Friends, Family, and Fiestas!

Mother’s Day weekend we headed off yet again to Newport Beach for Dada’s cousin, Shawna’s, wedding. Randomly the wedding was across the street from our friends Beth and Ken’s house so we stayed with them and Clarita got to see Hadley again. We didn't get there until 9:30 and Clara didn't fall asleep until 15 minutes before we got there. Needless to say, she went right to sleep when we got there.  Saturday morning Clara woke up bright and early so she and I went on a walk while Dada slept. We ended up at a little park and she had a blast playing. We got back and Beth and Ken made us a fabulous breakfast and the girls got to play before we headed off to Hadley’s music class. Once Clara warmed up she thought the music class was fun. We played in the park before heading to lunch where the girls were more excited about the yogurt covered raisins and the papas fritas than real food. The girls were exhausted after their long morning and went to sleep right away when we got back. We enjoyed some adult time with Beth and Ken and then got ready for the wedding.

Clara stayed with Beth, Ken, and Hadley while we went to the wedding and she had a blast. She latched onto Beth right away and was not the least bit sad when we left. Although Hadley is six months younger than Clara, they are about the same size and Hadley talks up a storm just like Clarita. Apparently Clara was her bossy little self and Hadley eventually gave up and let Clara have her way (like washing her in their bath). The girls went for a walk and blew bubbles, played with Hadley’s toys (Clara really liked the stroller and dolls), ate dinner (Clara refused to eat trout), and both requested to take a bath so Beth obliged. Clarita told us all about how much fun she had when she woke up the next morning!

We had tons of fun at the wedding. It was at a nature center and was beautiful. Shawna and Cat looked gorgeous and the kids in the wedding stole the show by being so cute. We were so glad to share in their special day and so happy for Shawna and Cat! The highlight of the wedding was the vegan food; aka the first wedding I've been to since I stopped eating meat years ago where I could eat everything! And the food was amazing. My favorites were the grilled cheese appetizers (I think it was cashew cheese) and the avocado tacos (think a fish taco but with battered avocado instead of fish)! And of course the s’mores were awesome too!

Shawna and her parents

Cutest ring bearers ever!

Holly insisted on pushing!

Cat and her parents

Yay!

Sunday morning Clara woke up early again and Dada took her for a walk and let me sleep in for Mother’s Day! We went to a gourmet doughnut shop for breakfast where Clarita had a meltdown because she did not get her doughnut fast enough. Hadley was much more patient. We headed out around 10:30 and made a stop at the beach before heading home. Clarita absolutely loved the beach and had no fear of the water. She ran straight into the waves and Dada had to grab her so she wouldn't get swept away! She then decided to “swim” in the sand and was covered in sand from head to toe. We had to wash her off in the sink before we got in the car. She fell asleep right away and slept for a couple hours in the car.

Finally got her doughnut!

The obligatory sand eating

"I swimming"

We made it to Tio Robert and Tia Erika’s house around 4:30, just in time for the Mother’s Day celebration. Clara was excited to get out of the car and run around and eat! There were lots of people there and lots of good food. We had a great time relaxing and hanging out with family. It was a busy day but I was glad to be able to spend it with Clarita and my mom!

Avocado is yucky!

The Wiggle who made me a mama

The mama who made me the mama I am

Aba and her "babies"

The whole family

One of these things is not like the others, one of these
things just doesn't belong...

Eating Dada's ice cream

 Since we didn't get to spend time with Dada’s family on Mother’s Day, we had them all over for dinner the following next weekend. Dada bar-b-qued and Clarita and Teegee played. Tristan insisted on swimming even though it wasn't that warm and Clara was jealous. The girls had a blast eating at the little table and just being silly. It’s fun to watch them play since they are so close in age and love each other so much! We didn't get everyone together for pictures, but I got a few of the girls. Next time we’ll have to make it a point to get pictures with Dada’s family!

Yumm pepino!

Even a fall off the bench didn't stop Clara from eating
brownie and ice cream!

love

The Second Trimester

Weeks 14 - 20: Although I continued to run nine miles three times per week through week 20, it's like my body knew the second it hit the second trimester. Without making any conscious effort I started running slower the very first day of my first trimester and continued to get slower and slower... I still felt great and often forgot I was pregnant. Around 15 weeks we finally told everyone I was pregnant. A lot of people had already figured it out since I was already starting to show, but we surprised a few! When we found out it was a boy I immediately realized that I was carrying him so differently than I carried Clara. With her my stomach was fat all over and although I carried her low, she was not nearly as low as Emmett. With him I am just popped out and feel huge! I got my glucose tolerance test around week 18 and my sugar was so low (49) that the doctor called to check on me (I felt perfectly fine). With Clara it was 70 so I'm pretty sure I don't have diabetes!

