San Diego: Our Mini Vacay!

Over the weekend we went to San Diego. My (younger) brother works at Nordstrom and asked if Pearl could be in their fashion show. So we made it a weekend all for Pearl! Remember I said I wanted to spoil her as much as possible before little brother gets here ;). 

Friday night we met up with X and ate at a Japanese steak house. Saturday morning we went to the fashion show and grabbed a bite to eat. Afterwards, we went back to the hotel so Pearl could nap before going to the beach. After two hours of trying to nap I decided we should just go to the beach. Of course she fell asleep on the way there! She was NOT happy when we woke her up, but was fine when she saw beach, birds and people. We stayed at the beach for a couple hours. Pearl didn't like walking on the sand. She was so cute trying not to touch the sand, like she was playing lava floor haha. The ocean was so cold! So we just dipped her toes in. She did walk on the wet sand for a little. Joseph and Cory played with her in the sand. She ate snacks and enjoyed the birds! We ordered in and just relaxed that night. Sunday morning we woke up early enough to get ready and attend the 11am mass at USD's church. It's such a beautiful church, one of my favorites. Afterwards, we went to Nordstrom to say goodbye to X and grab something to eat. Then it was off to the zoo! I still can't believe how packed the zoo was. There was lots of walking up and down hills. We spent only a few hours there, because we were exhausted, hungry and still had to drive home. Just seeing how happy Pearl was made it all worth it! She was so happy afterwards even though she hadn't really had a nap (again). We bought her a stuffed elephant and book, her grandparents bought her a stuffed panda and Uncle Joseph bought her a stuffed tiger and souvenir coin. Spoiled girl! It was a really good weekend and I'm glad we were able to do it. 

Now for the photos! 

                        Pearl selfie

Pearl (almost) 20 months & Pregnancy 30 weeks

Pearl! I can not believe how much you are growing lately. Not only are you getting taller, but you're learning so much! In fact, you've discovered so much lately that I knew I owed it to you to write it all down. So this is for you...

Where to start?? You are loving animals more and more. It all started with your big picture books. You would point to the animals and we'd name them and tell you what sound they make. The animal sounds you can make right now are: elephant, lion, tiger, bear, cow, kitty cat, snake and my favorite, duck! You sign "bird" and "fish". You are starting to say more words. You can say "mama" "dada" "ampa" (grandpa & grandma), "hi" "hot" "NO" "bye" "where'd it/they go?". You shrug your shoulders and raise your arms when you ask where something went. You point and say something if something falls. Your thing right now is to run and fall. I think people think you do it so they'll feel sorry for you, but I think you do it to make people laugh. You're more of a comedian than anything. You adore your dada, but you like when I comfort you. I'm sure you almost always wanting me won't last much longer. You are getting better at helping me pick up your things. We still need to work on it though! You're also getting better at listening to us when we tell you no or to put something back. Although, you do have some crazy toddler days where you just won't listen to anyone about anything. I get frustrated sometimes, but I know it's natural! You're doing pretty good at eating. I need to do better at having you try new things. We took your bottle away on Ash Wednesday, about three weeks ago, and you're doing good. The first few nights were hard, but now you use your sippy. Brushing your teeth is still difficult, but we're working in it. I'm going to start potty training again. I stopped because you really didn't know what was going on and I didn't like making you sit on the toilet like that. I think you are more aware now though. We've been going down the hill with grandma for my doctor appointments (for your brother). I'm always so proud of you when we get home, because I know it's been a long day and you always impress me at how well you do. You don't start having a meltdown until you're absolutely exhausted and then I just feel bad. But only a few more weeks of appointments and then you'll get to meet your brother! What else is going on? You give good kisses! Well when you want to. Before you'd just put your face towards ours, but now you use your little lips. Oh! You can say "cheese" for the camera! It's still difficult to photograph you though. You still love going outside and getting dirty. You love being around other kids and you get so excited! That's one of the reasons I'm happy your brother will be here soon. You need a play mate! Well, that's all I can think of right now. Just know that you are getting so smart and catching on so fast! Also, know that I love you more than I can describe. You're my baby. 

Now, onto my pregnancy. I'm almost 31 weeks. Like I said before, this pregnancy is so different! Lately, my little boy has been kicking the heck out of me and I've been feeling painful contractions. He likes to wiggle around a lot! We got to see him last week. He's "a little above average" in weight. He was opening and closing his mouth. The Drs are saying everything looks good so far. I have to bring them my medical records, so they can see what happened with Pearl and we can decide which delivery method is safest for baby. I just pray that everything goes smoothly and we have a healthy boy! Only a few more weeks until he's here, how crazy. I sometimes worry about handling a newborn and a toddler. I know Pearl will be a great big sister though. Can't wait to meet you little guy, but please stay in there as long as you need! 

 

 

Young Love- Ours Works

*I'm not very good at putting my thoughts into words, so be warned! 

