Halen...I love you so much. Your wild heart makes me soar. I love your smiles and giggles. I love your sense of adventure and your brilliant imagination. I love watching your childhood unfold in our living room with doctor kits and hair brushes. I love how much you love your daddy. I love your energy and how smart you are. I love your strength and determination. You my darling will be something amazing one day. But always use your strengths for good...to be a blessing. Please learn to love your sister fully and whole heartedly. She cares for you so much and I want you to learn to share your heart with her. Learn to be her best friend because at the end of the day, she was placed on this earth to be your sister. No one elses, to be your best friend. Do not take that for granted. Rejoice in this beautiful relationship and nurture it.
Use your talents to build people up. to make people feel welcome and loved. I wish for you to be a leader in every positive sense of the word. I want people to look up to you, to watch you in awe of your grace, tact and walk with God. I want people to yearn to be near you because you're such a wonderful friend. Pray anytime you are fearful or uncertain. Never shut daddy and I out. We are not only your parents but we are your biggest fans. We want all the goodness in the world for you. We want you to be successful, to be safe and to be happy. If I am not around, go to daddy with everything. He has prayed his whole life to be a daddy of daughters and he is. Jesus answered his prayer, starting with you. You are the answer to daddy's prayer Halen. He is an amazing daddy who loves you more than you'll ever know. Tell him everything, never be afraid to speak up or engage in uncharted territory. Daddy will handle it all with love and wisdom.
I have so much to look forward to... you starting elementary school, watching you in gymnastics class, family trips to national parks, holidays in the mountains or on the shores of Lake Michigan, planting a garden with you, cooking and baking with you, singing silly songs and dancing silly dances with you. I want a million days with you. I will never have enough. I want to breathe you in, soak up your laughter, I want your blueberry eyes to make marks on my soul forever. I want to record your voice so I can replay it over and over. I always want your cuddles.
I love you more than every star in the Rocky Mountain sky and every grain of sand on the Sleeping Bear Dunes. You made me a mommy, thank you for choosing me. You gave me purpose and direction. You are the anchor to my soul.
Love,
Mama
Thursday, May 18, 2017
Thursday, May 11, 2017
Young, wild & THREE!
Halen Rae Carol...you're three! I can hardly believe it. I absolutely adored my pregnancy with you, I cherished your birth and was in new mama bliss for that summer of 2014. Now here you are, my bug girl. I am truly taken aback by you. Everyday you prove to me how smart, strong, independent, problem solving, creative, and kind you are. You've accomplished so much this past year...
• You have full blown conversations with daddy and I.
• You started pre-school and have learned your colors, shapes, ABCs, about science, exercise and most importantly God.
• You're learning to be such a good, kind friend.
• You are becoming a better big sister everyday
• You can swim 10 feet in a pool. You come up for a breath and keep swimming, you can lay on the water all by yourself and float! It's so fun to watch.
Daddy & I are so proud of you. You are our enthusiastic, independent girlie who loves big and plays hard. We treasure every moment with you whether on nature walks, snuggles in our bed, or all the family adventures we have.
I know it's been tough adjusting to bring a big sister, but we know how amazing your bond will be one day.
We love being your parents and know this year will be incredible.
Love,
Mama
• You have full blown conversations with daddy and I.
• You started pre-school and have learned your colors, shapes, ABCs, about science, exercise and most importantly God.
• You're learning to be such a good, kind friend.
• You are becoming a better big sister everyday
• You can swim 10 feet in a pool. You come up for a breath and keep swimming, you can lay on the water all by yourself and float! It's so fun to watch.
Daddy & I are so proud of you. You are our enthusiastic, independent girlie who loves big and plays hard. We treasure every moment with you whether on nature walks, snuggles in our bed, or all the family adventures we have.
I know it's been tough adjusting to bring a big sister, but we know how amazing your bond will be one day.
We love being your parents and know this year will be incredible.
Love,
Mama
Conversations with our 3 year old
May 5, 2017- We were talking about Enna and you kept saying, "Enna is my Grandmother!" Hahahaha! I kept remind you that Enna is your Godmother, but you haven't seemed to understand the difference yet. So cute. ❤️
May 7, 2017- "Daddy I want a chocolate brossant from the coffee shop." Chocolate croissants from the coffee shop with daddy have become a favorite treat. ❤️
May 19, 2017- You keep adding "at all" to the end of your statements. For example: "I am not hungry, at all." "I am not sleepy, at all." "I don't want to, at all." It is pretty cute.
May 19, 2017- Daddy pointed out the water tower and you told daddy that you had a "super duper big idea" (like from Sid the Science Kid) and said we should build a super tall slide and, "go swimming! And Henley can slide down on the other side with you." I love how smart you see babe. 😍
May 23, 2017- We were singing "Wheel on the Bus" and at the end you added a line saying, "Halen on the bus says I like hugs, I like hugs, I like hugs. Halen on the bus says I like hugs, all through the town." It was so cute.
