Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Busy Weekend and Updates

I should have posted on Monday but with having family in town (Stan's sister and her two kids) we have been have been busy having too much fun therefore blogging was not the top priority.

I am currently 20 weeks pregnant (half way done!) and officially graduated out of my zip and button up pants.  Maternity pants and flowy dresses are in full rotation.  I have been good about dressing up so prego fashion challenge is still on a go.  I hope to post photos as soon as I find a minute!

The baby is now the size of a banana and Stan felt the baby kick for the first time last night.  Maksim is in heaven having his older cousins in town so I can't wait until he has a little brother to keep him company.  Everyone told me once he turned 18 months you really see how quick they start developing.  He listens to directions and knows exactly what I am asking him for (unless he is ignoring me or throwing a tantrum), he is starting to repeat random words and I swear it still throws me off guard (I do a double take and think "did he just say that?", he kicks and blow bubbles during swim lessons on command (melts his swimmer Mama's heart).  We have been spending so much time outside I noticed a flip-flop tan on his little but huge feet and it put the biggest smile on my face last night.

The pictures below are from the weekend where we attended Maksim's BFF's (Van) birthday party at the San Diego bay.  Some photos leaked in from Thursday prior and Monday with our trip to the San Diego Zoo.  Did I mention that Maksim's cousins are master hoola-hoopers?
 Maksim and Van sharing a man to man hug.
The bday boy, Van!  Happy 3rd Birthday big guy!




Zoo time!

maki
whatevs

San Diego Zoo hoola hoop champs!!! 
Some more cousin fun.  
Maksim and his 2nd cousins.
































































Love,
First Gen Fam

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Chile Chicken Posole


I love this soup.  This is so refreshing, easy, and quick!  Though it's served warm, something about the citrus and spice of the soup reminds me of summer.  I made this weeks ago and its always in heavy rotation at our home. I found a recipe on Food Network for this a while back but I added my own touches to make it perfect for our tummies.

Chicken Posole Soup Recipe
1 lb diced boneless chicken thighs or breast
1 chopped large brown onion
1 chopped serrano pepper (or half if you like it less spicy)
3 minced garlic cloves
1 - 4oz can of green chiles 
1 cup roughly chopped cilantro
1 lime
2 tbsp vegetable oil 
8 cups chicken broth
4- 15oz cans of hominy
2 tsp of dried thyme
salt and pepper to taste
optional:  sliced avocado, sliced radishes, chopped green onions, shredded cabbage
optional:  dollop of sour cream

  1. Season chicken with 1 tsp of thyme (set other tsp of thyme aside for later), salt and pepper.
  2. Add vegetable oil to a large skillet and cook garlic, onions and serrano pepper on medium for 5 minutes.
  3. Transfer items from the skillet to a blender and add green chiles, lime (juiced), cilantro and remainder thyme and puree until smooth.
  4. Transfer the puree to a large soup pot and cook on medium for 2-3 minutes.  
  5. Add chicken broth, hominy, and chicken to the soup pot and simmer for 15 minutes or until chicken is done.  Add salt and pepper to taste (I didn't even have to add any since it was salty enough for me)
  6. When done ladle soup into a bowl and top with avocado, cabbage, radishes, green onions and a dollop of sour cream. If you like a really citrus-y taste squeeze a slice of fresh lime to it as well.  This soup goes a side of tortilla chips.
  7. Enjoy and bon appetit!
Love,
First Gen Fam

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Day 1 of Summer

In preparation of day one of summer we set up a mini play area outside last night and our little guy loved it.  Thanks to Uncle Tim and Aunt Jess for this amazing inflatable tent ball thingy.  I just love summer and what it brings.
This is what summer means to me:

  • eating outside
  • late night walks to Starbucks with my boys
  • swim lessons or any other excuse to go to the pool
  • lots of time at the San Diego Zoo
  • bonfires
  • free outdoor movies
  • beach
  • playing in sprinklers
  • pedicures because those toes better look good in sandals
  • sun-kissed skin (but not overly so, no wrinkles or Snooki face for me!)
  • sunscreen (I love the smell)
  • updos
  • light blanket covering Maksim and I during our rare but precious afternoon naps together

Hope you enjoy your summer because we sure will!

Love,
First Gen Fam

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Prego Fashion 18 Weeks

True to my word I am doing another Prego Outfit post.  This outfit comes a week late (I was busy!!) but it was worn at our best friend's swearing in ceremony (he is a real lawyer now!).  I am 18 weeks pregnant in these photos and I rocked 4 inch heels for a few hours. That is pretty darn good if you ask me.  I am definitely getting all round and jolly in my mid-section as you can tell.
Denim Jacket: Marshalls
Striped Dress: Old Navy (in stores currently, going to get more colors, can't beat it for $15)
Scarf: gift
Shoes:  Zara (on sale!)
Rose Gold Watch: Michael Kors
Bracelets:  H&M

Love,
First Gen Fam

Monday, June 18, 2012

Maksim loves Electronica

I don't know what it is but my Maksim loves electronica music.  We scroll through other stations, hip-hop, country, alternative, etc, but it is electronic he loves.  He loves to dance, do a couple push-ups in between and show off in general.  See him jamming to some hot beats in the video above.  I guess it's the "Euro" in him.

Love,
First Gen Fam

A Celebratory Weekend in Pictures

Our weekend was full of happy celebrations.  Stan's bday, Father's day, first day of summer swim lessons......basically it was a crazy busy weekend.  Here are some of my favorite pictures:





 

























Stan's Bday pics via Instagram:






Celebrating Father's Day at Flemings after swim lesson via Instagram:






Love,
First Gen Fam

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Happy Papa's Day

Stan,

You are the best Papa out there because:
 You include Maksim in your work out routine.
You wear awesome outfits.
You teach Maksim really important skills like driving.
You feed Maksim.
You are friendly.
You have awesome fashion sense.
 You hold Maksim's hand.
You love Maksim.
Happy Papa's Day.  We love you.
Love,
Maksim and Mama

Love,
First Gen Fam