Birthday Season

This is a busy time of year on the birthday circuit - including Alexa's birthday next Wednesday - and have an upcoming weekend and month of parties.  We will be celebrating Alexa's 5th birthday this Saturday at Pump It Up, a place with bounce houses and other inflatables, so I have been busy planning elements of her party over the past several weeks. Pump It Up parties are largely all-inclusive, so most of my planning has been focused upon the food (how much pizza to order) and the all-important favors.  I swear, favors are the most stressful part of planning a party!

Tonight it was time to celebrate my girlfriend Jenny's birthday and enjoy a fun girls' night out...a very nice break from fretting over favors and how much pizza to order!  I met Jenny through Alexa's school about two years ago (her teachers thought we would be a good match!), and she has become a great friend and introduced me to other wonderful girls here in Arizona.  This evening did not disappoint - good food and wine - and was a great celebration for an amazing friend!  I could definitely get used to these nights out...they're especially nice when I don't have to think about waking up for work the next morning - another perk of maternity leave :)

Tomorrow I will finalize everything for Alexa's bash; I couldn't add the food elements to the favor bags out of fear that Alstott would ravage them.  Damon has joked that it's probably a good thing that I will be returning to work in a couple of weeks....without a party to plan, I don't know what project would occupy my time!

Another year has flown by.....
Looking forward to adding Ani to the picture this year!

Another 25th

Another 25th....even fifteen months later, the 25th of every month continues to envelop a sense of melancholy.  I still miss my little guy tremendously and think about him constantly, especially as I see his little sister with so many of his same characteristics.

Several days I was holding Ani and talking to her as she stared back at me with her big eyes.  She was grinning at me and let out a little laugh, and I couldn't help myself from bursting into tears.  Her crooked smile is very Granty-esque, and the laugh reminded me instantly of Grant's bout of laughter on the morning of his biopsy.  I knew a wave of sadness from reminders of Grant was bound to happen, so I'm just glad I was at home alone with Ani when it did.

Yesterday Alexa was singing the refrain of "Gone Gone Gone," so I decided to pull up the video on YouTube so she could sing along with the video.  As Alexa sang the song - emphasizing her favorite 'Like a drum' part - she looked at me and immediately knew that I was getting a little emotional.  She put her hand on my knee and said in earnest, "It's okay to be sad, Mommy, but just remember that this song is Granty's way of saying "Hi" to us.  I get happy when I hear this song."  As a parent, I always envisioned I would provide the emotional support for Alexa...I never expected the roles to be reversed, especially when she uses my rationale.  I don't think Alexa will ever understand the role she has played to enable me to deal with my grief.

The significance of the 25th of every month will likely never fade, but I continue to find strength in the lasting role that Grant has in our family.  Ani will never get to know her brother in-person, but the memories held by Damon, Alexa and myself and explained to her will undoubtedly instill an emotional bond between them.  Afterall, he is one amazing guardian angel and likely a very protective older brother.

Drawing Comparisons

It is impossible not to draw comparisons between Ani and her siblings, and the similarities are becoming more obvious as Ani gets older and her personality is more defined.

Ani is by-far the most opinionated of the three, a sure-sign Damon and I are in trouble for years to come.  She is not at crier whatsoever, but she has a definite way to let everyone know what she wants.  It if were not the middle of the night, it would be entertaining to listen to her on the baby monitor at 3am.  Ani starts out with a few relatively quiet wimpers but it quickly escalates to loud squawking, the tone becoming sharper with each outburst.  By the time I make it across the house to get her out of the crib, she's normally not too happy - especially when I postpone her feeding with a diaper change first.  It's hard to believe someone so tiny can make so much noise!  She is even starting to add a snarl on her face to convey her displeasure.

Although the early personalities of the three have been different, some of the physical traits are strikingly similar.  Ani's arms are usually moving and flailing, and I cannot help but think about Granty and his notorious leg movement.  His left leg was constantly bouncing; I don't think I ever saw the little guy sit still.  Damon and I mentioned his leg movements to his neuro-oncologist, assuming his "jimmy-leg" was likely the result of the tumor.  The oncologist double-checked Grant's MRI and smiled, "Nope.  I think that's just him."  It looks like boundless energy must run in our family. ;)

Ready to run some errands with Mommy today.

Under Control

Damon has been out of town (Las Vegas) since Thursday, so I have enjoyed some quality time with my girls during the past few days.  One of the greatest lessons I learned from Grant was to enjoy every moment to the fullest, and I truly love the time I have with Alexa and Ani.

