We are Officially Moved.....+ Maksim Updates

Our first home, cleaned and all moved out.

We are now officially moved into our new rental place yet we are still living out of boxes. I have so far organized the bathrooms and kitchen with the help of my Aunt Mika which has been a godsend.  I did a major purge too (5 large boxes worth!) which felt uplifting. I didn't do any heavy lifting due to being 7 months pregnant but organizing really has taken a toll on my lower back.  Just to think once we find a place to buy I will be doing this all over again....cringe.  Moving sucks but it's for the best.  Our old place officially closed escrow yesterday which was bittersweet.  When we dropped off our keys last night my heart sank a bit.  Lots of great memories were spent there.  It was our first home together and we brought Maksim home from the hospital there too.  Maksim really didn't have to adjust to the new place which made things easy.  He is having fun going through the boxes and essentially making a mess.

Now for some Maksim updates:

• Breaking news!  Maksim has went pee in his potty now twice!!!!  Twice I said!  This is huge and we give him a standing ovation which he loves.  Now if we can get him potty trained before the baby comes would be a miracle.  
• His vocabulary is really expanding.  He is constantly saying "over there."  Its his first official English sentence.  Other words have been play, hot, kaka, moon, one, two, all done, cheese, and other misc Russian/Serbian words.  Some words that come out of his mouth really come to a surprise to us.  I guess we can thank Mickey Mouse Clubhouse for that.  I really realized he almost understands everything we tell him.  Does he listen all the time, well no.  
• Maksim and I are both healthy again.  His appetite is back to normal which means he eats a lot!  He has a new found passion for french fries, fish, and M&Ms.  

Love,

First Gen Fam

Oh Olivia...

I watched the MTV "The City" reality show to just see what Olivia Palermo would wear (plus her snooty attitude was entertaining).  I would have to say that this time in my life she would have to be my style icon.  She keeps her face and hair simple and lets the clothes do the talking.  She is fashion forward but eclectic with an edge.  She always looks put together day or night with her great mix of patterns, statement necklaces, and accessories (especially furs which I must admit I love too; sorry animal lovers).  I do not have the bank account she does to buy the crazy expensive designer duds but I feel many of her outfits can be copied with pieces out of my own closet or bought at affordable retailers like H&M, Forever 21, and Zara.  I flip through my Pinterest "Style" board and always fall back on her for any inspiration I may need for an everyday or dressy look.  So thanks Miss Olivia for the inspiration and keep it up, I'm watching.  From this post can tell I am craving to get into my skinny clothes, but my buddha-esque body is here to stay for a while at least......sigh.

Best,
First Gen Fam

What's New with Maksim: 20 Months

• Maksim has graduated from his high chair.  Now he either sits at his little Ikea table to eat or at the big table with us.
• He has a thing for coffee.  Coffee mugs, Starbucks cups, etc.  He has to have them. I now add the slightest bit of chocolate milk and he thinks he is enjoying a cup of java. 
• He only wants to drink out of regular cups.  Not sippy cups but regular adult glass drinking cups.  It's a mess but sometimes he will still take a sippy cup.
• He likes to eat with silverware rather than his hands.  The little guy has some manners.
• Trains, trains, trains.  They are the best thing ever!
• He is a demanding little guy.  Commands like "let's go," "down," "upstairs," "over there," and "nom."  Of course "no" is his favorite.
• Swimming lessons are over.  Coronado Rec Ctr instructors are awesome.  I am so impressed with how much he has learned.
• He gives me kisses and hugs galore.  I love them sloppy, snotty, or however I can get them.

Love,

First Gen Fam

Love,
First Gen Fam

Sick of being Sick plus the Non-Bachelorette Weekend!

I made these during out cupcake decorating class at Cake and Art in West Hollywood.

Eileen.  The Non-Bachelorette.

The funnest cupcake class ever.

Pictures:  1. The move has begun.  2. Maksim eating ice cream; that means he is feeling a lot better!  3.  Redbury Hotel for Non-Bachelorette Party  4.  Eileen's bridal party  5. Me 6. Eileen and I during Mystery Dinner.

I have very behind on blog posts.  Maksim was sick for a good two weeks that means we were quarantined inside.  As soon as he got better I got sick.  I have a ear and sinus infection so I have little to no energy all on top of being 7 months pregnant.  I haven't had an ear infection since I was a kid and I forgot how much it sucks!  It's just completely ridiculous and the timing was horrible. Trying to pack for our move this week wasn't easy and I didn't get as much done as I hoped. I was a trooper and did make it out for my friend's (Eileen) non-bachelorette party in Hollywood which was fabulous so I am so glad I did not pass it up.  I made it through the weekend but failed to go out late night due to my "condition."   The weekend was filled with fun activities and cupcakes; need I say more. Great job to Valerie, Amy, and Olivia for planning a great girl's getaway.  I hope to get better and start blogging regularly soon!

