The Best Big Brother

Seriously. Reed is the best big brother ever. The child has only been praying for a brother or sister since he was 4. But, I really didn't expect him to be as perfect as he has been. I keep waiting for something to "wear off." But, it hasn't. He is so patient and kind and loving. He plays with her, teaches her things (like how to feed the dogs), shares his things and his pets. And, most importantly, his parents. We did do a lot of preparing ahead of time as far as warning him about how things will go. But, I did expect some kind of trouble with going from having us to himself for 12 years and now we have had to put all of the time and attention into welcoming this little girl. But nothing. Not. even. once. I am in awe of him! I have always said that he has such an old soul. He is so empathetic and caring. He sits and smiles along side us, watching her bond with grandparents, aunts, uncles....and he loves it as much as we do. He loves her. Recently there have been lots of questions from BB about birth mom and when the "judge is going to decide." These questions are so hard for me. The other day I asked her how she would feel if she went back to BM's house. She said, "Kinda sad because I don't have a brother there." She thinks he's as wonderful as we do. He is a blessing that I thank God for many times a day.

I wish I didn't have to crop her cute little face out of this picture. I am a shutterbug and take hundreds of pictures at a time. I hope one day soon, I can fill this blog with all of the beautiful pictures I have of the two of them.

Mommy

The word is like music to my ears! I shudder to think that there was a time when I used to fuss at Reed for constantly saying/calling the word! When he was about 5 he would start every sentence with, "Mommy." We would be having a conversation and he would still start almost every sentence that way. I would tell him over and over again that he could just talk to me....not keep saying Mommy! Now, with BB, I waited so long for her to call me that. We never pushed it or told her to call us mom and dad. We just waited and gave her the time to feel comfortable. It was after she lived here for about 5 weeks that she first muttered the word. Now, it rolls off of her tongue at the beginning of about every sentence. Except those that start with Daddy or Reed. And each time she or Reed calls, "Mom or Mommy!" I smile and I am so grateful! Never again will I take for granted the blessing of being a mom and for being their mom.

Here is a picture on the morning of the first day of school.

JOY

I know I have been neglecting this blog, but life has been crazy! Crazy good in most ways. These last 2 months have flown by!!!!! Literally. In some ways, I can't believe it has been 2 months since BB moved in and in other ways it feels as if she has always been here. We have just seen pure joy on her face over the last 2 weeks. First there was her birthday. She has never actually had a birthday party where you invite frineds and decorate, etc. She loved absolutely everything about it. I'll post birthday specifics later. Then, last week she started cheerleading. This is a "dream" of hers. (her words :) They had a cheer clinic each night last week and each night when it was over....she was overflowing with joy. I don't know any other way to describe it. We were all in awe of it. Again, she loved EVERY SINGLE part of it. Even taking her new water bottle with her name on it. It is truly a gift...and a reminder about how we all should live...to watch such a little person love and live in the moment and appreciate everything. She's just turned 7 and she has taught me so much!! I will post more about cheerleading later, too. I think I hear her dance music now. She "practices" constantly and it is precious. She has a serious work ethic!

And just in the last few weeks, her little personality has really begun to shine. She is so funny! She sings and dances and cracks us up all of the time. She is just happy! The other night...she got up and started dancing to some background music coming from a TV in another room. I said, "You are just a crazy little dancer!" She stopped, looked at me and said, "My name is B....., and I love to dance!" in this silly little voice with a hilarious expression. We all just busted out laughing. She really is a hoot!

We still don't know when the courts will make any decisions on "forever" for our family. But for now, we thank God for her and for this summer together and we pray for the future and hope for years of laughs with her. While we wait, we will follow BB's example and live in the moment and with lots of joy!

Beach Fun

We had the best time at the beach. It was so nice for it to just be the four of us and do our own thing. BB was overjoyed with every aspect of the trip. When we first got to the beach, she was facinated with everything. She loved the sand and loved for her feet to "sink" into the sand at water's edge when the waves would wash over them. At first she would hold Dickie's hand and just laugh and squeal when the waves would wash in. Then, she got more brave and didn't need a hand. The first splash in the face was hilarious, too. She was shocked that the water was salty. Then, she discovered the shells. She was obsessed with finding more and more! She used her net for a while and then it became a game of whether she could reach down and get the shells before the wave splashed her in the face. It was so much fun for all us. Reed was such a good big brother. He hung out with her the whole time just about. They swam and floated, built sand castles, dug trenches, dug for shells, hunted for sand crabs at night.....it was a blast. He even did what most brothers do and dumped her off of her float. She quickly insisted he not do that again.


We even came home with 3 new pets. More on that later. I need to take pictures and post that later. This was an added thrill....since she has been asking about a new pet since the day she moved in.


No matter what happens in the future, the memories of this trip will be with us forever. I cherish my memories of childhood vacations. I know she will, too. Hopefully we will make many more vacation memories in the years to come.

Someone Is Excited About The Beach

We are all excited about going to the beach tomorrow. Everyday this week, one of them has said, "I wish we were leaving right now!" And, I have felt the same way!! BB is just about to burst with anticipation. She has never been to the beach before and is dreaming about all the fun we will have. She was working really hard on this story last night. She has asked a million questions and made a million plans! She has packed and repacked her little bag at least 10 times. Tomorrow....hopefully, all of her beach dreams will come true!

Summer Art Class

BB had the best time this week taking Summer Art Class with our very own Mrs. Alice. She teaches art at the school where I teach and she holds summer art classes each summer where the kids get to learn to paint with acrylics on canvas and make clay pieces. BB has loved every minute. She was excited to bring her painting home today, but was sad it was over. We get to pick up the clay pieces next week after they are glazed. We can't wait! Thanks, Mrs. Alice and Mr. Maurice for a really fun week!!

Don't you just love her masterpiece? We do!

Father's Day Weekend

Father's Day weekend was so much fun! We got to spend time with all of our dads. And, we had a good time shopping for presents for daddy! BB picked out the cutest card. It said, "From Your Little Princess" on the front with a little white kitten in a tiara. The kitten drew her in! She loves all things kitty! And, she was so sweet. She wanted to know when Mother's Day would be here. I tried explaining that it wouldn't be until next year. But, she kept insisting...."well, it is next because after Father's Day comes Mother's Day....then Father's Day again....and that's how it goes." I do see the logic, but she couldn't understand why it is so far away. After trying to explain and looking on the calendar, I asked her why. She said, "Because I have to get a present for you!" So sweet. My heart melted.

Here are some pictures from the weekend. I wish I could put some of the sweetest ones on here...but they show her beautiful face!


Reading with Papa:



Swimming at Grandpa's house....sharing a float with Lacy!
BB thought Lacy's love of the pool was hilarious!



She is getting so brave. Three weeks ago, she wouldn't get in the pool without floaties. Now, she won't wear them and she is going down the slide and jumping off the diving board! She is a good little swimmer. Confidence and practice was all she needed!