18 Months

Family

E. and I have been together as a family for 18 months today. 18 months ago, we left the Vladimir Baby House together. I remember the day as if it were yesterday...we were both so scared, terrified really. She was leaving the only home, family, language, sounds, food, smells, sights she had ever known with a woman she barely knew. I was lunging head first into the world of motherhood....I had no idea if I could handle it.
Fast forward 18 months, and we are mommy and daughter...neither of us could imagine life without the other.
 Life is sweet...and I'm so grateful.

The Death of .....a nap :(

Ever since E. first came home -  almost 18 months ago - I can't believe it - she has napped, daily! This summer saw the death....of a daily nap. I've heard other moms talk about grieving this, now I'm living through it. It's a tough one - she plays so hard...she really still needs it, but she refuses. And how do you make someone sleep...especially a four year old someone? You don't. It's been and some days still is, a tough transition...especially on grouchy days, where a nap would be so sweet. But she's a big kid, she'll tell you and naps are for babies...sniff...sniff...insert stuck out lower lip here...from mom :)
She's growing up...too fast. 

Long Weekend

Bittersweet....the end of summer...the end of swimming outside. E. and I were at the outdoor pool every day this weekend. We made the most of it, especially since we got the green light from Dr. Sarah to swim again. E's collar bone is healing.Thank You, Lord.

This is E. and her BFF Jaedyn posing at the pool

E. wearing Jaedyn's goggles and lifevest. 

E. is an amazing swimmer - she doesn't wear a life vest in the pool at all - she is a little fish.

We had a lovely, relaxing weekend..