May 23, 2017- You told daddy, "Daddy did you know giraffes don't have a tuni or a butt?" And then you grabbed a stuffed animal and said, "See, they just have a tag." Lol so funny!
May 24, 2017: Daddy told you to pull his finger, you did and he tooted. You immediately told daddy, "Pull my finger," and YOU tooted! It was so funny.
June 8, 2017: I was explaining what grace was to you and how we need to give people grace. YaYa got frustrated and you said, "We need to give YaYa grace mom." It was hilarious and very true. We all laughed.
June 15, 2017: "Mama you feel better today?" Every morning you ask me if I feel better, from my cancer, which we share bits and pieces with you. You're so sweet my Halen.
June 20, 2017: "I'm right here mama, I'm right here for you." You've been saying that as you cuddle next to me on the couch when I don't feel well. I love you so much my Halen, my little angel on earth to help me get through this tough chapter.
July 1, 2017: We were at P. Terry's for breakfast and wanted you to eat your breakfast sandwich, but you wanted the potatoes. The potatoes were hot and we warned you to wait so you didn't burn your mouth, but you wanted to learn your own way and took a bite. It was very hot and you spit
out the potato. We said, "Halen you always have to learn the hard way don't you?" And you responded, "No daddy I learn the soft way." 😂 So funny little girl.
July 6, 2017: Mommy's hair fell out and I was nervous to show you. When I first cut my hair, you were not happy as you think we should all have long hair like Rapunzel. Then when I shaved my head, you seemed really concerned and sad. But we talked about it and then you were okay. This time I prepped you by saying at the doctor I got another hair cut, I took off my hat and your response was, "Oh mommy you're so pretty!" I was stunned and so joyful with how precious your reaction was. Then you hugged me tight. I love you Halen.
July 10, 2017: Mommy had a rough day and you said, "Mommy, I got you." And you pulled me in for a hug. It made mommy feel so much better.
July 13, 2017: You poured some water into a cup and said, "Here mom have some lemondade." So
cute.
July 28, 2017: "Mommy I have to drop a deuce." Halen, where did you hear that? "Daddy. He drops a deuce." 🤣
August 26, 2017: Daddy prut you down for nap, a few minutes later you came out and said, "Dadd
y
! I
have to poopoo butts on the potty." (You say the funniest things these days.)
September 3, 2017: "Mommy, I want to stay three." (You were not happy about turning four one day. Luckily we have some time. I don't think you like change.)
October 31, 2017: "Trick or treat!" "I love my Henley and Crash!" "Can I smell and count my candy?"
November 15, 2017: After having a discussion about mommy's surgery you said, "Daddy did you know that mommy is going to lose a boo boo tomorrow? But she'll be okay."
December 1, 2017: As we were putting up our Christmas tree, you said, “It’s super beautiful. I like it.” And you helped us decorate the tree!
December 5, 2017: You were up very early and you were cuddling in mommy and daddy’s bed, you said, “I’m really hungry guys.” You’re funny and an energizer bunny.
December 7, 2017- You love the nativity scene and you love setting it up. You say, “Mary, baby Jesus and Jophes.” It’s super cute. Then we walked outside with our neighbors and it was snowing!!!! You and Brooklyn were trying to catch snowflakes on your tongues, you said, “I can’t catch the snow on my tongue Mommy!” We danced around in the snow, it was quite magical. ❄️
December 9, 2017: You were writing a letter to kids who need more than we do and said, “Jesus loves you.” Then you started their letters saying, “Baby Parks, I am giving you my pink num num (you have gone one week without it! Huge for you sweet pea.)” Then you said, “Daddy loves his wife.” You’re so precious Halen.
December 14, 2017: Daddy and I took you to see the Nutcracker and within minutes of it starting you said (very loud), “Mommy she twirled” and you kept wanting to look at your scrapbook (the program). I loved watching how excited you got. You thought each ballerina was a princess, “there’s Ariel, there’s Cinderella!” “This is amazing!” We had so much fun with you.
January 5, 2018: As you were watching your baby sister eat dinner you said, “babies are messy.” It was pretty funny.
February 3, 2018: We went to Torchy’s Tacos for breakfast and a group of Indian men walked into the restaurant and you said, “There are a bunch of Pranav’s!” You were referring to an Indian boy in your class named Pranav.
February 3, 2018: We went to Trader Joe’s and you got a little cart and said, “I will go slow and watch out for old people.” Hilarious.
