Cool & Weird.

How cool to find that your daughter can semi-tie.  Her technique is interesting to me.

And how weird are we...we laugh so hard over the preschool potty, every time! WELL, it's so low and small...oh, never mind, we are just weird.

I love coming across old pictures and being able to document Ava's "I'm Mad!" Her Dad took these, which is proof he's really good at getting this look...

My favorite!! 

 (this was in april.  she looks so little and cute...even when she's mad)

This is her in motion.

 "hhhmmm, me mad!"  Head in hands, the angry crossing of arms, and then the lay down.

3.5 years

I don't know about the rest of you, but I believe our kids can make us feel like the best and worst parent in the whole world. One night I was in tears thinking about how "mean" I had been. I quote mean, because in perspective, I was being a parent and some things need to be said and done for their own good. Yes, even at 3.5.  In Ava's defense, I was also in a very annoyed mood, which didn't help my normal rational self. I could tell she went to bed a little sad. :-( I'm still sad thinking about that. I felt like the meanest Mom on the planet.

The next day Ava and I played together a lot (I'm sure I was feeling really guilty about the previous day and did everything to make her happy--haha, you know you all have done it, and thank goodness playing is the way to a three year old's heart).  Before school, she was hugging around my neck, while I was helping her put on shoes, softly singing a song about us being together forever. At that point I thought, "There will never be anything that will make me as happy as this moment!"  Now I am the best Mom!!! I want to be the best every day. We all know that can't, and won't happen, but damn it felt so much better.

Unconditional love is amazing, and to look back on 3.5 years...because she will be at the half way point on the 5th...we have both changed a lot. 95% good, 5% bad, but she is certainly the light of my life. I am so thankful for God finally gracing our home with Ms. Ava Fae. We love you girl!

Ava at 6 months old

 Ava at 3.5 years old...

These pictures put in prespective what three and a half years do for a little girl.  I know I'm partial, but she's the prettiest person I know, both inside and out.