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.  

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?

So in Love with Sal and Val

 What can I say about my kids?  They are darling, active, social, emotional, bratty, challenging and loving all at the same time.  They are both in a great groove right now and we are loving these times.

 Valentina obsessed with the giant teeth and toothbrush at Pretend City.  She spent most of her time here.

 Valentina has started taking ballet and tap dance lessons.  D.A.R.L.I.N.G.  She is decent with her dance skills, loves watching herself in the mirrors, and has a horrible attention span.  But it is still precious.

 Both kids have a strong artistic and musical side to them. 

 Sal spent most of his time in the kitchen at Pretend City. Was obsessed with making food and serving people.  Strangers were telling me how darling and sweet and well-mannered he was. 

 Fancy new haircut. He is playing soccer now two times a week with the older kids, ages 6-8.  He scores goals, learns new skills each week, gets along with all of his teammates, accepts losing like a champ, and amazes us all with his talent.

In other news, we are slooooooowwwwwly potty training Val. She is into it most days, and forgets on the others. None of us here are too committed to it either, except Sal. He is the best one at keeping up the reminders and stickers on the chart.  He could practically raise her on his own.:)

Sal will start Kindergarten with me this Fall at Richman.   Already registered for Fall Soccer.

Sal is also obsessed with playing chess, and will now beat his dad and mine on occasion. My dad has an app that lets you play games with anonymous players, and Sal jumps at the opportunities.

Val is still a major care giver here and loves to soothe and help anyone in need at any time.  She reads books constantly and carries her baby dolls all around the house. She repeats and reenacts scenes from Team Umizoomi and loves to count, draw, and organize her things. 

The kids feed Benedict daily and love to take baths together.  They watch movies together each weekend and practice soccer in the backyard each night.  

We are all trying to get more exercise, less stress, less junk food, more veggies and more sleep. 

What are you working towards?

F Words

The other day, Salvatore asked me what my favorite letter was.  I had to think for a minute.  I was going to say "S" for our names, but that leaves David and Valentina out.  I was going to say "L" for our last name, but that leaves the Keysors out.  

I thought and thought.  Of my favorite things. And most of them begin with "F".

Family

Faith

Friends

Food

Freedom

Fantasies

Fun

What is your favorite letter?

You Know What I Mean

With both kids talking non-stop, Salvatore speaking eloquently and fiercely about every and any topic, and Valentina rambling on and on in her own little language, there is NEVER a QUIET moment here. Not in the car. Not in the store.  Not while I am trying to take a shower.  Not while falling asleep. Or on the phone, or even at the table. You catch my drift...

These often used phrases from the kids just crack me up, though, because they sound so silly...

Sal will say:  "Once for all, I need to put my shoes on."  (He means First of all),

                     "We haven't been to Target in ever bit."  (He means In a little while),

               and "Valentina, you are using that toy non correctly."  (He means Incorrectly).

Val will say:  "Get away to me!"   (She means Get away FROM me),

                      "Good girl, Salvatore!"  (She always uses the feminine form for everyone),

                "I want to wear my baby suit, too!"  (She thinks my bra/panties are a bikini everyday),

         and "Go kitchen, Benny, you a bad girl."  (Our dog is a male).

What do your kids say that crack you up?

SO Pretty in Pink

 Valentina might grow up to be a nurse.  Whenever anyone gets hurt here, she rushes over with a concerned look and tries really hard to help you up and offer you a kiss.  Even to Benedict.

 Valentina might grow up to be a soccer player.  She can kick the ball as well as her brother did at the same age and is showing the same coordination and determination on any playing surface.

 Valentina might grow up to be a supermodel.  Look at this picture. Seriously. And she loves trying to put on my clothes and has mastered wearing high heels around the house.

 Valentina might grow up to be a musician. She will play with her piano and sing and make up songs.  She also loves to dance and dance. To anything. Anywhere.

Valentina might grow up and just be the "boss".  Of everything. She certainly tries at home.  Drives us crazy. She is loud, bossy, demanding and has no fear of confrontation.  I'm praying every day and night that these personality traits, both inherited and developed, will serve and protect her well one day. But she also sees us all working hard for our home, for them, and for each other.  She knows to just entertain herself when things need to get done. She is silly and smart. So sassy and yet, so simple.  So honest with all of her feelings.  And while she can drive us all to the brink, she acts and feels so safe here with all of us.  So sure of herself.  And she is learning. And won't stop growing.
I love you, little one.

Can you predict the future?