Joey, Jenny, Mia & Quinn

A few randoms...

2011-12-03T14:08:00.000-08:00

Here are a few random pictures of Quinn.

Sisters!

Fell asleep in fetal position on the couch. So cute. Probably just like she was used to in my belly!

Introducing...a 6 month old!!

2011-12-02T21:05:00.000-08:00

On May 11, 2011, Quinn Kaida joined our family! She came into the world via c-section. It was a little strange...waking up that morning knowing that this was the day. I actually walked into the operating room!! It was all over in about 45 minutes and then we had our beautiful baby girl.

Quinn Kaida Penner
May 11, 2011
1:23 pm
8lbs

Hello World!!
Our first picture together.

first ride home

meeting Quinn for the first time. Mia didn't know what to do!

It was love at first sight!

I'm getting used to this big sister thing.

Last Easter with only 1 kiddo

2011-10-15T14:15:00.001-07:00

Easter was fun this year because Mia could actually look for Easter eggs. We spent the beginning of Easter weekend in Pioneer. When we arrived my mom had put an Easter basket in front of the door. We went in and my mom and dad had hid Easter eggs for Mia to find. She had a blast and was ready for Easter morning at Glenn and Blanca's.

Easter in Pioneer

Easter at Glenn and Blanca's

Cousins!!

Mia's first haircut

2011-10-15T14:05:00.000-07:00

Well on April 6th I decided that I could give Mia a great haircut. I got out the scissors and...what a mess I made of her hair. So I had to call Sabrina (my hair lady) and she had one of her girls fix Mia's hair. She sat very still and was so good.

Sacramento zoo

2011-10-04T14:10:00.000-07:00

Back in April..my sister and I took Mia to the Sacramento zoo. Mia loved looking at the flamingos.

Mia's actual birthday

2011-10-04T14:01:00.001-07:00

So on Mia's actual birthday...we went to B. J.'s for dinner. She was very excited about the birthday pazookie at the end!!

We have decided that at the exact time of her birth we would all do a toast. Here are pictures from her first toast and her second toast.

Age 1

Age 2

Mia turns the big 2!!!

2011-08-20T08:09:00.000-07:00

In April, Mia turned 2! It was a ducky themed party and Mia had fun playing with her cousins and friends!! Thank you everyone for making Mia's special day even more special!

Mia blew out her candle and then asked for a fork to eat her cupcake! We all thought that was pretty funny and she ate the entire cupcake with a fork!!

This was the only face Mia would give us for a family picture.

Ducky cupcakes that Auntie Kimi made.

Snow fun!!

2011-08-20T07:55:00.000-07:00

So back in February the Kestersons joined us in Pioneer for some snow fun! Unfortunately when we got there...the power was out. We stayed in hopes that the power would return. It was surprisingly warmer outside with the snow then it was inside the house...so we ate lunch in the garage and headed out to the golf course for some fun!

Aren't they so cute!?

Random pics

2011-06-23T11:45:00.000-07:00

Christmas.

2011-06-23T10:59:00.000-07:00

Christmas with the Kesterson's.

Mia got a play tea set. She loves it.

Christmas morning.

Really old news!

2011-06-23T10:34:00.000-07:00

Well it's been a while since I updated this blog. Our computer is having major problems and can't wait to get a new one. My mom has been giving me a hard time for not updating the blog so she told me to use her computer...so here goes.

In December we headed to Hawaii with my parents and my sister. It was fun but we had a lot (I mean a lot) of rain. We are talking flooding streets!! I think we only had one day of sun (and that was only a half of day). Mia didn't like the sand or the ocean so we spent a lot of time in the pool. Hopefully next time...the weather will be better and Mia will like the beach!

Ready for the 5 hour flight

Christmas in Hawaii!!

Pearl Harbor

Joey and Lisa golfing

Dad and Mom golfing

Swimming at night and in the rain with daddy!

I love the swimming pool!

Our one afternoon at the beach!

Mia enjoying the patio.

The Amazing Race!

2011-01-26T15:45:00.000-08:00

I am so behind on blogging that I almost forgot to post about the Amazing Race that my mom, dad and I put on for Vanessa's big 3-0 birthday! It was so fun and it was great seeing everyone really get into it.

THE TEAMS:

The whole gang!

Enjoying the "mandatory rest period"

One of the tasks! Thank goodness for Lowe's employees!

