35

Thirty five is okay, what's the big deal. I didn't have a mid life crisis over it and I certainly don't mind getting a little older...now if only we could stop it at this point. My birthday was perfect for me. Dejan really surprised me with his "romantic" side (I put that in quotes so you don't get your hopes up for some sappy story). He simply came home from work early, had multiple conversations with me, opened a bottle of wine, made dinner, played with Ava (even gave her a bath without me around), and surprised me with an amazingly cool ring. I later applied my miracle wrinkle cream, put on my jammie's, and watched LOST. I happen to love celebrating birthday's and think everyone should be treated special on their day. That day was special to me and I wish I could push a repeat button. Some may think this sounds boring and lame, but to me it was perfect. When 40 roles around, I'll invite you all to my ginormous party!

Ava was full of hugs on my birthday and I was finally able to capture one special moment with my family. It makes me smile every time I see it. Those hugs are free hugs...you know, the ones you don't tell her to give you.

Should we be worried or not?

I found my daughter in this postion after turning my back for a few moments to clean up the kitchen. Now, I did put the Ipod down for her to entertain herself, but come on Ava! The phone too!?!?!

Totally Bragging

I am so proud of Ava. She may be the youngest in her gymnastics class, but at yesterday's class she got the gold star! She was the only one following directions and trying all the "moves". She was so cute jumping around, making loud noises in excitment, somersaults, splits, crab walk (sorta), back rolls, balance beam AND balance beam on her tiptoes; her favorite part of class, picking out her own sticker. She's been doing good the entire class, but yesterday was her best! Don't worry I'm not a "stage" mom, just a proud mommy.

I just love this video we took of her at home one night...and this was before class started.

More and More Snow can be Fun

SNOW, SNOW, SNOW. We have had so much, even Ava likes it now. We have gone from crying and fussing every time we went out into the winter weather, to Ava dropping everything she's doing to just get on her boots and snow bib. The crunchy sound makes her smile and the proud look on her face every time she ventures out into the deep of it makes me giggle.

Now get out of that blizzard girl and come back inside! (you see her, way out there in the thick of it)...

It was like she had always been with us. After a few minutes of introductions, Yamrot was done with the formalities and shyness! Let's play, learn new words, use the Iphone, eat spaghetti, play the piano (loudly of course), be chased around by Nonna, hide behind a few doors, and hugs and kisses for "AWA". Yammi is absolutely beautiful and sweet. I can't wait to go up and see her again. She makes us all smile and we are so lucky my sis and her family have opened their hearts to such a blessing. PLUS, she says "Hi TaTa!", how can I not love her already!

Winter is dragging along and this week brings along colds in our house. BLAH, boring, gross piles of snotty tissues, too much indoor time, too much time allocated to browsing for new clothes online (which I don't need), and too much time to think about life. One of my biggest adjustments as a Mom has been my need to be involved with the world...which as you can see only revolves around my family right now. Don't get me wrong I LOVE my family, but I am restless and am always drawn to do more. What is that? I have no idea, but something is always pulling me.

I have known my husband for 15 years now and have been lucky in love. He has always worked way harder than me on his career, which has allowed me to keep looking for my ultimate job, which by the way, in case you didn't know, really doesn't exist. I thought being a stay at home Mom was just what I wanted. I do LOVE it most days but there is still that something pulling at my heart.

My parent's taught me well; work hard to get what you want, take pride in your work, tighten up those stomach muscles and take a deep breath to get through the hard times, and NEVER settle for anything less than you are capable of. To the point...it's ingrained in me to want to do more than stay home and tend to my household. My sister is off in Africa adopting our new addition to the family. Now that's doing more! What can I do to make a difference in the world, no matter how small or how large? Thanks to my Mom and Dad for making me such a restless soul (and I mean this in a good way)!

OH MAN, winter has gotten to me again hasn't it!

Well, I'll take that deep breath, tighten up those muscles and realize I will find more of what I want through my daughter's eyes. She will help me do more and she will encourage me to be a bigger and better person at whatever lies ahead.

If your kid isn't watching Yo Gabba Gabba they are missing out! This is how Ava enjoys her 1/2 hour of tv...that's right she wears her sunglasses!