Ava turned 2! Remember the day she was born?...

How did this happen? Look at how far we've come....I could cry. I've never felt my heart pulsating, bursting and overflowing with love as I do when I feel my love for Ava. There is nothing like it. Thank you God for choosing me to be her mother. Thank you, Thank you.

April 26, 2008 at 12:51pm she burst into the world and took her first breath. I cried, Brad cried. Jill cried and her joyful voice filled my ears. Ava Martina was here and she calmed immediately when they put her on my chest. I could say nothing, but whisper "good job, baby, you did it." She nursed and her life on earth began with us. On that day and looking forward I've never believed so much in God. There is no way that Brad and I could create such a life alone. No way.

I had no idea what experience was upon me. I just knew we were connected and I wanted to be the best Mommy I could. Ava grew....(in and out of colic).

She was about 6 months old when I came out of my fog and really began feeling comfortable as a mom and like I finally knew what to do. I felt more confident and less frantic and began really enjoying the process all the changes happening. To think, I used to say "I wish she would just grow faster!" (this was in desperation for her to grow out of her colic). As you can see below, colic and reflux are gone! And my happy girl arrived to play :)

There is nothing I love more than to play with her

And then time just started flying by!

She turned one!

and just kept getting cuter and cuter...

(18 months)

And my love and gratitude keeps growing and growing

and now she is 2! 

She's full of joy and imagination, strong will and independence, stubbornness, and love. She tells me daily that she loves me (on her own volition)! She is the sweetest little being who is my biggest motivator to be the best mommy and person I can be! (that hasn't changed, it just keeps growing). Happy birthday, baby A. You are my sunshine! I'm so proud of you! xoxoxoxox