Flip Style Calendar

These days, I can never keep track of the date. At work, I don't have any wall space for a calendar, so back in January I bought some paper to make a desk calendar. I finally carved out some time to make it.

♪ Ebony & Ivory ♪

...live together in perfect harmony♫. Some people have asked us how Jannu has been handling the new baby situation. During our pregnancy, we watched the Dog Whisperer shows and read articles on how to introduce the dog to the baby. I was a bit nervous because Jannu was the center of our attention for 9 years. The experts said to leave the baby clothes out so the dog can sniff before bringing home baby or to walk the dog before introducing to the baby. Did we do any of these things? No way! All of that went out the door as we brought home our screaming baby. Jannu was actually at my parents' house, but they ended up coming to our house the same evening we came home from the hospital (because of my begging and pleading interspersed with hormonal bouts of crying). Jannu came bounding up the steps so excited to see us, but instead what she found was going to change her life forever!
Suprisingly, Jannu showed no interest in the baby. She would cautiously sniff her things and gingerly step around her, always being careful not to touch any of her blankets or even get too near.
I think it has helped that we've kept Jannu's routine as normal as possible, walking her as often as we can. The only reaction we get is if Little P is crying really loud, then Jannu will leave the room. We did notice this strange phenomenom: when we've had visitors come and hold the baby (strangers in Jannu's eyes), Jannu became a little protective of the baby! I guess she's accepted the fact that Little P is part of our pack. It's a doggone good thing!

Scrappin' Baby Albums

Over the years, I've made baby albums for close friends and my sister. I did this because I figured a new mother does not have time for a lot of things, much less a scrapbooking project. I created albums with a page dedicted for each month of the newborn baby's first year of life. So all the new mother has to do is to remember to take a picture and insert into that page. I didn't take pictures of all my albums, but I do have photos of some. Now, if I can get around to finishing my album before Little P turns one...

Mama Hens Meet the Little Chick

I've called Linda & Marla my mama hens ever since they took me under their wing during our Small Group. Linda has known RT since he was a baby--a longtime/lifetime friend of his mother's. Even though we were only part of that Small Group for a few months, we met so many wonderful people through them.
The mama hens came out to visit our little chick. It was so fun to see them interact with Little P! Jannu even took a liking to Marla! When we get visitors like them, we feel so lucky and special.

First Father's Day

So this is your first Father's Day,

Your first one as a dad;
Get ready for surprises now,

The wildest you've ever had.
Just when you think you've got it down,

There's a new and different stage;

This little person changes a lot

With each fascinating age.
Being a dad takes all you've got;

Your heart and mind you'll invest;

It's the hardest job you'll ever have,

And the one you'll love the best.
~Joanna Fuchs

♥A Wedding to Remember♥

Finally Joe Fool and his bride got married! RT was his best man. We couldn't be happier for this perfect couple. The wedding ceremony was alongside the bluff at La Selva beach. The day was sunny, beautiful but windy! Little P and I sat in Uncle Stan's car to get out of the biting wind, so we missed the ceremony. Afterwards, the reception was at the nearby clubhouse. Little P was such a trooper! She had a long day, but she did so well! Even strangers commented on what a good baby she was. (I told RT that she has racked up bonus points for any upcoming days where she may be fussy).

She met her Uncle Steve for the first time. We were so thrilled to see him. She also met our dearest friend Linda. There were quite a few family and friends that were introduced to Little P.

RT was nervous to give his best man toast. After Joe Fool's heartfelt toast during our wedding, I think RT wanted it to be just as meaningful and personal. It was. It brought tears to my eyes!

Everyone had a nice time. There was great food, awesome cake (my favorite at a wedding!), dancing, and most importantly--love. Here's to a long, happy, and love-filled life together for Rich & Leah.

3 Month Milestone

We can't believe our little one is three months already! As RT put it, "She's weighs as much as Jannu and is longer than any fish I ever caught!" Little P has brought so much joy and amazement to our lives. Doesn't she look like she's up to some mischief? Her favorite spot is on the changing table. She does this fake cough because she knows it gets her some attention...what a stinker!

While by no means do we think we've got it figured out, things have evened out and seem more predictable than before--although as I say this, tomorrow will bring about new change and a different routine!

Memorial Day BBQ

We had a chance to get away from the house and mingle with new friends over the weekend. RT and I were just discussing how some of the friends we have made since we moved here are all moving away! You can't blame them...it's so hard to make a living here with scarce opportunities for jobs and if you do land a job, the pay is so miniscule that it's hard to make ends meet. For our friends who have moved on to new adventures, we wish them luck and happiness and hopefully they'll return to this area--if not to live, then at least to visit!

Anyhow, we had a great time at the barbecue. One of the couples had twin baby boys about 6 weeks old. My friend Wende is expecting in November. Her bro and sis-in-law are expecting in September, and they have a 2 year-old cutie, Aya. She was fascinated with Little P and even made up a song in her honor! Then, there was us with our 11 week-old. It was a houseful of new and expecting parents!