Monday, October 7, 2013

Discovering the World

Dear Willow,

It's been a really busy week and you've been making such incredible advances this week. My favorite - you are starting to talk. You walked over to me with a book this week and as we were flipping through it and when we turned to the page where the duck was, you said "quack, quack, quack" like you said it all the time! I was so surprised, but you've been saying it all week! And you also say "moo" when sissy asks what a cow says. It has been so cute!

Momma's iPad came this week for school and you've decided that it is really your iPad - you're so cute sitting on the couch playing all of your learning apps and watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse! You figured out how to use it as quick as the rest of us and I am convinced that the learning apps are the reasons that you've discovered animal noises!

It has been amazing to watch you using real silverware (your own special set) and dishes. You are growing into such a smart little lady. I love watching you feed yourself. Your favorite seems to be feeding yourself applesauce. It is so cute.

You cried tonight for about 20 minutes and I struggled to know what was wrong. Turns out your tummy was upset, but I really cannot wait for the day when you are able to tell me what's wrong and I can fix it faster! It hurts my heart to see you so upset and not be able to fix it. You are such a happy baby and almost never cry, so it is especially sad for us to try to make you feel better.

Momma bought you dolls for the bathtub and we played with those tonight. I take too many pictures, but I know that I am seeing fleeting moments of your childhood passing by and I am capturing them all. It has been so much fun figuring out what you like and dislike.

I find myself looking forward to so many things with you - conversations about nothing, so many questions, tea parties, make believe, playing with dolls, and so much more as you keep growing every day!

Love you,
Momma

We were playing hide-and-seek and you were cracking yourself up! Love this smile!

Friday, October 4, 2013

Photo Friday

 Love mid-day cuddles with this little one!

 This giant box is her favorite toy...

Technologically advanced

 A walk with Amber and our TALL shadows

 Too cool for...something!

 Late night French fries

 Horton and Willow

She loves her glow worm

 She's quite the climber

 Chilling

Cute as can be

Friday, September 27, 2013

Photo Friday

Playing with Halloween props at Target!

Lazy days with big sister

Flounder kisses - Daddy was conned into buying this for her

She's about to do something naughty...

Honk! Honk! Honk!

My favorite moments involve this angel

This dolphin is almost as big as she is :-)

 Chalk art

 Reading to her teddy bear - such a smart girl

I love this look! So cute!!!

Monday, September 23, 2013

Dear 25-Year-Old Stephanie...

...No one warned you, but then, even if they had, you would have made the same choices. No one told you how hard it would be loving a child like your own and wanting the best for them. No one told you that you would have to deal with decisions that were made before you took over and no one said that you would have no idea what the heck you were doing either.

Fast forward to now...and just remember - it isn't easy, but it will be worth it. Keep repeating that until the storm clouds pass and the trials are over and you can breathe deep again.

***************

Being a mom is hard. Being a 2nd mom is even harder. Being a sister to that same girl is the hardest. And yet, as much as she breaks my heart sometimes, I wouldn't want it any other way. I know that what I am doing is making a difference...through the tears and the pain, I know that someday she is going to appreciate what we do for her. I know this first hand.

When I was a teenager, a family took me in and loved me like their own. They had a little girl and I adored that child like you wouldn't believe. That didn't stop me from being a teenager and doing stupid things...but through it all, they set rules and boundaries and they loved me.I know they loved me - and love me now - because for all the stupid things I did when I moved out to be an "adult" they are still by my side now. They are still here for me. I don't know who I would be or what I would do without Mark and Robin. No one has perfect parents...but I think all parents have perfect moments. I hope that I can find mine.

Being a parent is truly the greatest joy in my life and the hardest thing I have to do every day. It's that simple...sometimes being a mom is the pits...and then the sun comes out and that same child smiles as you and you know you are going to keep doing it. No matter how hard it gets. There is no giving up, no moving on, no starting over. Unlike most things in life, you have to keep moving forward, apologize for your mistakes, take the hard parts with the good, and pray to God that you are doing something right!

When you get married and start talking about children you don't always realize that it changes everything - but you give up so much for the chance to be a parent and the learning curve is steep for this one. Pray for me and for my children - we need them. I will keep doing my best to be a better person, a better mom, and a better example...and I pray that God gives my children joy in their lives, wisdom to make better choices, and bravery to stand up for themselves in life - no matter what.

From one tired momma,
Love yourself <3


Friday, September 20, 2013

Photo Friday

 At the park

On the slide with sissy!

Digging in the dirt

 She's so cute!

 Explorer

Licking off the sprinkles...

Bathtime <3

I love this new bath toy - she does too!

 Cuddle bug

Her favorite place to sit - on Daddy!

Drawing

 Spoiled princess

 She likes my side of the bed!

I love this smile so much!

Playtime with sissy!

Monday, September 16, 2013

Never Settle

Dear Amber,

I love you. You are an amazing daughter, a wonderful big sister, a loyal friend, and a sweetheart in general! You have such a bright future ahead of you and I want to see you make the most of it. You deserve all the joy in the world and I want to see you achieve everything that you want to in your life.

I don't ever want you to settle...not for "good enough" grades, mediocre cleaning habits, "not-good-enough" boys (although, let's be honest...there really is no one good enough), and never for anything less than you deserve...and you deserve the best. You will make choices in your life that will impact your future and I want you to know that those decisions start now - make the best decisions and you will set yourself up for success in your life.

I don't expect you to be perfect - all a mother can ask is that her children try their best, learn from their mistakes, and never stop trying. that is my wish for you.

Love always,
Mom

No greater love than that growing between these two!! <3

Friday, September 13, 2013

Photo Friday

 Using Daddy's toothbrush!

 She likes to watch the cars drive by at Culver's!

 I love this smile!

 Out for a walk!

 She loves her water toys - this one is my favorite!

Sisters!!!

<3

My big girl - she loves her naps!

She doesn't like to wake up in the morning!

Daddy's Girl

 Bunny ears - and smile!

My favorite dress!!