Cowgirl Odessa

Odessa's school brings in ponys once a year for the kids to ride, and to get photos taken with. Here is the 2009 Pony Picture taken about two months ago. I have one from 2008 too, but I just now realized that it never got scanned. One more thing for Larry's "to-do" list.

The Bridge

A beautiful summer's evening spent eating dinner and playing in the park

Three Years Ago

Three years ago today, my life changed in a most dramatic and amazing way. Thank you world for giving me my daughter -- I can't imagine life without her.

Birthday Party!!

Last weekend we had Odessa's birthday party at the Elephant House in Washington Park. She had a blast getting to play with her friends, eat donuts, run around, eat donuts and, did I mention, eat donuts? Thank you to all of our friends who could share the day with us -- it means so much to have such wonderful, supportive people in our lives!

Breafast of Champions

Odessa asked for sunflower nut butter for breakfast one morning. Better than donuts, right? And, yes, this is what her hair looks like when she first wakes up (and before I tame it with water and a comb).

Ready to Swim

False Fact

Basically Larry's proudest achievement is getting people to believe things that aren't true. Last summer he managed to convince Kalina that watermelon is highly caloric.

My co-worker's boyfriend has a website where he illustrates and publishes one "false fact" a day. Today he chose mine! Now that is my proudest achievement.

Drinking Milk

Freakin' cute kids hanging out, drinking milk on the porch.

The Countdown Begins

Here is a little calendar that I created to help Odessa understand the concept of her birthday coming up soon. It would be an understatement to say that she is really excited for her birthday this year. It is fun because the other two years she was completely oblivious.

Unfortunately, her enthusiasm comes with its own sets of problems: Everything she sees and wants (which is a lot) she pleads "for my birthday?" And when we went to the park and a family was there having their own celebration, she saw the balloons and exclaimed "my birthday!?" I explained that it was another family having a party, not for us. And, of course, she then cried "but I want that one." I think she was THIS close to approaching their Asian family and asking to be adopted, atleast for the length of their party in the park.

One of those other days

Some days I feel better at this mom job than others. Today is one of the other days. Is feels like EVERYTHING with Odessa is such a battle and I get really tired and really frustrated. It seems like it could be easier if all the tiny steps of every day weren't such a tug-of-war. Is it the terrible twos (soon-to-be threes)? I don't even think that I am all that rigid of a parent either -- she gets to do it her way plenty of time. But then, of course, there have to be some limits -- no more than 2 vitamins a day, no spilling drinks all over the carpet, no running in the street etc. Anyway, today is one of those days and I am sure that most moms can relate.

End-of-School Celebration 2009

Here are some pictures from Odessa's end-of-year school celebration. It is funny because she continues to go all year round -- poor kid doesn't get a break. The pre-kindergartners get to "graduate" though and go on to the "big" school next year.

I was THIS CLOSE to missing the whole thing because I was SO tired -- Odessa had refused to nap and it was just one of those days, you know? I am really glad that we went though. It makes me happy to see all the kids sing and dance, see how proud their families are, and get to feel like a part of a bigger community. And to see how happy Odessa is there is especially awesome.

Bowling

Here are some pics of Odessa bowling last week. She chose her very appropriate bowling-wear :)

Reading "Cinderbella" to Baby

Odessa is very good at taking care of her babies -- here is a picture of her reading her latest favorite book to unnamed asian baby.

Nine Years Ago

Nine years ago, Larry and I got married.

Since then we have had our ups and downs, but we have managed to stay together as a team. He has dealt with my crazy family and my high-maintenance personality with grace. For that he deserves a lot of kudos.

I love you always, Lar.

Four Generations

Odessa the Academic

Here are a few pictures that I took before we were walking out to school/work one morning. I just couldn't believe how kid-like she looks. And very proud of her princess backback!

Odessa Cooking Rhubarb

Cooking up some rhubarb

Her "on-camera" smile. Real attractive, right?

Seaside, April 2009

Duck Neighbors

Upon waking up the morning, I often am greeted by two ducks sitting by the apartment pool which we can view from our balcony.

Spring Walk