Halloween - Trick or Treating!

It was awesome! Ava would walk up to the door, knock and yell "hello, hello, helllloooo" until someone would answer - then she would say "cheese" and smile until she got candy.. then run back down the walk. So cute!! It was a great first trick or treating experience with the kids .. or should I say "bunny and carrot"!

A Great Birthday Present...

So today is my 32nd Birthday, and reflecting on this day I feel very blessed. I have a wonderful family, a great husband and two beautiful healthy babies. I use to dread the idea of "growing up". I am now older, broker and weigh more than I ever have - all things I use to define myself by, however I can honestly say I am happier now than I have have ever been.

Today Michael wrote me a very sweet pledge to me to promise to quit "chewing" for my birthday. He knows how important it is for me to have him with me for the long haul, and how I have been worried about his health. This is the best present I could have asked for. I could not imagine waking each morning without him next to me, or missing seeing how he looks at the babies and how they look at and admire him. I am especially happy that he is doing this on his own terms, and not because either me or some doctor is pressuring him. I am very proud of him pledging this goal to me, I know it will not be easy. And yes, I reminded him that you can't "take back presents once you give them" so I hope this is for the long haul. I especially warmed at the mention that one reason he is doing it is because he can't kiss me without a bottom lip, which is someting he wouldnt ever want to give up. It made my day :)

I also am very excited about my Ergo carrier I have been pining for from my parents, my beautiful necklace and my ipod itrip from Erica. Moreover, it has been touching to hear from the many, many people who have taken time out to get in touch today for send me happy wishes. I feel very loved and blessed to have so many people who care so much.

I am one lucky gal :)

Ava our little Gymnast!

Today we attended Gabby's 2nd Birthday Party at Victory Gymnastics. Ava had a BLAST ... and so did Dad :) Ava played bounced her little heart out in her pink leotard. Dad was right beside her as they leaped into the sponge blocks, and walked across the obstacle course. She had so much fun that we are going to look into starting to attend a playgroup at the gym.

Jackson smiles.. and it's more than just gas :)

We got to see Jack's first true smile today. He was snuggled up in Mommy's arms and had a full belly. He was awake and just gazing around at his surroundings, when Ava came over and gave him a kiss on the head.. and Jack reacted with a big gummy grin :)

Mom and Dad's First night away from Jackson.

Last night we attended the wedding of very good friends. Dave and Maura O'Neill were married at Paradise Gardens - which is about an hour north of San Diego. Jackson is only 5 weeks old - and if it wasn't for such an important event I don't think we would have been brave enough to leave the little guy overnight. However, we couldn't miss celebrating with Dave and Maura, so we flew Aunt Erica in so he would have a very special first babysitter (that we would not be worried about being with the babes). We had a great time at the wedding... and while we texted to check in with Erica about half a dozen times, we made it through the night. It turned out to be a great opportunity for some couple time where we could be Husband and Wife, and not just Mom and Dad. Strengthening that bond can only be good for our family as a whole. While we missed our little ones very, very much, we decided that this is something we should try and do at least once a year.