A Kaiser Kid

My little Lana has been such a great sport about coming with me to all 5,000 prenatal appointments at Kaiser. They are too often, too redundant and sometimes we wait too long for the doc. But she's always so good and patient and has the routine down pat! When I need blood drawn, she tells the nurse, "Use the BIG needle!" And she always laughs really loud and enjoys telling everyone in the waiting room that I just made shi-shi in a cup. Getting my blood pressure checked is also a favorite and she's become quite a chatter box with the doctors and nurses. They are really good about involving her in the appointment and asking her how she feels about being a big sister. And finally, she's beginning to know her way around the building pretty well. On the way out we can't leave without having "storytime" where they sell books for kids. That's the bribe I hang over her head for her to be good during the appointment and it works every time. So, thanks...Lana for being a good sport and here's to being DONE with going to all those annoying appointments!

*This picture is of a little fountain we pass by on the way back to the car

Fun FHE

For our FHE last week we joined a few friends at the Recalde's house for some swimming, v-ball and BBQ. It was so much fun and the perfect end to the day! At one point I couldn't find Lana anywhere and someone pointed out to me that she was sitting in a big chair right next to the grill- holding a plate and fork! I've noticed that I can always find her next to the food. hehehe. I don't know who had more fun: me (mostly just chillin and talking), Lana (swimming with her friends) or Mat (swimming, playing ball and eating a ton). Thanks Recaldes! That was so much fun...we love you guys!

Beach Hopping

4th of July Fun

It was another Nielsen-Tanigawa reunion on the 4th of July. It had been about a whole year since our families were together and it was so nice to visit again. We met them in Oceanside and it was the most beautiful day!! Mat and I thought that it would be so fun to live out there if we had to choose somewhere in California to live FOREVER. It had such a nice laid-back feel. Anyway, Lana was so excited to see Maddox and I was worried that since they hadn't seen each other for awhile that they might not hit it off right away. It turns out that I had no need to worry because they just played and played and played and had fun on the beach. Maddox, who is SOOOO CUTE I can't stand it, just wanted to throw every single rock he could find in the water. He had such a great arm and I was waiting for him to just knock someone out. Luckily, he listens to his mom and didn't hit anyone. :) So while Lana and Maddox were just having a blast on the beach, Mat and I were in heaven with our buddies: Giff and Jenna. Mat and Giff headed out to the water with their boards (of course after sitting on the beach for a thoughtful moment). And I got to visit with Jenna! I've missed her soooo much and it was great just being able to talk story and catch up. I'm starting to dislike the fact that when we see each other we have to catch up on so much time that has passed! This time was almost a year! But it was still wonderful. And her family was really so welcoming- they let us join them for Maddox's birthday party at their condo and we had a great dinner and little party. Lana was a bit confused because of all the excitement and she had to be reminded that it was a party for Maddox, not her. This was her happy birthday song, "Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Lan....uh, Maddox...Happy Birthday to you!" It was just such a fun day hanging out with our good friends and we're so glad that we were able to do it! We drove home that night with a smile on our faces and laughing at all the fun moments we had that day. Here's to Disneyland...2010!

Mary and Mark

Lana's nursery teachers are a cute couple and our neighbors: Mary and Mark. Mat and I both love them but I think Lana adores them. She always says the funniest things after nursery. At dinner Mat asked her who was in nursery today and Lana named a few kids and threw Marks name in there as well. She said, "And we just played and played." She was saying how much she loves them and said, "They make really good choices and they don't talk back." They really do a great job in nursery and Lana is forever singing her nursery songs and telling us about their lessons. Apparently today's lesson was on the temple and we caught Lana singing some of the song, "I love to see the temple." So, to Mary and Mark- keep up the good work!!!