Maksim in his version of Supermarket Sweep

We went to the new Trader Joe's in Mission Valley the other night.  The mini cart was available thus Maksim's shopping adventure begins.  We were lucky enough to record it because this little trip to the store made us do a laugh-cry.  He is serious about getting all his groceries quickly (very Supermarket Sweep) though he does have time to stop and test out a sample.  He zig-zagged throughout the store, paid for his groceries, and was rewarded with a lollipop at the end.  He is our super shopper.  Enjoy the video!

Love,
First Gen Fam

Bros Conversing : First Time Ever Caught on Video

Maksim really pays no attention to baby Lazar other than to ask me to set him down so he can get some cuddling in with Mama.  It made me a little worried.  Is he jealous?  Is he going to love his brother?  It was like this until recently.  He now goes and chats up a whole conversation with Lazar.  I can only make out some of it otherwise it's some secret baby language.  In this video see Maksim tells his brother about Donald Duck, Chip and Dale, lays down some kisses and shows off his belly button.  Please don't mind the toe biting. I consider it a love bite.  I was so lucky to be able to record this first ever conversation.  Brotherly love is too darn cute.

Love,
First Gen Fam

Maksim: Master Candle Blower

Maksim is a master candle blower as you can see from both videos below.  The first video is of his actually birthday and the second is at his party.  We really didn't even practice with him.  He just got it on his own.  He never fails to surprise me.




Love,
First Gen Fam

Nesting Weekend

This past weekend I was got the nesting itch.  I went through Maksim's old baby stuff. Clothes, blankets, accessories, etc.  Was he really that small?  I look at some of the onesies and think maybe it shrunk but I have to remember even though Maksim was a big baby (8 lbs 13 oz, 21.5 inches) he still was tiny.  We cleaned the car seat (like new now)and baby clothes.  All is organized.  I am almost ready, still got pack the hospital bag and fill out the maternity leave paperwork. All and all even if I had the baby tomorrow we would be completely find because we are staying ahead of the curve.

When we were not cleaning or organizing we did get out to have a little fun.  We took Maksim to the Disney store to get in the Halloween spirit.  He made a trick-or-treat bag, scavenger hunted, paraded around, danced and fell (see video below).  Saturday we enjoyed a 1st birthday party for little Frankie at Jake's Del Mar.  Maksim said the word "beach" for the first time.  He really enjoyed himself on a beautiful sunny day (still feels like summer).  We took him to Sea World again and he couldn't wait to go "up" as he so cutely says on the Sky Tower.  He told the grandparents over and over how he went "up," saw "Shamu" and "sharks."  When Maksim went down for the night Stan and I finally watched Avengers. This past weekend was just what we needed, relaxed and quiet.  Thank goodness because I officially feel "pregnant."  Fatigue and back pain all started as of last week. If I didn't know it before I do now....we're definitely having a baby.

Maksim and Frankie

Birthday boy Frankie

Love,
First Gen Fam

Maksim's Train Table Video and 22 Month Updates

We cannot help but to spoil Maksim.  Maksim will soon be 2 years old but I found such a great deal on a train table that I could not pass it up.  Plus it is way too big to hide from him for the next 2 months.  So, it ended up being a early birthday present.  We did give it to him on is 22 month birthday if that counts for anything.  He is train obsessed these days so this train table is one toy that he plays with daily.  Just seeing his face light up when he plays with it makes me so happy I can burst.  From the video you can see we have one happy and overwhelmed toddler.

What Maksim is up to at 22 months old:

• He is a puzzle master.  Whether the wooden kind or on my iPad he is able to put most simple puzzles together by himself.
• You ask him where anything is and he is going to point and tell you "over there."
• He claims to be "stuck" quite often.  Whether in the laundry hamper or underneath blankets he calls out:  "help, I'm stuck."
• We can get him to go pee in his potty at least once a day now.  Kaka, well he constantly denies he makes one but we sure smell them.  I think it's time for pull-ups.
• He is always an amazing eater but lately watermelon, tiny sausages, and bacon are his favs.
• He loves getting tickled and asks for "more" all the time.
• He kisses my stomach and says "baby."
• He is wearing a size 8 shoe already.  Huge feet!!!
• He is insanely obsessed with his Aunt Jelena.  It's all about "Teta" (Aunt in Serbian) these days.
• He is already making fun of me by way of imitation.  He does a really good fake laugh.
• When he is throwing a tantrum our go-to way to make him listen/calm down is asking him if he wants to go to sleep.  The answer is always "no."  Followed by asking him if he is going to be a good boy he answers "otay" (okay).  If only I was punished by way of nap.
• He still give the best over-emphasized kisses and hugs.

Love,

First Gen Fam

Maksim's Hair Cut 09/15/12

He was such a good boy for his 3rd hair cut.  He sat patiently and asked if he was "all done" and requested some bubbles from his Papa for entertainment.  I cannot believe at 21 months he can sit still with a buzzer at his head.  He truly amazes me at times.  Luckily, Mylisa at tHAIRapy Salon works fast with those scissors.  Also, how cute is that little pouty lip?

Love,
First Gen Fam

Toddler Vs. Bear

Maksim has resorted to fighting his giant bear on a daily basis.  He gives himself a running start.  He even coaxing me into fighting him.  It's our own personal fight club. Oh the joys of having a boy.

We are looking forward to going to the San Diego Wild Animal Park and the beach this weekend.  Looking forward to a weekend that doesn't involve "moving" (well maybe a little organizing might happen).

Love,
First Gen Fam

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

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

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