3 months since my last update. I decided to go for the quick and easy... anyone really resist the face of an angel on Christmas morning. It's okay you can say it.. .AWWWW, she is darling, look at her. I know, it is hard to believe that I grew her in my belly. My hope is that she can carry that same excitement and anticipation throughout her life.

It is the gift that my parents gave me when I was a child and I still believe in the beauty of the world and life itself. Each day is a gift. I am grateful for my family, my friends who are an extension of family and the people, animals and plants who I come to know through my many adventures.

Wide scope I know, but think about this... sometimes it might be a smile from a stranger, a thank you from a child, it might be the morning mist of the fog, sometimes observing the silence of the day or the chattering controlled chaos of 400 children running at recess, a cup of coffee from my husband, words of encouragement from my parents, friends from NY, a check in call from a friend. So may ways to enjoy the world.

My hope is that you remember to you see the day as a gift.

Birthday Girl!

Yes, she is five. SHE has informed that next year she will be old enough to move to Monterey, living with Biz and Em, of course (there is room... an unused top bunk in Em's room). Of course she will get around in a hot pink "slug bug". Her feet should be able to touch the pedals by then. She did clarify that I could come visit, but not live there for a long time. It is important to note that since she was 2 she has told me she will sleep in her own bed/room when she turns 5. Yesterday, she made me aware that she is extending that move to her 7th birthday.

I have attached a few photos. The moments I want to capture the most I wasn't able to record in picture form, but I felt were incredibly touching, and a great representation of the heart of my girl.

Wednesday: Walking out of her school she states that she will not be able to go to school (her official birthday). I tell yes, there is school, and we are bringing cup cakes for to celebrate with here kinder friends. She burst into grand tears and sobs, "but hose aren't my real friends, my friends that know me, that I love...I can't have a birthday without my Nico and Ava and my real friends". It took along while to have her reconcile that she had TWO ways to celebrate her birthday:)

Saturday: Ava runs to Piper and both girls yell out each others names, exclaiming, "I've missed you!!!!!" with super big hugs.

On the more serious side, Ava takes Peeps aside and asks, "so how is Kindergarten going?"

Not only is Piper so fortunate, but Brett and I are as well. because the grown ups that come with here circle of friends/family are extraordinary as well! Hmmm, there must be a connection... great children, great adults.

Something to ponder: Were the grown ups already wonderful, or did the additions of their little ones polish them into the diamonds that they are?

Kindegarten Girl

Kindergarten was a new experience for us, but the feelings were familiar. Much like the day she was born, or when we made the first drive home (watch the head... are you hitting every bump in the road, Brett?). Her first steps( toes crinkled in the grass), words(jaba, babab, saba *our dogs)...every subtle transition has been a celebration of growth of our very bright and talented girl. We burst with pride at our beautiful gift and we take enormous joy in the process of watching her grow.

The Answer: High School Musical

The question: How do you motivate a reluctant swimmer?  

Piper has demonstrated various levels of emotional turmoil regarding yearly swim lessons.  This year was met with continued drama and tears until she met "Troy".  Yes, thanks to Nico, Piper has a vast knowledge of HSM1, 2 and 3.  So when she saw her swim instructor she followed him to the pool and then ran back to me...I thought to myself how am I going to get her in that pool??? Thinking she would be clutching my arm screaming, 

" NOOOO, no swimming lessons"  instead she says , "Mommy he looks like High School Musical!" and off she went. She is now swimming like a fish.

WHAT WOULD WE DO WITHOUT OUR DOGS

Really, what would we do?  I have had a fur family all of my life. They have been dedicated, protective friends throughout my life and now the tradition carries through to my daughter. 

She requests them when she is sad, sick , scared, happy  or sad. She invites them to dance with her and dresses them up. They endure mostly everything.  We are indeed lucky to have our fur family.

Piper Meets Her Sister

Yes, Piper finally meets her fur family  AKA Flower,Princess, Sistah. 

A little late but had to post.  Our Easter fun. Peeps and Nico and Bunnypolluza. Yes over 100 eggs and treasures!