February 10, 2018: "Daddy, you'll blow away when I clean my room." 😂
February 15th: We’re on our way to small group and you sang in the backseat,” I love my parents, I love Grandma Carol, I love the trees, I love the leafess and the bugs, I love pretending, I love papa and Gigi, I love everyone and the flowers.”
February 23, 2018: At dinner we were talking and you said, “How about I buy a house right next to you? I can come over and it will be great.” We pinky promised that you would really do this. Daddy offered to buy your house, mow your lawn, and I said I would play with your babies. 😍
March 15, 2018: We are on our spring break trip in La Veta, CO and you said, “I liked today. Today was a good day. I liked the snow and our nature walk. Me and daddy a little date.”
March 22: “Mommy I have swallow up.” (After you had the tummy bug and threw up all day 🙁)
March 26: “Mommy, I have bacteria.” After you had diarrhea from your tummy bug. Poor lovey.
March 28: “Mommy, my tummy is playing jokes.” (As to why you still have some diarrhea, sweet girl.)
March 28: “Mommy Enna is my GODmother! I didn’t know that, but I love it.” (So sweet! Enna asked you to be her flower girl for her wedding next April, we are so excited!)
April 5th- “Daddy you’re my bestest friend ever.”
April 12th- You came downstairs after already being tucked in, climbed in bed to cuddle with daddy and said, “Daddy I just don’t think I have any tireds.” Then you yawned and said, “well maybe I do.” Then you fell asleep in daddy’s arms.
May 7, 2017- "Daddy I want a chocolate brossant from the coffee shop." Chocolate croissants from the coffee shop with daddy have become a favorite treat. ❤️
May 19, 2017- You keep adding "at all" to the end of your statements. For example: "I am not hungry, at all." "I am not sleepy, at all." "I don't want to, at all." It is pretty cute.
May 19, 2017- Daddy pointed out the water tower and you told daddy that you had a "super duper big idea" (like from Sid the Science Kid) and said we should build a super tall slide and, "go swimming! And Henley can slide down on the other side with you." I love how smart you see babe. 😍
May 23, 2017- We were singing "Wheel on the Bus" and at the end you added a line saying, "Halen on the bus says I like hugs, I like hugs, I like hugs. Halen on the bus says I like hugs, all through the town." It was so cute.
May 23, 2017- You told daddy, "Daddy did you know giraffes don't have a tuni or a butt?" And then you grabbed a stuffed animal and said, "See, they just have a tag." Lol so funny!
May 24, 2017: Daddy told you to pull his finger, you did and he tooted. You immediately told daddy, "Pull my finger," and YOU tooted! It was so funny.
June 8, 2017: I was explaining what grace was to you and how we need to give people grace. YaYa got frustrated and you said, "We need to give YaYa grace mom." It was hilarious and very true. We all laughed.
June 15, 2017: "Mama you feel better today?" Every morning you ask me if I feel better, from my cancer, which we share bits and pieces with you. You're so sweet my Halen.
June 20, 2017: "I'm right here mama, I'm right here for you." You've been saying that as you cuddle next to me on the couch when I don't feel well. I love you so much my Halen, my little angel on earth to help me get through this tough chapter.
July 1, 2017: We were at P. Terry's for breakfast and wanted you to eat your breakfast sandwich, but you wanted the potatoes. The potatoes were hot and we warned you to wait so you didn't burn your mouth, but you wanted to learn your own way and took a bite. It was very hot and you spit
out the potato. We said, "Halen you always have to learn the hard way don't you?" And you responded, "No daddy I learn the soft way." 😂 So funny little girl.
July 6, 2017: Mommy's hair fell out and I was nervous to show you. When I first cut my hair, you were not happy as you think we should all have long hair like Rapunzel. Then when I shaved my head, you seemed really concerned and sad. But we talked about it and then you were okay. This time I prepped you by saying at the doctor I got another hair cut, I took off my hat and your response was, "Oh mommy you're so pretty!" I was stunned and so joyful with how precious your reaction was. Then you hugged me tight. I love you Halen.
July 10, 2017: Mommy had a rough day and you said, "Mommy, I got you." And you pulled me in for a hug. It made mommy feel so much better.
July 13, 2017: You poured some water into a cup and said, "Here mom have some lemondade." So
cute.
July 28, 2017: "Mommy I have to drop a deuce." Halen, where did you hear that? "Daddy. He drops a deuce." 🤣
August 26, 2017: Daddy prut you down for nap, a few minutes later you came out and said, "Dadd
y
! I
have to poopoo butts on the potty." (You say the funniest things these days.)
September 3, 2017: "Mommy, I want to stay three." (You were not happy about turning four one day. Luckily we have some time. I don't think you like change.)
October 31, 2017: "Trick or treat!" "I love my Henley and Crash!" "Can I smell and count my candy?"
