Baby BOY!

Update on Tait baby #3: IT'S A BOY! We were so surprised, albeit very excited. So much of this pregnancy has reminded me of being pregnant with Audrey, so we were expecting girl almost 100%. Because of other issues with #3, we had an ultrasound today with a specialist. Baby boy looks good and strong, heartbeat was great. He was moving around, being quite cooperative. We still have to wait another week at least before we know more about the possibility of Down Syndrome, but the doctor took the measurements, and did the tests he needed. It was great to be in the office with Adam, and another wonderful doctor, seeing our strong little boy move around. Happy to be his parents. Again, I will update as we learn more, until then A BIG THANK YOU for the huge outpouring of love our family and friends have sent our way. We really feel it. So grateful for such wonderful people in our lives. And of course also grateful for this little boy, still growing strong and steady. It already feels like he's making his place in our family.

Day Off

Today we all got to spend the day together. No work, no school. Spent the morning at Travel Town, some of it with the Bartys.

Tonight is date night. Finally! (I don't think we've been on a decent date since I got pregnant and sick). Heading to Fuddruckers, then Pirates of the Caribbean. I am so excited to get out of the house with Adam.

Especially grateful this Memorial Day for those who served this country and made the ultimate sacrifice, and the families who loved and supported them.

Eating Memorial Day Weekend

Not that the weekend is all about summer kick-off and food, but parts of it sure feel that way. Here are some Memorial Day food favorites:

All sorts of combinations of shish kabobs, and the kids build their own. Tyler loves steak, but Audrey loves alternating hot dogs, tomatoes, and pineapple.

Gotta do corn-on-the-cob. Another favorite with the kids, too.Delicious Farmer's Market Potato Salad.

Guacamole Salad. Great on its own, or with Tostitos Hint of Lime tortilla chips served alongside.

Of course plenty of Tyler's favorite -Watermelon.

A yummy drink or two.Dreyer's Key Lime Pie Yogurt Blends - Edy's on the east coast. (Can't find a photo of the exact brand - but this picture gives you the idea). Key lime fro yo with chunks of graham cracker crust swirled through. Soooooo good!

What are you eating this weekend? Feel free to pass along any favorites.

I Heart Being a Soccer Mom

Maybe it doesn't matter what sport it is. When the weather is beautiful here in California, I love sitting outside at the park in the afternoon watching a bunch of kids just have fun. It makes me feel so... "mom-ish". Love it. (Well, I love it after I wake the kids up from naps - grumpily - and get them there, let's say). There are a handful of things we do in Los Angeles that feel like, for a moment, we live in a small town. Soccer is one of them. I don't know why - maybe because practices are at a small neighborhood park. Lots of families. Sure once I talk to other parents and find out they're all writers, actors, or producers I'm reminded I don't, in fact, live in said small town. But still... I love those little moments where city living feels simple. Here's Tyler on the field with his coach and team:

Running after the ball. Tyler looooves to run (really I need to find out about track and field around here). He's not so great about getting in there and fighting for the ball, but it's adorable to watch him chase the ball and kids like crazy, with a huge smile on his face. And of course he loves making a goal.My blanket buddy. She'll start playing next spring. The kids always head to the playground after practice. That's Audrey's favorite part. That and yelling, "Go Tyler!", at the top of her lungs.

After a water break, headin' back on the field.

Purple

Last night Tyler received his purple belt in Kinder Karate class. They have a little ceremony where the kids get their belts and a certificate. I will say it takes a lot of work for a five year old to earn his belt. Adam and Tyler have been practicing a lot, and karate sure takes a ton of concentration and coordination. Here he is with his teacher, Mrs. Webb:Adam and Tyler have gone to karate together almost every Tuesday night for the past year or so. A lot of commitment from these two, but I think Adam enjoys it just as much as Tyler does. Who knows, maybe Audrey will join this year?

Our karate kid! Ceremony is always followed by dinner out at CPK. It was a great evening.

