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Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Home....Where I Make a Difference


Tonight I returned from a two and a half day conference. I'm not sure what I missed more.....the INTERNET, or THE SUGAR????? Okay, so anyone who knows me, knows that answer. By a landslide, I missed Sugar Bear, but I am not afraid to admit that I suffered a small case of the shakes this morning realizing it had been over 55 hours since I read a blog. As I type this....I'm deathly afraid to see how many blog posts are in my reader. TERRIFIED!

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After a nice evening reuniting with my child, relishing in our night routines, and rubbing her back a tad bit longer, intentionally lingering to make up for lost time, I went about the overwhelming task of checking my email. Among the random SPAM, silly forwards, and a few friendly, yet business related emails, sat an unexpected email that literally MADE MY DAY.

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You see, to attend this particular conference, I had to break one of my parenting rules. My Sugar Bear only stays overnight at her Grandparent's house, or her Aunt and Uncle's. This is something I feel very strongly about, and will soon be sharing my reasons in another blog post. Anyhow, both overnight options were completely unavailable for this week, and it was quite necessary that I attend this conference. After much deliberation, I asked a dear friend, Miss D, if she would keep my Sugar for two nights. She gladly accommodated me, and worked to ease my reluctance to break my own rule. Sugar Bear, Miss D, and her significant other, had a lovely time getting to know each other even better. Sugar has often stayed with them for several hours during the day, but an overnight visit gave them a chance to see each other in a different way. Tonight's email was from my friend, and she blessed my heart by describing the Sugar Bear she observed. Hearing these things from someone outside our family truly, honestly touched my heart. I'd like to share her thoughts here:

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She is independent and likes to make her own choices. She loves hot chocolate! She can go to the bathroom, brush her teeth, and dress herself (almost!) by herself. She can count, recognize words, say her alphabet, and is beyond her years in academic skills. She loves conversations! (I think she would have sat at the dinner table all night!)

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She understands the world beyond her years! She knows she is loved! She sleeps on her tummy. She still likes to nurse before bed. (She gave me a look at bedtime, and I said sorry, mine don't work anymore!)

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She knows how to pack her own suitcase, and she remembers everything that went in it! She knows we really like having her visit! She learned how to control the dog! She loves Yoplait whipped orange yogurt! And fresh pears, watermelon, apples; and lots of Parmesan cheese on her spaghetti!

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She is very smart! She is very beautiful! She is very grounded and self-confident! She is very perceptive and empathetic! She is very social and understands negotiations and peer play. She has a great sense of humor!

And I say, "Indeed she does...indeed she does!" It's good to be home.....HOME....where I'm making a difference....where everything I do matters. LIFE IS GOOD!

20 Live It or Love It:

Irene said...

Aw, how sweet!!!!! You've got a good girl there! You are definitely doing something right!

And the pics? LOVE them! That sundress and bow in her hair are precious!

Susie said...

Corey! This is soooo cool. I'm happy for you that you got such tremendous affirmation on not only how wonderful your daughter is, but how awesome you are as a mom.
All of those things Miss D said are so super sweet-and I'm glad you got some piece of mind for breaking your rule. WTG Mom-you rock!
Oh, and that adorable little princess in the pictures is simply gorgeous. I love her eyes. love them!

Anonymous said...

What a gorgeous email to get (all of it true!!) and I am sure it put your mind to rest. Missed you!

Sugar is just to die for. Sigh...

Lindy said...

I just love love love the 4th photo! Good to hear you're back home w/ your sugar!

Megan Cobb said...

So beautiful! It is always so exhilarating to see Bean through other people's eyes, especially when their eyes see what mine do. You will treasure that email forever, as well you should!

:)

Tabitha Blue said...

This is really such a BEAUTIFUL post. Isn't amazing to hear things like that about your sweet little SB!! Like, you said, especially from someone outside of family! Sounds like you've got one precious and smart chica! I'm sure you missed her tremendously, and it's such a sweet moment, when you are able to return home!! Lovely :)

Autumn said...

First.. I love the pictures. I see more of you in her as she gets older. Second.. how wonderful to get that feedback! Just confirms what a good mommy you are.

Killlashandra said...

What a wonderful email to come home too. Sounds like she had a great time and they enjoyed having her. I'm glad it worked out for you and you could attend the conference. I certainly have similar fears about letting W.W. stay overnight with anyone besides my parents. The majority of my husband's in-laws are on the not welcome list and live far to close for comfort for me.

Your pictures are wonderful as usual. Although this time I think my favorite is her laying on her belly on the wooden bridge.

Hooray for yoplait whipped yogurt! The mint chocolate one is good too. :)

Deb said...

Look at those BLUE eyes - gorgeous!

I think you are doing everything right - what an amazing little girl you've got there. :)

Jo Beaufoix said...

Corey that is just so wonderful. I love that insight your friend has shared. It's rare to see them through other people's eyes. You must be so proud lovely. And those pictures are just beautiful.

tommie said...

All of those things are a direct testament to her upbringing. While we all hope that our kids are getting those things, it is awesome to see someone else see it too!

Maude Lynn said...

That definitely had to warm your heart!

Welcome back!

AnnD said...

I don't know what's better. The post or the photos? But together it's perfection!

Christina said...

Welcome back, dearie! How that must have made you glow to get such a wonderful report of your girl. Cleary, you're doing something right with her! Oh my is she a darling. And just gorgeous! I love that sundress and bow - and N had the same shoes last season. Her smile is charming, and pictyre #4 and the last melt me.

Dare I ask how many posts were in Reader after 2+ days? LOL

Anonymous said...

Looks like we both left our daughters with someone this week. We are usually on the same wavelength, Corey!

This post made me so happy. :D

Anonymous said...

What a blessing of an email! That is a treasure for sure. The photos and the email are perfect. Sugar is getting so big!

Rose said...

What beautiful pictures and even more beautiful words. How comforting to know all went so very well while you were gone.

Gayle said...

She has to be the most photographed (and photogenic) litte girl around! :) I've love to get a letter about one of my children like you have. What a treasure.

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful post!

Michelle said...

what a wonderful email to receive from your friend on her observations of your daughter. There couldn't be a better testament to your love for Sugar and the great job you are doing as a mother! These pictures of Sugar are stunning! I hope you feel like you could use one or two of them for the elusive portrait picture you've been after!

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