March in Iowa

This is what you do in Iowa in March. You put on rain boots, snow bibs with no jacket (just a sweater is needed at this point), pull out sleds (that no one touched all winter because it was negative something until late February), and lay in the semi-sunny day and sunbath using said sled. I love how Iowa prepares you all winter to love 45 degree days, partial sun, really muddy yards, and ginormous puddles from all the rain that finally washed away all the snow! One more round of snow in the forcast and then, I think, it will be on to SPRING!! WOO HOO

Potty Training 101

Little people potty - check
"I'm learning to use the potty" potty time chart - check
Bribery with Stickers - check
Bribery with M&M's - check
"Once upon a potty" book - check
Peeing in the potty almost everytime - check
Poop - well, she's done that twice now and stinks up the entire house
Picture Ava will hate me for some day - check

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!