Good times in January

It is unbelievable that we're into February already, January just came and went in the blink of an eye. We had a busy month. We rang in the new year with our good friends Randy and Rachelle. Mikayla was there too, she just slept through most of it (YEAH!). I celebrated my 33rd birthday on January 7th. It was a quiet celebration marked by a few lunches and dinners with great friends and family. Thanks everyone for the lunch dates, presents and pampering. You really know how to spoil me.

Jon and I were able to get out to a few sporting events in January. We went to several Arizona Cardinals playoff games; the tailgate was fabulous and I can't tell you how exhilarating it was to see them win. It's too bad they couldn't win the Superbowl, but at least they made it there. Amazing! We also saw a Phoenix Coyotes hockey game. AND we attended one of our personal favorites... the FBR Open at the Scottsdale TPC, where we sat in the 16th skybox and watched as the rowdy fans cheered and booed all the golfers. We cheered and booed along side them too! heehee

Our seats for the game were right up close, 2nd row. Exciting to see them win!

Mikayla had her first trip to the Phoenix Children's Museum. I'm guessing she had a good time, hard to tell though because she is too young to enjoy the fun activities. When she gets older I will buy a one year pass so we can go and enjoy it more often, I know she will love it. Here she is pictured with Quinn in the pod. I think he was digging her. Also pictured are Dennise and her daughter Juliana (18 months) at the orange tubes, Jen and her daughter Angelina (28 months) painting the house and Jamey and her son Quinn (8 months) laughing it up in the tents and tubes area. We all had a blast!

In January I reconnected with some friends from grade school/junior high/high school for a dinner date. I really enjoyed the time, it felt like we picked up right where we left off so many years ago. We laughed so much. I am looking forward to seeing them more and reconnecting with other friends on Facebook and rekindling old friendships.

Tara, Pam, Me, Kelly, Tiffany

Mikayla is now 13 weeks (or 3 months on Feb.1) and she is amazing. She smiles a lot and when we make funny faces or noises she starts to laugh, it is the cutest thing. She can't stop talking and of course has a lot to say already, so we are always very engaged in her conversations. Just this week she found her hands and started looking at them more closely in front of her face. She loves her play mat and her bouncy seat with the waterfall and jungle animals. Her favorite toy is the glo-worm, it's what soothes her when she is really REALLY upset. She is growing so fast. At the beginning of January I took her for her two month appointment and she was 12 pounds and 24 inches long. And ever since her two month appointment she has been wearing size 3-6 months clothes, especially footed pajamas because she is very long legged (like her momma). It's tough to guess how much she weighs now, but if I had to guess I'd say she's close to 15 pounds. She is starting to pack on a little more chub in the thighs and in her cheeks too (fat face like momma, again).

We just love watching her grow and change. She is sitting up, although only supported by mommy and daddy. She looks at Willie all the time but he still ignores her. We like to go for walks in the stroller. It use to make her fall asleep but now she is aware of her surroundings more and loves to look around. And that question that is burning in every ones mind... the answer is YES, she is sleeping through the night. YIPPEEEEEEE!

We had a really fun month together as a family and some memorable moments with friends.

Mikayla and Derek Knight (born 1/15).

Stephanie Hooper and Mikayla

Mikayla and Molly Hooper

In January Jon was also laid off from King Pharmaceuticals, now we are both unemployed! Of course we are not the only ones hurting in this tough economy but it sure stings a little to go from one extreme to another. But we have not let it get us down. Every day we wake up with a smile on our face, optimistic and ready to start the new day. Our priorities have shifted and what gets us through is seeing our beautiful baby girl. So... in February we are planning a cross country road trip to visit friends and relatives. We want to go visit Jon's Grandma in New Mexico, good friends in Texas and make our way to Georgia to see Jon's sisters family the Traugotts and Jon's mom so that they can all meet Mikayla in person while she is still so small and precious. Look for the post in March when we get back to see our trip along the way...

What else is happening in February...stay tuned for more posts!

And... a final note... Mikayla and Willie want to wish all the February babies a HAPPY BIRTHDAY! (and a belated happy birthday to those in January too!)

Love,

The Dunmar clan