November 15, 2017: After having a discussion about mommy's surgery you said, "Daddy did you know that mommy is going to lose a boo boo tomorrow? But she'll be okay."
December 1, 2017: As we were putting up our Christmas tree, you said, “It’s super beautiful. I like it.” And you helped us decorate the tree!
December 5, 2017: You were up very early and you were cuddling in mommy and daddy’s bed, you said, “I’m really hungry guys.” You’re funny and an energizer bunny.
December 7, 2017- You love the nativity scene and you love setting it up. You say, “Mary, baby Jesus and Jophes.” It’s super cute. Then we walked outside with our neighbors and it was snowing!!!! You and Brooklyn were trying to catch snowflakes on your tongues, you said, “I can’t catch the snow on my tongue Mommy!” We danced around in the snow, it was quite magical. ❄️
December 9, 2017: You were writing a letter to kids who need more than we do and said, “Jesus loves you.” Then you started their letters saying, “Baby Parks, I am giving you my pink num num (you have gone one week without it! Huge for you sweet pea.)” Then you said, “Daddy loves his wife.” You’re so precious Halen.
December 14, 2017: Daddy and I took you to see the Nutcracker and within minutes of it starting you said (very loud), “Mommy she twirled” and you kept wanting to look at your scrapbook (the program). I loved watching how excited you got. You thought each ballerina was a princess, “there’s Ariel, there’s Cinderella!” “This is amazing!” We had so much fun with you.
January 5, 2018: As you were watching your baby sister eat dinner you said, “babies are messy.” It was pretty funny.
February 3, 2018: We went to Torchy’s Tacos for breakfast and a group of Indian men walked into the restaurant and you said, “There are a bunch of Pranav’s!” You were referring to an Indian boy in your class named Pranav.
February 3, 2018: We went to Trader Joe’s and you got a little cart and said, “I will go slow and watch out for old people.” Hilarious.
February 10, 2018: "Daddy, you'll blow away when I clean my room." 😂
February 15th: We’re on our way to small group and you sang in the backseat,” I love my parents, I love Grandma Carol, I love the trees, I love the leafess and the bugs, I love pretending, I love papa and Gigi, I love everyone and the flowers.”
February 23, 2018: At dinner we were talking and you said, “How about I buy a house right next to you? I can come over and it will be great.” We pinky promised that you would really do this. Daddy offered to buy your house, mow your lawn, and I said I would play with your babies. 😍
March 15, 2018: We are on our spring break trip in La Veta, CO and you said, “I liked today. Today was a good day. I liked the snow and our nature walk. Me and daddy a little date.”
March 22: “Mommy I have swallow up.” (After you had the tummy bug and threw up all day 🙁)
March 26: “Mommy, I have bacteria.” After you had diarrhea from your tummy bug. Poor lovey.
March 28: “Mommy, my tummy is playing jokes.” (As to why you still have some diarrhea, sweet girl.)
March 28: “Mommy Enna is my GODmother! I didn’t know that, but I love it.” (So sweet! Enna asked you to be her flower girl for her wedding next April, we are so excited!)
April 5th- “Daddy you’re my bestest friend ever.”
April 12th- You came downstairs after already being tucked in, climbed in bed to cuddle with daddy and said, “Daddy I just don’t think I have any tireds.” Then you yawned and said, “well maybe I do.” Then you fell asleep in daddy’s arms.
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
Life is too short to not be authentic & for crappy friends.
One day in the all to near future I want to read this article to you. Maybe when you're 13 or 17... Or maybe we need to read it every year you're a teenager as a reminder.
I am sure I will share my teenage years with you, but one of the resounding lessons I learned was it is not worth it to be anything but yourself and to be "friends" with anyone who isn't true. It's not worth the short "high" to then fall to a devastating low.
So let's read this together and always know you are a daughter of God. He created you with purpose and in His image. So no one can make you feel less than, do not let them.
I love you more than you'll ever know. More than every star in the Rocky Mountain sky and more than every grain of sand on the Sleeping Bear Dunes.
Love,
Mommy
https://www.babble.com/parenting/dear-girls-life-is-too-short-for-crappy-friends/
I am sure I will share my teenage years with you, but one of the resounding lessons I learned was it is not worth it to be anything but yourself and to be "friends" with anyone who isn't true. It's not worth the short "high" to then fall to a devastating low.
So let's read this together and always know you are a daughter of God. He created you with purpose and in His image. So no one can make you feel less than, do not let them.
I love you more than you'll ever know. More than every star in the Rocky Mountain sky and more than every grain of sand on the Sleeping Bear Dunes.
Love,
Mommy
https://www.babble.com/parenting/dear-girls-life-is-too-short-for-crappy-friends/
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