The Winners!

A trip to the desert!

2011-01-17T08:27:00.000-08:00

In November, we had a long weekend in Palm Springs. It was Mia's first plane ride and we were a little nervous! Mia did great. On the way there...she ate snacks the entire flight and on the way home...she slept the entire flight until we got the gate. It was nice to get out of the cold and put on shorts and tank tops.

Eating and happy as a clam on the way there!

Grandma and Mia at breakfast. It was so nice to eat outside with ducks walking around us. Mia loved the ducks.

Mia did a little swimming!

We had a nice dinner!

We also visited the Living Desert which also has animals.

We got to feed giraffes!! So fun!

So tired after a long weekend!

Happy Halloween!!

2011-01-10T17:20:00.001-08:00

I have been having some problems with my computer so my blogging is very delayed! I'm going to try to catch everyone up on what has been happening with Mia! Mia was a duck (her favorite thing ever) for Halloween. Instead of trick or treating we took her to some family member's houses.

Auntie Lisa was a duck hunter and she's carrying her little duck!

Carmel

2010-11-28T14:30:00.000-08:00

During my October break...my parent's, Mia and I headed to Carmel. Joey and my sister joined us for the weekend. We took lots of walks on the beach and visited the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Mia and Grandma on the beach

Mia at the aquarium

Always happy with snacks!!

A good friend's wedding

2010-11-14T20:07:00.000-08:00

Back in October my girlfriend from high school got married in Lodi. She was a beautiful bride and the wedding was gorgeous! It was so nice to get together with the girls and enjoy an evening kid free. Meredith thought of everything and I loved the scrabble theme!

We all rarely get together without kiddos so we decided to make the most of the evening. We all met up at Rosewood for a drink and to hang out!

Joey and Joel made a friend at the wedding...

Beau's big 2!

2010-10-27T19:16:00.001-07:00

A while back we helped celebrate Beau turning 2! Mia had a great time...but I think Beau had more. Vanessa and Joel had all of Beau's favorite things...golf, cupcakes, bubbles, a ball pit and a slide. Good times!!

Trying to catch up on blogging....

2010-09-09T20:16:00.000-07:00

Kylie Kesterson and Mia at the Lodi Library story time.

Birthday dinner at Papapavlos

Spending the night in San Francisco for my 30th birthday. Dinner at Scomas and Wicked with good friends.

Mia and Beau at Kylie's 1st birthday...it was pretty hot that day.

Mia has become obsessed with bows in her hair...here she is asking for more bows.

We love summer vacation!

2010-07-25T21:21:00.001-07:00

Summer vacations are great for hanging out and spending some quality time with friends and their kids! Beau, Bella and Vanessa came over for some swimming and quality time a few times and Jenny, Amy and Caleb came over too.

Caleb and Bella (one week apart)

I LOVE this picture!!

And we are walking!

2010-07-19T20:21:00.000-07:00

This post is a little late but I had to put up some video of Mia walking. She started walking about a month ago and is now pretty steady! It's so weird to see your little baby walking around like a little person!

A last minute trip to Aptos

2010-07-07T20:56:00.000-07:00

We took a last minute trip to Aptos in the end of May. We thought it would be a good opportunity to introduce Mia to the beach. Well...she HATED it! Crying and waving good bye to the ocean. We admired the ocean from afar for the rest of the trip. Oh well...at least we got some good pictures.

On a golf cart on our way to the beach.

At first Mia didn't think it was so bad....

Oh wait...it's HORRIBLE!! Get me out of here!

Take a picture first!

Much happier away from the water and sand (and the paci makes everything better)!

Hitching a ride with Auntie Lisa

We decided to take Mia swimming for the first time. We forgot her swimming suit so she went au naturale.

Grandma got in with all her clothes on.

Swimming anyone!?!

2010-06-22T20:01:00.000-07:00

Mia loves the swimming pool...cold water and all. She doesn't like sitting in her little floaty thing very much. She likes to be free and kick her legs in the water.

Hey this water isn't so bad!

Check out my cute bathing suit that Auntie Lisa gave me on my first birthday. She knows how much I LOVE ducks!

Monterey...Here we come!

2010-06-16T20:46:00.000-07:00

We had given Joey's parents a trip to Monterey with us for Christmas! Well here we are in June and we finally were able to take that trip. Mia loved the Aquarium. The best part was the sea turtles and penguins that were swimming right in front of her. Luckily it was not that crowded in the morning.

