The 17th Month - July 2016 - Minnesota

July was a hot month, full of great adventures, including a trip to Minnesota!

Adventure 1: Lynn and I got some solar panels!  

You may be wondering who in the family has been training for triathlons.  Here is a great photo of me in action, getting ready for my team triathlon on August 7.  Perhaps we should invest in a bigger pool?

It's not just Mommy who has been playing outside.  Little Novers has enjoyed the hot weather too!

Our good friends, Alison, Ben and Daniel, moved to Portland this summer.  We are really sad and will miss them a lot.  Nova had a great time at their going-away party.  So much fun that she ruined her adorable dress, so I had to resort to whatever I had in my bag....which turned out to be a onesie that was a bit too small.  She didn't seem to mind at all.

Nova has a great affinity for a few stuff animal friends.  She loves Cat, Butterfly, Penguin, and Kermie best.  Here she's featured with Cat and Butterly, enjoying a cool early morning swinging session.

Nova loves to run with sticks, much to the fear of her parents.  But, Penguin is in her other hand, keeping her safe.

At first, Nova didn't love the leash I bought in preparation for our trip to Minnesota.  But, after a few turns, she started putting it on herself.  I think she likes to lead me around town.  And, she likes to lead Cat, too.

Sunglass time!  She started putting sunglasses on herself, too.  

 Swinging with the tongue out!

Nova went to the beach for the very first time in July.  She loved it.  I held her while the waves rolled over her and she laughed and giggled.  

Then, we were OFF TO MINNESOTA!

She is my favorite "personal item."  And I love this face.

I'm including this photo, too, so you see that she that she wasn't being tortured.

She finally fell asleep on the plane.  Such a relief.

Our first stop after Dad got us from the airport was at Jodi and Nate's house to play with Asher and Ada.  Those three kids are way busy, so this was the only shot I could get.  We miss you guys already!

Nova got to spend a little quality time with Grandma Nancy. 

The purpose of the trip was two-fold: To spend time with friends and family, and to attend Ty and Donnie's wedding.  Here's a shot of us at the wedding just prior to its commencement.  (Notice that Cat joined us for this celebration as well.)  

It was a beautiful, wonderful wedding, and I am so happy for Ty and Donnie!

Just as I did as child, Nova is looking up to Papa Rolfsrud.

I got to spend some time with my good friends Sue, Mary Sue and Tom.  Nova got to do the same with her pals, Ellie (left) and Cecilia (right).  Cecilia picked out the costumes.

While Mom and Dad babysat Nova, I went out to dinner with Katie and Jordan. Jordan is as photogenic as ever. 

We got a lot of great time with Kousin Kaia! Kousin Snuggles! 

Kousin Kisses! 

Kousin Smiles! 

Kousin Giggles!

After our Girls Trip to Minnesota, Nova needed some quality time with Daddy.

Giddy Up!

Nova is trying to watch a little Winnie-The-Pooh, but her dad keeps pestering her.  I gave her a little ponytail - doesn't she look like a teenager?

Remote controls are the BEST.

Lynn and I are in a "friendly" competition to see who can run the fastest 5K.  There are two categories: with Nova and without.  I am winning in both categories.  Nova was obviously impressed. So was Cat.

After months of busy schedules, Nova was finally able to find time to reconnect with Jack.   

 "Goodbye my sweet friend!  Have a nice bike ride! I'll be here, half naked in the pool when you return."

Nova, trying to fill Lynn's humungous shoes.  (As a side note, the dress she's wearing is one of my dresses from the 1980's!)  Also, please note Cat in the background.

With all of the attention that Cat has gotten, s/he was desperate for a bath and some light sewing.  Still in recovery, Cat and Nova haven't seen each other for a few days.  Nova will soon be reunited with Cat and I anticipate much glee!  Well, much glee from Nova.  Cat is perennially unimpressed.

Nova STATS:
This month, Nova has really started running!  I am still faster, though.

Regarding language, on July 2, she and I had this conversation:

Nova, "Dada."

Me, "No, I'm mama."

Nova, "bababa."
Me: No, I'm mama.

Nova: Mamama

Me: Good!!

Otherwise, Nova mostly uses sign language to communicate.  She will point to her mouth when she's hungry, point to her diaper when she wants to be changed (sometimes) and will nod in the affirmative when we ask almost any question.  Sometimes she says no, but mostly she says yes.  For example, I have asked if she wants to take a nap on two occasions.  Both times she said "yes" and fell asleep as soon as I put her to bed.  So she is learning to communicate without words.