NYFW Spring 2013

New York Fashion Week (NYFW)....sigh.  When I look through images from the people who attend the shows I am filled with envy.  Why? why? why? Did I not get into the fashion industry?  Maybe because I was good at math and science and my Eastern European parents only pushed me into a "safe" career.  While I do have a good career I can't help to wonder how amazing it would be to be surrounded by clothing, accessories, beauty products, etc. on a daily basis.  Though I love San Diego it doesn't exactly stand out as a fashion mecca. New York would be the place to be and I probably would live in a shoe box apartment (but I would be totally living it up).  I daydream of having a job at a fashion magazine and kissing up to some snobby scrawny boss that has impeccable taste.  Oh to dream......but in the meantime see some of my fav street looks from NYFW.   

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

Labor Day Weekend

Us in the hipster heat at the M83 Concert.

Seriously the best shot we could get during the 4D ultrasound.  I call this picture "balls."

This weekend was a busy one; what's new right?  I got offered a free 4D ultrasound to see my "baby in belly."  My doctor's office purchased a new machine and needed some preggo ladies for training.  I figured why not, its free.  We were pretty excited to see the little guy's face truth be told.   Did we see it?  No.  He decided not to show face after I tried to switch sides, jump, move around, etc.  He gave us nothing.  So in the end I am glad it was free.  We did get a cool little video and a great shot of his baby balls.  No doubt it's a boy.  Stan and I had a little date later that evening.  We headed out to see M83 in concert.  Great concert and we really enjoyed the opening local band, Hyena.  We made it out a little early because it got so hot there and it was getting tough trying to swim through a sea of hipsters at almost 30 weeks pregnant.

Ashvin blowing out his bday candle.

Saturday we got to go to Maksim's buddy's (Ashvin) 2nd bday party.  My little guy had so much fun that he took a nice long 3.5 hour nap after.  I guess that is what trains, trucks, pools, and cupcakes do to an active toddler.  Later that evening my long time friend, Nada, came into town to enjoy a few days of Krimerman company.

Nada and I.  Sushi Ra.

Jelena and Dusan (Sushi Ra)

On Sunday the gals enjoyed an afternoon of shopping.  My feet are still hating me.  Later that evening we headed out to Sushi Ra for late night happy hour.

Causing trouble at the pool party.  Papa and Maksim.

We finished our long weekend with a pool birthday party on Monday.  Enjoyed some good food, sun, and people.

Updates:

• We finally got a dining table for our place so we are no longer eating off of Maksim's kid Ikea table.
• The new place is almost organized!  Another week and we should be all set!
• Maksim says the word "hot" now; probably because summer is still in full swing in San Diego.  
• My favorite word that Maksim says now is "waitttttt," it is too hilarious.
• Maksim has officially learned to put on his fireman boots.  If I don't hear him for a long time while he is in his room I know he is working on getting them on. Fashion does take time.  

Maksim and his fireman boots.  He now says "cheese" for pictures.

Love,

First Gen Fam

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