Brunch on the Hill

Because Ryan's Portland family was in town, Grandma Barbara wanted to do something special and arranged for a fabulous champagne brunch for the family at Orange Hill restaurant located around the corner (and up a steep hill) from our house. The views are breathtaking and the food was incredible. A buffet with everything from waffles, omelette bar, osso bucco, baked salmon, sushi, prime rib, muscles, shrimp, king crab legs, a chocolate fountain and much more had us enjoying every minute of the meal and family time. Thanks, Barbara, for bringing us all together for a fun end to this memorable weekend!

Birthday Week

Well, I made it to 32. In fact, 32 feels pretty darn good. Yesterday was a great day but really I spent the past week celebrating my birthday starting with a lovely dinner at Joyce and Rick's. It was fun to get together with everyone and Joyce and Rick made me feel so special. On Wednesday night, we went to Javier's for dinner with our friends Brian and Jen. And Friday night we headed to Gabbi's in Old Town Orange with Lisa and Jason as well as Kevin and Heather, Ryan's cousin and wife who were in town from Portland. We also hit up the Gastropub down the street for drinks. On Saturday (my actual birthday), I woke up to a card from Ryan that made me cry and a few gifts. We had a fun day shopping with the Portland Flower's (including Craig and Margo). The rain even held off for us! Then, we went to my parents' along with Grandpa and Claire to visit, have a delicious birthday dinner and watch the USC/UCLA game. Mom and Dad were so thoughtful and made this the perfect birthday! It didn't hurt that UCLA got stomped either.

Lots To Be Thankful For

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. We get to gather 'round with family, eat a wonderful meal and enjoy the company of our loved ones and appreciate our blessings. This year was no different. We all went to Rick and Joyce's, including my parents, Nana & Pops, Ryan's Portland relatives - Uncle Craig, Aunt Margo and his cousin Kevin with expectant wife Heather, Grandma Barbara, Brandy, and Shawn, Brianna and Hailee. Shaye was very good and spent time with everyone and did well taking her naps. It was so much fun to spend time with our Portland family since it's so rare that we get to see them. Joyce did a terrific job preparing the house for this day. The only thing missing was my sister (and Matt).

2 Month Check-up

Shaye survived her first round of immunization shots on Monday. She was such a trooper! She only cried a little and unfortunately choked and spit out much of the liquid vaccination, but we survived. The pediatrician said that she looked great. She is at the 66th percentile for weight, average height and the 17th percentile for head size, which is apparently genetic. These are just baseline measurements and will change over time. We are thankful that Shaye is doing so well!

Dad's Retirement Party

Northrop Grumman gave Dad a wonderful Retirement Party last night and I hope it is something he will always remember. I certainly will. It was held at The Reef restaurant overseeing the harbor and Queen Mary in Long Beach. About 60 people came for the celebration and enjoyed a filet mignon or salmon sit down dinner. It was fabulous. Jim Connolly, Dad's former colleague and family friend, was the MC and was very entertaining and said some of the kindest words about my dad personally and professionally. 7 other colleagues (former bosses, direct reports, etc) all spoke jokingly and seriously about Dad and how he made such a huge affect on them and throughout the organization. Although this was no surprise to me, it was great to hear it from them and I know my dad was really blown away. Dad also spoke and did a great job thanking everyone and talking about his excitement for the future. I have never been more proud to be his daughter.
Here's a couple photos. More at the link to the right.

All Smiles

We've been laying low, hanging out with the baby and things are getting a bit easier. The last two nights she has only woken up once in the middle of the night! I can't tell you how thankful I am! I still feel like a zombie, though, as I don't sleep well since I have new mommy syndrome - always have one eye open. However, if she keeps up this sleep schedule, I'll catch up. We are also thrilled that she started smiling almost 2 weeks ago. At first it was only once a day, but now she smiles quite a bit and it is the best thing in the world! Just those little responses make it all worth while. Shaye is also able to focus on objects and loves to stare at anyone that will talk to her with some animation. She is holding up her neck on her own most of the time. Her 2 month doctor's appointment is in another week so I'll give another update then. Ryan and I have been able to get out together thanks to our parents' offers to stay with Shaye. Last night was dinner and a movie. We saw 'This Is It', the Michael Jackson movie, and were thoroughly impressed. He was truly an amazing and talented artist.