It didn't take too long for me to appreciate the quality time, as Friday morning was a very early morning for us.  Ani woke up around 5am (after a 3am feeding) and could not get comfortable in her crib but had no problem falling asleep in my arms, so I moved to the living room and settled on the couch while mindlessly watching the early morning news.  Within 20 minutes, Alstott sauntered out of the master bedroom to find me and curled up on the couch next to me.  By 6am, Alexa was out of her room and decided she too wanted to join us on the couch for her last hour of sleep.  Before I knew it, I had Alstott's head on my left leg, Alexa's head on the right side of my lap and Ani curled up on my chest.  It would have been a very cute picture...

The nearly five-year age differential between Alexa and Ani is probably one of the reasons I am able to enjoy my time with them so much - it's relatively easy!  Compared to just two years ago with Alexa and Grant, she is much more of a help to me and even knows when to ask if I need help.  Alexa is a great second set of ears for me, as I am able to ask her to listen for Ani while I sneak in a quick run on the treadmill or take a quick shower.  After I had gotten the girls ready for the day this morning, Alexa noticed I had not yet eaten breakfast nor taken a shower.  Ani was sitting in her swing, and Alexa looked at me and said, "Mommy, eat one of your bars (Luna energy bar) and take a shower; I've got everything under control."  It took everything I had not to burst out laughing, but I didn't want to offend Alexa, so I simply smiled and did as she requested.  She even knocked on the bathroom door while I was mid-shower to let me know that "everything was still under control."  Too funny!

Mommy's Little Helper...
and I truly appreciate it!

Not the best lighting (and a little blurry) but
I was able to capture one of Ani's big smiles tonight :)

Break Out the Be-Dazzler

As I'm sure it did for millions of girls across the country, tonight's Ladies Figure Skating representation the culmination of the Olympics for Alexa.  Yesterday, she came home from school asking about Gracie Gold (apparently she was the hot topic among girls in her class), and I could only smile as I recalled my aspirations to be like Katarina Witt and Debi Thomas.  Although Alexa has expressed a desire to learn to ski, snowboard and speedskate, there is no doubt that figure skating is Alexa's favorite winter sport.

I quickly learned that watching the Olympics with Alexa is not a passive activity, but watching the skating with her is a definite workout.  She waits for the music of each routine to begin, and she proceeds to "land figure skate" alongside the skater on tv.  Alexa's routines are a hodgepodge of figure skating and gymnastic elements, coupled with some random gyrations and dance moves...very interesting choreography.  Oftentimes, I am lucky enough to be included in Alexa's routine, playing the role of the male figure skater and tossing Alexa around for various jumps and lifts.  We're quite the land skating duo!

Although I promised to take Alexa ice skating during her Spring Break, she has been pressing me to enroll her in formal ice skating lessons.  It was not until tonight that I realized why....she assumes that she will get to wear the outfits like the competitors on television.  She oohs and aahs over each of the girls outfits, rating each one on her like-dislike scale (the gaudier the better in Alexa's mind).  Her logic makes sense, as I love leotard shopping for her, so Alexa's gymnastics leotards are glitzy and sparkly just like she sees on tv.  She will be devastated to learn that skating lessons only require a hoodie, leggings and gloves....not a flowy, sequined little dress.

I will see how our Spring Break skating session goes before I break the news to her.  If she still loves skating and wants to take lessons, I had better break out the sequins and learn how to sew.  Her hoodies and leggings may look like they came from Liberace's garage sale :)

Her first skating attempt last year was pretty good;
we'll see how the next attempt, which I'm sure will include
some Olympic caliber moves, will turn out!

Striking a Balance

Whether it is a rite of passage or simply the order of hand-me-downs, I never realized how many items we have tagged as being Grant's until Ani began to use them.  Granty's monkey seat, Grant's tummy time mat (even though it first belong to Alexa), even Granty's room.....  Poor Ani is going to develop a complex about having any possessions of her own!  I have begun to ask myself, at what point do we drop Granty's association with these items?

I did not realize what a tough balance even the simple things, like ownership of a monkey bouncy seat, would become after the loss of Grant.  Some of the most mundane tasks become difficult decisions as I try to strike the perfect balance between the past and the present.  As Damon can attest, I spent hours grappling with the best way to sign our family Christmas card this year (include Grant's name?).  Even a Google search does not produce a helpful result when looking for the proper etiquette after losing a child.  So much for the Internet having an answer for everything!

