Aunt Monica

My Aunt Monica finally returned to her heavenly home after a 19 year battle with cancer. She was married to my Mom's brother Craig. They were divorced a few years ago so I have only seen Monica a few times since then. The last time was at my cousin Ryan's graduation party-just a few weeks ago where she got to see Maren. She was so excited that we had finally had a baby. I have very good memories of Monica while I was growing up. She was always so loving towards me. One memory I have is going with her, my Mom, Aunt Sarah, Grandma and cousin Erica to California to go Christmas shopping. Monica knew all the places in LA to shop...we had such a fun time together. I always always thought she was so neat because she owned a nail salon, and I always asked her to put on my acrylic nails..which she did for my wedding. I know she will be missed by many. I love you Monica!

This past weekend we went to my step Dad's cabin @ Panguitch Lake. We had a good time with my Mom, step Dad, Grandparents and Uncle Rich and his family. Last night they pulled out the guns for some target shooting. My step Dad had a 22 caliber and a 40 caliber gun. I just watched at first and decided I would shoot the little gun, it was fun but I hit nothing! Then my step Dad told me to shoot the big gun since my Grandpa wouldn't do it. I shot off one shot and hit the can! It did have some kick back.

Maren did alright for her first trip away. I was worried she wouldn't sleep very good in the pack and play. The first night wasn't that great- I slept less than she did because I heard every sound she made. Last night was better.
We enjoy going to the cabin and just getting away from everything.

I had my 6 week checkup at the Doctor on Tuesday. I weigh less now then I did before I got pregnant! How did that happen? I am thinking it may be because I can never finish a meal because I have a baby that likes to be fussy while I eat. I really don't know!

Maren's blessing day

4 generations..Grandma Bruin, Mom, Melanie and Maren
My Mom was the first born girl of her Mom, I was the first born girl of my Mom and Maren was the first born girl of me..pretty neat huh?

Maren was blessed yesterday by her father. It was so neat to hear the blessing that she was promised, she looked so pretty in her white dress. Jared looked handsome in his shirt and tie, if you know him you know he hates to wear dress clothes- the last time he wore them was when we got married almost 6 years ago. I am happy that he was able to bless our daughter.

We had a lot of family and friends come to the occasion and then we had lunch after at Jared's parents house. It was a special day for our family.

Thanks to all that were able to make it!

Last night I had a night out. I went with some friends to see "Letters to Juliet". What a cute movie, but a major chick flick. It was fun to get out, Jared stayed home and watched Maren so I could go.

Maren is now 5 weeks old. This picture isn't the best quality, it was early in the morning and she had fallen asleep holding her binky..too cute!