Abbey Lost Her First Tooth......

Literally, lost her first......

Shortly after Abbey's fifth birthday, she complained her mouth was sore. I did not pay much attention to this because it is not uncommon that a five year old, meaning Abbey, to complain about something sore on her body. It was when she bit into an apple and started crying that I realized her tooth was loose. I never expected a loose tooth at barely five years old.

Over the past month I have been trying to encourage Abbey to wiggle her tooth and try to get it out under my supervision. She had other plans. There are some things she is going to do her way. This was not a battle I was going to fight with her, so nature was going to take it's course and that tooth was just going to come out on it's own.

Well, on April 23, 2009, that tooth finally fell out. My excitement turned sour when her teachers told me that the tooth was not found. I searched high and low for the tooth along with her teachers. We all came to the conclusion that Abbey swallowed it. At this point I decided the tooth would not be recovered by me or Mark.

Luckily for Abbey, that Tooth Fairy must have used her magic to recover the tooth because a trail of white, red, and green (sounds like Christmas glitter if you ask me) fairy dust surrounded Abbey's room the next morning. And a note on her dresser from the Tooth Fairy thanking Abbey for her beautiful tooth. I am still a bit disappointed that her tooth will not be recovered while Abbey is still talking excitedly about her first visit from the Tooth Fairy. At the end of it all, her happiness is all that matters.

Earth Day 2009

Abbey's school put on some special activities for Earth Day. We decided to attend, so I packed the babes in their stroller for a little off roading on the grounds of Abbey's school. We hiked the trails, stomped in puddles, and observed a live caterpillar. According to Abbey "it was black, red and furry."

The highlight of our day came when we got to go horseback riding at the equestrian center. In all reality none of my babes would actually ride the horse, but Cari deserves an honorable mention. I did not know what her reaction to the horse would be, but once I got her on him she was squealing. Even today she is making horse sounds. It was a good time for all of us girls. Happy Earth Day.

Mama Mine

April 10, 2009 marks the one year anniversary since Carina came home. I have been pondering the right words to describe this past year. I have to be honest, some aspects of it were ugly. It was quite an adjustment for Carina, and for me as well. There are some things that no amount of reading could prepare me for. Somehow, we both figured each other out over time. As of today she eats well, sleeps well, talks well,runs well, and is a whole lot of fun. She is mine in every sense a daughter should be. While saying this, it still doesn't describe what my heart truly feels about this wonderful little girl, or how close we have become.

I thought I would just not comment on this day. Sometimes, certain things are better off left unsaid, until it came to me today. Cari and I were sitting on the couch together just playing with a toy. . At a particular point, she kissed my knee and hugged my legs. She then looked in my eyes and said "Mama Mine." She has claimed me as her mommy. This says it all.

The Difference A Year Can Make

March 30, 2008: Father and daughter are united for the first time.


March 30, 2009: Father and two of his three daughters. What a difference a year makes.

She Really Is Madam Butterfly

We recently took a family day trip to the local field museum. The girls loved running around looking at animals, and taking in all the museum had to offer. It was a great day from a mom's perspective. I took over 100 pics. At the end of day I reviewed my point and shoot photography work, and one moment stood out amongst the rest. During the live butterfly exhibit, Cari and Abbey were swatting at those pesky bugs. Ellie, on the other hand, calmy took it all in as numerous butterflies landed on her. I thought it was her red sweater, but Cari also had on a red sweater. In the end, I think those butterflies could sense what I already knew.

73 Degrees And Sunny

We finally got a hint of spring weather here in Wisconsin with temps in the low 70s, sunny and breezy. the girls were left to their own devises for entertainment because I am guilty of not owning a swing set at this point, and have few outdoor toys unpacked from the move. No one seemed to notice the lack of toys, nor cared for that matter. Cari and Abbey ran around the yard screaming happily with the breeze blowing through their hair. Abbey, the valiant big sister, tried to get Ellie to walk with her, but Ellie thought sitting in the sun was better. I am not sure I will ever get grass stains out of Abbey's jeans, but I think that is some of the simplistic beauty of our first warm day of the season. We are all looking forward to many more days like this one.

Happy Birthday Abbey

Abbey told me this morning when she woke up ( in my bed) that today is all about her. It is my goal to honor that request on her fifth birthday. We started out the day with a breakfast of chocolate pop tarts with whip cream, and milk in a special princess cup. She also wanted balloons on her chair. She even wore a special birthday hat, so that everyone knew it was her special day. I tried to convince her not to wear it to school, but the was a battle lost. We made rice crispy squares together yesterday, and packed them in individual baggies for her class mates today. She felt very proud that she got to help. There are many more surprises for my special birthday girl. She's getting bacon for dinner, at her request. we are going to bake cup cakes in her easy bake oven after she unwraps it when daddy gets home. I am not sure when it happened, but my baby became a big girl. I love you Abbey. Enjoy your special day. It's all about you.