I met Cory a couple months after my 19th birthday. His house was the party house. (Now it's our home.) I didn't party in high school, so I guess after I graduated was when I decided to get "crazy". Not too crazy though. I could drink tequila like water, and it's thanks to Jose Cuervo that I gave my number to Cory. Yay, for liquid courage! My first night at Cory's house was not ideal. I went with a group of guy friends and none of us really knew Cory. Long story short, one of my friends knocked something over and Cory kicked us out. LOL! A couple weekends later a couple girlfriends and I rented a hotel room so we could "party". Well no one showed up (lol again). I was trying to convince my cousin, who is friend's with Cory, to come drink with us. Somehow, we got persuaded to go to Cory's house. There was only a handful of people there. I was taking shots of tequila like nobody's business. At one point, some creep tried to trick me into taking more shots while Cory stood next to him. (So I like to tease Cory about being a creep and trying to get me drunk.) Anyways, I drank more than someone my size should and spent most of the night with Cory. I sat on Cory's lap (I've never done anything like that), I threw up, I cried, I gave Cory my number (never did that either), got carried to the car, and woke up on the bathroom floor in the hotel room. I called my Dad the next morning, because I still couldn't drive, and admitted I drank. Cory and I talked the next day and that's how our love story began!
We are both shy people, which is why alcohol helped bring us together. We partied just about every weekend (remember this partying thing was still new to me, so I thought it was the greatest), but we had lots of alone time. I knew right away Cory was different from any other guy I had met. I knew he was special, but I was also young and dumb, so I wanted to party more than I wanted a serious relationship. We went through a lot of breaking up and making up over the next two years. It was never that I didn't want Cory, but that I wanted to be young and free for a little. I think it was better to have gone through that, then me settle down and wonder what I was "missing" years later. We had been through A LOT in those early years, and I knew that I never wanted to lose him again. I  knew I didn't want to fall asleep next to or wake up with anyone but Cory for the rest of my life. We were completely ourselves around one another. Our bond was like something I had never experienced before.
When I was younger I didn't imagine having a baby and then getting married. (Life doesn't always go how you plan or how others think it should go.) However, I always knew I wanted to get married, have a family, and help people. When we found out I was pregnant we were excited and nervous of course. I wasn't nervous about what we'd do, but about what others would think. It shouldn't have bothered me, but I knew how people thought of young couples having babies out of wedlock. (Which is part of the reason I'm writing this blog.) Our parents were accepting of the situation. My mom was so supportive of us. She's always loved Cory! One of the first things people would ask when they found out I was pregnant was, "when are you getting married?". We always knew we'd get married, but we weren't going to rush into just because I was pregnant.
Our relationship really grew throughout my pregnancy and Pearl's birth. If you know my labor/Pearl's birth story then you know it wasn't easy. I couldn't have asked for a better partner to be by my side through it all. I always knew Cory would be an amazing Dad. There's something about seeing the man you love, love your child though. I saw him in a whole new light. I'm a little bit grateful for Pearl's first week of life in the NICU. Of course we had lots of support, but most importantly we had each other when everyone else was gone. We grew so much that week as a couple and as parents. A few months later we officially got engaged, and six months after that we got married.
Now, here we are a year and a half after Pearl's birth, expecting a baby boy in May. I couldn't be any happier with how our life is right now. We're human, so not every day is perfect. However, we want this to work and we know that. Plus, most days are great. We got married for a reason. Yes, we're still young, but if you want something bad enough then you make it work. I am so blessed to be going through all of these experiences with Cory (another reason I wanted to write this).I look forward to our future and continuing to grow. 
There might be a part II to this. I forgot half of the things I wanted to say. I hope you get the point though! Don't judge me on my grammar or spelling :) 
Also, our computer is down right now, so I don't have many photo options.

Just a little update!

So much has happened in the past six months, and it has flown by. I'm going to update about Pearl and my pregnancy. I'll leave the rest for another time!
Pearl turned 18 months old three days ago! I can't even believe it. She acts like she's three, but I still see her as just a helpless little babe.
Pearl still loves to watch "ehmo ehmo". She also enjoys her sign language DVD and has picked up a couple new signs. Currently,  she's a "picky" eater, won't let me brush her teeth (she tries), won't sit on the potty for more than 10 seconds, and only says words when she wants to. I think it's just her being stubborn, and not wanting to do what we want her to do. Pearl likes to run, scream, and play in the dirt. Lately, she points at her big picture books and asks what each picture is. She has a great sense of humor and makes me laugh daily. Pearl doesn't like being told "no", but she has no problem telling you "no".
I don't think Pearl realizes she has a baby brother coming soon. But if I tell her to "kiss the baby" she kisses my belly. It seems like everyone thinks she's going to be jealous of or too rough with the baby. I don't think that will be the case though. I think she might need a few days to warm up/understand, but after that, I know she will be an awesome big sister.
BTW, I am pretty nervous about having two little ones so close in age. We definitely wanted our kids to be close in age though. I think it'll be a little rough in the beginning, but great when they are a few years older. A big reason we introduced the potty so soon was because baby boy will be here in late May. I just think it will be easier if we start now, so that (hopefully) I won't have two butts to change for very long ;).
Pregnancy is going fine. I am 24 weeks pregnant. I feel huge. I want to eat constantly. I feel like a bum most days. This pregnancy is very different from my first. That's why I thought I was having a boy, but everyone said that doesn't matter. Well look who was right! Our baby boy is due May 27,  2014. All of my check ups have been good. I am switching doctors, and my first appointment is next week. I am hoping this will be a more caring and supportive environment. Anyways, baby boy has been kicking me since 18 weeks. He enjoys wiggling around at night usually around nine. Maybe he knows that's his sister's bedtime. We found out he was a he at 20 weeks. We're still not sure about a name, but we do have one in mind.
My mom and I are beginning to plan my baby shower. I love planning parties (putting it together is another story). The baby shower will be nautical themed "ahoy! It's a boy!"

That's all for now! I really need to start making this more routine. I want my children to have something to look back on when they're teenagers, and know how much I really do love them.

18 months old

I snapped the photo at the right time haha

Pearl kissing her baby brother

24 weeks