And We're Off...

The U-Haul is packed (or should I say STUFFED), the cars are loaded, gas tank is full, and our Huntington Beach condo is waiting for us...Wow! That came so fast...And, as exciting as it is to begin this new adventure, we are so sad to leave Reno. There's just so much to love.

Family, we love you.

Friends, we love you.

To our house, we'll miss you.

I'd just like to vow right here, right now NEVER to become "that" Reno person/couple who grew up in Reno, went to school in Reno, etc...Then, for whatever reason moves away to somewhere bigger, "better", whatever, and all of the sudden is a total Reno-hater. Things in {INSERT CITY HERE} are just more XYZ, and Reno just can't compete.

I love Reno.

I won't become that person. And, I know I can speak for John on this one too.

I'm sure Huntington Beach will have different things to offer our family and life...The beach is a good start. But, I'll always love everything about my hometown.

Wish us luck! And please- COME VISIT!!!!

Also, thank you so much to our parents who spent the day packing/loading with us. It was a lot of work, and we appreciated your help sooooo much!

love, kerry

On My Love List: Peanut Estelle

Last week I got my first Peanut Estelle package in the mail. My talented and stylish future (sooner than later, Mato) sister-in-law recently opened an Etsy store, and is selling her very own unique, handmade jewelry and accessories. I was so excited to order my first piece- the necklace I'm wearing here, although hard to see- and I am still beyond impressed by the designer's creativity, style and initiative to start an online store in the first place! I got so many compliments today on my necklace, and I felt extra special to be able to say it was made by someone close to me. Nice job Amy!!! Thank you for both my beautiful necklace, and the matching earrings! You are amazing, incredibly talented and I know your store is going to be a hit!

Happy shopping!!

Here's the URL to check it out:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/peanutestelle

love, kerry

Happy Birthday Ian!!!

Dear Ian,

We love you so much!!!! You are such a sweet little boy, with a kind heart, and fun-loving, caring personality. You are a smarty pants who will WOW us all for years and years to come. We can't wait to watch you grow, cheer you on at soccer (and other sports) games, help you with school projects, attend school plays/programs, trips to Disneyland, the beach and more!

Thank you for being such a wonderful nephew, and cousin to Audrey.

Have the BEST 5th birthday ever!!!!!

love, uncle john, aunt kerry and audrey

My Big, Little Baby

John and I knew that our kids would be above average (in multiple ways, of course). But, just like us, we assume that all of our kids will become the tallest in their class one day. Audrey had her 9-month well baby check with the pediatrician today, and like all of our doctor visits to date, the main discussion was about Audrey's size. Yes, she's off the charts- 100th percentile plus in both height and weight (just like Mommy and Daddy were), but today was just hysterical to me.

Dr. P:

Ok John and Kerry, let me just show you this growth chart...

See this line, well it represents Audrey's growth...

And, this line down here is the average growth rate and size of other 9 month olds...

(Ok, we figured. Audrey's big for her age)

Now, let's look a little further down the line...

See the average height/weight represented here? It matches the line where we find Audrey's size currently.

(Ok, I see that. What does that mean?)

Well, what I'm trying to tell you is that Audrey's currently the same size as the average 18-month-old baby.

(WOW!!!! I can't believe she's THAT big!!!!!)

And, I think now would be a good time to discuss some strange looks you might be getting at the playground....

(huh?)

It's not uncommon for kids like Audrey, who are just soooo much bigger for their age, to get funny looks from other parents...They may be wondering, why doesn't she talk yet? Or, is she slow?

(Geez.)

You'll find yourself wanting to yell, "She's only 9-months-old!"

Just know that Audrey is perfect. She's growing perfectly, she's developing perfectly. And, you have nothing to worry about. It's too be expected with parents like you!

(hahaha)

I love our pediatrician, and I'm really going to miss her after we move, but this conversation just cracked me up!!!

(BUT)

I will say- if she's right, I feel sorry for those parents at the playground who give me or my big, little baby any funny looks. =)

love, kerry

love, audrey

To The Impetus Agency,

My mommy is so lucky to work with you. I got to be your office baby since I was 8-weeks-old, and we had so much fun playing, in meetings, with the office dogs and more! I'm going to miss seeing you all the time, but I know Impetus OC will be just as great, and don't worry- I'll be back to visit you all the time!!! Can't wait to meet the new office babies too, especially Beckett!

love, audrey

On My Love List: Tiny Prints

These personalized Father's Day cards were a hit!!! So adorable! I'm loving Tiny Prints right now, and they literally have a card for every occasion/holiday you cant think of!

Happy Father's Day to an amazing group of men in my life- John, Grandpa Al, Mike, Steve, Grandpa Dan and Uncle Jason!

love, kerry

John, You Win Everything...

To the 2011 "Outstanding Preliminary Resident",

I am so proud of you! You work so hard, and deserve to be recognized.

Oh, if they only knew...

Also, I love you.

kerry

Finally!!

You would have taken me for the blogger type. I've always kept a journal, and enjoyed writing. In fact, the oldest diary I STILL have is from 1993 when I was 10-years-old (mostly about boys and homework). I should be very clear that when I say I "journal" I am NOT saying that I have a pretty book that I casually visit, write in from cover to cover with random thoughts, nothings, updates, feelings, etc.. until I either fill it up or lose it. Oh no. I basically have my own personal library, deserving of its own card catalogue and everything. My journals are all very specific. They are filled with entries about an individual idea, person, emotion, time or event in my life. I write when I feel like it (which is less often since I've had a baby), and each individual entry belongs in a specific book, with a specific hiding place in my house. Some books will probably take me a lifetime to fill, and others have become a series of books. I love my journals.

But, you know what's funny?

I NEVER read them.

All this love, and effort for my journals and I only touch them to write, at least for now. Perhaps my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will appreciate my effort, and enjoy my thoughtful entries (particularly about math homework in third grade, and boys playing basketball at recess).

Nevertheless, you would have taken me for a blogger. And, why'd it take me this long anyway?? Typing is already proving to be quicker, my right hand isn't cramping, and spell check- THANK YOU! This blog will not replace my journals all together. It's a hobby, and habit of at least 18 years. And, I can't even say for sure that this blog will really stick, but the time has finally come for me to try.

While not giving too many specifics about my personal life, this still is the internet after all, "love, kerry" will be my notes for you. I'll write to you about everyday things, family adventures, current obsessions...A little bit of everything (and honestly, this is Post #1 so who really knows)!

In 8 days my husband, daughter and I will be moving from OUR hometown. We've grown-up here, all of our families are here, and friends. While we're so happy to take this new adventure, we will really miss everyone and I hope this blog will be another easy and fun way for us all to keep in touch regularly. I'll post pictures and notes as often as possible, and look forward to hearing from you too.

Talk soon.

love, kerry