Mega 4th with The Boys

Orange cupcakes?! OH YEAH!

Having a birthday party is always great, but for AFJW... A birthday party with The Boys is big time!!! She is a star not only to us, but to our whole family. A bright star. Her lust to live, and her desire to know and understand is amazing!

JJW loves showing off his bedroom and the massive collection of toys, stuffed animals and nick nacks! AFJW and JJW could survive in that bedroom for weeks!


Posing for a quality photo in front of the Christmas Tree! Right after this photo, AFJW was riding on the back of SMW and CGW's backs in turn!

** One of my favorite things to do: Take photos of AFJW with my cell phone. She is so photogenic! Then immediately sending out those photos to Mia, family, friends and Picasa.


Grandma and Grandpa's b-day present took it to the next level! When she ripped open the wrapping paper on the box, I instantly had a flash back... Light Brite! Watch out! Anna was real excited, but she didn't feel the nostalgia I had. Pictures and blog posting to come soon with Lite Brite action. This we can promise. Great Grandma and Grandpa gave Anna some very interesting (and fun to read) stories that take place in different famous locations in Michigan.

On AFJW b-day, she was treated to Sushi at our new Lansing sushi hot spot, the Ukai Fusion Sushi Bar! The owner, Mr. Kim was there and treated our beautiful birthday girl to a DELICIOUS desert (Yes, I had a couple bites!).

Eye POPPING desert!

4th Birthday

Almost 4 years ago, I gave birth to the most beautiful baby girl I could have ever imagined. As all parents know, it changed my life and AFJW and I began a life full of adventure together. She was by my side as I studied for my degree and worked full time as a single parent. Despite the obstacles, I saw each day as a gift promising quietly to her every moment I held her in my arms that I would take care of her and love her.


Looking back on that blisteringly cold blizzard day that she was born at the UofM hospital, I am so amazed at how far she has come and how far we have come - as mother and daughter and as a family member with our beloved ZJW who has completed our clan.

She was an easy, healthy baby who slept easily through the night and despite a rocky start was a champion breast feeder. I recall her bright wide eyes the minute she was born, already eager to see the world and hilarity of her propping up her foot on the 'tub' during her first bath in the hospital. Most of all, I was amazed at how much love I had for this little person and even more amazed at how I can honestly say that that love is even stronger to date.

Today, she dreams of becoming a ballerina, any kind of performer it seems as I recently discovered when she so easily belt out the tunes of Mamma Mia and Dream Girls on the karaoke. She's been sitting through her Tito Nicko's jazz concerts since the age of 2 and by 3 was able to see the wonderment of the symphony. Indeed, she has also begun taking violin lessons more enthusiasm that I would have ever expected.

I am so proud and so honored to be her mother. I so cherish our gentle moments in the morning when she often caresses my face and tells me how beautiful I am and how much she loves me. Makes me wonder if all these years of my telling her these things has brained washed her!! All the same, it melts my heart and I long for little else than her happiness and ability to live a wonderful life.

While I have the privilege of having her home with me, I am so happy and proud of the solid relationship we all have as a unit. We take everyday for the gift that it is and are so happy to have one another and our families!