So beautiful!

Love the jellyfish!

Sea turtles. They were so close!

Mia checking out the penguins.

Touching the kelp and sea cucumber

Enjoying a nice lunch at the aquarium

Mother's Day and More!

2010-06-03T21:26:00.000-07:00

Mother's day was very nice. We started the weekend in Pioneer and my mom made Thanksgiving dinner. Then we came home and went to Dave Wong's for lunch.

Mia has started making this face when we try to take pictures...I think it's the red eye reduction light that makes her do this! So funny.

Mia, me, my mom, and my two grandmothers!

Hanging out with dad.

Who can't love this face!?

Good times in Pioneer!

2010-05-23T20:48:00.000-07:00

We spend most of our free weekends in Pioneer. Here are a few pictures from our last weekend get away. Mia, Mommy and Grandma went to Sutter Creek for some shopping and lunch while Daddy, Grandpa and Auntie Lisa went golfing. A nice relaxing weekend.

"I have some crazy hair!"

"Cheese!"

I got to eat waffles for the first time...yummy!

Baby Shower with Lots 'O Kids!

2010-05-03T14:19:00.000-07:00

We had a Welcome Baby shower for Caleb Elson and Bella Kesterson! All the kids were invited and our moms. It was so fun to see all the kids in one place...man we are going to be outnumbered soon! Beau and Baker had a blast with bubbles and Mia loved watching them run around. All the babies were spoiled with love!!

Everyone had to hold a kiddo! We missed you Linds and Caprice!

Vanessa with Bella

Audrey & Baker

Sarah & Kendall

Little Audrey
Amy & Kendall

Beau & Baker

Darla & Mia

Our little girl is ONE!!!

2010-04-16T19:47:00.001-07:00

Can't believe how fast this year has flown by. I guess it's true when they say "time flies when you are having fun!" Mia has been such a blessing to Joey and I and we can't imagine our lives without her. She was a little behind in her development (according to me only) until about 3 weeks ago. She was only doing an "army" crawl and was not pulling herself up at all. It was getting closer to her first birthday and all of a sudden she is now...
1. crawling (the right way...when she wants...she still thinks that the army crawl will get her there faster)
2. pulling herself up on EVERYTHING!
3. says "mama" and "dada" and will repeat "book," "dog," and "duck" (when she wants to)
4. is drinking whole milk (no more breast milk...yeah for mommy).
5. likes to eat food from the table better than her baby food.
6. is FINALLY getting two teeth on the bottom!

I think that is about it...for now.

Here are some pictures from Mia's first birthday fiesta. The theme was ladybugs!!

Auntie Lisa, Mia and Great Grandma

Grandpa and Mia.

"I'm soo excited for my birthday party!"

Mia in her cute birthday outfit. Love her expression.

Auntie Jenny, Uncle Mark and Cousin Ava.

Mia is so excited to eat her birthday lunch!

Uncle Joel with two things he loves...beer and Kimi's cookies.

I really like the cake...but I really really like the frosting!

A close up!

Getting ready for the champagne toast! My parent's brought over some champagne for a toast at the exact time that Mia was born. At 6:40pm on April 10 we all toasted to Mia's birthday. Mia even got in on the toast (see picture below)!!

The Easter Bunny!!

2010-04-11T20:30:00.000-07:00

The Easter Bunny came to leave a basket for Mia at two houses. What a lucky girl. We can't say this is her first Easter but it's the first Easter that the Easter Bunny came to visit. Last year we brought Mia home from the hospital on Easter Sunday.

Mia's Easter basket at home.

Easter at Abuelo and Abuela's house
We tried to take some pictures outside before the storm came but it was still really windy. Mia didn't like the wind!!

She was much happier inside.

A long drive, family, the zoo and the beach.

2010-04-06T21:13:00.001-07:00

During my two week break from work we ventured down to southern California. We went to visit Joey's grandparents, aunt and cousin. Mia has never met her great grandparents and great aunt. We were a little worried because we haven't taken Mia on a long trip before and we have never had to share a room with her. All the worrying was for nothing! She did great. Slept the whole way there, almost the whole way home and slept through the night in the hotel.