When the Internet search produced no valid results, I realized that like everything else we've encountered, there is no playbook nor right or wrong answers.  We will simply have to go with our gut feelings of what is the best way to ensure mindful remembrance of Granty without losing sight of the present.  Despite the mundane nature of the situations, this is not an easy task, but I think we're up to the challenge.

The original owner of the monkey seat....

Now being enjoyed by his little sister.

On A Roll

Although Ani has been keeping me very busy during the past six weeks, I am experiencing more free time than I have ever had before.  I have filled the time organizing closets, doing laundry, shopping online, planning Alexa's birthday party, etc, and over the weekend, I began to run out of ideas of things to do.  I decided it was time to tackle one of my demons head-on....cooking.

On Saturday, I had some chicken breasts thawing in the refrigerator but I couldn't find a recipe that sounded good.  I decided to go out on a limb and make the chicken without following a recipe, a very bold move for me.  After conferring with Alexa, I settled upon brushing the chicken with barbecue sauce and using the oven's broil setting to cook the breasts.  I know it sounds simple, but this was a huge feat for me, as I had never used an oven setting beyond 'Bake' despite the oven having ~10 cooking options.  My broiled chicken was a hit with Alexa, and she scarfed down an entire chicken breast.  She even asked for leftovers the next day...the first time that has ever happened!  My cooking confidence was born!  I texted Damon at work to advise him that his restaurant's chef should concerned about her job security...lol. 

On Sunday, with my new-found culinary confidence, I decided to up the ante and take-charge of our family dinner.  After Damon and I settled upon the menu - steak, asparagus and rice pilaf - he left me to my own devices.  I found (and dusted off) an Armenian cookbook received as a wedding gift, and Alexa and I embarked on our first pilaf-making endeavor.  Despite some undercooked fideo, the pilaf turned out pretty well...anything made with that much butter has to be good!  Once  the pilaf was done, Alexa was incredulous to see me in the backyard grilling, but somehow I managed to pull off perfectly done steak (rare/medium rare) and asparagus.  I was on a roll!

Yesterday Alexa had the day off school, so I thought it would be fun to make chocolate chip cookies with her.  As I put the sugar and eggs into the bowl, she asked, "What are you doing?  Where's the cookie dough to make the cookies?"  I assured Alexa that cookies could be made from scratch and that they didn't necessarily require the pre-made dough from the grocery store.  It wasn't until the batter was complete and Alexa tasted a sample that I finally convinced her that chocolate chip cookies could be made from flour, sugar and eggs.

After a three-day experiment, I think my cooking spree might have run it's course.  Tonight's dinner was comprised of homemade chicken salad and ants on a log (celery w/peanut butter and raisins).  Looks like the Wildfish chef will be keeping her job afterall ;) 

Making the pilaf from the Holy Trinity cookbook.

Hitting the Court...literally

Today was one of the perfect-weather days that reminds you why we endure the brutal summers in Arizona; it was absolutely beautiful - sunny with temperatures in the 80's.  Alexa took advantage of the weather and spent most of the day outdoors, including brushing up on her biking (she finally brakes correctly!) and practicing some tennis with me.

The tennis lesson was going extremely well - the guys playing on a neighboring court were very impressed - until I was retrieving the balls and heard Alexa scream.  I turned around to find her laying flat on the court...not exactly Serena-like.  She had completely face-planted on the court, which she later confessed was the result of practicing a jump and twirl (dang Olympic figure skating!) while she waited for more balls to volley.  As she sat up to assess the damage, she began to fret over the minor scrapes on her knee as I noticed the huge bump on her forehead.  Two Barbie band-aids took care of the scrapes. but she will be sporting a nice bruise on her head for the coming days.  I will need to change the part in her hair to the other side to help camouflage the lump on her forehead!

Somehow this girl learned how to ride a bike without major bumps, scrapes or bruises but ends up face-down on the tennis court...go figure!  As she limped back home, I was very happy to hear her ask if she could play again after her knee was bandaged.  Atta girl! :)

As we walked home, Alexa also informed me of yet another name change.  Since Ani snagged Alexa's beloved 'Elizabeth' as her middle name, Alexa had to resort to Plan B for her middle name change.  She has decided - for the time being - that her new name is Alexa Serena Hovannisian.  It looks like we have a lot of tennis practice ahead, sans figure skating moves, to live up to that name!

One sassy tennis player....pre-face-plant.

Not too shabby of play without a real lesson.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day!

