Mina Turns Two and I Brag

Hey if there's a time in a Mom's life she can brag about her child, it has to be around her child's birthday. I've mentioned before how adorable she is right? Right?

She is so charming, she charms the pants off people. In fact, I've had to make several trips to Levi's to buy myself and other people pants that she's charmed off, that's how charming she is.

She has the best eyes. Large and dark, and long-lashed.

She has the prettiest curls. I can literally stare at them for hours. I twirl the ends of her hair on my forefinger and they turn into little ringlets. Little ringlets that stay until she jumps up and down and bounces the heck out of them.

When she was 18 mos. old I found this article about gifted children (not that I was searching for articles like that, who me?). One of the traits of gifted children is apparently advanced vocabulary. By 18 mos. Mina was speaking in 2-3 word sentences. I mean, pretty advanced is what I thought. Apparently, a vocabulary list of 100 before age 2 is almost always a sign of giftedness. I stopped at 100 even though she knew even more words than that. I was tickled pink.

Now at almost two (Aug. 15th!) I can pretty much hold a conversation with Mina. We negotiate, she tells me stories, she tells me what she's thinking. It's pretty amazing.

We are having a little get-together with just family this Saturday for her official birthday. Next weekend we are going to Disneyland! I can't wait!

She starts preschool on Tuesday. Yes, preschool. This is one baby that is really craving for companionship and more challenge, and I hope preschool gives it to her. I feel really good about the idea of preschool right now, but a part of me can't believe she's already going.

My baby is growing up!

Mina, know that you are beloved, adored, and yes, even spoiled. We are proud of you. Most of all, know we are all trying to do our best by you.

The BIG errrr....TWO-NINE

Okay, so I'm not quite the Big 3-0 yet. To be honest, I'm okay staying 29. Or even my current age (for two more days) of 28. Really, I'm okay. I'll stay that way if you please. You, being the collective universe, father time, mother nature, the fountain of youth, etc. etc.

I always thought I'd be one of those people who would age gracefully. I would look at wrinkles as a sign I've smiled too much and lived a lot. I would never be one of those people who lied about their age, or admitted their age with regret. I never thought I'd care, but it turns out I'm as flawed as the next human being. I do care very much. Maybe if I'd done everything I wanted to do, I'd actually be looking forward to planning a 30th b-day looming a year from now; and be a pro once I got to a point of time to start gathering 50th birthday party ideas. The problem is I feel like I haven't done much. I wanted to go to Paris by my 30th bday party and that's probably not gonna happen. I promised myself that trip when I was 15 years old! I was also supposed to go white-water rafting, and sky-diving. I'm supposed to be fitter than ever, and rich. Yes, I know money isn't everything but my imaginations always had me living a fabulous life. I'm supposed to be published already, or at least with a fluorishing career I could be proud of....

I better stop. My life may not have turned out the way I imagined it to (I mean, I was in High School when this fantasy life was planned) , and maybe time is passing by too fast, but I am happy and have much to be grateful for. Kids, this is Mom being self-pitying and being an ageist. I mean, 29 isn't old. It's the new 19...riiiiiight?

I won't be celebrating big for my 29th, and I'm not holding out on a special 30th. Woody will probably still be in Iraq, so I don't think he'll be able to throw me a 30th suprise party. I refuse to get depressed over something that shouldn't be depressing. I'll just browse this website on unique party ideas to mark the special time. What could I do different? Maybe a trip to Hawaii, and a few special friends to hopefully join me in an intimate luau on the beach. Everyone has to have a lei, or a Hawaiian shirt/clothing. I'd be really fit from working out hard and steady for a year (haha!) and I'd be in a fabulous sarong and bikini top. My cake will be a mango cake, and a Hawaiian ukelele will be playing Happy Birthday by a Hawaiian dude.

Or who knows, maybe Woody WILL be back by then, and then we're off to freaking Morocco and Paris like I always wanted!

Happy 1st Birthday Mina

I am so happy I get to be your Mom. It's an honor being a Mommy to such a lovely little girl! I can't believe it's been one year since I gave birth to you via an unplanned C-section. Even longer since I first learned I was pregnant with you. You've brought us so much joy. You've brought me closer to my mom, your grandma, and you're Daddy's little princess even though he vowed he wouldn't treat you like a girly-girl. We love you, and by the smiles and laughter you shower us with, I think we're doing an all right job raising you so far.

Mina is how old?

Mina is 9 months.
Nine Months.
NINE MONTHS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Where the heck did the time go? A few nights ago the little devilish angel woke me up demanding to be nursed and I was still up two hours later after she had already gone to dreamland. I was obsessing over details of her 1st birthday/christening ceremony. If I had loads of money I will hire someone to do this for me, part with my money with glee and never worry my pretty little head about party planning EVER AGAIN. It stresses me the heck out.

Honestly, I had to lierally count freaking sheep so I could go back to sleep. And you know what, it's those details that drive me mad. I have the table layout already fixed in my head, the cake decor, the favors, the other cake decor, flowers, balloons. Now I just need to find a proper location, invitation, and oh the menu. It'll be an asian menu of some sort. I really don't want the typical Filipino food but it may end up that way.

Aaarggh! I'm looking forward to it but I'm also dreading it. August 16th. Save the date.