14 Weeks Clara

14 Weeks

15 Weeks Clara

15 Weeks

16 Weeks Clara

16 Weeks

17 Weeks Clara

17 Weeks

18 Weeks Clara

18 Weeks

19 Weeks Clara

19 Weeks

20 Weeks Clara

20 Weeks

Weeks 21-23: I get even slower running and decide to gradually decrease my mileage with the goal of six miles three times per week for the last trimester. I run eight miles three times per week during this time and my quads often feel like lead for the first four! I know I didn't run this fast or this far when I was this pregnant with Clarita, but I'm not sure if I started running less/slower sooner because I was sore of because people convinced me that I should. I don't really get much soreness after runs this time around. Prenatal yoga is now one of my favorite activities. With Clara I remember thinking it was too slow and boring. Now I love the time to relax and connect with Emmett. I have even fallen asleep a couple of times during the final relaxation pose! I always give up sweets for Lent and this time have a much more difficult time than usual with cravings. I blame it on being pregnant!

21 Weeks Clara

21 Weeks

22 Weeks Clara

22 Weeks

23 Weeks Clara

23 Weeks

Weeks 24-27: I cut down to seven miles three times a week running but take almost a week off while Kevin is in Holland. I even resort to running with the stroller and manage to run five and a half miles with her! I fall running during the last week and skin my knees up pretty badly. Luckily I manage to turn in midair and not land on my stomach. The last time I fell running was when I was pregnant with Clarita. While sitting in the waiting room before a doctor appointment I feel like I may be experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions. The doctor confirms it and says it's normal. I didn't notice these until the very end of my pregnancy with Clara AFTER the doctor pointed them out. We take several road trips and sitting in the car for hours on end is not as fun while pregnant! I still feel great for the most part and manage to forget I'm pregnant most of the time! I start freaking out because we have done nothing for the nursery so I paint a dresser for Clara's room (so her current dresser can go to the nursery) which makes me feel better.

24 Weeks Clara

24 Weeks

25 Weeks Clara

25 Weeks

26 Weeks Clara

26 Weeks

27 Weeks Clara

27 Weeks

A Tribute to Taco

Tio's dad, Kenny "Taco" Suemoto passed away on April 24, 2015. He went the way he would have wanted, in his sleep, and didn't suffer. It was a very sad day for the Suemotos and our entire family. Kenny was like a second father to Dada and he spent much time growing up at the Suemoto's house. Kenny was quite the character and loved to watch TV in his underwear and said whatever was on his mind no matter how un-politically correct. He also had a plethora of slightly inappropriate yet hilarious shirts that he loved to wear when Donna would let him. Kenny was so much fun to have around and always made you laugh. He was also a hard worker and always willing to lend a hand. When we moved into our house, Kenny showed up without being asked, tools in hand, ready to help where needed. Whenever we needed something fixed we called him and he was always ready to help if he could.

Clara loved Kenny, or Taco, as Tio convinced her he was called. She used to laugh at him and say "Oh taco" when he did something silly. He was an honorary grandpa to her and she was very blessed to have him in her life for two years. She got to see him often at holidays, family gatherings, and even got to go to the zoo with him. Kenny was an amazing grandfather to Bailey and was so very excited to have a granddaughter. I remember him waiting in the hospital waiting room, sleeping on the chairs, and the look of pure joy on his face when he met sweet Bailey for the first time! He thoroughly enjoyed the six months he got to spend with her and even got to babysit her solo once. It saddens me to know that Bailey won't get to know her grandpa, but I know we will always tell her stories about how awesome he was and she will definitely know that he loved her!

There are s many hilarious Kenny stories, but I will always remember him comparing bellies with me when I was pregnant with Clara and telling me that he had been growing his baby for 30 years but never given birth! I'll also remember him starting fires with the mower at my mom's house as we got ready for Tio and Tia's wedding. And of course there's all of his sayings like "Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?" He was a truly amazing man and he will live on in our memories and our hearts.