First Day of School, Take One

 Madeleine started 8th grade today.

 She loves school but was a little bit nervous.

Ava and Lilah (and Mommy, too) don't have their first days for two more weeks:)

Because Being in the Middle. . .

sometimes feels a little crowded, Ava and I have spent some serious alone time together yesterday and today. Last night, we went to the pool. I jogged in the water for an hour--20 minutes with Ava on my back because the rec pool was closed due to an accident and then 40 minutes on my own when Ava was in her new swim class. Then we spent an hour dolphin diving--me the dolphin, Ava the rider. We had a lot of fun.

Today we left early for a bike ride to the park. She's been wanting to test her skills on her bike and, of course, she was awesome!

10 am and 90 degrees! Time to go home.

The Night Before. . .

the South Beach Diet. We were supposed to start today, but with so much going on--Lilah's surgery, school clothes and supply shopping, Nana's fractured toe, swim lessons, art classes, follow-up medical visits. . .we weren't done gathering all the necessary food that makes this diet work until this afternoon.

We carbed on corn and pasta.

And I had a little B&J's. Well, I had the whole container. Now I feel Ugh.

And tomorrow we're all about this (my mom and I). I'm actually looking forward to it. I always feel good on it and I always lose weight. I'd even keep it off if I learned a little moderation and moved a little more.

Good Morning!

 Lilah is an early riser. I'm up at 4 or 5 o'clock writing and a few hours later I hear her feet hit the floor, her bedroom door creak open, and her little feet dancing down the hall. She knows exactly where to find me. I pick her up, she cuddles into me, and we sit like that for one minute or ten, depending on her mood. This morning we made cinnamon rolls and we both agree they are yummy.

We saved one for each of her sisters.
Nana is eating hers right now, with a coffee push, as she watches Pioneer Woman--if I posted a picture of this I would not survive to the end of the day so, family, you'll have to wait for a visual update on Nana. Maybe tomorrow as we'll be starting the South Beach Diet together. A one month commitment  and I'll be marking our journey here.

My Girl Can Swim

 Last day of swim class and Ava has come a long way.

 She swam across the pool--25m--under her own steam, without stopping.

 She also tread water for a full minute today.

 She learned to dive and perfected her cannon ball.

And dives to 7 feet to pick up not one, not two, but three rings in the same dive.

Today is My Birthday

And I have much to be thankful for. Lilah's surgical repair (2 weeks ago today) is a success! We did have a couple complications--her incision opened prematurely and, while in the hospital, her sleeping heartbeat dropped very low. So, after an urgent trip to the surgeon's office and stopping by cardiology for a portable monitor, which she wore for 24 hours, we are back on track. She had a pre-op appointment today and the surgeon is very happy with the repair and her healing and she should have no need for further intervention.

We are done with surgeries!! Every one has been an awesome success. That was the best birthday present I've ever received!

While my big girls were at the Y with Nana, Lilah and I baked one of my favorites--Blueberry Nectarine Crisp.

Flowers and books--this Mama is spoiled.

My cake. Beautiful and very girlie--I picked it out myself and really impressed my little princesses.

Dinner tonight: roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, and corn. Yummy. And then a Game of Life. It's my favorite and I insisted on a family game of it tonight.

Where someone. . .

got married.

The 4th, Birthdays, Surgery, General Chaos

The 4th of July and smores.

At Sea World for Maddie's birthday.

As Ava and I wait for the Manta roller coaster.

A little attitude.

All aboard!

We celebrated Lilah's birthday on Maddie's birthday because two days later. . .

We checked in for surgery.

Two days post-op.

Hey, they keep this hospital pretty chilly.

I'll take spaghetti anywhere I can get it.

We're free! Checked out 3 days post-op.

And had a little celebration for Lilah's birthday because. . .

She was well enough to enjoy it.