Mia with her great Aunt Connie

Mia with her great grandpa

Mia with her great grandma

Mia with her second cousin, Natalie.

Mia and Mommy at the LA Zoo.

Daddy and Mia

We wanted to take Mia to the beach for the first time. It was warm earlier in the day at the zoo. Then we went to the beach that same day and it was overcast, windy and COLD!!

Oh well...Mia got to put her feet in the sand. She liked it at first but then quickly started to cry.

Happy St. Patty's Day!

2010-03-29T20:47:00.000-07:00

We didn't do much for St. Patrick's Day but Mia had a perfect outfit for the day. We celebrated by having pizza with Joey's parents (not very Irish...oh well).

Mia is getting better and better at her crawling. She's still working hard at it!!

11 months and finally moving!

2010-03-21T21:41:00.001-07:00

Mia is 11 months old and finally starting to move around. She hated being on her stomach and as a result we are now a little behind. She was moving backward only and now is moving forward. She is doing her version of an army crawl. She still does not have any teeth. I think this is frustrating to her because she wants to eat different textures and to feed herself. It will be soon enough!!

Walking with some help! She love this!

I heart you!!

2010-03-07T20:37:00.001-08:00

Mia enjoyed her first Valentine's Day! It consisted of a trip to Costco with mommy, daddy and Auntie Lisa and then dinner at my parent's house.

We put Mia on the grass at my parent's house to take some pictures and the dogs (our 2 + my parent's 2 + my sister's 1 = 5) decided they wanted to be in the pictures too!!

Petting Molly girl!

Catching a ride on Grandpa

The Park and a New Hat

2010-03-03T20:31:00.000-08:00

Mia loved the trip to the park...now we just have to wait for nicer weather. She loved being pushed in the swings and going down the slide.

All bundled up...headed for the park.

"Dad...I'm not so sure about this!"

Auntie Lisa has been trying to make Mia a new hat. The hats that she has made have been too small, too big and this one was just right!!

10 months

2010-02-15T12:21:00.000-08:00

Well Mia is 10 months now and her personality is starting to shine! She is a very happy girl and loves to wave to people. We took her to Target the other day and she waved at everyone! So funny. Still no teeth and no crawling...some day!

This is her newest face! She does it when she is really excited!!

We love the snow!!

2010-02-08T20:30:00.000-08:00

Mia saw the snow for the first time and loved it. A few weekends ago we headed up to Pioneer and we found lots and lots of snow. Here are a few pics from the weekend.

Mia's first time in the snow.

Mia wearing her snowsuit that Auntie Lisa got her. She can barely sit up because it's so puffy!

Mia and Daddy

Mia and Auntie Lisa

Molly wanted to check her out. "Hey we match!"

A snow covered house!!

Future Pianist?

2010-02-03T20:26:00.000-08:00

Mia loves playing the piano at my parent's house so my Aunt and Uncle found a little piano for Mia for Christmas. She loves it!!

9 months!

2010-01-25T20:44:00.000-08:00

Mia is 9 months! She is beginning to not mind spending some time on her stomach. Hopefully this will lead to crawling. She is really good at sitting up and has began "sharing" her toys and things with others. She likes to hold her toy out for you to take and then she immediately wants it back. I guess this is her version of sharing. She also is holding her hand out when she wants something. She is so fun! Her true personality is starting to shine.

A few photos on the golf course!

Happy 2010!

2010-01-13T20:28:00.000-08:00

New Year's Eve was pretty low key this year...who am I kidding...New Year's Eve is always low key for us! I attempted to make Vanessa's gumbo for Joey, Lisa, Kimi and I. It came out pretty good (if I don't say so myself)! The four of us played Band Hero until midnight...sorry no pics from our fun night. Mia was in bed by 8:00. Maybe next year she will be able to stay up until midnight.

New Year's day started off pretty early. We got dressed up and headed to church. I was a little nervous taking Mia to church for the first time. She surprised me once again. She sat on a friend's lap and was silent the whole service (30 minutes) and right when it was finishing up she started "talking."

After church! Mia is in a pretty good mood considering she didn't take her morning nap.

Family tradition is that my mom's mom's family get together on New Year's day for good food and some family time. This year it was at my mom's cousin's house in Galt. It's really nice to see everyone!!

Mia was not so thrilled with the way Michael was holding her!

She was much more comfortable have Christie hold her.

