I am grateful

Matt is gone this weekend at the annual snowboarding trip with his friends. Im glad he was able to go spend some time with them and just have a little time away from us. Ok Im sure it sounds crazy to say "time away from us" but I think its healthy that we both get some "me" time every now and again. But I digress.

As I was getting Ava's breakfast ready I thought to myself how hard it would have been to be a single mom. Just having a weekend without him was tough and that was with my parents visiting on Saturday! There would be no one to watch her as I went outside to do laundry... I couldn't run to the store alone because I had someone to leave her home with.... And I couldn't take a leisurely shower during the day because I would have had to have her in the bathroom with me.

I know doing those things are doable when you have a little one, but I appreciate Matt that much more knowing Im not going through this alone. If Im frusterated, upset, happy, sad, I have Matt there to help. Yes, I complain that he doesn't do this or that, but to single moms who have no choice - I give you kudos for doing it alone. I couldn't do it everyday by myself and for that I am grateful.

6 month catch up!

One of the MOPS mamas mentioned on Facebook that I need to start writing again, so here I am (Thanks Heather!)

Unfortunately I've been slacking on the writing end and just realized I haven't had a post since July. Seriously? Let me catch you up...

August - I went back to work and Ava went to daycare. Dropping her off was one of the HARDEST things I've ever done. Luckily it got easier with time and Ava is always so excited to go and play with her new friends. Matt also started his first semester teaching at Riverdale. It was definitely a new change, but a welcomed one. It was a bit hard getting into the new school rhythm but he's adjusted quite well. He also started coaching JV football and took his team 2-8 (which doesn't sound impressive but its better than last year's 1-9!) We also celebrated our 4 year anniversary. Its hard to imagine we've been married four years already when I sometimes feel like we've just moved into our first apartment together. I couldn't imagine my life without him.

September - Matt competed in the Disneyland Half Marathon. He finished in 2 hours and 27 minutes!!! Daaaamnnn.. My parents, sister, Ava and I all cheered him on from the sidelines. He was proud of his accomplishment and we were excited to be there for him.

October - Our annual conference for work was in Atlanta, GA and it was my first time being away from Ava for almost a week! Luckily the Grandma's excitedly offered to help Matt with Ava while I was gone so it helped ease my mind (not that I didnt think Matt could do it by himself... well... maybe a little...) Atlanta was fun but SO humid! Plus we had to fly from Fresno to Dallas and then to Atlanta so it was a good full day of traveling. But I must say, I thoroughly enjoy flying now. Before I use to be TERRIFIED but now I like to see in the window seat and watch everything as we fly. Im telling you, after giving birth, NOTHING is scary! LOL Ava had her first Halloween! She went as a bee and Matt and I were beekeepers. We spent a few hours at the Truck or Treat with my parents before Ava decided she had enough of all the creepy costumes. Even Grammy Alice and cousin McKenzie came by!

November - Matt turned 27 this month!!! Yikes!! :) His birthday was around the same time as a conference I was attending in San Diego so we bought him a plane ticket and he went with me!Grandma Angie watched Ava while we were gone and had a blast being spoiled! Matt and I enjoyed some alone time but were definitely missing Ava by the fourth day. Ava also had her first Thanksgiving! We spent the holiday at my parents and Ava tried her first taste of food! We started her on just rice cereal the month before, but on Thanksgiving she had peas for the first time. Now we can't get her to stop eating! LOL

December - Ava's 1st Christmas! Not much else to say there - the pictures speak for themselves! :)

Which brings me to January.... a week from today I was be turning the big 2-5! Daaannnggg. Im celebrating the occasion with a four day trip to Disneyland with my favorite girls!!! Im sooo excited for a relaxing trip and time to catch up with my girlfriends. There will be many pictures to come!

My goal is to post once a week. The purpose of this blog is to keep family and friends informed of our little clan and it helps if I write it here more than every 6 months :)