First of all, I’ll put down the guilt stick and let it go that I haven’t posted in more than 2 months. It’s a new day, right? 
To get back into the writing mode, I’ll post my top 6 list of things going on in life right now. Enjoy, and I’ll post more pictures and updates soon. (Especially for those of you asking for belly shots!)
1) Buddy’s at 23 weeks! “Buddy” (not his real name. . .just a nick name until some time in mid-June) is growing like a weed! That has to explain all the kicking and movement I feel lately. I’m telling you — I’m housing a future soccer player. N8 was finally able to feel him kicking for the first time last Saturday. It was fun to finally be able to share that experience with him!
Buddy weighs more than a pound now, and he’s starting down the home stretch. In the next 3 1/2 months, he needs to grow 7 times his own weight! (I shutter to picture my belly 7 times heavier; I already feel like a Weeble with legs.)
2) Our dads are doing well! As you may know from previous posts, N8’s dad was diagnosed w/ Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma last summer, and my dad was diagnosed w/ prostate cancer last fall. N8 called them the Cancer Buddies. Thankfully, they’ve both been healing well; Mike is officially in remission, and my dad is slowly becoming less radioactive.
You think I’m kidding? But oddly, I’m not. Instead of surgery, my dad opted for a treatment that relied on 80-some-odd radiation seeds that were implanted near the prostate. The pros? No surgery required. The cons? He can’t be within 3 feet of small children or pregnant women for 4-5 months. So, I’ll get to hug my dad again. . .some time in April.
3) N8’s nearing graduation. Only 4 1/2 weeks left for N8 at the Fire Academy! Man, I have never seen this guy so beat before. Last year, he was always pretty alert, cooked up a storm, and usually stayed up past midnight reading for fun. Now this same man wakes up at 4 am, gets home around 6 pm, gets home tired, eats dinner, studies, then hits the sack *no later than* 8:30 pm. Yep, that’s right. He goes to bed even earlier than my nearly-3-year-old niece!
I’m so happy he’s in a job he loves, but I’ll be even happier when he’s out of the Academy. I look forward to spending time w/ my husband when he’s awake again.
4) Ryan Rice Fine Art is picking up steam. My uber-talented brother-in-law, Ryan, has been working on his “culinary” art for years, and this year, things are starting hitting a stride. He had a great show a few weeks ago where he began selling kitchen magnets of his art ($15 for 1; $10 for any there after). He’s applying for a few more exhibits this year and will hopefully get a store set up & some of his work into the likes of cafepress.com and other art commerce sites. I’ll keep you posted; it’s worth keeping your eye on this guy.
5) We’re making friends! Well, 2 so far, but who’s counting? Last fall, N8 and I met a couple at church with whom we seemed to click; the lady is a Spanish teacher and the gentleman is a firefighter (fitting, right?) We’ve been getting to know them a bit through football parties and such (yes, they are Bronco fans), and now they’ll be leading a small Bible study that will start next month. So I’m excited about the opportunity to meet some more people and get a little more involved in the church we’re attending.
6) Yummy restaurants: For those of you in (or visiting) Denver, here are a few good restaurants we’ve tried lately. Hope you enjoy!
Sullivan’s Steakhouse - we went there for Restaurant week. Their fillet mignon with the bourbon peppercorn sauce was absolutely delicious! The fillet had a crispy, peppery crust and it was so juicy. I’m drooling just remembering it.
Devil’s Food Bakery – I’ve been here twice now for breakfast and brunch. They have wonderful fresh breakfasts and a nice selection of yummy baked goods you can take home. Cute, artsy, tasty & reasonably priced.
Sunnyside Cafe – Another tasty, cute breakfast place. I recommend the breakfast burrito with green chili, the whole wheat chocolate chip pancakes, and the loaded hash browns (ooh those were good).
Pappadeux Seafood – N8 and I dined here for a pre-Jenn’s-travels date night. The fish was fresh and flavorful, and the manager even gave us free dessert since it was our first time at the restaurant! Can’t beat that service.
Wild Ginger Thai Restaurant – Wow! I have to admit; I had reservations about finding killer Thai food in south Denver, but this made me eat my words (topped w/ a kickin’ Panang sauce). If you’re here visiting (or you live here and want to join us for dinner some evening), let me know; N8 and I will meet you there!
