Welcome to Daisy’s Ice Cream Shoppe

Please be sure to grab a hat…

 And a bow tie, if it suits your fancy.  See how fun it is when you play along?

Go ahead and have yourself a little strawberry milkshake and a snack or two.

Feel free to have a look around.  You may even spot the busy birthday girl!

And now gather ’round for some circle time bubbles!

 Arts and crafts too…

Let’s open the presents

And now its time to sing – ‘Happy Birthday to You!’

Finally, the good stuff – cake and ice cream!!

Don’t forget to grab a favor before you go…

 

Thanks for stopping by!!

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Bless your heart mall Santa

We took the kids to see Santa this weekend.  It went well – meaning RB did not scream and cry and refuse to sit on his lap.  Sure, she’s got a big puss on her face in the photo, but she’s not crying like last year’s pic so it’s a win.  She was actually really enthralled with Santa this year which was a lot of fun.  All the kids were.  After the photo, they got a chance to chat with Santa a bit. 

Daisy was beside herself – someone else as jolly and happy and cuddly as her?!? She didn’t cry when I put her on his lap,  like most babies.  Instead, she cried when I took her off!

RB was really into the magic of it all and asked “Santa come house? Bring presents?” To which Santa replied, “Yes, if you are a good girl. What would you like Santa to bring you?”  With a big smile on her face she softly said, “lipstick pwease.” 

I’m not making this up.  My 2-year-old just asked Santa for LIPSTICK for Christmas.  I have no idea what we are going to do with that one.

But that’s not even the best of it.  ‘Cause then it was Sprout’s turn. 

He politely told Santa his name and address, that he was a good boy at school, and could he please have a spiderman toy for Christmas?  Santa reminded him to also be a good boy at home [high-five santa!] and then, yes, he could have a spiderman toy.

So we grabbed our bags and started herding our squirrels out of there – quite pleased with a successful Santa trip.

And that’s when Sprout stopped, turned to Santa, and asked with furrowed brows, “Why didn’t you come to my house when I lived with [bio mom]?”

Oh hot damn.  I don’t think they cover questions like that in Santa prep school.

But bless his rosy-cheeked heart, that Santa was able to think on his toes. “Oooooh, you are Sprout?!  I was hoping you’d come to see me! You see, there was a terrible miscalculation in my directions that year and I missed your house.  I’m sorry to say that even Santa makes mistakes sometimes.  Would you like to wish for one more toy this year to make up for it?”

Relief spread across Sprout’s face.  Yes, that answer makes sense. It was just a mistake.

“Yes please. Spo.nge Bob silly bands.  And do you know the Easter Bunny?”

“Oh yes, we are good friends.”

“You can tell him its okay he missed my old house too.”

Confession: I don’t love my kids the same

Equal, sure.  But definitely not the same.  When I think of each of them, it summons feeling as distinct as each of their personalities.  My relationship with each is so different, as is my love.

First there is Sprout.  My love for him is fierce and primal.  Like a mama bear who had to ward off the wild things to keep her cub safe.  I fought for him – through a darkness and pain I still don’t know the depths of.  My love for him is made even more radiant by my pride.  I have never been so proud of someone or something in all of my life.  But there is also so much unknown.  He is the biggest mystery to me of all my children.   Having been without us longer than with, we had no control over so much of his experiences, memories, and personality formation.  It scares me to think of what he’s lived through.  It’s scary to be a mother to a child and not fully know what they are thinking, feeling, and are capable of.  But he is my son and I am his rock.  Together, we will weather anything.

Then there is Rosebud.  My most familiar child.  From the first moment I looked into her eyes, I knew her.  Every movement, every sound, every twinkle in her eye, and every tear that runs down her cheek, I know why and where and how.  There is such a bond in knowing her better than anyone else.  I often forget that she didn’t come from me.  My pint-sized soulmate.  Even in the way that she challenges me and drives me crazy, she fills my heart with joy.  I think its accurate to say that she’s responsible for most of my belly laughs…and gray hairs too.

Last, but never ever least, is sweet baby Daisy.  My love for her is humble and grateful in a way I can’t begin to express.  She saved me.  She is the light in the darkness and the hope when all had been lost.  Because of her, I will forever believe.  A true miracle baby.  And as she has grown, she continues to be the light of our family.  That place of peace and calm and ease.  She is my daily prayer of thanksgiving and without her, I could never be complete.

So no, I don’t love my children the same and I’m really glad for that.

Word…full? Wednesday

Something a little different this Wednesday. You may not be able to see their faces, but you can hear their sweet little voices!

I dare you not to smile listening to this…

And here is a perfect example of a conversation with RB, my loud and easily distracted todder 🙂

Awkward

Last night, for the first time, we agreed to transport the kids for their visit with mom.  It’s not something that’s typically done in my area for safety/privacy reasons, but the agency van was in the shop and none of the other vehicles could accommodate 3 kids in car seats.

While it was nice to see mom again and have Sprout see us interacting, it was also kind of heartbreaking too.

First there was drop off…Sprout solemnly walked into the room with barely a hello to his mother while the girls clung to A and cried.

Then at pick up,  as soon as they saw us through the glass doors, big smiles and happy shrieks of “Mama! Mama!” while they ran over to us for kisses and hugs.

Ouch.  A terribly awkward situation.

She handled it well and cheerfully handed the baby over when she started to fuss for us, but that had to hurt.

On the up side, when we were leaving, A told Rosebud to tell mom  “I love you Mommy” and she did in such a cheerful voice it made us all smile.  She’s not yet at the age to say “I love you” without prompting, so I think that may have been the first time mom heard her (or any of the kids?) say it.

I love A for doing that and hope we were able to leave her with a little comfort to ease the hurt.

Planning a Party – With a Cherry on Top!

Baby Daisy’s first birthday is coming up, and I’m planning a party as sweet as she is 🙂

 

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!

Happy Birthday Rosebud!

Today my special girl celebrates her 2cd birthday.  Wow.  How are we here already??  Hardest, craziest, most exhausting 2 years of my life, but I can fully say that I’ve enjoyed every moment of being her mommy.  She has always been the ray of sun through the clouds and my port in the storm.  I’m humbled to be able to call her my daughter.

Two years and 1 day ago, I wrote this post.  After almost a year of ridiculous set backs and fustration for which there was no explanation, we were finally licensed to be foster parents.  The next day, Rosebud was born. 

How could I not believe in fate?

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This blog is magic

Or you guys are. Either way.

Proof: Estimated time for power restoration was midnight Sunday.

Actual time of restoration? 3 hours after I published that last post.

OMG. Thank you!!