One day shy of 23 weeks

Yes, I'm HUGE!

While my husband runs...

Asher and I are here at home while Doug runs 12 miles as per his 'personalized, super-duper, HR focused' marathon training plan. While we did our first triathlon in April, and he decided that was his sport, he decided to get that pesky "Run a Marathon" off his bucket list before he went full-fledged as a member of USAT (USA Triathlon).
Funny how I wanted a fancy GPS watch just last year I think, and this spoiled brat got just that!

Anywho, we realized last year--when we both signed up for the Marathon-- that it can only work (having small children) if only one person trains at a time. Asher lasts up to 6 miles in the BOB Ironman Jogging stroller we have, but I cannot imagine taking him out in this weather we've been having with the high mileage that's necessary.

So what do I get to do? Well, since I consider being at work 12-14 hours a day, three times a week as most of my exercise, occasional spinning classes & weight lifting at the gym, swimming class with Asher, PLUS just trying to be as active of a mom as possible for him (did I mention he can only sit still long enough for a 30 minute episode of the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse?) Yes, my son will turn off the TV so he can go play with his "cars", "animals", wheelbarreling off furniture, or to color.
Long story short, I've been trying to do Christmas shopping! If I carry 40 weeks with this baby, he's due December 23rd. Now yes, I did deliver Asher at 39 weeks on the dot, I keep telling myself I have a new doctor, will deliver at a new hospital, etc. so if things change, all I can do is see what happens when that time comes.

So with Baby Boy #2 nearly being a Christmas baby, this means I will not want to be doing last minute shopping trips being huge and edematous!What's my friend now?

While I despise shipping fees, once you purchase of their site, the remainder of the day you get free shipping!
I've also booked his the new baby's newborn session with our favorite photographers, DW Photoz! Danny's wife branched out and now offers their more maternity, baby, children-focused DW Itty Bitty.
I think it'll be fun to use some fun Christmas props for this little guy.

New York in October? Why yes, thank you!

My brother-in-law Ryan and his fiance Stephanie will be getting married on December 10th of this year in NYC. As Doug is a groomsman I have no problems with him going...I'm just bummed I can't go! Doug is already disappointed Asher cannot go with him, but with all the responsibilites of a groomsman: bachelor party mainly--haha!--its maybe not the best place for him to be wrangling a 2 1/2 year old.

Fortunately Stephanie is having a bridal shower in October and I have a plane ticket to go! My mother-in-law and I will be going together to sample some of the food choices that are still in the process of being decided on. How fun to get to spend some girl time with my new sister-in-law!

You gotta love what the wedding website says about my husband:

Doug Fagala - Groomsman
Watch out for this guy at the wedding. He'll definitely try to high-five you at least once. Doug is Ryan's step-brother and a dear friend. They've been family for over 20 years now and continue to grow together. He's married to Felicia Fagala and they have a son named Asher and another baby boy on the way!

21 weeks pregnant

And what do I really need this time? We're having another boy, so many things are covered right there: clothes, pee pee tee pee (haha!), blue, blue and blue stuff-- done.
What do I want this time around? 3 things:
1. B.O.B. Duallie Jogging Stroller

2. A video + movement monitor

3. Snuza Halo

Birthdays at the beach house

My parents built their beach house when I was in high school, and never have I gone there just as a 'walk on' on the ferry. We always check the wait time before we go and either go early or just avoid it all and go 'the back way' via Anahuac. This time, Doug came up with this bright idea. Here is Asher waiting with his Thomas the Train toy bag.
Slick guy in his glasses.
I tried to capture the ferry boat crossing us via the window.

I can recall years going to Seawolf Park. They had the best real-fruit popsicles! Plus the fishing and fun in the old tanks. Great gift very appropriate for my family.

Birthday boy (my dad) and his two grandsons who are very much entertained with their cars instead of the cake in front of them.

Enjoying a delicious, juicy peach.

Asher supervising the catch of a hardhead off my parents boat.

Nice view from above on the porch of the beach house. My parents neighborhood was so lucky their homes were still standing after Ike.

You can see a fish getting caught! I later found a fishing lure in Asher's shorts when I was doing his laundry.

I think this neighbor did this revamping of the railing after Ike and I thought it looked interesting.

On the way home we ate at a great Greek Seafood restaurand, Olympia. Delicious!

It's been a while...but we're having

a little boy. We found out at 18 weeks along during my 'long ultrasound'. I had a 19 week check-up this week and all looks well. Finally got to meet my doctor, although I love the NP!

I've noticed this pregnancy I did not feel the baby as soon as with Asher. I was told at my 'long US' that its due to where my placenta is attached. Its very anterior, so there are a lot of blood vessels and tissues in the way. This week though (actually today of all days, just one day shy of 20 weeks) I feel the baby alot more. Phew...