With Damon's career in the restaurant business, this is essentially a non-holiday for the two of us - although we did enjoy a nice lunch together at the Nordstrom Cafe today - but we made sure to reciprocate Alexa's excitement for the holiday.  She's been looking forward to Valentine's Day for quite awhile and even sported heart-themed apparel all week long.  It's fun to celebrate the holiday with a spirit of enthusiasm that wouldn't normally be there.

Ani also seemed to get into the spirit of Valentine's Day and not just through her festive outfit!  Ani was one smiley little girl today, responding to my voice, kisses on her cheek and games of "soooo big."  I am convinced that they were genuine smiles and not just indicators of gas.  This little girl has definitely captured my heart, and I love the time that I am able to spend with her.

After an exciting day at school, including a Valentine exchange (she brought 'Frozen' ones), popcorn and the movie 'Ratatouille' during Aftercare, Alexa was ready for our special dinner tonight.  There are not too many restaurants where you can walk-in at 6pm without a reservation and get a quiet booth in the corner, but that was exactly what happened tonight at the restaurant of Alexa's choosing - - Chick-Fil-A.  I was thrilled with her choice, and the two of us happily enjoyed our grilled chicken and fruit cups as we dined in the restaurant.  It was the perfect Valentine's Day date night!

As we drove home from Chick-Fil-A tonight, "Gone Gone Gone" came on the radio, and Alexa immediately shouted, "Listen, Mommy.  Granty's saying Happy Valentine's Day to me!"  No doubt he was... :)

Our heart-clad Hovey girls....
with our huge stuffed giraffe peeking out in the background :)

Happy 1st Valentine's Day, Ani!

Feel the Burn

Tonight I was getting ready to go out and celebrate a girlfriends' birthday, and as Alexa was hugging me good-bye, she commented that my belly is still a little big.  Talk about giving me a complex....she's a tougher critic than even myself!  However, I didn't let the harsh critque of my personal trainer Alexa dampen my spirits.  While out with my girlfriends tonight, I had two 'skinny' margaritas (my first taste of alcohol in well over a year), shrimp tacos and birthday cake, so I have a definite reason to get on the treadmill tomorrow.

Although I don't have a full medical release to return to normal physical activity, I have been chomping at the bit to return to my exercise regimen and return to pre-baby shape.  Since Ani was one week-old, I have adopted a pretty rigorous walking routine on the treadmill (I cheat and have included some running as well) and have also resumed some moderate weight-lifting.  To help motivate me, I dvr mindless television shows (right now it's 'The Bachelor') and only allow myself to watch the show while I am on the treadmill.  One two-hour episode of 'The Bachelor' guarantees at least two or three good workouts!

As Ani has been more alert throughout the day, I have also started to include her in my workout routines.  I shamelessly use the little peanut as a weight (albeit a light 6-pound one), and she oftentimes does her daily "tummy time" on the floor next to me while I do abs.  It's the best of all worlds - - I get to spend time with my little girl and get a workout done at the same time!

Ani and I will have a long workout tomorrow...I have a lot of calories to burn after my night out!

Alstorr supervised 'tummy time' for a few minutes today....

Until both of them decided it was time for a break!

Little Miss Popular

One of the most enjoyable parts of my day is undoubtedly when Ani and I pick up Alexa from Aftercare.  Post-Ani, these pick-ups have taken on an entirely new routine.  When it was just me, it wasn't uncommon for Alexa to greet me by complaining, "Aww...you're too early!" and she would begrudgingly leave whatever activity she was doing.  Nowadays, it's like I'm bringing a rockstar into the classroom, as Alexa and her classmates clamor to meet me at the door to greet Ani.  It's like a daily show-and-tell session!

The older students (kindergartners) are especially keen of Ani, and it is very cute to hear them ooh and ahh over every movement and sound Ani makes.  It's entertaining to watch the older girls police the younger kids around Ani, reminding them to give her space and keep their hands behind their backs.  There are definitely some aspiring babysitters in the group!

Without a doubt, my favorite part of the "show-and-tell" is seeing Alexa beam with pride and excitedly show-off her baby sister.  It is obvious that she is thrilled to have so many friends interested in Ani, and she loves to kiss Ani and be the only one who is allowed to touch the little peanut.  It's quite the ego boost for her to be the big sister of the newest and most popular baby!

I'm not sure how long Ani's 'hot commodity' status will last with Alexa's classmates, but I don't see her popularity waning with Alexa.  She is a natural big sister, and I think Ani will soon reciprocate Alexa's feelings and become her biggest fan.

