Turning Two and Binky Woes

What a difference a year makes in a toddlers life, and ours for that matter. If I could bottle Ava up right now I would love to keep her just as is. She is happy, talkative, learning to use the potty with flying colors, funny & goofy, and has this tendency to run around everywhere at anytime, even first thing in the morning. She runs to the bathroom, to our bedroom, to her bedroom, all while giggling to herself about who knows what. Who knew this crazed postpartum mommy could come out of the fog and be such a happy person again. It's her. It's her hugs, her kisses, her "yeah" when we tell her we love her, her need to put one finger up and shake her head yes when she wants one more of something, her loud squeal, that funny run, and the random words which come out perfectly the first time.

Don't worry it's not all good stuff. She really knows the word NO and the binky is a real issue. Two was supposed to be the end of the binky love affair, but Ava would have none of that. She is still sucking on a half binky (that's right, I cut half of it off and she still won't throw it away). This is touchy and I have decided it's going to be on her terms...I'm just slowly coaxing her in the right direction. I'm not one for drama, which for one week there was WAY too much of it, so she keeps the binky only for sleeping, and I keep telling her how gross that thing is and sometime soon she is going to have to throw it away. She agrees, so we are headed in the right direction.

This picture is the morning we sent all her binky's to another baby. You can she was really happy to do this UNTIL nap time came and she realized what just happened.


We had a big birthday bash...which I said I would never do. But how can we not throw her a party. She's so cute and Dejan and I LOVE a good party. She had such a great day and I am so thankful for all our family and friends who were able to share the day with us. She totally gets what a birthday is all about now. And yes, we had a giant Muno at her party.

Life is going at warp speed and I have missed many opportunities to write. We have had some ups and downs already this year. Yammi blessed us with becoming part of our lives (and the excitement and hugs I get every time she sees me makes me about as happy as Ava does). Dusica gave us another nephew, and a trip in June will allow us to FINALLY meet Conor and catch up with Addison. Dejan's Dad was in the hospital and gave us quit a scare, but is making a full recovery. My nephew's Harris and Nick have changed so much, I cry a little every time I see them. Niece Anna and nephew Sam are quit a pair and bring so much life and laughter when they come to visit. I miss them right now too.

I will take a deep breath now and try to remind myself to enjoy every moment, give lots of hugs, say I love you as much as I can, and make it a point to dance around the kitchen with Ava everyday to our favorite songs. I love those moments and want to bottle them up too.