prizes in basketball.


This lady approached me and asked if she could take a picture with Roman. Not sure what she is going to do with the picture, but I had to take one of them too.


How can you not be happy at Disneyland?


Roman and Hunter had such a fun time together.


The next morning we had breakfast at our hotel with the characters. We loved staying at The California Disney resort. It is so convenient. Roman had fun meeting all the characters and wanted to touch all their faces.


We went to the pool for the day on Friday. We call Roman our little waterbug since he just loves being in the water. His favorite is the backstroke.


We stayed in the pool for so long that I ended up getting a very nice burn on my back and shoulders.


The guys loved the waterslide.


We then headed to Dana Point to hang out with The Kellings for 2 days. We had an awesome time walking around Laguna Beach, BBQing and hanging out at the St. Regis. Melissa and Steve joined us Saturday night and it was a night filled with lots of laughter and stories.


Hanging at the St. Regis.


My little man just made me smile all weekend. It was such an awesome trip. Can't wait to go again.

It's A Girl

Jason and I were so excited to find out that we will be having a little girl in October. Jason felt very strongly from Day 1 that this was a girl, but I was convinced that it was a boy. When the ultrasound tech announced that it was a girl, I cannot explain the emotion I felt. It just felt like everything was perfect and such joy filled my heart. I think I was beaming with excitement all day long and still have a smile on my face. We were also so excited since Kira and Baby Girl Maddox will be so close in age. They are destined to be close cousins.


One of the best parts was sharing the news with our parents. We surprised them with this picture framed of Roman. It took both of them a few seconds to understand what it meant, but it was so fun to surprise them.


I had my fetal echo done on the heart last week and my 20 week ultrasound today and all looks perfect. We feel so overwhelmed with gratitude and feel so thankful that God has blessed us with 2 babies. It is all I could have ever hoped for. We hit the halfway mark this Sunday and are looking forward to enjoying the summer before a new little love joins our family.

17 Down, 23 To Go...

We are excited to announce that we are expecting Baby Maddox #2. I am currently 17 weeks pregnant and due on Oct. 3rd. Everything has gone so smooth and we are just so thankful for this unexpected, but joyful surprise. Roman and the little one will be 18 months apart. This took a few weeks for the reality to sink in, but I have been reassured by many that the closeness in age will be great (after surviving the 1st year). We are up for the challenge and just feel so blessed. The greatest year of my life has truly been this past year with becoming parents and I know this next year will be even more amazing.

This time around I have been more tired, more sick and just feel bigger. As I have realized that every pregnancy is different, I think a big part of the difference is running around all day after a 1 year old.

We have 23 Weeks to go until our little Fall Baby blesses our lives.

1st New Do

Roman got his 1st haircut on Friday. I knew it was time since his hair started looking like a mullet and I was starting to tuck his hair behind his ears. I found a lovely woman, Ms. Karen (in Lafayette), who specializes in babies/kid's haircuts. She was amazing and so sweet and I think Roman's haircut turned out great. Most importantly, he had a great time and loved it. Jason was off work, so we both got to go and got a kick out of the whole experience. Roman got to sit in a little car and left with a certificate, a picture, a baggy full of hair, a balloon and a sticker. What was there not for him to like?


Ms. Karen knew just what to do to make him happy.


The final result. Love it! He looks like such a big boy.


Happy Boy!

Itsy Bitsy Birthday Party

Our playgroup celebrated our babies 1st Birthday's this past weekend. We had a Gymboree party and then headed to Skipolini's for dinner. It was the perfect celebration! This group of Mom's has been so wonderful for me to have in my life. Each one of them is fun, unique and brings so much to the group. It has been so helpful to be in a group with women all going through the same adventure with babies all the same age. I feel so blessed to have become friends with each of them and look forward to many more fun times ahead as our babies grow together.


Roman and Caitlin


Miss Ava


Caden


The babies loved the maracas. (Especially to chew on.)


Roman loves the tunnels.


Roman and Paige
Roman loves this girl. I think he has a crush. He just better watch out for her twin brother.


Ball drop


The Birthday Cake, compliments of Pop.


Enjoying cake. YUM!!!

Our Lil Character

I am loving this age. Roman is such a character and has non-stop energy. He is constantly keeping me laughing with his funny personality. He is all boy and obsessed with anything electronic and loves figuring out how things work. He has no fear, which is a little scary since he will try and climb on anything and then crawl off.


Showing off his abs of steel.


Could spend all day at his water table. Perfect toy for both him and Marley.


His drinking and eating is very dramatic. Whenever he is done drinking, he chucks his cup. We are working on that one, but I have a feeling this is not going to be an easy one for him to learn.


He always wants my sunglasses, so when we were in NY we bought him a pair for $5. Sadly, they only lasted a few days before the lens popped out.


Riding the cars at PixiePlayland. I think we are ready for Disneyland.


These 2 are quite the pair. Both rascals, both mischevious. Roman loves hanging in the sunroom with Marley and following her around the backyard.