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 brave…GIRL!

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

swim 1059

From Practice to Program

The Christmas program.

Today was the day.

The practice was finished.

Now was the play.

The nativity and singing.

The gifts to share.

I was such a proud mom

When she stood on that stair.

No fear to perform.

She knew right where to go.

Gesturing and smiling.

Putting on a show.

Her first Christmas pageant.

One to remember.

All family was there

This 2013 December.

program 883 program 884 program 885 program 886program 889 program 887 program 888

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 :-))