Some of Peja's favorite things to do:


Throw the football with his dad - or kick it (wrong sport!) Notice the 49ers - Ilija is a BIG fan, even through the bad years like right now...

Turn lights on and off. He loves that he can reach this one with the help of the stairs. It looks a bit precarious though right?

Express his displeasure with me when I am not doing exactly what he wants when he wants it. It is amazing how much he knows what he wants now. I don't believe in giving him everything he wants and so I get this face (and the accompanying screech) quite often. Look at those legs! STURDY boy...

He also just learned how to fold his arms to say a prayer with us. I just had to show him once and now he is professional! It is amazing how quickly he learns things. Last night I called downstairs to have the family come up and pray with us and by the time they got upstairs Peja was patiently waiting with his arms folded - I didn't even have to tell him to! He just heard me say it is time to pray. I am so amazed all the time... I love being a mom.

Peja loves to go sit on the fireplace and recline into these pillows. I think it is hilarious. He snatched this half-loaf of bread from the counter and went to get comfortable in his little seat.

He also loves to do anything that we do. Our Sonicare toothbrushes are hours of fun. He knows how to "brush his teeth" but doesn't do it for too long before he starts brushing the wall, the carpet, the counter and sometimes he'll even try for the toilet - GROSS! (We don't let him of course.)

We went to a wedding on the bluffs of Shell Beach. It was a most beautiful sunset. I LOVE IT HERE IN CALIFORNIA!

In other news, Ilija has lost almost 20 pounds and the "fatdown" as one friend put it is still continueing. He has been able to fit back into ALL of his pants (he was down to wearing the same 3 over and over), and is feeling light and free. He loves the way that his shirts just hang loosely instead of having that bulge in the middle. Ilija and I both rolled our ankles last week - which is why I have those little flats on for the wedding. Mine was playing v-ball and Ilija's b-ball. Luckily they weren't too bad...I started personal training about a week and a half ago and I really like it! It is cool to be useful to someone and to be able to use some of the knowledge that I spent 4 years gaining. I definitely take what I know for granted.

Have a great week!

The beach was so amazingly gorgeous the other day. Winter at the beach is the best.

Peja looks a lot like his grandpa Milan.

Vacuum boy to the rescue!

"Don't worry, I'll vacuum up my toys."

I think Peja has figured out how to pose for the camera - he kept smiling when I wanted to take a picture. Do you notice my beautiful Christmas tree in a vase? I was too cheap to buy a tree so I asked for some free branches.

"I look like an idiot Mom". I got out Ilija's gel and made my son look like a ? I am not sure...

Then he was back to normal and looking very dapper for church (if I do say so myself.)

A year ago today I (along with Ilija and Merrie) was working very hard to bring this sweet boy into the world. It is amazing how the time has flown. Happy birthday Peja! We are SOOOOO happy to have you in our life.



I did so much pacing - that tiny hospital room - back and forth, back and forth.

I remember those quiet days of recovery so clearly.

Peja has gotten so big and so fun! It is amazing what a year can do. Fastest year of my life for sure.