Little Miss Popular!

A Girl of All Seasons

If it were up to Alexa, I think she would be the most over-scheduled child ever.  She wants to take lessons for anything and everything, and the Olympics have only expanded her interests.  Just a few days into competition, the Winter Olympics have exposed Alexa to new sports and each seemingly is added to her to-do list of activities she wants to learn.  I wasn't surprised when she asked me about figure skating lessons, as she has gone ice skating before, but some of her other requests surprised me.

Alexa and I were watching the men's slopestyle - a snowboarding event - and she was mesmerized by the aerial stunts being executed on the course.  "I want to do that!"  Within minutes, Alexa was mimicking the flips and turns as best she could, jumping off the couch and spinning wildly.  Our resident daredevil was far less impressed with the women's event, complaining that they didn't do enough tricks and flips.  Her ambitions didn't stop at snowboarding, as the previews for the ski jump also peaked her interest.  When I mentioned that we will have to take a family trip to the mountains next year to learn snowboarding and skiing, she wanted my assurance that snowboarding tricks and ski jumping would be included.  I will see if she's still asking for the latter after her first trip down the mountain.

Her list of lessons is already pretty vast - - swimming, gymnastics, tennis, figure skating, snowboarding, skiing, ski jumping....  If she requests curling lessons, I'm banning her from watching any more of the Olympics. :)

Our future Olympian....disciplines tbd.

One-Month!

Today marked Ani's one-month birthday...I cannot believe how quickly time has passed!  She is definitely growing (she finally hit the six-pound mark!) and losing the newborn look.  She's tiny but feisty and alert, as her big, round eyes are open constantly as she takes in her surroundings.

It only requires one simple word to describe the past 30 days for our family - joy.  After enduring what will likely be the darkest and most trying times in our lives, the arrival of this little peanut has provided a sense of hope and happiness for us.  The longing for our Granty and thoughts of "what it" will never dissipate, but in all actuality, it is because of Granty and his heroic battle that we have little Ani.  Good things continue to happen because of Granty's life and legacy...

Apparently the joy that Ani has brought to my life is evident on my face.  Yesterday Ani and I took a field trip to my office in Chandler to meet my former boss for lunch; it was the first time Ani's left Scottsdale.  The office was pretty sparsely populated since it was Friday, but everyone I encountered commented that I looked extremely happy and relaxed.  One of the corporate attorneys remarked that I was "glowing."  Normally I would attribute the comments to my current lack of work-related stress, but I will assume my lack of sleep is fully offsetting that effect.  The joy I feel is evident, practically written across my face. :)

Checking out her surroundings from the
comfy confines of her swing.

Pancakes and Ponytails

While I am on maternity leave, mornings at the Hovannisian house have taken on an entirely different routine.  The days of me heading out the door by 7am are a thing of the past - for at least a few more weeks - and Alexa has seemingly enjoyed (and exploited) the change more than anyone.

Normally, Damon is Mr. Mom and in charge of the morning activities - preparing breakfast for Alexa, getting her dressed and transporting her to school by 8:30am.  I always prepare her lunch and usually lay out her clothes....Damon is great at putting together suit and tie combinations, but he hasn't quite mastered casual clothing combinations, especially for girls.  I have picked up Alexa from school a few times and thought she was wearing spare clothes (separates kept in her cubbie at school for potential emergencies), only to find out that it was the outfit Damon that he coordinated for her. :)  

Since I don't have to be anywhere in the morning, I have integrated myself into the process of getting Alexa ready for school.  Around 7:30 each morning, I ask Alexa what she wants for breakfast, and I usually get the same answer each morning - - pancakes.  Apparently Damon will only make waffles, so Alexa has taken full advantage my open-ended question to get her coveted pancakes at least once or twice a week.  I've taken this opportunity to hone my pancake-making skills, even making them one-handed as I held Ani (I was very impressed that I could crack and separate an egg with one hand!).  Maybe I do have some culinary potential!

Hairstyling has also changed with me at home in the mornings.  Alexa definitely inherited my fine hair, and it's finally starting to grow in and attain some thickness.  Her baby-fine hair and natural layers are tough to style, and when coupled with Alexa's unwillingness to sit still, it's nearly an impossible task.  I love how Alexa's hair looks when it's pulled back, so I use my morning free time to style her hair, oftentimes in a ponytail or bun.  Alexa's become accustomed to the styling, as it allows her to morph into her ballerina/gymnast alter-ego.  