#3's Journey

Wasn't sure if I was going to blog any of this, but I think I will - maybe not the specifics, but what is a blog if not sometimes cathartic. It helps to get things off my mind and onto the computer screen, kinda like journaling but less personal. Last Friday my doctor called and said, based on my 12 week ultrasound some of #3's measurements tested positive for a higher risk for Down Syndrome. Now this test is not 100% accurate, and I have had friends whose babies tested positive for the same thing come out perfectly healthy. Having said that, as a mother I couldn't help but get a little teary, especially after my doctor told me my particular test results showed a much higher risk than average. We will have more answers in the next few weeks, but here is what I know:

I am so grateful for all three of my children.
I have an incredible husband. Adam and I have had some wonderful conversations since learning this news.
This pregnancy feels strong.
I love my doctor!
I have a lot of faith. Even more than I thought I had.
It is amazing how bonded I feel to this new little one, even at only 14 1/2 weeks along. We are partners in all this. I wish I could put my arms around him/her and tell them how much I love them already - no matter what, and how much I can't wait to meet them. (Did you know they're the size of a lemon this week?).
I have wonderful friends and family, who are all great listeners.
I'm a cup half-full kinda person.
Life is miraculous - strong, and fragile all at the same time.

I will post as we learn more, until then I pray this little one stays strong, and my body continues to make it a nice, happy home. (With how nauseous I feel today, I think baby is trying to tell me they're a-okay in there).

A Few Photos This Week

Here is a bit of this week in pictures. Audrey got a scooter for her birthday. We spend a lot of evenings riding it around the courtyard. She's a pro already.Big boy on a bike, little lady on a scooter. Tyler's ready for those training wheels to come off.

I snapped a couple shots of Audrey in her dance class last Wednesday. How cute are all these two and three year-olds? Look at that big ol' yellow tutu in the middle! Dance recital is three weeks away. It is gonna be so adorable. Cannot wait.

Audrey in pink, dancing with pom-poms.

Today we spent a beautiful morning in Santa Clarita with Amber and her kids. I'm not gonna lie, today I felt like I could live up there, no problem. Maybe that's where we're gonna end up? It helps that we have great friends there already. And there's a Chick-fil-A. (Is it sad how excited I was to eat lunch there today?). And we had to get Pinkberry. Here's Tyler, Audrey and Leah, ice cream in hand.

Amber's newest little guy, Carter. I love this photo, too, because see Brandon over there on the right? He did not want his picture taken, but I got him here - lookin' super cute, too.

Happy kick-off to the weekend!

The First Three Months

I began my blog right after Audrey was born. So #3 (who we are currently calling Jellybean - because that's what they looked like at my 9 week ultrasound) will be better documented in utero than #1 and #2 ever were. Sorry if any of this is more than you care to know, but it's more for my own sake (and remembrance).

The first trimester is a strange beast. This time it's brutal (worse than the first two as Adam will attest - or maybe I'm just complaining more - and yes, there is only one baby). Nauseous 24/7. I go from being slightly nauseous, to more nauseous, to beyond nauseous. At around 9 weeks Saskia gave me her sea bands, and I think they helped take the edge off. I remember being pregnant with Audrey, making it through the first trimester, and telling myself, "you have to forgive yourself the first trimester". It's so true! So many times that mantra ran through my mind. Just do what you gotta do to get through. Nausea is still hangin' on at 14 weeks. Believe me, I will do a back flip when it's gone!

Things I craved:

Chicken soup and Minestrone.
Sweet potato fries.
Subway veggie subs with lots of extra banana peppers. They know me at the Subway down the street now.
Sandwiches in general.
Nuts.
Refried beans from Poquito Mas. (Yes, just the beans, and they had to be from Poquito Mas - this craving was very strange).
Oranges, mangos.
Mango smoothies from Jamba Juice or Trader Joe's.
Caesar salad (lots of dressing!).
Peanut butter toast.
Chinese food.
Chips and salsa - the spicier the better.
Lemonade.
Salt, salt, and more salt. Nothing sweet. No thank you. No Diet Coke or Dr. Pepper. No chocolate (sorry Easter candy). No ice cream. The smoothies were nice and tart, and if Adam and I got dessert it had to be pie. Cherry pie. Key Lime pie. One night Adam brought home Boysenberry Pie from Aroma, and that hit the spot. Tart, I tell you.

