She's a MACHINE!

Penny is growing by leaps and bounds; right on track according to our Ped - who is by any means AWESOME! 

Penny is just shy of 6 months and is 26 3/4 inches long (90 percentile in height), 16lbs 3oz (75 percentile in weight).  16lbs explains my new strong arms!  Her visit also included a third round of immunizations and she took them like a champ!  After the first needle she grunted and yelled like a champion weight lifter would do to clear the round - HooAAAA!

Back to our pediatrician, Dr. Hall, I would completely recommend her to any first time parent b/c she eases your worries, calms your fears, explains what you're in store for, and what to anticipate.  Her experience of raising 4 girls helps to back up the off the cuff advice!

Visiting Nevada

Nolan and I spent a few summer weeks in Nevada.  Our tour de Nevada began in Vegas, traveled up to Reno where we spent a week at Nolan's family's cabin over the 4th and a few days staying with my brother.  Here are a few photo highlights of our time in Las Vegas.

While in Vegas, my Uncle Robbie and Aunt Denise visited from Catalina!  We had a BBQ with a few friends and family while we were there.  The highlight was of course, Penny. Penny was 5 weeks when we were in Vegas.

Uncle Robbie

Aunt Denise

Delicious drinks!

Amazing food - including lobster from Catalina!!!

Linda Thompson

Lacie Jackson

Besides the BBQ, there was of course, lots of playing!

 

 Mom's shar peis were curious about the little person, but Squirt guarded her wherever she was!

 Lots of naps were taken!

 

 With the exit of one group of family members another wave came along.  Aunt Gloria, Mimi, and Ellyn showed up from Fullerton to spend a few nights.

 

 The last night Susan came to visit and we took the time to play Kynect boxing on Vince's Play Station.

 

A short life update

Good Tuesday Afternoon!

We’ve lived in our new apartment for 4 weeks now – I can’t believe it!  It is finally becoming more of a home.  We decorated, bought some new furniture and now simply enjoying each other’s company.  The neighborhood is fun too.  We’ve gone out to eat at a couple local places – Paddy O’Splains and Rockwell’s Neighborhood Grill.   Exploring is one of the most fun parts about moving to a different part of Chicago.  We were really spoiled in Wrigleyville; everything was just too convenient.  There were always taxis on the streets, we could buy a jug of milk or a bottle of whiskey on the corner store, my commute was only 40 minutes door to door, and the gym was a quick walk down Clark!   

Although we’ve moved only 3 miles northwest you notice a large difference!  The highlights of our location include the gigantic park across the street – where Nolan and I have been jogging the last couple nights, there is always parking available – maybe a car is in our future, and we love the family friendly atmosphere –no more 3AMers walking home, screaming on our street, well except us!

Having Nolan home is wonderful.  We’ve been working out at the park across the street and he’s cooking!  I love coming home knowing he’s been to the grocery store and something’s smelling delicious as I walk in the door - I am so spoiled!  Last night he made Clam Chowder! 

I enrolled in school.  I want to further my education with some graphic design courses, so as of April I will be in class at the Illinois Institute of Art – Chicago!  I am completely nervous to start back at school – I was so relieved when I finished at UNR.  My excitement surpasses my nerves, this is going to be the best thing for me and I can’t wait to get started!