Mia with Lew.

Beau meets Mia

2010-01-10T20:47:00.000-08:00

The Kestersons joined us and my parents and my sister in Pioneer for a few days between Christmas and New Years. Mia was more than thrilled to "play" with Beau. I feel a wonderful friendship was hatched. Lots of Scrabble and eating.

Mia playing with her new toy that she got from her Auntie Vanessa, Uncle Joel and Beau.

Beau wanted to play with Mia's new toy. They played so nicely.

Beau giving Mia a little hug.

Beau was having a great time pushing Mia around in her walker. Mia was having a blast!!!

Mia's first Christmas!

2009-12-29T21:55:00.000-08:00

Mia's first Christmas was busy. The festivities started on Christmas Eve with dinner at my parent's house (lots of family and good food). Then Christmas day breakfast at our house with my parents, Joey's parents and my grandmas, then to my parent's to open gifts, then to my Aunt and Uncle's house for dinner and a little Rock Band. Saturday we were off to Joey's parent's for Christmas with them. So nice to spend the holidays with wonderful family!

8 months

2009-12-18T21:29:00.000-08:00

Can't believe that Mia is 8 months. She is getting so big and it seems like she is doing something new every day. She is still eating all kinds of fruits and vegetables, clapping, waving "hi" and "bye" (sort of), running in her walker, and saying "mama" all the time.

Checking out the Christmas tree for the first time.

Helping daddy hang an ornament.

Mia showing off her new skill...clapping!

First Thanksgiving!

2009-12-03T16:02:00.000-08:00

Mia enjoyed her first Thanksgiving. We had a busy couple of days. Thursday was at my parent's house, Friday was at Joey's parent's house, and Saturday we headed up to Pioneer.

Mia spending time with Hi-Bachan (great grandma)

Big Smiles!!

Mia took part in a little Rock Band! She wanted to play the drums.

7 months and walking (in a walker)

2009-11-18T20:12:00.001-08:00

The 7 month photo shoot didn't go so well. Here are the best ones.

Mia figured out that she can go forward in her walker. She is all over the house in this thing. Look out...Mia's liking this walking thing!

Disneyland - Baby = No Stress

2009-11-08T20:29:00.000-08:00

In October, I had a two week vacation from work. Joey, my sister (Lisa), my cousin (Kimi) and I headed to Disneyland for a nice little vacation. Mia stayed home with grandma and grandpa. We decided she was a little too young to truly enjoy Disneyland to it's fullest. We had a blast and Mia was a good girl for grandma and grandpa (that's what they told us).

Disneyland was decorated for Halloween! So fun!

"It's a small world after all!"

Indiana Jones...my favorite. We rode it four times!

Lisa and I

Joey and I on this fun shooting game. Unfortunately I lost every time =(

Candy corn field at California Adventure

Halloweenie Fun!

2009-11-03T20:51:00.000-08:00

We dressed Mia up as a tiger for Halloween. We went to bookclub in Walnut Creek, went to a party, visited Hi-Bachan and visited Abuelo and Abuelo.

Auntie Lisa and Mia

Mia and mommy and daddy

Grandma and Mia

My mom decided that Mia needed to wear her Halloween hat. At first she liked it then she wasn't so sure.

Pumpkin Patch

2009-11-01T12:57:00.000-08:00

Mia loved the grass and hay on her feet.

Mia and I headed out to Philips Farms to see the pumpkins with Auntie Vanessa, Uncle Joel & Beau. Mia liked banging on the pumpkins (like they were drums) and trying to eat them. Joey missed our fun outing (he was working) but we took lots of pictures for him.

Beau trying to be a big boy and pick up a pumpkin!

Finally a little smile!

Fun at Tortuga

2009-10-27T20:43:00.000-07:00

The weekend of October 17th we headed up to my parent's house in Pioneer (my parents have named the house Tortuga) to celebrate my mom and Vanessa's birthdays. We also celebrated Beau's first birthday (better late than never). Mia and Beau had a great time together.

Mia and mommy

Mia and her Auntie Vanessa

Mia sitting up all by herself

Beau opening his presents

Isn't Beau a cutie? Look at all his curly hair.

