Happy Birthday Ava Rose

Friday marked two years since Ava changed our lives.  Ava brought Aaron and I even closer because now we have a common goal and work even better together as we raise our daughter.  Here is a little flashback of how our beautiful Rose has blossomed.

Newborn...8.5Ibs 20inches born at 8:11pm on 10/15/08






First official family portrait


6mnths







''
Which reminds me of a time when my freezer was filled with my "stash" of breastmilk and homemade baby food purees

I really really miss making baby food.

Taking farm fresh local strawberries

and making them look......

like this!

Ahhh...still one of my fav baby and Daddy photos.


1 year













18 mnths


This reminds me of the song Stand by me for some reason










2 years







I just can't believe how fast it all goes by.  Everyday is a new gift.

My life lately..

Consists of a hard balance between being Mom and being a student.  I still take pictures and videos but the blog has suffered.  This semester has me very busy with a TON of homework and projects outside of just my in school hours.  By the second week of school I found myself being a very VERY grumpy and not so nice Mommy.  I was stressed and felt like I would never get caught up.  I had to make a decision about my priorities and figure out exactly how to create a balance.  I decided that each week I would get at least one day a week where I would do NO homework.  This not only gives me a break but also gives Ava the attention and quality time she deserves.  I also made a decision to stay up a few extra hours at night to work on homework while Ava sleeps.  This does mean I am more tired during the week but on my no homework day I let myself nap with Ava and that seems to help.  It's much easier accomplishing and finishing my homework when I'm not being tugged at by a little blond munchkin saying Mom, come and sit.  I mean really how can you say no to that. 

I've learned that you can't have everything and do everything at the same time. Oprah Winfrey

Next to love, balance is the most important thing. John Wooden 

"Life is like riding a bicycle.
To keep your balance you must keep moving."
Albert Einstein