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The pink fairy came to visit Anna, and tossed her cookies before she left. Anna officially has a "big girl" room now. I always said that I wasn't going to re-do Anna's room until she had an opinion about it, which I'm sure will be soon. So, it started off innocently enough. It started off as a new twin bed, then my so called friend, KELLY, said, "well, you don't have to re-do her room - just a little new paint would go a long way". Famous last words..... It got me inspired to do a girly-girl room. And I love it, and more importantly, ANNA loves it.

Here's a few pics. And, another miracle came in the package. Some of you may have been following the nurse to sleep - rock to sleep - sit next to-to sleep - progression that we've been doing for the past 2.5 years. Well, now, with the addition of the big girl bed - Anna goes to sleep BY HERSELF in her own bed - HAPPILY! Whoo hoo!!! This is such a huge milestone for us! And she's been staying in her own bed until 6-7am, which is also great! She still comes to our bed to snuggle in the morning - but none of us are eager to stop that. We love our morning snuggles. Yeah, Anna!

My Dad's parents were never know to us as Grandma and Grandpa. My grandmother wanted to be a little different, so we always called them Grandmere and Grandpere (the French version). They both passed away a number of years ago (high school and college for me). They were such neat people and I have such great memories of them. I was just thinking about them this morning, and wishing that they could have known Curtis (he only met Grandmere once, and she was already 'not herself') and that Anna could have known them. They would have had SO much fun together. We've been cleaning house, and I came across a box of my Grandmere's jewelry, mostly costume stuff - but totally "her". Anna and I were playing with it this morning and I was telling her all about her Great-Grandmere and Great-Grandpere. It made me teary then (as I am now, while typing this). I hope they're up in heaven somewhere enjoying watching her grow, and that someday when we're all there together, they'll have a blast together.

So, while we're painting Anna's room, she is in her toddler bed in our room. And I'm trying to work at the computer while she goes to sleep. But, since she had about a dozen poached cookies from Aunt Sandi's next door before bed - and several handfuls of "sprinkles" - sleep does not appear to be forthcoming. Here are but a few of the tactics that she has tried tonight so far....

• "But I need another sip of water."
• "I need a Kleenex."
• "Wait - I need to tell Daddy I love him again."
• "Mommy, I need to tell you something important. I love you."
• "Wait, Mommy. I need to tell you something really important. I love you."
• (After I said, "Close your eyes and go to sleep,"...) "But mommy, is it OK if I just leave them open so that I can look at you."
• "Oh, Mommy. I love you soooo much."
• "Mommy, you're so pretty. And Daddy is handsome."
• "Wait - I need to give you one of these." (Holding her hand up for a high five.)
• "OK, I'm just going to come get into Mommy & Daddy's bed to go to sleep now."

Some nights, we're both admittedly short and frustrated by the time she goes to sleep (usually around 9pm when she's out). Tonight, we were both cracking up and melting with the sweetness. And she's still awake trying to engage me even while I'm typing this. What a doll. We are so blessed.

That title seems so painfully inadequate, given that "The Playhouse" is about 25% the square footage of our house, and towers in height over our next door neighbors' house. But, for now, that's what we're calling it. It still needs paint, a door, windows and carpet. But, structurally, it's pretty much there. And Anna LOVES it. The roof (including 4 heart shaped sky lights), railing (with custom milled heart slats) and bead board wall paneling are done. The bird feeder for the extended roof rafter is bought and in transit. Here are a few pics...

View out the back, into the park behind our house (and a little league field). Anna LOVES this thing! (Mastiff arse seen in foreground)

The heart shaped sky lights. There are 4 total.














View out the back into the park. Closest railing guards the top of the ladder, Farthest one is out on the balcony. See the little hearts cut into the middle rail slats? So CUTE!














The whole thing!

I really do. And sometimes, I just want to tell everyone I know how lucky I am. He's the love of my life, and more than I ever imagined - even in my wildest dreams. Not to say that I didn't think I would end up with someone wonderful - I did. It's just that he's wonderful in ways I never even imagined. My mom used to tell me that God had someone special picked out just for me, and that somewhere he was out there waiting. And I'd roll my teenaged eyes and think, "Whatever." But she was right.

He's my very best friend. I can be silly and stupid and messy and....just myself....with him. He doesn't care if I'm cleaned up or grubby, fat or skinny, happy or pissy....I always know that he loves me. And that he's on my side. And that he'll support me in whatever is important to me. He makes me laugh. He drives me crazy. He still doesn't communicate the way I like to....but we're learning to see some advantages to each others' style and finding some middle ground. I am never bored with him. Ever.

He's kind, and decent, and responsible, and hard working. He is patient. And he is the most amazing father that our little girl could have wished for - and she knows it.

I just wanted to take time out to appreciate one of the biggest blessings that God has ever given to me....my sweetie. Maybe I'm just feeling sappy, but I don't know what my world would be like without him...and I never, ever want to find out.