Mia and Beau

6 months

2009-10-19T21:18:00.000-07:00

Mia is 6 months. She can sit up on her own for a short period of time, is eating pureed vegetables (we have tried carrots, sweet potatoes, yellow squash, peas and cauliflower...so far so good), is cooing all the time, and saying "mama" and "dada" (or so we like to think) and getting bigger and bigger each day. She doesn't look like a newborn anymore. Where did the time go?

Here is my attempt at a photo shoot in Mia's room.

We started the photo shoot on the floor...didn't work out so well. Mia loves to put things on her head (we think it is so funny)! We decided pictures may work out better with the support of her crib...

Jumpy, jumpy, jumpy!

2009-10-09T21:15:00.001-07:00

Mia got a new toy that she loves...a JUMPER. She can jump in that thing for a good 45 minutes.

About a month ago...Mia decided that she was not tired and that she was going to be up from 2 to 5 in the morning. After trying EVERYTHING and when she was still wide awake we decided to put her in her jumper to let her burn off some energy. She jumped for a 30 minutes before she started getting tired. Here is a video of her at about 4:30 AM.

Vegas Vacation Baby!!

2009-10-03T21:12:00.000-07:00

Joey turned the big 3-0 in September and we celebrated with a Vegas Vacation themed party. We gambled, ate, participated in an auction and had good times!

The AMAZING cake that Olivia made for us!

Have you seen the movie National Lampoon's Vegas Vacation? We all made our fake IDs as Nick Pappagiorgio.

Mia wasn't part of the party. She stayed with Olivia (babysitter and cake maker). But she helped clean up the next day and helped daddy open his presents. Thanks everyone for helping make Joey's 30th birthday one he will never forget!

Brown Bear, Brown Bear

2009-09-19T19:29:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite books: Brown Bear, Brown Bear!

5 months and counting!

2009-09-16T17:22:00.000-07:00

Mia is now 5 months old! She keeps getting bigger and bigger and is doing so much more.

Big Girl!!

2009-09-15T15:35:00.000-07:00

Many things have been happening in Mia world these days! She is supporting herself better when she is on her stomach, eating rice cereal (which she practically feeds herself because mommy doesn't seem to feed her fast enough) and wants to stand all the time.

Mia's first time eating rice cereal. Each time she eats more and more cereal ends up in her mouth and not on her face!

Books, books, books

2009-09-10T20:56:00.000-07:00

Mia is beginning to like books...she mostly likes to hold them, put them in her mouth and suck on them.

2009-09-06T08:42:00.000-07:00

Mia loves to take her bath.

I found out that I have feet!!!

2009-09-01T20:52:00.001-07:00

Mia was sitting in her Bumbo (the best seat ever for little ones) and she discovered she had feet! She likes to grab them when she is sitting, laying down and getting her diaper changed.

Morning Smiles

2009-08-17T12:23:00.000-07:00

Some of Mia's best smiles come in the morning when she first wakes up.

Let's hope she continues to be a happy morning person as she grows older (fingers crossed).

Who Said Play Mats are just for Kids?!

2009-08-14T11:19:00.000-07:00

For a couple of nights, Charlie had been eyeing Mia's play mat and blanket. I never thought he would be able to get himself up there, but then I came out to the living room to find this....

Charlie's found a new favorite bed

Posted by Lisa Noma

4 Months and More

2009-08-12T09:19:00.001-07:00

I just turned 4 months

Everyone says I look like my mommy.
What do you think?
Family time!

Lounging in my Bumbo, while mom and dad did the dishes. Maybe if I stay this cute, I'll always be able to get out of helping with the dishes.

Look What I've Been Doing

2009-08-06T08:53:00.000-07:00

Over the last month, Mia has become so strong. It seems like she's doing something new everyday and we can't keep up.

Auntie Lisa decided to see if
she could stand alone
(with a little assistance from the couch)

We tried out her Bumbo the other night since she has been holding her head up so well. She lasted for a few minutes before she was over it

Mia is working hard on her fine motor skills. She can hold her rattle and pacifier in both hands and will often put each of them in her mouth. These are some pictures of Mia and her new rattle.

Random happenings!

2009-07-16T13:38:00.000-07:00

Mia has been doing so much. Here are some pictures that were taken over the last few weeks.

Mia has discovered that her swing is a good place to nap.

She still loves her play mat.

Trying to sit up like a big girl!

I'm always so happy when I wake up in the morning.

Mia likes to sleep with her arms up and her hands behind her head.

