Hi Everybody!
Much of July was/is being spent in Illinois visiting family and friends. We have had a great time getting together with old friends. We spent a few days in Effingham at my Aunt Rose's place on the lake. Mary got to go on a boat ride and sleep through some very loud, spectacular fireworks. While in Effingham, Baby Geno got to meet most of my dad's family. Everybody enjoyed holding and getting to know him.
Geno made his second debut at my cousin Lauren's graduation party, followed up by a family get-t0gether with my Mom's family the next day. Mary got to go on two more boat rides and even swim a little bit in the Kankakee River. This family party was especially fun because my cousin Pam's baby was there. We were pregnant together and had close due dates, so it was fun to compare her baby, Lilah, and Geno.
Another highlight of our visit was getting to meet Baby Blake Strejc. He had a very interesting birth (on the kitchen floor), and we were so happy to be here to visit Sandy and Blake in the hospital after everyone was deemed safe and healthy.
As many of you already know, I found a job at a high school VERY near our new home in Texas. Though I don't know my exact teaching assignment, the school, Mansfield High School, has a very good reputation. I know it's no Herscher High School, but with change comes growth. We are still in the process of interviewing day care providers, but we have narrowed it down a bit.
I sound like a broken record, but Gene still loves his job. The people he works with have been very kind to us. Gene has enjoyed playing on multiple company softball teams, bowling leagues, and the occasional soccer team. Year-round outdoor sports--Gene's dream state!
Mary is very much looking forward to her Illinois birthday party on July 18. Any reader is invited, so please come out! AGAIN...NO PRESENTS ARE NECESSARY! We just want to visit and have fun. We rented a jump house if that entices your coming. Also, we have to travel back to Texas via plane, so presents may make that trip harder on us. If you really want to get Mary something, however, feel free to contribute to her swing set fund. Gene and I are saving to buy her a comparable set that we left behind in Illinois (which now resides at my sister Terra's house).
Geno is growing bigger by the moment! At his 3 mo check-up, he was 13 pounds and 24 inches. He has been healthy and eating like a horse. I get mixed reviews as to who he looks like. Personally, I see a bit more me in him than Gene, but time will tell. Baby Geno loves to laugh and play peek-a-boo. He especially enjoys looking in mirrors and swinging in his swing--where he often falls asleep. He's not close to sleeping through the night, but he gives us a 3-4 hour stretch of sleep in the early evening that we both appreciate. Lately, he has liked to swat at objects above his head. He is so tickled when he actually touches or grabs something!
I hope to see you on the 18th!
Love,
Angie