I have a new doctor. I had both of my previous babies with male doctors, and I have always wondered if it would be different with a woman. It is! At least with this doctor, (I'm sure not all women docs are fantastic). Dr. Tamayo was referred to me by my dear friend Michelle, and Michelle was absolutely right - she's amazing. It's still early in my pregnancy, but so far I am having a wonderful experience with her, and the entire office. Last appointment her nurse even did all my blood work right there in the office without sending me to the lab, because she "had the time and didn't want me to have to take the kids to the lab". Hello! And thank you! I have also had two ultrasounds already, which are standard in this office. Thank you again! Plus, Dr. Tamayo is my age and totally cool - I feel like we should go get coffee after my appointment. I know I can tell her anything, and she really listened when I told her Audrey's birth story and my concerns in not wanting a repeat of those 2 hours.

Lastly, I'm not great at the "I know it's a girl/boy" thing, but just for the record - Adam and I are both feeling girl. We kind of want a boy, but will be sooo surprised if it actually is a boy. About six weeks and we can find out. Can't wait! The kids are already naming him/her. They are so into it, it makes me wonder why I ever debated giving them a little sibling, kissing my belly and asking all sorts of questions. Very nuturing. This is most likely the last Tait baby (99.9% sure on that one - even my body is telling me so this time around). So if this is my last time down this path, I'm breathing and trying to enjoy the ride as best I can, so grateful for a body that has allowed me to travel this road again. Looking forward to a smoother second trimester.

Audrey's Party

We had a blast at Audrey's third birthday party. It was very low key, just invited some friends to our neighborhood park for playing, pizza, and cupcakes. This is one of my favorite kid parties - so easy. (Actually, we did it last year, too).

Katrina and her little girl Kali, Capri, Jude, and my friend Sarah with Clementine - all getting ready to picnic.

More picnicking, (Audrey, Paloma and Matias on the left, and Kali's dad, Kevin).

Some of our guests: Capri (busy with her cupcake), and this little guy - Jude.

Josie smiling big.Josie's cute sister Clementine, (didn't get a shot of their other sister Lu, but she was there, too).

Simon, Penny, and Doug.

The birthday girl blowing bubbles.Since Tyler celebrated his birthday in February, all Audrey has asked me for is "purple Rapunzel cupcakes" for her birthday. Here they are! I think they turned out pretty cute, being a mom who's not necessarily a baker.

Singing Happy Birthday.

Grandma and Grandpa Tait were there, too, and Uncle Mikey. A big thank you to all our friends and family who helped us celebrate THREE.

Ugh... Sick.

Dear friends - The computer makes me nauseous. Oh so nauseous. 45ish days and counting of nausea, so forgive me if my blog lacks until this sickness leaves. Believe me, I am grateful for the sickness (or rather, for the reason for the sickness), but 24/7 non-stop nausea has caught up with me this Sunday afternoon. What is it about the computer screen that I can't handle? Not sure, but when I return I promise to post photos of a certain little girl's three year-old birthday party. It was quite a success! Here's to hoping my sick days will be dwindling down the next couple weeks. Working toward week 14.

Hello Three

Audrey is three today. Three! I'm hoping three looks a lot more like this:And a lot less like this:

I'm sure the year will be filled with lots of silliness, too.

I'm not gonna lie - there are times where parenting Audrey has been hard. Not in loving her... my heart is always fully in love with this little one. But she is strong. She tests me. She and I are very different, although I will say she was born with many qualities I admire. Like her fearlessness. She is outgoing, talkative, she deeply feels things. She can be intense, and lately we have had some of our hardest times. I am hoping this year will change that a bit, that starting school will be good for her. Becoming a big sister. This will be a big year for her. She is truly lovely, and I am so grateful to be her mama. Obviously there is plenty I need to learn from this girl, so bring it on (maybe not so much at one time, but bring it on nonetheless). Happy Birthday little love. I am so grateful for three full years with you, and look forward to many, many more. Now let's party!

