Home of the Brave Girl

O say can you see by the dawn’s early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming,
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,
O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there;
O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave,
O’er the land of the free and the home of the braveā€¦GIRL!

Yes, after learning about Independence Day and singing the Star Spangled Banner, she naturally added “Girl” to the end of the song.

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Cuddledance

As I document life as a future reflection of history, I consider this week’s milestone that was missed.

The creation of the Cuddledance.

Once jammies are on we now have a quiet dancing moment on the way to the crib; the Cuddledance.

“Mommy and Abby are cuddling, cuddling”…soft singing repeated 3 times. Hugging her in my arms.

The creation of the Cuddledance was this week.

Such closeness ending each day. I love to hear her ask for it.

Always Remember

As Abby and I sat singing and laughing, I looked into her eyes, right at that smile, and promised myself to consciously remember the moment.

It wasn’t a life altering moment or milestone.

It wasn’t potty training or talking or walking or reading. It wasn’t even playing with dolls or building block towers.

It was simply a shared moment between mother and daughter.

A girl and her mom.

“I love you, a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck, I love you.”

A song that my mom shared with me and now I found it natural to share it with Abby.

Silly smiles, songs and hugs. I will always remember the moment.

(did I mention smiles and hugs? yes, smiles and hugs to remember :-))