23 weeks and summer salad

So we're sitting at 23 weeks now in this pregnancy, and so far the second trimester has been sweet and easy.  I'm starting to feel big and still have oh about four months to go, so we'll see how that goes.  But otherwise, things couldn't be better.  We are closing in on some names for the little guy and still ask ourselves, "can you believe we're going to have two boys running around here soon?"  

And this one, he is becoming more of a little boy everyday.  At 2 years old, he is a delight, truly.  So often I look at him and think, gosh he's changing again.  His little chubby body is growing taller and leaner, and his words are turning into sentences, questions, and even jokes.  He loves being outside, trucks of all kinds, books, and having us tell him stories.  He's starting to become more interested in other children and I'm trying to plan more play dates and outings to give him opportunities to practice his new social skills.  And to my delight, we were out last week and the waiter said, "wow, you're son looks just like you."  Ok, I never get that, but it was nice, even if only in a stanger's eyes, I'll take it.

And this random bit:  behold a picture of our dinner last night, which is one of my favorites:  salad with grilled steak and radishes (you have to have the radishes on the side) courtesy of my dad's garden.  So easy and so, so good.  Just thought I would mention it in case you are looking for dinner ideas.

summer reads

Something about summer time makes me want to have a big stack of books to plow through; books to read as you travel, books to read in your backyard, and books to read late into the night.  I just finished two books that were, I would say, three out of five stars.

Bringing Up Bebe by Pamela Druckerman was one I found hard to put down.  As parenting is a current passion of mine, obviously, I was very interested in soaking up all the information about French parenting practices.  At times, it annoyed me and seemed unrealistic; but it did make me look at my parenting with a different lens.  I did not enjoy it as much as the French Kids Eat Everything by Karen Le Billon, which I would highly recommend.

Driving the Saudis by Jayne Amelia Larson was a quick, easy read.  I didn't know if I would finish it, as I think I got as tired of reading about her job as she did performing it, but I'm glad I did.  Because my favorite part was the last chapter where she discusses her tip (one of the main reasons she took the job) and also the Epilogue in which she talks about a day she spent driving Garrison Keillor which stood in such sharp contrast to her work for the Saudis.

Up next on my list is Must you Go? My Life with Harold Pinter by Antonia Fraser.  The first chapter has already grabbed my attention with this poem:
I know the place
It is true.
Everything we do
Connects the space
Between Death and me
And you.

and this quote, "Everyone must feel the temptation to leave their life behind.  Don't forget that in fact no one ever does leave their life behind.  You take it with you."

I'll let you know how it goes...

31 years old and a graduation

Today we celebrated my 31st birthday and it was such a nice day thanks to Patrick who was off from work.  And I think we should make it a tradition that he be off on all of my birthdays.  I got to sleep in, until 8! whoa...big deal, and then we went out to breakfast.  The weather was perfect, and we spent a lot of time outdoors.  I got a pedicure, received sweet phone calls, and had cookie cake.  I feel so lucky, to be alive, to be healthy, and to be surrounded with this loving family of mine.  So, so lucky.

And last weekend my sister graduated from medical school, officially a Dr.!!!  We are all so proud of her accomplishment.  I'm really proud of both my sisters and thankful for parents who have always believed in us. xoxoxo

margaritas!

Patrick and I eat a lot of Mexican food.  We probably go out or make it at home at least once a week.  And now that I have found a really good margarita mocktail, I feel like I can enjoy mexican food in style.  

This has been one of the best mocktail recipes I have found.  It's from Bleubird Vintage, a beautiful blog I have followed for some time.  It is so satisfying I don't really miss the alcohol.  Enjoy!

Margarita Mocktail from bleubird vintage
1/4 cup frozen limeade
3/4 cup orange juice
2/3 cup unsweetened grapefruit juice
ice
Blend together, dip rim of glass in sea salt or sugar, and garnish with lime

curls

With the warmer weather and humidity, Parker's hair dissolves into curls after he has been playing outside all day.  I love, love, love it!

 And he really likes ice cream...that is what is all over his shirt.

20 weeks and It's a boy!

So here we are at the halfway point through this pregnancy:  20 weeks!  It has seemed to be going by fast, but I also know that the last month or so usually seems very looonnggg.  We will have to stock the freezer with popsicles and live by the pool during July and August.  I have been feeling the baby move everyday and as every momma knows, it's the best feeling; knowing this little baby is alive and well.

And yesterday we found out that baby will be a boy!  We are so excited for him to join our family!  It's hard for me to even picture what he will look like or be like because when I think of boy, I can only think of Parker.  I remember when I was young, I really wanted a brother.  I mean, boys just seemed so cool and fun to be around.  I remember thinking when I have kids, I want three boys- ha!  Well it's looking that way.  I mean, I don't know about three, we'll just look forward to two right now :)

And we are so looking forward to watching Parker become a big brother and hope that he and this new little one have a special relationship to share for years to come.  September is going to be here before we know it!

* And the only reason Patrick isn't in any of these pictures is because he was taking them.  But he has a big smile on his face too :)

Summer Bag

Like a lot of girls, I love shoes and bags.  You can always change them up and there are so many cute choices.  I really like Baggu bags and have several that I use for the grocery store and such.  Their duck bags seem perfect for summer trips to the playground and zoo.  These are my two favorites: