A Letter to my Daughter

Dear Tenley,

My dear sweet baby. That is what you are. My baby. In two days you will be turning 2 years old. I still remember it like it was yesterday finding out we were pregnant.

10 weeks

I was not only losing my current baby into a big girl, but gaining you as my new baby. The nine months I carried you went by so fast. I don’t think I was completely ready for you yet. You were my strong and independent baby. I knew that the day you decided to stay in my belly when I fell down the stairs. That was a huge scare. I didn’t want you coming that soon and thankfully you decided to stay in there. 38 weeks was a huge milestone for me, for us. After my body decided to make your sister come at 36 weeks I was afraid you were going to as well. Such a big girl listening to me when I told you to stay in.

The last few weeks you kept teasing me though making me think you were coming. Of course you decided the day daddy worked in another town to come. We even had a 40 minute drive to the hospital. Although you didn’t care! That morning mommy had Grandma doggy come and get mommy and Lyla. That was definitely a ride. I am pretty sure Grandma didn’t want you to come in her car so we got the hospital really really fast! Safely but fast!

Once we got to the hospital it didn’t take long from there!

Only about an hour or so after we arrived daddy did too! Thankfully!!

Because at 3:27pm you were born.

If you want to read the entire birth story
Here it is

You were beautiful. You smelt so amazing. That amazing baby smell that I didn’t want to get rid of. I could smell you forever. I didn’t get the chance to smell your sister because of the c-section. Which saddens me because she probably smelled really good too. I know I sound crazy! Moms, am I right?! That smell is incredible. I could see so much of your daddy in you. The way you overtook my heart. It was love at first sight. My biggest fear of not having enough love for two children, well it was squashed. My heart grew! It’s a love like no other.

Wow!! Baby love really is a passion of mine. Cant ya tell?!

Back to you being a big girl! Makes me want to sob right now.

I am writing this letter to you to tell you all the wonderful things about you and what you have taught me.

Always to laugh. Dont make a scene when you get hurt. You are one tough girl. You pick up right where you left.
Patience. You don’t say much at this point yet but if I just watch you we will understand each other.

You inspire me to be a better mom.
You give the best kisses.

Babies don’t divide love they multiple it.
You help me remember that you want to be free. You are independent. Crib=cage!
You taught me not to buy new items because you are the destroyer of all things.

I love this picture of us.

It shows us very well

Even though you love being with me all day- you make me smile when I come to get you out of your crib and you yell “daddy” at me! Makes me know you love us both.
I love how you trust me to always catch you. You are so brave but at the same time still lean on me. I love that. Don’t ever stop.
You have taught me that it’s not really you needing me, but I need you.

I love you. I always will. Through it all. The hard the bad the good and amazing. Tenley Rose you have blessed me in so many ways. I cannot thank you enough.

Love forever and a day,
Mommy

Sensory Containers

Last week, we worked on the stages of a caterpillar which was way fun. We even had a caterpillar to watch. Unfortunately, he didn’t make it fully through the chrysalis stage. I am waiting to just make sure but I am pretty positive he didn’t make it. We have not told Lyla yet in fear of her reaction. Hoping we can make it easier by telling her that we will get a kit for her birthday in March. Get your own kit.

This week we are going to be working on All About You. Since, I am watching another child this week until friday we are not going to be working on the letter as much. She knows the letter Y pretty well because it’s in her name. I am moving the first two letters to the end of our schedule.

After this week, I will post links to the pages we worked on for all about you. It will include her phone number, address, family information and what she likes and doesn’t like.

To hold you off I wanted to show you some sensory color containers my mom made for Lyla ! I am hoping to add more to them and also make colored rice to add the to the buckets.

I am pretty sure she will love them when I start them!! My fabulous mom has helped me get so many things prepared. I am not sure I could do this alone!!

Prepping for Homeschooling

This August I will be watching a friends son. I am pretty excited to have someone for the girls to play with! They are excited I think as well. I have been trying to get the house prepared for when he starts coming middle of August! Which is almost here! Two weeks about! Prepping for homeschooling Lyla this year, getting the house straightened up and organized, and spending time with my girls has been keeping me busy!

My mother is helping me get things organized for teaching Lyla. I am so thankful she has been so great finding so many items in her home that can help us. Manipulatives and also printing out great items. She has been setting up little containers as sensory buckets. They are amazing! I cannot thank her enough! I was afraid of how much homeschooling costs and really I haven’t had to buy anything. Mostly free printables or homemade items from around the house!

Once, I get it all arranged and set up I will post pictures!! I am hoping to post our home school adventures every week. We are starting September 1st! Wish us luck!

Big Girl Bed

Yesterday we had gone to my parents house who live 40 minutes away. We had picked up my old daybed I had as a teenager that they still had not gotten rid of. Lately, Lyla has been coming in our room at night. I think it’s because she in uncomfortable in the small toddler bed. Usually she wants every baby she can squeeze into it plus, three adult size pillows! I never thought these was enough room but she insisted! I am hoping this bed will help her sleep soundly thru the night. Here are a few pictures of before and the building process.

We don’t have sheets washed yet to put on her bed! But I’m excited to have her sleep thru the night. Wish me luck!