Something I Haven't Mentioned

Remember our family photo shoot? There are a few more pictures I'd like to share with you.

Figuring we might not get a professional photo of #3 until they're almost three (which is what happened with Audrey), we took a few now. Gotta commemorate the moment. Many family and friends already know, but it's blog official - Tait Baby #3 will be here November 2011! Baby looks good, mama's been sick, kids are excited, and dad has been doing pretty much everything around here (from work, to laundry and grocery shopping, and keeping the kids entertained). Mostly we are so grateful, and feel very blessed. Minivan and a bigger place, here we come!

Things That Make Mother's Day Awesome

Sleeping in!
Being woken up by the distant sound of kids fighting and not having to deal with it.
Perfect purple tulips.
Adam, Audrey, and Tyler making me a yummy oatmeal breakfast.
Homemade cards and a Sephora treat!
Kids singing beautifully in primary. So sweet.
Nap!
Phone calls with my mom and sister, Stephanie.
Husband taking over all apartment manager duties for the day.
Delicious steak salad, corn on the cob, and warm bread for dinner. Flank steak grilled perfectly by Adam.
Peanut butter brownies a-la Hungry Girl, and vanilla fro yo (Dreyer's Yogurt Blends is the best!) for dessert.
Kids in bed, watching movies.
Adam, Tyler, and Audrey. And that is all. The loveliest day.

I Love My Mom

This is what my mom and I look like when we hang out. Talking and talking and talking.

I will feel a success if when my own kids are grown, I feel as close to them as I feel my mom and I are today. That as adults we don't only love each other, but are real friends. I hope that happens. I am so lucky to have a mom like my mom.Happy Mother's Day. To my mom, and all the moms out there I know and love.

Is It Too Late to Get Yourself a Mother's Day Present?

In my opinion it is never too late. Tonight Adam and the kids are out figuring out Mother's Day plans, and I'm home alone. Ah.... I straightened up a bit and planned primary for tomorrow, then I went and found my April Birchbox and was reminded why it makes me so, so happy. Do you remember me raving about Birchbox? Because I think I have, but I will give it another shout out because it's the best $10 I spend a month. Deluxe beauty samples delivered to my doorstep in adorable packaging. And they always throw in extras, like chocolate for Valentine's Day. This month it was Italian Chamomile Tea. Mmmmmm. It is the loveliest little splurge and I look forward to it every month. Perfect thing to spoil yourself for Mother's Day. Also in my April box is this face cleanser:

I love it. The big ol' sample they sent me has lasted almost all month, and it smells sooo lemony and delicious and clean. Just love it. And my skin feels fantastic. I am tempted to buy the full-sized product for my own Mother's Day splurge. How about you? Have you picked up anything special for yourself this Mother's Day weekend? I sure hope so.

Mother's Day at Pre-K

Today this little boy and his Pre-K class put on quite a Mother's Day show. Simply adorable. I may have had to hold back tears. Just a little.

The class sang and danced to about five different Mother's Day songs. It was quite a performance.

Tyler's teacher, Mrs. K, had stations set up for us to do crafts together. We made bead bracelets.

Finished products.

Audrey made a picture frame.

Then Mrs. K helped Tyler present me with flowers and a handmade gift wrapped in this bag, with a card attached. He made me this purple jewelry box. It had a little clay heart inside and a poem. So sweet.

All week Tyler told me he had "surprises at school", and was very good at keeping his surprise a surprise. This afternoon he asked me over and over if I liked the jewelry box. I told him (over and over), "Yes - I love it so much", and I thanked him with lots of hugs and kisses. I could tell it meant a lot to him. I almost feel like my Mother's Day is complete. But I told Adam tonight that cleaning the balcony for me would be the perfect Mother's Day present. I could also use a mani/pedi, and a nice slice of Key Lime Pie. Yep. That sounds about right.