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(I realize there are these things called bibs. We have about 50 of them...all the way upstairs in the top drawer of Monkey's dresser. Sometimes the effort to go and get them is just not worth it when you weigh carrying a fussy, hungry child up a flight of stairs all the way to her room to get a bib as opposed to just letting her dirty her pajamas because she is about to take them off anyway. Whew, I'm glad I explained that. Am I forgiven?)
Have I ever told you how thankful I am? Have I ever told you that I thank God everyday for the miracles in my life? Have I ever told you that I would do anything for my children and that I push them everyday to learn and to be kind, loving people?

Have I ever told you that although I have been told that my daughter would never do any of the things that she is doing, that I still push her every single day to learn and develop each skill that she never should have learned to do?

Have I?
There are many days that I feel like the meanest Mom in the world. I don't let my kids get away with a whole lot. With Julien, I try to take into account that he is a boy and boys are rambunctious, full of energy and do things in life that girls will never understand.

I try to understand that.

With Addie, I push her and I push her hard. I don't feel sorry for her and I don't let my emotions get in the way of her progress.

I have had a pretty big goal for Addie over the last few months. I have let her learning to walk take second place to her learning to use utensils.

Why?
Primarily because I know how people judge. People are much more accepting of a child who cannot walk, as opposed to a child that makes a tremendous mess while eating and uses their hands to eat when not appropriate.
I know that.

Using utensils has not come easy for Addie. Her little hands just couldn't get the hang of it.

Yet, I pushed her.

I reminded her constantly and I guided her little hand from her plate to her mouth, time after time after time...until...she got it.

She got it!

She is still a pretty messy little eater, but then again, I realize how many times I drop a bite of food on my lap or spill water down my chin. I get it. I know.
It is hard to keep the tears back. I'm not a crier and never have been, but accomplishments like this deserve tremendous praise!
Not everyone will understand.
I understand.
I get it.

My daughter is a miracle and a blessing from God!

Celebrating Nine Years!

My sweet girl had a very busy day! We spent the day by having lunch at one of Addie's favorite restaurants, then I took her s...