Valentina, the little gymnast

My sweetheart, in her element...

 her happy, healthy place...

 where she is loved and can practice in a safe place...

 surrounded by great coaches and lots of little friends...

 where she is learning how to move her body...

 and try new things...

 succeeding, failing, then trying again...

to be the best that she can be. This is only one class, one little moment of her life, but it is monumental to me.  It is to her also, to some extent, though she doesn't realize it in the same way yet.  But I am a happy momma, watching her each week, no phone in my hand, tons of random thoughts entering and exiting my brain, lots to reflect upon from her, the other kiddos, the other parents, and the coaches.  I just sit there and take it all in, reminding myself to remember these moments, to cherish them, these times when my sweet girl looks for my face each and every time she does something, giving me her little thumbs- up, and her wanting to see mine in return.  

So beautiful.

New and Exciting

 We celebrated David's 34th birthday!  Lots of love and best wishes for my smart, talented, and devoted husband. 

Went to the dentist for regular check-up. While Valentina was in the chair first, Salvatore asked me to check for any wiggly teeth again. As I peered into his mouth, I saw this!!  (This was on a Thursday, and just the last Sunday I also checked and nothing was there). His two baby teeth were still not even wiggly, but the big ones had a different agenda. Once the dentist saw the X-rays, he said he needed to remove them-pronto!  Salvatore was such a brave one, taking 4 shots of anesthesia and didn't cry at all. Dentist pulled them out with his fingers.  

                                     

Amazing how much older he looked IMMEDIATELY!  Tooth fairy was very generous also.  Rewarded not only for two stubborn teeth, but for bravery, which David so beautifully described to Salvatore as "not being unafraid, but being very afraid-and still doing what needs to be done anyways."

 We hosted a lovely beach themed shower for Alicia and it was a perfect day filled with lots of love, excitement, and chocolate!

 Valentina was the only little one in attendance and was so so sweet all day long. She was showered with love and attention from everybody, and especially bonded with Alicia's lovely mother.  She got to drink her ice water from a champagne flute, complete with fresh floating fruit.

 The beautiful and amazing bride to be. I got all choked up when she kept opening sweet gifts with their initial on it...K!  She will be a Keysor in less than two months!  

Our backyard is our haven, our special place to host and eat and celebrate anything and everything.  

What is new and exciting for you and your loved ones?