Happy Birthday Nyla

Happy 9th Birthday Peanut!!!

March 30, 2000 - One of my most favorite days of my life. On this day I not only became a mother - I learned what the true meaning of Love at First Sight is all about. On this day 9 years ago, at 1:04pm, Nyla Quinn Gosen entered the world at a whopping 5lb 12 oz and my life has never been the same.

Andrew and I had the privilege of enjoying lunch with the Birthday Girl today(at school) - her choice of dining - McDonald Chicken Nuggets with a Sprite and apples. As we sat at the round cafeteria table waiting for our bubbling baby to join us all you could hear was the sound of 100+ elementary students conversing ever so loudly - but as soon as she sat down all that noise was drowned out by her happy tone and sparkling eyes. Nyla would glance at the clock in anticipation of 1:04pm to arrive - That is when she would truly be 9 years old.

After lunch she begged for Andrew and I to stay a few more minutes and watch her turn 9.

How can you say no to that? I went back to her classroom and waited anxiously for the clock to tick tock to 1:04pm. The SECOND the clock hit 1:04pm - these two green eyes looked right at me and said "Do I look 9?" - My response was "Yes, Yes you do" - Any more and I would have probably cried. In a moments notice she was eager to dismiss me and go about her day as a newly turned 9 year old. With a Big Hug and kiss I was on my way back to work.

Those 6 minutes of waiting were worth it and will forever be etched in my memory.

This is what my 9 year old looks like!

Happy Birthday Andrew

March 24, 1973
A little baby boy - Andrew Kirk Gosen - was born into this world and 36 years later he is the most wonderful, sincere, honest, caring, and supportive man.

A wonderful dad and fantastic husband.

We are so Happy to wish him a very Happy Birthday!

We love you!

Google Girl

Friday night the kids and I decided to go shopping for Daddy's upcoming birthday. After finding the perfect gift for him we ventured into a nearby pet store to LOOK! 20 minutes later we are walking out of the pet store with two new pets... Goldfish named Flip and Flop.
Now, this purchase was not on my agenda nor was it something I would ever put on my agenda. With two overly happy children carefully carrying their plastic bag to the car and the million tooth grin that spread across their faces, I am sure you can identify with the inability to say no.

We get home and place Flip and Flop into their newly purchased home and Nyla gets a little inquisitive - She is asking all kinds of questions about their ecosystems, digestive habits, life expectancy etc. After trying to answer questions that I truly didn't have an accurate answer for I decided to show Nyla the miracle of Google.
Little did I know that she has now become addicted to Googling - she googles everything if she doesn't know the answer and this morning it was - Goldfish poop. She wanted to know why it looked the way it did and I will tell you I learned something more about our new pets today all because an 8 year old learned how to Google.

Whistle While you Work

He did it!! After I would say a good couple months of wet lips and lots of spit - He did it!

Jordan finally whistled!

Now, at first it sounded like a faint blow with a little tweet - But as of today it is officially better then any whistle I can produce. Very clear and did I say constant? Well, It is constant - a new found trick must be practiced in order to perfect.
Today we have experienced whistling at breakfast, lunch, in the car, at soccer, in his room playing, at dinner, in the bathroom (good acoustics) and as he drifts to slumberville. Yes, I do believe that boy might have whistled himself to sleep.

I will not be surprised if he wakes up whistling.

The Reward

There are many times in your adult life that your little ones can literally make you speechless and overwhelmed with pride and complete joy. The other day Nyla came home from school with a report of having a FABULOUS day. Since we reward good behavior, we asked her what she would like as her reward or treat. The next sentence that spilled out of my beautiful peanuts mouth brought tears to my eyes warmed my heart.

"I want to sleep with you tonight mom - I want that as my reward"

The smallest thing is by far the largest reward.

"I" was the reward - ME - MOM!

We snuggled in bed that night and as she drifted off to dreamland I watched peace and comfort come across a face of an angel.

Where has the time gone?

I can' believe it is already half way through March and my feeble attempt at staying connected and making an effort at blogging has not even occurred yet. Where has the time gone? What have I done with the past couple months?
As the end of the month approaches we have many things to celebrate. Today, for example is my niece "Avy Baby" - 5th birthday. I can not wait to call her tonight and sing in my not so wonderful voice to her. Followed by a "Who's your favorite Auntie?" I am sure she will have tons to say in her toothless raspy voice.
For Avy Baby's Birthday my sisters and I took all the girls to Disney on Ice - I will have to admit that I was a little apprehensive about this. I thought it would be more toddler orientated. I was in for a complete shock and pleasant surprise. Disney on Ice was thoroughly entertaining for ALL AGES and not just for little girls. I felt a bit of guilt as I realized how much my little Jordan would love it. I guess that means next time they are in town I will be taking him as well!

In a couple weeks we will then celebrate Andrew's Birthday - 36! Officially Late 30's. Now, Andrew is no where like me when it comes to birthdays. He would rather skip right over the day and not truly acknowledge the importance of the day. THE ENTIRE REASON YOU EXIST IS BECAUSE YOU WERE BORN AND HAD A BIRTH DAY!

Then, The very end of the month is my sweet Peanut's 9th Birthday - The final year of single digits. She, like myself has been excited for this day to arrive for let's see... about a year now. She has been trying to plan the most elaborate and time consuming birthday party ever. I do believe we have condensed it and agreed on a jam packed, fun filled day - set aside for Her and only HER! Stay Tuned to see the end result of our Month full of wonderful people and the Birthdays we get to celebrate.