Auntie Lisa and I love to hang out.

Tummy time is a fun time.

Big smiles.

3 months

2009-07-13T21:34:00.000-07:00

Mia is 3 months already! She is becoming more and more alert and has discovered her hands. She likes to suck on her fingers and is beginning to reach for toys. She is also sleeping through the night! Yeah!! Her mommy and daddy really like that one!

Doesn't she look like a little girl...not a baby?

Kayaking!

2009-06-28T17:13:00.000-07:00

My dad, Lisa, Joey and I went kayaking at Bear River Reservoir last weekend. My mom stayed behind to watch Mia. It was so much fun. The weather was actually cold so good thing no one fell in!

I love my play mat!!

2009-06-17T11:33:00.000-07:00

Mia loves (I mean LOVES) her play mat. She can spend a good 30 minutes laying on the mat, kicking her legs, moving her arms and "talking" to the toys.

The Girlfriends Shower

2009-06-12T20:02:00.000-07:00

At the end of May, Vanessa threw Mia and I a shower. My girlfriends from high school and their moms attended. To stick with "tradition" this shower was held after Mia was born. We like it this way so that everyone could meet Mia. It was so nice to spend time with all the girls and their moms. We had yummy food, good company and a beautiful cake made by Taking the Cake by Olivia Macdonald. Thanks Olivia!

The girls! We missed you Lisa and Sarah!

Mia got soo much clothes! She is going to be a very well dressed baby for a while! Thanks everyone!! She loves clothes just like her mommy!

Thanks Jenny for hosting the shower and thanks Vanessa for all your planning.

Mia enjoying some time with Lindsay.

2 months old!

2009-06-11T09:37:00.000-07:00

Mia is 2 months old already! Here are her latest pics!

Mia's first Vacation

2009-06-07T19:04:00.000-07:00

Mia made her first trip to the "Tortuga" house. She enjoyed lots of naps and good bonding time with Auntie Lisa, Grandma and Grandpa.

Enjoying the view from the deck. She liked watching all the golfers go by!

I enjoyed my first beer since getting pregnant. It sure was yummy!

Mia had a bottle since mommy had a beer.

Sleepy, Sleepy!

2009-05-28T14:23:00.000-07:00

Mia likes to sleep in the fetal position. She curls up in a ball and can't be any happier!

She likes to sleep on her daddy's chest.

I'm one month old!

2009-05-13T19:00:00.001-07:00

Mia turned one month old on Mother's Day (May 10th).

First Mother's Day

2009-05-11T13:12:00.000-07:00

My first mother's day was great. My mom, dad, Lisa, Joey, Mia and two grandmas went to lunch at Dave Wongs (yummy). We then came back to our house for gifts.

Mia got me the Wii Fit. I was so excited!! Lisa, Joey, my mom and I spent the whole afternoon playing (or should I say working out).

Mia and I on my first Mother's Day!!

Book Club

2009-05-11T11:57:00.000-07:00

Mia attended her first book club meeting on Saturday. She was soo excited she slept through the whole thing!!

Beau was very brave...the only boy!!

2009-05-04T15:00:00.001-07:00

Here are some new pictures of little miss Mia!

Mia is enjoying some "tummy time." She likes to lift her head up and look around! She thinks she is so big already!

Auntie Lisa thought it would be fun to give Mia a "faux hawk" after her bath. Doesn't she look cute?

Mia likes to sleep in this chair. The chair is a life saver when it comes to showering.

Mia's happenings

2009-04-28T19:54:00.000-07:00

Time has just flown by!! Can't believe that Mia is almost 3 weeks old already!! Joey went back to work today...Mia and I hung out all day! She is opening her eyes more and more and spending more time awake during the day.

She really likes sitting in this chair that vibrates. It seems to calm her down. Thanks Vanessa and Beau for letting us borrow it!

Mia in a hat that Auntie Lisa made for her. It is a little big...she'll grow in to it!

Mia after another sponge bath.

Four generations

2009-04-16T10:35:00.000-07:00

Four generations of Fujinaka ladies.

Hi-Bachan (great grandma) and Mia

Mia likes sitting in her swing. We even were able to get some pictures with her eyes open.

Mia was wide awake after her first bath at home.

Hoppy Easter!

