Penelope's first ice cream.

Today was wonderful, especially for our little lady. We kicked the day off by visiting my friend Danielle at her work, to be treated to a free meal. We had fried mushrooms, big salads, and a 'Betty White' pizza. Penny was a hit with all of her co-workers and stayed pleasant the whole time. It was nice to catch up and enjoy a free meal.

Next, Bruce and Penelope napped, then we were off to the doctor's office. She gained over 2 pounds, bringing her to a whopping 19 lb 12 ozs. She was about 29 inches, but it was hard to tell since she wouldn't lay down. When her shot came around, all hell broke loose. She did not want to lay down, and as soon as the nurse stuck the needle in, she screamed bloody murder. I felt horrible, and it took her a little longer to get over it than normal. Bruce and I instantly knew she deserved something to make up for the pain. I thought of this cute little ice cream shop in Utica Square, called Nantucket Creamery, and we headed that way. Our lady got a scoop of vanilla with strawberries mixed in, and she was the happiest little girl.

We came home and played in the yard for awhile, since the weather was so beautiful. The mailman was kind enough to bring Bruce a check from an amendent tax return in 2008 for almost 300 dollars, and our check from the insurance company for my camera. We managed to make nearly 800 dollars today without stepping a foot in work!

New Years

2011 is finally here. 2010 brought some wonderful things. In 2010, we got married, moved into a much nicer house, watched our daughter turn one, watched her learn how to crawl, walk, eat, talk, and grew with each other. I couldn't have asked for anything more. Now, I am ready for a new year, with new goals and a fresh start. We kicked the New Year off by lounging around the house, watching football, and cooking. Our favorite things in the Alexander household.

Dad sat around in his snuggie, and Penelope rocked her jammies well into the afternoon. We each stole some quality time with her, and she showered us with kisses and blows to the face (love blows!).

I didn't make a list of resolutions, but I have goals for this year I would like to keep up with:

1. Finish my Associates degree of English. This shouldn't be hard, seeing as I only have one more semester. I have to make sure I work hard and pass with good grades. I would like to figure out what to do about my education after I complete this, but I don't want to put too much stress on myself.

2. Eat less sugar. I need to accomplish this goal. I feel sluggish and have a horrible relationship with sugar. I am not going to cut it out completely, because that's impossible for me, but greatly reduce my intake.

3. Focus on my other major relationship: my marriage. Bruce and I have always had a good relationship, and we spend a lot of time together but 99% of the time it's also shared with Penelope. Atleast once a month, i'd like to take him out to eat or to play pool. I know we really need that quality time together, and I find myself longing for it now that Penelope has become more independent.

4. Stop ignoring myself. I have a huge creative side and a few needs that I have put off since becoming a mother. I am okay with the fact I set myself aside for the past year, but it would benefit everyone if I felt a little more fufilled in live. I am just going to focus on the little things, like finishing projects I start and writing more often. Oh, and find more time to shower. That will be an ongoing goal.

So here's to 2011, I am going into this year with my head up and my heart open.