Love,
First Gen Fam

Sick & Otay

Maksim has been under the weather for a week or so.  He is finally getting better so I am a bit relieved.  The lingering cough, lethargic manner, and loss of appetite still make me a little nervous.  But at least he doesn't have a high temperature.  He is still battling a bad bug but I finally see light at the end of the tunnel.  On top of moving soon his sickness hasn't helped with my overall stress level.  We did find an apartment with a 6 month lease so at least that is something I can check off my list.  Its a huge weight that has been lifted off my shoulders along with Maksim finally getting better.

Some updates I have to record about Maksim so I can look back (basically not forget):

• He primarily understands Serbian and Russian so I feel like that is a win.  English will come to him easily so I am not worried about that.
• He is 3 feet tall.  Still a big boy.
• His eyes are blue!  I kept thinking they were going to change color.  They are a mix of blue/grey and a tinge of green.  
• Everything is No and/or Okay (or Otay by his pronunciation).  I love asking him questions now and I can't help but to smile when he answers otay.  I thought he would pick up on "yes", "yeah", or "da" at least but otay is here to stay instead.
• He is able to recite all his facial features, nose, eyes, head, teeth, etc. and some other body parts in Serbian, too cute.
• He has full on conversations on the phone and person to person.  What is he saying, well I don't speak toddler so its hard to say.
• He has been eating with adult utensils all by himself for a couple months.  It's cute to watch him go to his table (or our dining room table -  big boy style) sit and eat.
• I bought him underwear.  I didn't think they made them that little.  They are adorable.  He does tell me at times when he wants to go to the bathroom.  He rips his diaper off and sits on his toilet.  No pee or kaka to hit the bowl yet but at least he is willing to learn and has the patience; now its just about consistency on our end.
• He says hi and waves his hand to everyone that is passing.  
• He let the doctor at his sick visit check his ears, oxygen level, and even said "ahh" so she can check his throat.  All without complaining or crying.  We and the doctor herself were so impressed at what good boy he was at taking directions.  He is growing up.
• He slapped my prego belly for the first time yesterday and said "baby."  Melted my heart.

Love,

First Gen Fam

Moving

We are moving.....yes, you read that right.  We put our home the market in July to see if we can get the price we want for it and low and behold a nice lady has decided to buy it (sigh, tear wipe).  I should have realized my superstar real estate agent husband, www.standiego.com, would actually make it a reality.  It is bittersweet because we love our home.  Its updated, has all amenities you can wish for, and its our first home so it holds a soft spot in our heart. The decision to move came about after our trip to Cleveland. Seeing Maksim play in my father's and aunt's backyards with other kids was to say the least awesome (the jungle gyms and trampolines were big hit).  We enjoyed drinks and dinners outside while he ran around and played.  It was bliss.  Plus moving might mean a bigger kitchen and extra bedroom for us which wouldn't hurt either.

Back to moving.  It is just plain stressful especially being 6+ months pregnant.  Luckily we are not hoarders and are minimalist minus all the toys.  Trying to find an apartment with a short lease and up to my standards is hard!  We want something clean, good price (the idea is to save as much as possible before buying), convenient to work/babysitters, etc.  The plan is to buy a new home in a years time but it can take longer.  I'm hoping we can find a home for our family sooner than later but we do not want to rush on a purchase and later regret it.  I know when I set into a home if it will be right for us or not.  I am just plain picky so I am afraid it might be a while.  It is fun daydreaming of new furniture and decorating at least!  Moving is a b#%&h but it will be well worth it in the end when I am sitting outside sippin on some lemonade watching my boys playing in our own backyard.

Love,
First Gen Fam

Sick Weekend

Bubbles make this little sick guy happy.  

Cold watermelon to cool him down.

Maksim is sick and I hate it.  It made for a very uneventful weekend for the Krimerman household.  He is in good spirits but has a fever and I am just like every typical mom and am worrying my head off.  His appetite isn't really there either so if you know him you know that little guy loves to eat!  It started last week with a cough and really low grade fever so I wasn't too concerned.  He is still going about his business but is definitely less active and super cuddly.  I know a fever is supposed to be a sign of his body fighting off the virus but gosh can't it just kick the virus's butt already.  Poor thing.  I hope he gets better soon for his and my sake!  

Love,

First Gen Fam

Prego Fashion Challenge 25 weeks

Hat- borrowed from sister
T-shirt- Victoria's Secret (long and so comfy)
Belt- Vintage
Midi skirt- Old Navy (scored this for $6!)
Sandals- Gap

I wore this outfit over the weekend.  I am all about making non-maternity clothes work during and after pregnancy.  My skirts (pre-preg) that normally hit my knees or shorter look funny worn low or are too short when worn over my new tummy (unless you like that prego hooker look).  I found that midi skirts work soooo well while pregnant.  They can be worn over your bump and still remain long enough.  I hate the look of an elastic band so added a belt that matched up with the straw fedora hat (bad hair day saver!). I finished the look with a swipe of fuchsia lipstick and was out the door to enjoy that day with the fam.....truly a easy and effortless prego outfit.

Love,
First Gen Fam