Last weekend, we took it easy … we had Dana and Jason over for lunch on Sunday. We sorted through 2 tubs of gender neutral baby clothes and also a few more maternity tops for me to borrow. Yea! This weekend, we went to Six Flags… and despite being a week away from my 3rd trimester, we got there when the park opened and stayed until closing!

It was a work celebration, with a picnic lunch, so I saw a number of my coworkers there. Dana and Dave also joined us. Zachary’s favorite (by far) was the shark exhibit, followed by the Thomas train ride and the killer whale show.

The jeep ride was funny. It was literally the speed of a motorized wheelchair. Pregnant women were not allowed to go on any rides … but they allowed 9 month old Jason on … that is, only if he sat in the front seat. Not quite sure I understand the logic! Final tally for Zachary at the end of the day … 13 rides, 3 shows, and 2 exhibits.

On Sunday, we went to get family pictures taken since Zachary turned 4 this month. I also bought a few pregnancy pictures since this will be my last one. Afterwards, we went to Pump It Up for Hannah’s 5th birthday.

Happy 5th Birthday Hannah!

Last Saturday, we went to a playdate at the EDHs community center park. After that, we drove down to Safari West!

Zachary had a great time since he loves animals (from a distance.) We met up with Dana and Bhavana’s families for a ‘safari’ tour. Since I was pregnant and couldn’t go, I stayed behind with Jason. I showed Jason some of the impressive animals, like the cheetah and giraffe, but his favorite was the spotted quail! He was so busy sensing all that was around him, especially the different animal sounds, that he was not fussy at all – yea! And strolling around the grounds, Jason received numerous compliments on his red hair … which I have since read is the most rare (natural) hair color.

James reported back that Zachary sang during the safari ride, and was happy and well-behaved. Yea again! After the tour, we stayed for a BBQ dinner … good thing it was buffet, because we were all so famished, we had at least 2-3 plates of food.

On the pregnancy front, my back is feeling more achy. And I feel constantly out of breath. I think I was in a lot worse shape starting this pregnancy compared to my first one. I also went in for my 1-hour glucose (gestational diabetes) test. For some reason, this time I didn’t need to fast. The drink tasted like flat, cold 7-Up. It was pretty relaxing just sitting in the waiting room, reading magazines for an hour. Last time, I felt really nauseated, so I was pleasantly surprised. Let’s hope I pass!

Weeks 24/25

HAPPY 4th BIRTHDAY to ZACHARY!!!

We had almost 50 people over to celebrate – luckily the weather cooperated, and the kids were able to play outside. My parents and sister bought him a bounce house … which was perfect entertainment for his party. THANK YOU to everyone who came and helped us make his birthday such a special day!

For his birthday cake, I made a castle cake using the mold my sister gave me for Christmas. I also made a bunch of cupcakes. I kept lunch super simple – a big salad and 3 types of pasta (mac/cheese, pesto and sundried tomatoes with parmesan, and meat sauce w/cheddar.) We also had out a veggetable platter, a cheese/cracker tray, and 2 bowls of chips. For favors, we gave out workbooks with stickers. He was supposed to have 4 balloons tied to his chair (since he’s turning 4), but one flew away when I opened my trunk.

Zachary sang happy birthday and blew out the candles … when the candles went out, he yelled,”STEAM!!!”

We let him open 4 gifts today, but plan to slowly dole out the rest over the course of the month. Apologizes in advance for late thank you cards!

My sister and her boyfriend Eddie came up from the Bay Area. They stayed for dinner and kept Zachary entertained. I think Zachary had a great day!  

On Sunday, his actual birth date, we celebrated with James’ parents.

Week 22

Week 23 .. another appointment. Baby heartrate was 150-160 (Zachary’s heartrate was in the 140s … but while I was a stickler with my first pregnancy, this baby gets caffeine on a pretty regular basis. I cut it with decaf, but still…) My weight was 160. Yep. I gained 7lbs in one month. 17lbs total from my prepregnancy weight.  

I also have a new toy. After debating for a few weeks, I decided not to get the car I really want, which is the Lexus Rx400h. The dealerships are not very willing to negotiate, and they’re asking for $51k plus tax/licence.

(I’ll post a better picture from outside later.) 

For $24,700 plus tax/license (brings it to under $27k total), I bought a 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid with leather seats!   It’s not a luxury car by any means, but it’s a fun little commuter car. Wheeee!