hanging out

Today we spent Mark's mom's birthday all hanging out at the house. Mark's brother Jon and his wife Kelly came to visit. They have a daughter Sophia and a son Solomon. Sophia is three and Solomon is Basil's age. Sophia and Oliver had a blast, except Oliver kept calling her "ava". We know a few Avas and I think that all little girls are Ava to Oliver.

We had a wonderful day despite the news of Bunia's (Mark's mom, Ukrainian for Grandmother) brain tumor. It kind of feels strange enjoying ourselves and going about life, but I guess this is just what we do. We won't know anything anyway until the surgery.

I think it was therapeutic for the grandkids to be around.

Being a daughter in law in this situation is somewhat strange for me. There are many questions that I have and many scenarios that I want to discuss. If it was my mom I would feel comfortable just talking about it. I want to be sensitive to my mother-in-law and not force those conversations. I remember when my mom was sick we talked endlessly about every scenario and about all of my questions. I think it was my mom's personality to know as much as she possibly could.

Today was her 61st birthday and I think she had a good day. I hope she did.

Tomorrow we are going to my dad's. I am so excited to see my sister. It has been a long time. I miss her.