When I return to work, the pancakes may go by wayside, but I think the ponytail is a trend that's going to stick.  Ponytails are not currently in Damon's repertoire, so I've told him I will get a Barbie Hair Styling Head to practice his hairstyling skills.  At least the Barbie head sits still!  lol

Posing before school - Alexa and her best buddy...at least in the am.
(She's responsible for  feeding Alstott each morning.)

A New Order

Just like Alexa's had to adapt to the changes in the house, I too have gone through an adjustment period.  Similar to Alexa having to share my divided attention, I'm realizing that I have to share Alexa's attention as it's no longer just the two of us in the evening.  Alexa's world is no longer entirely Mommy-centric.

Tonight Damon had the night off, so he graciously offered to pick up Alexa from school.  When I heard his car pull into the garage, I eagerly awaited Alexa's entrance.  As soon as they came into the house, I quickly realized there's been a significant shift in the pecking order of the Hovannisian house.  Until a few weeks ago, Alexa would enthusiastically burst through the door calling out, "Mommy!"...I was always her go-to person.  Tonight, however, was a different story.  When she came into the house, her priorities were (in order) Alstott, Ani and myself as a distant third; Alstott and Ani were neck-and-neck.  Yes, I have been trumped by the dog!

Although it's a slight blow to my ego (lol), I am genuinely excited for Alexa to develop a bond with Ani.  Having four siblings of my own, I cannot wait for Alexa and Ani to experience the relationship that goes along with having a sibling - including all of the ups, downs and a little bit of sibling rivalry.  With a nearly five-year age difference, it may take a little longer for them to feel this closeness, but both Damon and I fully expect these girls to become BFF's (not taking anything away from Alexa's BFF Gabriella!).  Maybe we're being a bit naive, but we think the five-year age gap could alleviate some of the sibling rivalry.  Check back with me in ten years - - it may be an entirely different story :)  For now, we'll enjoy the situation at hand: a doting big sister who is gaga to have a baby at home again!

I'll simply work on reasserting a little bit of clout with Alexa...I need to at least regain status above Alstott!

Alexa's enthusiasm isn't 100-percent reciprocated these days....

A very proud big sister - - Ani's happy not to be smothered!

Quality Time

Alexa has adjusted well to having a sibling at home again, but there are definitely instances where she wishes for a return to 'only child' status.  It frustrates Alexa to know that I am staying at home during the day while she's continuing her normal routine of school and aftercare.  Each morning she asks me if it's time for Ani to go to school yet (her Montessori has an Infant program in which we'll likely enroll her), as I think it bothers her that Ani is getting substantial one-on-one time with me during the day.  I wanted to make sure Alexa felt she had some quality solo time with me, so I took advantage of Damon's late schedule on Saturday to plan an outing for just Alexa and myself.

After swim class on Saturday morning, Alexa and I headed down to Tempe for our girls' afternoon together.  The women's gymnastics team at Arizona State University was having a home dual meet with Utah, so I figured that would be the perfect activity for us.  As excited as Alexa was for the gymnastics meet, I think she was even more excited about lunch - a Steak-and-Shake (the first in AZ) opened next to the ASU campus.  Although the menu didn't have the full offerings of the St. Louis locations, she happily indulged in a steakburger and M&M milkshake before we headed to the gymnastics arena.  It was the perfect Steak-and -Shake 'fix', and she was one happy girl when it came time to head to the meet.

Having attended a meet last year, Alexa knew what to expect at the meet and was quick to point out things that were different this year.  She was a huge fan of this season's ASU leotards and all of their glitter and sparkles but was very disappointed that there wasn't an iPad raffle like last time (I couldn't believe she remembered that seeing as we hadn't won it).  She was much more focused on the actual gymnastics this year, and she intently watched the routines and even did a bit of mimicking from her seat.  She was convinced that she could do every move that the girls were executing - you have to love her confidence!  However, while she watched the routines, she kept one eye out for Sparky, the costumed ASU mascot running around the arena....even one year later, she is not a fan of the person in the costume.  She continues to have a love-hate relationship with people dressed up as characters.  Continuing to draw comparisons, to last year, Alexa commented that Sparky looked different this year.  I assumed it was because he was wearing a different ASU jersey, but Alexa quickly followed up her comment as she noted, "Sparky looks different to me....I think Sparky must have lost some weight."  Too funny, especially coming from a four year-old!

I'm looking forward to making these outings a regular occurrence, as I think I enjoyed the quality one-on-one time just as much as Alexa did :)

Excitedly waiting for the meet to begin!