2009-04-12T18:10:00.000-07:00

Mia came in time to celebrate her first Easter with her family. Auntie Lisa bought her the cutest little outfit. Her day consisted of coming home from the hospital, some visitors, and dinner cooked by her Grandma.

Here I am in my new outfit!

Here is the view from my rear!

Our New Arrival

2009-04-12T17:13:00.000-07:00

Our adventure began on Thursday night, April 9th, around 11:30 pm. Joey and I got back from bowling and were getting ready for bed. I had to go to the bathroom (like usual) and realized that my water broke. We called the hospital and they said to come right in. We got to the hospital and the waiting process began. My parents, my sister, Joey's parents and Vanessa joined Joey and I in the waiting process.

My mom was fascinated with the baby heart and contraction monitor.

Auntie Lisa is knitting Baby Mia a blanket.

Vanessa reading a magazine to pass the time.

I'm still smiling (for now)!!

18 hours later, it was time to push. I pushed for about 45 minutes and our doctor didn't think Mia was making the progress that she should have been. She suggested that we consider a C-Section. Taking our doctor's advice and better judgment we opted for the C-Section. My family and Joey's family anxiously awaited good news.

Here is Mia...right out of mommy's stomach! She's waving "hi!"

Mia's stats:
Arrival date: April 10, 2009
Time: 6:40 pm
Weight: 7 lbs, 12 oz
Length: 18 inches long

The next day, Saturday, Mia had many many visitors. Here are her new family members:

Mia is happy to be with us and can't wait to meet everyone! Thank you for all of your well wishes and good thoughts!! Until next time...

Good Times!!

2009-03-24T17:12:00.000-07:00

Today, I went to lunch with Amy and Baker, Vanessa and Beau, and Jenny "Fiori." We had yummy Butcher Shoppe just like old times. Baker is getting so big! She definitely did not want to be left out of our conversations! =)

After lunch, Beau and Vanessa came over for a quick visit. Beau showed me how he is getting ready to crawl and how well he can sit up.

Still Waiting....

2009-03-20T09:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went to the doctor for my weekly check up. She gave us some good news! Baby Penner could come any day now. She actually isn't due until April 7th but who knows...we'll keep you posted!!

More Shower Fun!

2009-03-01T09:37:00.001-08:00

Vanessa (best friend), Blanca (mother-in-law) and Jenny (sister-in-law) threw Baby Penner and I a beautiful baby shower at Papapavlo's. The room was decorated with the colors of the baby's nursery. Blanca made the centerpieces and table runners. The food was really good and the company was even better. I am very lucky to have such wonderful family and friends supporting me!

We had Sprinkles Cupcakes for dessert! Yum yum!

Annette and I

Kendra Jean, my mom and Maria

Family Baby Shower

2009-02-22T09:30:00.000-08:00

Last night, my two aunts threw Joey and I a baby shower. It was so nice. The centerpieces were beautiful (just my style), the food was yummy and the company was good! Lots of family came to help Joey and I celebrate the upcoming arrival of baby Penner. A big thank you to everyone!!

Here I am...almost 34 weeks. Only 6 more weeks to go! Yeah!!

31 weeks and counting

2009-02-04T17:58:00.000-08:00

As of Tuesday, I am 31 weeks along. Only 9 more weeks left! We are excited, nervous, scared, happy and every other emotion in between. The pregnancy has been good so far (knock on wood). I have been feeling good besides the fact that my stomach feels like it can't stretch anymore. Joey and I just finished our child preparation classes. We learned a lot and left feeling a little scared of the labor and delivery part. I have to remind myself that billions of women have gone through it and have survived. 5 more weeks of work! Yeah!

Mountain Living!

2009-02-04T16:29:00.000-08:00

My parents recently purchased a vacation house in Pioneer (20 minutes past Jackson). It has been really nice to get away from Lodi and to relax at the house. Vanessa, Joel, and Beau came to visit a couple of times and they were lucky enough to be there when it snowed! The dogs love the snow! Who knew? We (including the dogs) all enjoyed sledding in the "backyard" (aka: Mace Meadows Golf Course).

Lisa and Charlie

Milo and Molly (my parent's dogs)

Mokey (Lucy wouldn't sit still long enough for a picture!)

My parents bought Beau this hat for Christmas! Doesn't he look cute?!

Vanessa and Beau taking a ride on the sled.

Lisa after a ride down the hill.

Gigi hitching a ride on the sled.