Monday, January 23, 2017

Bedtime Story

Whenever Kaia gets too excited to sleep or what I lovingly call her "Party Time", I tell her favorite story about her and her daddy while I rub her scalp and play with her hair to calm her down to sleep.  It goes a little something like this:

When you were just a teeny tiny baby that just came out of mommy's tummy you had to stay in the hospital for a long time before we could bring you home with us.  Mommy and daddy didn't get to see you very much and it made us so sad.  So, when we got to see you we made that time very special.  You loved when daddy would wash your hair on your tiny little head with warm water while he held you in his big, strong hands over a sink.

You would shake like a tambourine because you loved it so much.  That was your very first favorite thing and daddy loved to see you happy for the very first time.  After that, every time we got to see you when you were a tiny, little baby in the hospital, daddy made sure that he got to wash your hair on your tiny, little head in the sink because it was your very first favorite thing.

Now you're a big girl with long, curly hair that gets to take a bath in a big bath tub with a lot of warm water.  Daddy still gives you a bath every night to make sure that he gets to wash your long, curly hair and see your smile because he knows it's still your very first and favorite thing.

Guess what else, my sweet girl? Washing your long, curly hair is daddy's very favorite thing now because that is your very favorite thing too.

Now it's time to go to sleep because no matter how long you decide to party, you're still going to school tomorrow.  I love you, sweet girl.  Sweet dreams.





Thursday, December 8, 2016

I'm Back!

It's been a few years since I've written a post and I'm sorry I've been gone for so long.  So much has been happening over the past few years! I quit my job at the Achievement Academy a couple of years ago.  It all became too much for me to work and take care of Kaia at the same time.  I still love the school, staff and students very much.  Ryan, Kaia and I have been there to visit several times since I quit.  Ryan and I started sponsoring a student for Christmas a couple of years ago.  We are finally in a financial position to start giving back to our community just like they had done for us in the past.  We feel that is so important to give back especially after all that has been done for us over the years.

Ryan got an awesome new job at our local hospital and he loves it! He works locally now so there is no more business trips out of state and if there is an emergency he can be home in ten minutes.  We are so fortunate to have him so close to home during the day.  Kaia is in the fifth grade this year.  She has a new teacher this year as well.  I was very worried about the change because I worry that new people would not understand her but it has been the exact opposite.  Her new teacher is wonderful and treats Kaia as if she is one of her own children.  Kaia is doing really well in school, learning new things like clapping her hands on command.  It may not seem like a big deal but for Kaia this is huge and we are so proud of her! Her IEP meeting is coming up next week and I can't wait to discuss her progress this year! Also, there are two of my old students from the Achievement Academy in Kaia's class this year.  I love being able to see them when I visit Kaia at school.  I have even ran into their parents and grandparents.  It's great to be able to see them and catch up with all that's going on in their lives.

I am now a stay at home mom and I love every second of it! I wake Kaia up around 5:30am and she gets on the bus at 7:00am.  While she's at school I can catch up on sleep, clean the house, chat on the phone with my mom and watch reruns of the Real Housewives and Vanderpump Rules on hulu.  Don't judge me.  It's my thing.  Let it go.  haha!

Ryan is still the best daddy ever! He helps me get Kaia awake before school and kisses us both goodbye.  Right when he gets home, he makes a beeline to Kaia and covers her with hugs and kisses while asking about her day.  I don't know what I did to deserve such a great man and father! I fall more in love with him every single day.

We had an awesome Thanksgiving this year! We have so much to be thankful for.  Here are a few pictures from Thanksgiving:





Bernie is already in the holiday spirit! He is just the cutest dog ever! 

Thanks for reading and I promise to make another post soon!