The Best Daddy Ever

I am sorry if I'm a little proud, but I really think that Drew has to be the best Daddy ever. It is one of the things that I love the most about him as a person- how much he loves our girls and how much they love him. He truly blesses my life every single day.

I think I set a pretty high standards for Dads in general. My Dad is amazing and I love him and respect him so much. In fact, one of the things that I used to struggle with was just naturally wanting to go to him for many questions and advice instead of turning first to Drew once we were married. Both men are incredible. And so having a great Dad myself, I really expect quite a lot from Drew- diapers to be changed, Daddy-Daughter nights, disciplining help etc., and Drew has always stepped up to the plate and exceeded my high expectations. Today was no different.

Drew went on a kayaking trip with the scouts last weekend and ever since Abbie has wanted to go in Daddy's boat and paddle like Daddy. So today after work, Drew picked up a lifejacket for Abbie and they headed to the lake together to go paddling. It was the sweetest experience for me, even though I was only an observer- and one that I will just treasure forever. Abbie, sitting in front of Drew in his kayak and the two of them paddling together around the lake. Abbie was so proud of herself, and I was and am so proud of Drew. He really is the best Daddy and he shows it in little ways like today. I am so blessed.

Girls Night

Tonight I feel so blessed for an evening out and for fun times with friends. My sister and I went to my friend's Sensaria party and it was just a wonderful, relaxing evening. The food was great, there were relaxing foot soaks and scrubs, fun chatting, and it was just such a blessing to relax and talk like grown-ups after days of nonstop kid talk. Melissa and I didn't even realize how many hours we'd been away. I definitely love my rejuvinating time away from my girls- I think it honestly makes me a better Mom when I get back to them, and tonight I feel very blessed to have that time.

Achievements

I once read an article where a woman stated that her greatest achievement was that her 'kids say please and thank you.' That really struck me. Sometimes I think we look for awards or recognition or glamour for our achievements, but I think it really can be found in the littlest things that we are day in and day out working hard on. I have really been trying hard to help Abigail and Lauren grow into kind and respectful little girls, and sometimes I feel like I've made zero progress. Today, though- even for just but a moment- I felt some sense of achievement.

Abbie had her first dentist appointment this afternoon and she did amazing! After the check-up she got to pick several prizes for herself. In the car on the way back to Grandmas, Abbie told me how she was so brave so she got three prizes. And then she paused and told me that she wanted to share her prizes with Lauren since she didn't get any and it then she could be so happy too. My heart just melted, and I felt like maybe I am achieving something.

Now, if I can just get her to ask 'May I?'. She really is such a blessing, but I feel extra blessed to be reminded of where my achievements and my blessings come from.

A Lunch Break

Today was Lauren's check-up at Children's Hospital and quite a long day of driving and doctor's visits for me. Thinking back to the many trips I made for her visits last summer, I feel so blessed to feel more stress-free about today's visit. Traffic and time restraints can stress anyone, and somehow I've really come to dread the trips to Seattle that I need to make. Today, though I felt quite relaxed. The change happened when I met my friend, Riane, for lunch in Seattle. Once we were seated in the restaurant it was like a huge burden came off of my shoulders and I just felt so relaxed and ready for the appointments and the drive back. I feel very blessed for our lunch visit. Lauren was so fun and it was great to de-stress and enjoy a meal with a good friend.