Happy Valentine's Day, Preschool & A Love Story!

A true love story . . . 

Teddi and Brogan's world grew bigger this week with the event of preschool.  On more than one occasion I heard an innocent question from an inquisitive new classmate,  "What is wrong with her nose?" or "What is wrong with her mouth?"  To which I  gave a quick and kid friendly explanation of cleft lip and palate.  Yesterday morning Brogan and Teddi were side by side at my bathroom vanity while I did their hair for school.  Brogie pointed to Teddi's mouth and asked me what was wrong with her lip . . . as if in eight months he had never before noticed.  I asked if he remembered  seeing Teddi's baby pictures that were taken before her cleft lip was repaired, and he said yes.  I then reminded him of how the doctor had to fix Teddi's cleft, and that this was now her special lip.  His reply?  "I wish I had a special lip."  Oh what a match made in Heaven my Flit and Grinner are.  Thank you Lord for this double blessing!  (Please allow me to share one more little love story . . . We have been reading about the days of creation with our little ones and how God added to all that He had made, one day at a time, and each time it was "good".  So I ponder this thought . . . in June of 2003, God created Brogan (in my 40 year old womb).  Nine months later, I birthed a healthy 9 lb. 8 oz. baby boy. Teddi was born exactly nine months and 13 days after Brogan.  I can't help but think that God looked upon my newly born Brogan and then created Teddi in her mother's womb . . . and to that I say, "It is good."  They truly are a match made in Heaven, created in His image.)  

It's been a big week here . . .

Opening Valentines at school . . . an exciting new experience.

My babes had a great first week . . . no tears, new friends, and lots of fun! On Wednesday they traveled by bus (5 minutes each way) to the Post Office.  Mama went along for the big ride.  The children all stood in line and purchased a stamp, and then mailed the Valentines that they had made (for us) the day before.  It was a hoot to see Teddi standing on her tippy toes, handing over her 42 cents to make the big purchase.  Brogan clung tightly to my hand during the trip.  Teddi, on the other hand, was being cared for by a little blond haired girl who decided Teddi needed some mothering.  This included holding Teddi's hand in the line, helping Teddi up the bus steps, and then letting me know that she had gotten Teddi's seat belt "buckled up".   It did my heart good to see Teddi being accepted and made over in such a sweet way!  

Today (Friday) was their Valentines party --very exciting!  

Here they are post-party, with their U.S. Mail bags full of cards and sugary treats to take home . . . to top of the sugary treats already consumed during the card opening festivities.  Nap anyone?  No thank you. And waste this grand sugar buzz? 

Flit, headed for the van.  I love my girl's confidence!

A quick snuggle with big sister before she left for Houston to 

see her sweetie for Valentine's Day. Hi Frankie.  As of today, 

we are in the official "100 Day Countdown" to wedding bells!

My littles.  True love.

Oh how my nest is blessed on this Valentine's Day . . . 

To my own true love, Bryan ~  I love you whole BIG bunches!  

To my three bigs, Bryce, Taye and Brady (and Frankie too) ~I am so proud of you guys and the way you live your lives.   I am so very blessed to be your mom. 

To my littles ~  Brogie, your love for your new sister makes my heart sing!  

And to my Teddi girl~  I am grateful this day that you are no longer oceans away, but a dream come true, answer to prayer, smilin' your special smile-- IN my arms! 

Blowing kisses to Spokane, for Bryce.

Happy "heart filled" blessings from my nest ~

Tina