Friday, February 23, 2018

Piper Collins: 1 Year Old

Piper Collins, I cannot believe you are 1 year old. You were just in my belly yesterday weren't you?! You are one amazing baby. You have been our easiest baby so far, and you're brothers were already easy babies to start with! As much as I wanted you to be a boy, there was a reason why I had a girl... why I NEEDED a girl. You have been my saving grace this year. You were everyone’s light in the storm this past summer and you most definitely are what helped keep me alive and moving forward. After losing my own mom and knowing what an inseparable bond we had together, I now know why God wanted me to have a daughter of my own. You are her legacy in me. You are so loved, Piper Collins, and needed more than you will ever know. 

You didn't have the best birthday as you were in the hospital with Pneumonia. You were struggling with breathing and getting enough oxygen. But after being in the hospital for 3 days, we were able to bring you home!

At 1 year old you are:
-weighing 23 pounds (you lost some weight in the hospital)
-wearing 18 month clothes
-size 5 shoes
-size 3/4 diapers
-nodding for yes and no :)
-says mama, dada, and papa
-sleeping 13+ hours still every night
-eating anything and everything in sight!
-drinking whole milk like a champ
-walking everywhere!!!


















Thursday, February 15, 2018

Valentine's Day 2018

Joe and I had a nice, quite dinner at home together for Valentine's this year. Joe made an amazing dinner while I was at Ash Wednesday service, and the kids were either sleeping or watching tv while we ate and actually left us alone. I couldn't believe it:)




Beau and Daddy surprised me at work with flowers and coffee. Best surprise of the day:)



Quality Time With Papa

With being the oldest, Beau often gets put on the "back burner" when it comes to special attention. He is so patient about it too. He loves helping out with his younger brother and baby sister, but he is only 6 and needs that special attention too. Joe and I always try to make sure that each of the boys gets a night or day with someone for 1-on1 time. Last weekend after Beau's game, Papa surprised Beau and had him come over...JUST BEAU. Beau was so excited to get the whole afternoon alone with Papa and She-She. He definitely needed this day :)



More Progress for Beau in Basketball

Beau is still loving basketball so far. He is so dedicated to following the rules, making sure he dribbles, and doing his best. Keep up the great work, Beau-Pax!








Baine's Art Show

Baine had his pre-school art show last Saturday and since we were at Beau's basketball game, Papa offered to take Baine since he was headed to see Bond anyway....win-win! Baine just LOVED posing for a picture if you can't tell ;) Even though I always worry about Baine struggling with his speech and now his behavior, I can definitely tell he had made huge progress this year at Ms. Richelle's. So far, he can identify 6 different colors and 4 different shapes. Way to go buddy! :)


Sunday, February 11, 2018

Struggling

I had myself convinced shortly after the holidays that since I made it and survived many of the "firsts" without my mom, that things were going to start getting easier. And I had myself convinced for a few weeks. But reality is sinking back in again. Times are getting harder. Day by day, I find myself taking more steps backwards. Everything sets me off these days. One simple comment can just ruin my day. I am also becoming more bitter. This is something I know my mom would be so disappointed in. She would be so upset with me for holding things against everyone, or bouncing back from hot and cold. But also, I know I get that from no stranger. My mom used to be like that too at times. So in a round about way, I am feeling her emotions through me as well right now. 

I went through a patch where I wasn't dreaming about her anymore or "seeing" her in my thoughts like I had been. That probably played into account of my setback. But this week, when I have really been missing her, she's been back in my dreams. Not necessarily "telling me" anything or giving me advice, but just in them. I know that sounds crazy. But I do still see her. I talk to her all the time. When I go to her grave I pretend she's gong to pull up in her car right behind me. When I still call her, I get upset with her for "ignoring my call" because she's gambling and can't be interrupted. All of these things would describe me as insane...I'm aware. But it is how I am surviving right now. 

People have said that as soon as you get through a year of "Firsts", it won't be so bad anymore. That  comment alone is a trigger. The more time passes, the more I miss her, the more real this is, and the more depressed I get. I do not see any option for things getting better. However, for my families sake, I know things have to. As a whole, we are all suffering. Things can only go up from here. That is the mindset I am trying to keep.

I love you and miss you more and more each day, Mom. Please send us a sign.