We're still here . . .

I know, I know, it's been a long time since I posted. I do have a good reason. I'm working on a very difficult post about the loss of Dante and I can only do so much of that at once.

In the meantime, enjoy the pictures!

My Best Daddy

Butterfly and I had a great day today. We got to show Darrell how much we love him all day!!

Thank you, Sweetie, for being a loving, faithful and committed father from the moment we decided to have a child. Thank you for wanting to be no where but here with us when you leave the station. You were a rock those first six weeks after she was born when I was falling apart, and you grow into a wiser and more patient and affectionate father every single day. I'm so thankful our princess has you. I'm so proud of the father that you are.
We Wuv You!

Growing up too fast

So, being sick sucks. Not being able to hold my baby and take care of her is a nightmare. Thankfully, her awesome Nana and Aunt Mae have stepped in and taken such good care of R she barely knew I was gone. This weekend we got Daddy home both days! Darrell took Butterfly to the park today (her first trip without Mommy) and they had a blast. Gigi met up with them there and then they had lunch together.

Here are some pictures that Darrell took with our dying camera before it lied and told him the battery was dead and turned itself off. (What is this wannabe photographer with the cutest model in the world going to do without a camera?)

One in every port.

After they got home, Butterfly was playing with her kitchen (best consignment find ever) and excitedly pulled me over to see something.


She made her own dinner!! And it even has a green vegetable in it! I wish I had recorded her saying "french fry" and "broccoli." It's too cute.


She was very proud of her creation.


She's blowing on her food to cool it off. I think she's seen me do that a time or two thousand.

And, drumroll please . . . .

She finally said "Gigi." That would be Darrell's mother. I taught her by saying each of her names for her grandparents and aunt and then pointing at her and saying "You do it" which she did easily. Then I added "Gigi" and she said it! Now she just has to put the face with the name! We're still working on "Gampa."

My Two If Only's

I want these dogs.


I want to bring them inside and love on them


and take care of them


and laugh at their silliness.



I want to know that they will be ok.


I want this little girl


to help fill the big empty spot
























left by this little girl.



But, I can't.

If you can, please let me know.

In My Daughter's Eyes

In my daughter's eyes,
I am a hero,
I am strong and wise,
And I know no fear



But the truth is plain to see,
She was sent to rescue me,



I see who I want to be
In my daughter's eyes



In my daughter's eyes,
Everyone is equal,
Darkness turns to light,
And the world is at peace,



This miracle God gave to me,
Gives me strength when I am weak,



I find reason to believe
In my daughter's eyes



And when she wraps her hand around my finger,
How it puts a smile in my heart,



Everything becomes a little clearer,



I realize what life is all about,




It's hanging on when your heart has had enough,
It's giving more when you feel like giving up,


I've seen the light,
It's in my daughter's eyes



In my daughter's eyes,
I can see the future,
A reflection of who I am and what will be,



And though she'll grow and someday leave,
Maybe raise a family,



When I'm gone I hope you'll see,
How happy she made me,



For I'll be there,
In my daughter's eyes.

In My Daughter's Eyes
Martina McBride