2032 Future Swimming Olympian

In the spirit of the 2012 Olympics I wanted to share this video of Maksim's swim lessons progress (Stan couldnt help but to a little Star Wars-esque subtitling).  Watching it swells my heart being a swimmer myself.  He ceases to amaze me with going under water to get rings, swimming short distances, and jumping all on his own at 20 months old.  I have to credit Stan for not being afraid to push him and the amazing instructors at Coronado Recreation Center.  He is my future 2032 swimming Olympian. 

Love,
First Gen Fam

Anniversary Weekend

I felt as if every weekend since summer started we have been so busy with errands, parties, events, etc.  This past weekend was the first in which I can say we did not do much.  It was very much needed.  No plans besides swim lessons (omg! which I have to put up a video of Maksim diving for rings, cant help but be a proud Mama).  Stan slept in Saturday and I had the pleasure of doing the same on Sunday but was woken up with some fresh coffee and a giant donut to celebrate our 6th wedding anniversary which made it alright.  Below are some pictures from our weekend.  Zoo on Friday with cousins (see funny video from there) and Seaport Village on Sunday which made me really appreciate that we live in San Diego.

Happy 6th anniversary to Stan and I.

Stan is a huge Deadliest Catch fan hence the photo with the lobster traps.

Our little pirate.  Yarrrr!

They walk and stand the same.

We have got to try this before the summer is up!

Love,
First Gen Fam

He Says S*%# Video Total Parenting Fail

I give Stan full credit for teaching him the word, S*%#.  He is making his way through a jungle gym at the zoo when his foot slips along with the word from his mouth.  I am glad I caught it on this really short video to enjoy when he gets older.  Basically the word comes out with every drop of an item or when he falls.   Even a nearby mom overheard and started laughing.  We laugh now but I know I will regret it soon enough when he starts preschool.  Enjoy our parenting fail!

Love,
First Gen Fam

Prego Fashion 24 Weeks

Shirt (old) - Forever 21 similar here
Dress (old) - Old Navy
Bangles - Vintage
Wedges - Rebels find here

Okay, I have totally been slacking on my prego fashion challenge in terms of posting.  I went briefly to the mall at lunch yesterday and got two compliments on my outfit so it really motivated me to post today.  That bump you see is already 24 weeks old!  The dress is tank style (non-maternity) and sleeveless which is not appropriate for work in my opinion or at least in a corporate setting.  The collared shirt doesn't work over my belly anymore so I tied it at the top to give me more of a shape. The shirt is getting a little more longevity by wearing it this way.  I think I will be doing this more often in the months to come as I run out of clothing options.  Have a great weekend everyone.

Love,
First Gen Fam

Top Free Toddler Apps

Maksim is a tad older now.  Exactly 20 months old that is.  Each month is he changes more and now he has a whole new list of favorite apps have been added to my iphone and ipad.  I posted back in May the top 5 Apps he was into at that time that saved us while traveling to the midwest.  He still likes those but now Mr. Maksim is getting more mature and sophisticated so new apps have come into play.  Did I mention they are free?  You will see from the list below that a little someone is really into trains.  I swear my iphone/ipad are no longer my possessions but rather his.  Its totally fine as long as he doesn't break them like he broke Papa's phone. Yikes!

Here is his app list in no particular order:

1. Jake's Neverland Pirate School (ipad and iphone)

Join Jake and crew for four fun-filled pirate themed classes and earn Badges of Honor and an Official Never Land Pirate Certificate. Classes include: Sailing, Pirate Band, Map & Spyglass, and Pixie Dust.

2.  Thomas and Friends: Engine Activities (ipad and iphone)

Tap into the fun of Thomas & Friends with this interactive activity app! Little engineers will be entertained for hours as they play with come-alive puzzles, creativity-boosting coloring pages, and brain-building matching games. 

3.  ABC Train (ipad and iphone)

This app is both educational and fun. Fantastic sounds coupled with amazing visuals makes learning so fun you and your child will not put the app down.

4. Mickey Mouse Road Rally (ipad only)

Take the TV show viewing experience to the next level with the first in the appisode series, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse “Road Rally”. The appisode brings viewing and learning together in one interactive and cohesive experience! Touch, shake, swipe, drag and talk your way through an entire episode of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse right on your iPad. Participate directly in the storyline by completing various activities to help Mickey and friends cross the finish line! 

5.  Abby Train (ipad only)

Let your kids explore farm animals and colors while improving their reding skills. Children will love the ADORABLE ILLUSTRATIONS and SOUNDS! The option of included spoken names makes this app also ideal for toddlers just beginning to recognize animal pictures.

Love,

First Gen Fam

Insta-Weekend

Our Insta-Weekend Photos:

Instagram Photos from dinner at Trolley Barn Park Summer Concert with friends and Stefan's 1st Birthday Party at Spreckels Park Summer Concert in Coronado.

I felt wrong to share the photo below among the others above since there are kids in those. We happen to be driving home and this car was in front of us yesterday.  Got a good giggle out of it.

Love,
First Gen Fam

Home Decor

I have been looking at home decor more and more lately.  Maybe it's because we starting talking about moving.  Nothing for sure yet but it gets my daydreaming going for a bigger kitchen, new furniture, home accents, backyard, etc.  For more home decor inspiration take a look at my Pinterest board.

I love the use of family photos as art in the home.  Isn't the orange such a great pop of color?

Big kitchen, simple, built in wine rack, island, and tons of space.  Swoon!

I love a modern look but am in love with rustic beaten-up wood tables.  

Masculine but with feminine touches.  The fur blanket looks so cozy.

I want a backyard for the kids because I had one growing up and its a must.  But why not this outdoor shower/tub for me!

A girl can dream right?

Have a great weekend!

Love,
First Gen Fam

Proof it's Possible to be Fashionable & Pregnant

Dress I might splurge for from Hatch Collection

Sienna Miller

Naomi Davis from Rockstar Diaries Blog

Miroslava Duma, Editor of Harper's Bazaar (Russia)

Sydney from The Daybook Blog

Some real proof you can be fashionable and pregnant.  The ladies above are a definite fashion inspiration to me during my pregnancy.

Love,
First Gen Fam

Weekend in Pics: Bday, Play Date, Swimming, Etc.

The weekend consisted of play date at Seagrove Park in Del Mar (Maki loved the trains passing by), a beautiful bridal shower where I was able to catch up with old friends, Maksim got his certificate for finishing his first session of swim lessons, and most importantly we celebrated Jelena's birthday at Tower 23 and Village Pizzeria in Coronado.

Love,
First Gen Fam