Saturday, May 25, 2013

Valentina 3.0


 Our sweet Valentina is now 3!!!  


She has been busy with dance class, acting like a princess, helping me cook, following Salvatore around at his soccer practices, and caring for all of her stuffed animals.


She is also obsessed with painting, dancing, singing and getting her nails done.


On her actual birthday, we took her to get her first (professional) manicure and pedicure.  Followed by a night out at Chuck E. Cheese.  
The next day, the four of us spent the whole day at Adventure City!  She rode, and loved, every ride. We had more pizza for dinner and sang to her with cupcakes at home.  
This was the first time we ever kept a birthday celebration so intimate and simple. No parties. No gifts.  We didn't even invite anyone.  Just some time together doing what felt right and what she wanted to do in that moment.  

She has the best laugh. And smile. People love her. Strangers love her and often stare when she is around.  They can't figure out if she is really mine or how old she really is with all that glorious hair.

She is a cuddle bug. Loves to hug and kiss. Loves to be close.  

Happy birthday to my wonderful daughter.  She is so much a big part of all of us.  She completes us.  She keeps me humble. She keeps me guessing. She keeps me worrying and she keeps me praying.  I am so glad that she is my only one, and that I am her only one.  

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

38


I'm 38!  While I am now applying both blemish cream and anti-wrinkle cream, I am happy with the face looking back at me in the mirror each morning.  As I get older, I'm less vain, more open, less scared, more committed, less insecure, more positive.  The same negative thoughts do creep in from time to time, but I learned from my old man that you basically are what you think you are, so positive is positive-we needn't make it any harder.  I've trained myself to block them out when they creep, and it gets easier each time.  As I age, I want less credit and attention, and crave more respect and cooperation.  

Thank you, Lord, for my wonderful family, friends, job and health.  I could not ask for more.

(Happy birthday to Josiah in Hong Kong-we share a special day)

What are your thoughts and blessings on your birthday this year?