Happy Birthday Mr. Germany!

When we received the contact information on Mr. Germany almost two years ago there was something that made me smile, his birthday is what was Georgia's due date.  Despite the fact that I was induced eight days later it still felt like a bit of a connection.  I love that although the blood running through her body didn't originate there, it's still Scorpio blood nonetheless.  Today we sent a little video message to Manuel, hoping he has a birthday, and a lifetime of amazing things.

Party Time

On Sunday we celebrated Georgia in an early birthday party at the dance studio where she takes ballet.  We'd been counting down the days until her party and wouldn't you know it, two days before she came down with a cold.  Like the trooper she is, it didn't slow her down a bit, she was dancing and playing from beginning til end.  The teacher led the kids in game after game, we took a short break for snacks and cupcakes then they headed back for an obstacle course to run off some of that sugar!  Everyone had a great time, all ages and abilities joined in the fun.    We were so grateful that our friends and family could help us celebrate!  Now the count down is on to the official FIVE.. just a few more days and this birthday that feels huge will be here!

 

 Teacher Jenna is amazing, she kept a very captive audience

 Georgia was very excited about the pink 5 on her cupcake

 Leo really, really enjoyed his cupcake

 The post sugar obstacle course

 

Getting warmed up before her friends arrived..

I love...

Last night as I was snuggling Georgia at bedtime, in her usual fashion she wanted to keep chatting when she should have been sleeping.  There are always questions about what we are doing tomorrow or things that happened today.  It's not unusual for Georgia to talk about how much she loves all of us but tonight there was something else.  She said, "I love you 2698 (which is to her is a very big number), I love Leo 2985, I love daddy 2847... and I love myself 2998."  I loved that she included herself, we should all love ourselves more!

Halloween Fun

The tradition continued this year as we headed to the Pittman's annual Halloween party.  Georgia was dressed as Elsa from Frozen (there were only a few out there) and Leo was a dragon, a costume his cousin Blake wore several years before.  We all had a  great time, Leo successfully trick-or-treated for the first time, after a little apprehension in taking the candy he didn't want to let go of it.  Georgia in her usual rockstar kid fashion, happily handed me her candy and I handed her a bag of allergy free treats.  Thank you Pittmans for another fun party!

The Elsa & Anna duos

Georgia was so excited to participate in the doughnut challenge

I pulled out my old high school cheer leading uniform as a costume

Elvis came to the party too... 

Georgia is considering a gig as an Elvis impersonator

 First trick-or-treat candy!

 The sweetest Elsa & Anna out there

 Leo enjoying is first ever lollipop

Monster Dash

On Saturday the kids and I participated in the Monster Dash fun run to support Georgia's preschool. By participate, I mean that Georgia ran in the kids 1k and Leo and I showed our support by dressing up.  To make sure the kids keep to the course they chase a monster, it was all pretty adorable. Georgia was all smiles with her preschool buddies and ran the whole 1k holding hands with her best buddy, Hannah.  The kids all looked adorable, the rain held off and we all had a great time.
I knew people were encouraged to dress up so we came up with a family costume and guess what.. we won best group costume!

The s'more family.. missing our graham cracker daddy!

 On your mark... get set... 

GO!

 Post race with a medal

 Georgia and Hannah with their teacher and the monster

October 4th

October 4th is a significant date in our household, on October 4, 2010 we were told Georgia had cancer and our world became unrecognizable.  My heart aches at the memories of the moments leading up to those words being spoken, I miss the carelessness that I use to have in my life.
October 4th is a date that makes my heart ache but also makes me more grateful than I knew possible. I think I am successful everyday in recognizing things that I am thankful for, things that I do not take for granted, but this day is one where the gratitude is seen in all things.

Sometimes there are little things that make me smile and think, I love my life.  I could make a fairly substantial list of things that aren't fair or seem extra hard but so can anyone.  I love that there is a princess sticker stuck to the garage floor, I love that Georgia insists upon carrying a purse with her "lipstick" and headbands.  I love that Leo wraps his arm around my neck so tightly when he hugs me.  I love that he smacks his lips when he gives me a kiss.  A few nights ago as I was putting Georgia to bed she said, mom, I love you more than anyone, even more than ice cream!  I try and remember these little moments that seem so simple but remind me how much I love my life.

This is how October 4, 2014 came to a close, Georgia read to Leo before bed, it's hard to believe that four years ago we were told she had cancer... eternally grateful will never cover it, I love these two more than I ever knew I could.

Nineteen Months

Leo,
I'm so behind on this update but have been thinking about it since the 15th!  My sweet boy you are up by 6:00am every day and immediately ask for Georgia, when I tell you she is sleeping and we walk to your door you look at me and say, Shhh!  You know I want you to stay quiet so Georgia will keep sleeping.  This is just a small example of how you understand so much, I ask you to do something and you do it, I can tell there is so much happening inside your little head, we are both looking forward to when you're able to verbalize your wants.
I love your love of books, you don't stay still for long but are always ready to sit on my lap and look at a book, your favorites have cars, trucks, trains and planes in them.  If you see an airplane in a book or in the sky you point and say DADA!! DADA!!
Over the past month you've had two colds, both have gone to your lungs and given you trouble breathing.  Both times you've need to use albuterol, the nebulizer is not your favorite thing.  Were hoping this isn't a sign of future asthma and your doctor is going to start you on something to strengthen your lungs.  You handle it all like a trooper, still wanting to play and be active.
For as much of you that is all boy there is a sweet side, you love music and dancing, coloring and climbing.  I can't tell you how much fun it is to see you just be you, growing and changing all on your own.
I love you sweet boy, so, so much.

You were quite pleased when you figured out you could drive the car...