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.

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

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.

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!

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!

For crafty folks, if you've never checked out www.etsy.com then you're missing out. I cannot take credit for these sweet little owls--I purchased instructions from this website the day I went into labor. Finally after 2 months, I finished the mobile for Little P's room. It was actually fairly easy, just time-consuming. So, every chance I got when Little P was napping, I grabbed my stuff and sewed away. The bodies of the owls are from little girl socks. How clever!

My favorite flowers are hydrangeas and sweet peas. Both are fairly easy to grow and maintain. I don't know why it took me forever to start growing sweet peas. Last year when we started our square foot garden, we planted some sweet peas. They did very well last year and continue to do so with very little maintenance. Our garden has been a little challenging lately with so many slugs being enticed with our young seedlings. RT has tried organic methods to keep the slugs at bay--putting out beer apparently does the trick!
After spending the day weeding the backyard, installing a door to the shed, reorganizing the garage, RT brought me a vase full of lovely sweet peas! I was so thrilled to see them in all their pink glory. I couldn't resist taking a few photos. How sweet it is!