A Letter to my Daughter on her Third Birthday

Kathy — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:55:59 +0000

To My Dearest Aviendha,

Holy cow, you are three! THREE! How did that happen?

One day, you are my little baby and then suddenly, you’ve become a passionate, opinionated, talkative, brilliant little girl. It’s amazing.

Over the past year, you’ve moved from your “Avi-ese” language into full blown English. To where strangers can understand you. Granted, they still have some trouble with some words, but you are very good at getting your point across.

This morning was wonderful…you woke up when Daddy was making coffee and I was putting my makeup on, so we got to do a wonderful “Happy Birthday” snuggle. Your Daddy said “Happy Birthday” to you and then asked you how old you were and your little voice shouting “THREEE” so happily made my morning.

You bring so much joy to my world. Fully weaned, sleeping in your own bed and almost totally potty trained – you really are a big girl now.

I cannot wait to see what this next year brings. Whatever it does, it’s going to be amazing.

Because you are incredible. You know when your daddy has a headache or when he is sleeping. It’s normal. You handle it so well and are so amazing.

Just to share the difference a year can make, two different dancing videos. One from your last year birthday and another from this year. You grow up so fast!

2011 Dancing Queen 2012 Dancing Queen

Merry Christmas!

Kathy — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 05:27:54 +0000

I hope your Christmas holiday was as wonderful as ours!

Avi got a camera and a bike as well as far too many other things.

She loves rolling around in her new bike, rocking the lip gloss and passing out candy canes to “everyone”.

I hope yours was amazing an as blessed as mine was. Having Ryan home made it a million times better than last years.

It’s been a year…

Kathy — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:14:49 +0000

I cannot believe its been a year since I woke up to Ryan not being responsive. 365 days since I held his hand without knowing what was wrong with him or if he would ever wake up. 12 months since he opened his eyes and recognized me with a little smile.

The change and growth he has made has been amazing. He’s taking complete care of himself. Sometimes he watches Avi too. Life has reached a pattern that is acceptable.

Our life has completely and utterly changed from what we imagined it would be, but not 100% for the worse. We have been blessed in ways that cannot even began to be explained. Jobs, housing, food, financial, friends – all blessings and help and love and prayers that have made such a difference.

I love you all so much and feel blessed. To have you in my life. No matter how tired I may feel, I know that there are people all over the world to help support me. And that means more than can ever be explained.

Day Sixteen of Gratitude :: Animals

Kathy — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 04:25:57 +0000

One of our two rats. This is Brain. Avi named the all white one Pinkie so the other had to be Brain, of course. They are both super sweet little ladies and just are adorable.

Day Fifteen of Gratitude :: Technology

Kathy — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 03:19:18 +0000

Technology makes it possible for me to do what I can. I am so fateful for it!

Day Fourteen of Gratitude :: Movement

Kathy — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 03:02:05 +0000

Movement on Public Transit. Happy and grateful to be going home.

Day Eleven of Gratitude :: Something Old

Kathy — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 05:46:04 +0000

I love this girl with all my heart and would do anything for her.

Anything.

The love of a mother for a child is ancient.

Day Ten of Gratitude :: Nature

Kathy — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:28:29 +0000

I love fall.

Day Nine of Gratitude :: Inspiring Person

Kathy — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 02:35:46 +0000

I am pretty awesome.

Day Seven and Eight of Gratitude

Kathy — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 02:50:21 +0000

Day Seven :: Something Funny

Day Eight :: Favorite Color

Green. Dark green especially when wrapped around me in the form of my cozy bathrobe.