Seriously – you got so long and strong and mature in, what seems like, over night. You have outgrown so many clothes in the past couple weeks! I think your hair cut makes you look so grown up too. And I have asked you a million times today and yesterday, “Maya, how old are you?”

You smile and say, “7, Mama”

I say – AAAGGGGHHHHHHHH

I blinked, and now you’re 7. Whew.

You are SUCH a joy to be with, I can’t even tell you! You are thoughtful and kind and SO WITTY! You make me laugh out loud!! And you melt my heart. You still love sitting on my lap, and I’m so grateful for that! Today we laid outside with our heads next to each other and talked – talked about the clouds, talked about Jojo, talked about whatever… 7. Nothing beats it!!

Here are some pictures from yesterday – your birthday – when you turned 7. Sigh. I’m sure I’ll have more pictures tomorrow from your party with your friends. These are sure fun though!! Highlights from yesterday: Jojo goes to school, birthday celebration with homemade gifts and “I wish”‘s from Ms. Suzanne’s class, a family dinner at Sticky Lips with 13 people – and the whole day with self-imposed crazy pink hair!! 🙂 You are so much fun!!

Enjoy Beautiful Girl!! Know that I love you so incredibly much!! You are SO DEAR to me!

Well Sweet –

Two days ago, we went skiing – for the second (and probably final) time this season. We have really strange warm weather all winter this year – snow didn’t stay on the ground for over a day when it did come.

But the weather forecast said “flurries and a high of 33,” so we went for it.

Some awesome videos (taken by me – a very amateur skier – sorry 😉 )

Hey Baby Girl –

Last week I sent this note to my family (aunts, uncles, cousins, parents, siblings, etc). Thought it would be good for your blog too, so we can look back and remember when “Lima” made her appearance – hopefully, soon I will write about her grand exit 🙂 as today she has grown, moved or something and I am in a LOT of pain:

Just a quick update on me –

A couple weeks ago I learned I have a relatively large fibroid tumor in my uterus making it about the size of someone who is 16-weeks pregnant. This “alien” inside my belly is symptomatic – giving me a constant sense of pressure in my belly, on my diaphragm and on my bladder. 🙂 Fun, eh? We call her “Lima” in our family (short for the scientific term “leiomyoma”) – everyone talks to her – patting her and saying things like, “Good morning April! Good morning Lima!” Or “Hi Mama! Hi Lima!” We were sitting in the front pew of church the other week – right in front of the Gospel Choir I usually sing with, and we were asked to say things we were grateful for. Maya lifted up my scarf, kissed my belly and said “Lima!” (She thinks Lima makes a good pillow). I quickly looked around to see who was watching, afraid the rumor mill might start cranking. Sure enough, “Nana Sherry” had her suspicious-looking eye on that whole interaction. Life’s a trip!!

After discussions I’ve had with my Drs and my Jim, I have decided to have a hysterectomy. Other treatments lead to many more complications, and Jim and I weren’t planning on having any more babies. I learned this morning that my surgery is scheduled for April 4 with an expected recovery time of 4-6 weeks.

Maybe a Happier Picture of “Lima” 🙂

I have no sadness or fear… Only gratefulness. I am very grateful for a very healthy body. This is just a relatively normal hiccup in the trajectory of getting older. There are no signs of cancer; the big ball is not touching the lining of my uterus, etc. etc. FAR too much to be grateful for to worry about such a small thing.

Just wanted you all to know –

Love, April